Marc Bergevin has never applied the Montreal Canadiens' true motto over the years
To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high.
Does this quote mean anything to you by any chance? It has been the slogan of the Montreal Canadiens for ages. This phrase represents the history of the team. However, former general manager Marc Bergevin did not seem to understand the meaning of these words.
Remember that yesterday, the Habs announced that Bob Gainey would be part of the committee that will choose the next general manager of the Montreal team. At first glance, this decision has been widely judged. However, the bottom line is that Bob Gainey understands the essence of the mythical phrase mentioned above. He has proudly worn the Red, White, and Blue uniform for a long time.
It's a good thing Jeff Gorton is asking former players of the team to help him choose the next Habs boss. They will be able to teach or even introduce the new GM to what it's like to be part of the Montreal Canadiens. Marc Bergevin obviously did not understand the principle and the importance of being part of this organization.
Marc Bergevin did everything he could to keep his players away from the old ones. Apparently, according to Felix Seguin, Bergevin did everything possible to prevent former players from talking to current players. This is serious!
See his explanation:
"The Alumni could not talk to the players. You read that correctly. There may have been a few exceptions here and there, but the legends of the past were not allowed to talk to the players of the present. I've never understood why.
Yet, the Canadiens say they have a long and rich tradition. The 24 Stanley Cup, the Hall of Famers, the Rocket, Mr. Beliveau, the blonde devil, the Big Three, Plante, Dryden, Roy... It's not trivial. They made the team logo and colors so popular and legendary.
However, I feel that the players of the present are not fully aware of the sacrifices and accomplishments of those of the past. Perhaps because they never get to be around them and perhaps because they have been kept in denial.
Imagine if Guy Lafleur was talking to Cole Caufield.
If Stéphane Richer was talking with Jonathan Drouin.
If Yvan Cournoyer spent time with Nick Suzuki.
If Serge Savard or Guy Lapointe could chat with Jeff Petry or Ben Chiarot.
If Guy Carbonneau had a little chat with Jake Evans.
I'm convinced that they could pass on their knowledge and be a listening ear for the new generation. In short, to be in the image of the Canadiens' motto: " To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high."
In short, with the change in management, there is a great opportunity to bring the Alumni back into the team's fold."
So, from what we can understand, Bergevin has never respected the traditions of the Montreal Canadiens during his nine years here... How can current players understand the importance of playing for the Montreal Canadiens if they don't understand the history?
Bergevin was the boss, that's correct. However, I'm glad management is taking a different approach than Bergevin.
