Nick Suzuki Faces Criticism for Not Speaking Enough French: Chantal Machabée and the Captain Respond
Over the years, several players arriving in town have promised to learn French to please the fans, including Patrik Laine more recently.
In the end, these seem like empty promises because few, in the club's recent history, have publicly followed through.
The most recent on this list was Patrik Laine, who, through his partner, expressed his intention to take lessons. Will he keep his promise, or was it just to gain public favor?
The journalist from the anglophone newspaper The Gazette, Brendan Kelly, released a French book about the importance of the French language for the Montreal Canadiens. His comments about the Canadiens' anglophone players are harsh, very harsh, especially towards Nick Suzuki.
Nick Suzuki is criticized for still not having learned French
Here is the exact passage.
- Brendan Kelly
In reaction to this book, Journal de Montréal journalist Marc De Foy went directly to ask the captain the question. He waited until they were alone to ask, to make him feel comfortable.
Here's how the journalist sums up his encounter with Suzuki:
Chantal Machabée, who was there, confirmed it.
So why not start giving interviews in French?
«One day, maybe,» said Suzuki.
«I don't know if I could form complete sentences in French.»
When she joined the Canadiens' organization, Chantal Machabée strongly emphasized the importance of French. She expressed her desire to see members of the team learn the language.
Last January, several players even started lessons with a teacher.
The results may be good off the ice, but they're slow to show in front of the cameras. Many say they're afraid of making mistakes and looking foolish. On this topic, De Foy thinks this is misplaced pride. Everyone is entitled to their opinion...
I won't venture to say whether players should make an effort to speak French. However, I will mention that if you publicly promise to learn the language, at least have the decency to show your efforts in public, even if it's just a word or two here and there...
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