2024-04-25 02:06:04
Michel Therrien recently spoke out publicly, pointing the finger at Kent Hughes, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, for what he considers to be a lack of respect for head coaches within the organization.
According to Therrien, Hughes treats coaches like puppets, triggering an alarming decline in respect for these key figures in the NHL. Only Martin St-Louis is treated like a king.
The frequency of head coaching firings in the NHL has become a worrying trend, with nearly half of teams changing coaches in less than a year.
“We forget that behind the life of a coach, there is that of a man who has put in a lot of effort. These people give themselves body and soul, while their families struggle to follow them.” (credit: TVA Sports)
For Therrien, this reality is not only deplorable but shocking. He believes that firing a coach is often seen as an easy solution, without sufficient recognition of the hard work and personal sacrifices these men provide for their team, often at the expense of their family lives.
Therrien emphasizes that this problem is not exclusive to the NHL, but also affects leagues like the American Hockey League.
In this regard, he mentions the case of Jean-François Houle, the coach of the Laval Rocket, with whom he maintains a personal relationship.
While the return of Martin St-Louis has been confirmed, the future of his assistants, including that of Houle in Laval, remains uncertain for the 2024-2025 season.
“Last week, we confirmed the return of Martin St-Louis, but that of his deputies is still awaited. And we talked about Houle, whose presence in 2024-2025 has not yet been announced either.”
“Honestly, I don’t understand. He has a lot of experience in the AHL and above all, there isn’t anyone with the CH more tattooed on their heart than him.”
For Therrien, this uncertainty is difficult to understand, especially given Houle’s experience and deep commitment to the team.
Jean-François Houle embodies for Therrien the importance of counting on proud Quebecers within the organization.
Having grown up at the Forum as the son of Réjean Houle, the Rocket coach is described as a true fan of the Montreal Canadiens, with exemplary dedication and an ability to work as a team.
For Therrien, he is more than just a coach, but an essential lieutenant, whose hard work has contributed to the success of the Laval Rocket despite numerous personnel changes.
Houle’s support for his players is also highlighted, with concrete examples such as the blossoming of young talents like Joshua Roy and helping NHL players like Joel Armia get back to their best.
For Therrien, Houle’s work should not be underestimated, especially in a context where the Laval Rocket plays a crucial role in the development of players in the Montreal Canadiens organization.
Above all, he needs to be treated better as Kent Hughes keeps him in the dark of uncertainty right now. In the end, it is Houle’s family who suffers.
Michel Therrien sounds the alarm about the treatment of head coaches in the NHL and calls for greater respect and increased recognition of the work of these men in the shadows, while pleading for the continuity of the work of figures like Jean-François Houle, whose commitment and passion honor the history and tradition of the Montreal Canadiens.
Should Kent Hughes treat his coaches better? In the head of the CEO, St-Louis is treated like a king and the others… like low-level servants…
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