Although he called the actions that took place during the Canadian junior hockey initiations unacceptable, former National Hockey League defenseman Patrice Brisebois believes that Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ) commissioner Gilles Courteau, served as a scapegoat because there are initiations in areas other than hockey.
“I want to be clear. What happened to young people is unacceptable. When I found out, I was completely stunned. I wondered where the line of youth lies. I can’t believe we’ve gotten to this point. There’s a way of saying that we want to be part of a team, but when it gets that extreme, that’s not right,” he said at Benoît Dutrizac’s microphone on QUB radio on Monday noon.
Similarly, the former Blade actor mentioned that both of his daughters go to McGill University and there are initiations there too. “They celebrate for a week. It’s not just in sports.” Also, he would have liked to hear Isabelle Charest because he thinks there were probably initiations when she was speed skating.
“Right now it’s good to talk about Gilles Courteau because it’s ice hockey, it’s a hot topic and it’s our national sport. Gilles Courteau is the scapegoat and that’s not right,” he claimed.
When he thinks of Gilles Courteau, the 1993 Stanley Cup winner with the Montreal Canadiens, he means a man of integrity who gave his life for the QMJHL. In his opinion, he did an exceptional job.
“I think it’s sad. People will remember that he quit because of the hockey initiations. That is not right. This man gave everything. He mortgaged his family and worked long hours to bring this league to the top.
A remarkable inauguration
Playing in the QMJHL at the age of 16, Mr. Brisebois was initiated. However, it was not as severe as reported in recent weeks.
“You’re a bit naive at 16 and you want to be part of the group. For my part, I got Bobby Orr Superstar written all over my forehead. It took a week for it to go away. They cut my hair and I went to the bus restrooms with other guys. It wasn’t sexual, but it shaped me. Today I’m extremely claustrophobic,” he admitted.
Finally, Mr Brisebois mentioned that he welcomed the appointment of Mario Cecchini.