Jonathan Marchessault waited until 12 p.me Round of the QMJHL Draft. It was carried over to that of the NHL. He dragged his bags onto four National League teams and played 306 American League games with three other teams. His road to the top of hockey has been rocky, but now more than ever he is the ultimate inspiration for the perennial underdogs.
The forward joined Midget Espoir from Bantam CC before taking several detours before winning the Stanley Cup and Conn-Smythe Trophy with the Golden Knights. He has convincingly demonstrated that it is not the journey that counts, but the goal.
One day, someone somewhere might even get rich by taking a quiz if they find out who Marchessault was sold to when he switched from the Blue Jackets to the Lightning in 2014. Kudos to those who answered Dana Tyrell and Matt Taormina!
Even the Florida Panthers, with whom he scored 30 goals in 2016-2017, didn’t see fit to protect him. And now Marchessault has just been rewarded as a playoff MVP.
“The Conn-Smythe seems such an impossible goal, and yet he achieved it. The Stanley Cup remains the most important trophy, but a small player like him going undrafted and winning the Conn-Smythe on top of that sends the message that anything is possible. “It’s inspiring for young people,” his brother Jamie Audy-Marchessault told the Journal while enjoying the whole thing near a Las Vegas swimming pool.
Victim
In all, around twenty close family members, cousins and friends were present at the T-Mobile Arena for the unforgettable moment. The brother, who also played ice hockey, is able to do well all the work that has accumulated over the years.
“It has taken so many sacrifices, not only from him but also from his little family. As he held up the trophy, I thought about everything he’d been through, all the teams that didn’t believe in him before Vegas,” noted Jamie, who later died with his brother, sister and parents, among others enjoyed a great family dinner match.
For her part, Maman Lesly had lost her voice too much during the celebrations to speak to Le Journal.
A great trust
Eric Bolte-QMI Agency
Jonathan Marchessault (18) and Mikaël Tam (52) were teammates with the Remparts for four seasons, from 2007 to 2011.
Mikaël Tam, his former Remparts team-mate and to this day his best friend, wasn’t lucky enough to witness the triumph straight away, but he didn’t fail to express his admiration.
“It’s incredible! Jon has always had a passion for silencing his critics. He kept rising, even when several teams didn’t give him a real chance. He never stopped and scored points at all levels,” he said Man who was Marchessault’s best man at his wedding.
Many take it for granted that Marchessault’s greatest quality is resilience, but Tam sheds a different light on him.
“It’s his confidence, his greatest strength. Despite what people said about him, Jon’s biggest supporter has always been himself.
Happy coaches
Martin Smith co-managed with his brother David Marchessault during his two seasons at Midget Espoir aged 14 and 15.
“He always had a positive attitude and a beautiful energy. It wasn’t easy to predict that one day he would reach that level, but I’m so happy for him. “It’s so much fun what’s happening to him,” said the man, who is now on the Halifax Mooseheads coaching staff.
Serge Beausoleil, who managed the SSF Midget AAA blizzard, ultimately only managed one game before the Remparts took the game from him.
“I was with Patrick at the Blue Arena in Sainte-Foy. Marchessault had just scored five goals against Rivière-du-Loup and left the team with the Remparts. It was a late decision and Patrick said to me, “Don’t worry, I’ll give it back to you on Thursday.” I said, “Pat, I don’t want to upset you, but I think he’ll force you to act.” was a man with kids, he was ready to play junior,” he recalled of the striker.
– In collaboration with Kevin Dubé