Comedian Philippe Audrey Larrue Saint-Jacques recently made harsh comments about Montreal Canadiens president and owner Geoff Molson.
His to-the-point comments expressed deep disappointment and sharp criticism of the leadership of the most important ice hockey club in the history of the sport.
Larrue Saint-Jacques didn't mince his words when he addressed the Canadiens' corporate side, explaining that the club had become a completely uprooted entity. He expressed his deep sorrow towards the team and denounced the perceived distance between Canadians and Quebec culture.
“Canadians, it is really a deep sorrow in my life. It's the corporate aspect. I think the Canadian has become a completely uprooted company.” (Source: Radio-Canada Sports)
“And the worst thing is that even today they make us believe that they are closely linked to the culture of Quebec, that we nourished the culture, we built it, that we are a symbol. What is the symbol?”
“When you turn 17, there are two guys who almost speak French because you want to avoid a crisis. I mean, how are Canadians integrated into society? They build ice creams, OK, but why don't they develop hockey programs for integration?”
“God knows that Montreal and Quebec are a hyper-multicultural society where hockey could be a social integration but also a cultural bridge.”
The comedian further reiterates that Molson only thinks about money, that he has forgotten the symbol of the Montreal Canadiens, the popular symbol of the French-speaking underdog who identifies with winning and not winning. Maurice Richard must be turning in his grave.
The comedian vividly underlines the contrast between the Canadian's claim to be a symbol anchored in Quebec culture and the reality that the team is in 17th place in the overall standings.
Ironically, he noted that two people on the team barely spoke French to avoid a crisis, illustrating his point about the Canadian's lack of engagement in Quebec society.
The comedian also criticized the team's lack of social initiatives and suggested that the Canadian could play a more important role as a cultural bridge in a hyper-multicultural society like that of Montreal and Quebec.
He questioned the fact that the team was content to build ice without investing more in hockey social inclusion programs.
Larrue Saint-Jacques' most direct attack was directed at Geoff Molson, who was accused of only thinking about money and forgetting the true symbol of the Montreal Canadiens.
According to the comedian, this symbol is intended to represent the neglected French-speaking people who identify with victory rather than winning.
These incisive comments from the comedian underline a critical view of the evolution of the Montreal Canadiens and raise questions about the team's current direction and its role in Quebec society.
Larrue Saint-Jacques' criticism reflects the deep frustration of many fans with the team's disappointing performance and its relationship with Quebec culture.
We bet Geoff Molson didn't appreciate the comedian's comments. But as the Bell Center remains full and money continues to pour into the coffers like rain falling from the sky, Molson will do nothing.
One wonders whether Molson would become closer to people if Maurice Richard were still alive. Molson has lost the idea of what the Montreal Canadiens really are in Quebec society.
Blinded by money… he forgot it… or never understood it…