Much to his surprise, former Canadian striker Éric Houde received a call from Danièle Sauvageau to inquire about his interest in becoming an assistant coach for the new professional training program in Montreal.
• Also read: TO SEE: Here are Marie-Philip Poulin’s new sweaters
• Also read: Women’s hockey: We know where Marie-Philip Poulin and her teammates will train
Well in the saddle, in the head coach’s seat of France’s College of Longueuil’s AAA junior team, Houde had no ambition to climb the professional ranks and he had “never thought about it.” [s’] Transition to women’s hockey.
“I weighed up the pros and cons, it’s primarily a professional league. Having a professional daily plan, training in the morning and working with the best players in the world, who I see on TV like everyone else in the Olympic finals or the World Cup, I found it a good challenge », underlined Houde during a press conference on Wednesday, on first day of training camp.
“I didn’t want to regret it, I wanted to try,” Candiac’s father added.
resignation
The latter had to give up his position at the French College and abandon his commitment to the hockey program at Académie Juillet, a private elementary school on the south coast.
“I spoke to Kori [Cheverie, l’entraîneuse-cheffe] “Before I accepted, because I didn’t know them, I made sure that the chemistry was right,” explained the 46-year-old, who will be responsible for the defenders in the future. I am thrilled and impressed by Kori and Danièle’s professionalism.”
Top of the list
Additionally, Houde doesn’t know how the general manager of the Montreal club in the Professional Women’s Hockey League found out about him, although their paths crossed a few times in the RDS studios.
“It was a bit of a downer. Maybe the first 22 said no!” he joked.
Houde can rest easy. Sauvageau has done his homework. Several people who didn’t know each other suggested his name.
“He was at the top of the list,” said the CEO, who was in Toronto on Monday for Caroline Ouellette’s induction into the Hall of Fame.
12 seasons among the professionals
Houde was drafted in the ninth round by the Canadiens in 1995 and played 30 games for CH before continuing his career in the American League, International League and Europe. He therefore has a good background of 12 seasons with the professionals.
“I’ve played professionally long enough to know what it’s like to have a good game or a not-so-good game or to be tired. I have also trained younger people and therefore have a lot of experience with the new generation,” he assured.
With the qualities of a teacher and communicator, Houde wants to take his place in this group of women. He’s not the type to scream anyway.
Although he is aware that he has to adapt, he still enjoys playing the role of the “outsider”, the newcomer who comes from another world.
“I can’t wait to see the dynamics of a women’s training session, a game behind the bench, the approach and communication. I watched the Rivalry series [les Canadiennes et les Américaines se sont affrontées la semaine dernière à Tempe et à Los Angeles] And even if there are no goals, it is a very intense game.”
Starting Saturday, Houde knows what to expect when he jumps onto the ice at the Verdun Auditorium for his new team’s first official practice.