Quebec singer-songwriter Étienne Drapeau has participated in numerous humanitarian missions in Ethiopia, Morocco and the Dominican Republic. Live, love, suffer and start again, is the title of his second book, which lets us learn to face the challenges of life that lie before us. His next challenge: his show tour 20 year career which begins in February 2024.
You scored a goal with the Canadian!
Slowly, my dear Rodger, we begin with the beginning of my adventure. In 1994 I was the first pick in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft by the Halifax Mooseheads. When Clément Jodoin chose me, it was an unforgettable day. I followed in the footsteps of my idols Mario Lemieux and Vincent Damphousse.
Your goal with the Canadian!!!!!
Two years later, in 1996, I was selected by the Canadian in the 4th round, 99th overall. I had such an excellent training camp that Canadiens coach Mario Tremblay told me he was impressed with my talent and work ethic. However, I had to return to my youth training to improve my game.
You wear the Canadian jersey and score a goal.
Wearing the Canadian jersey was a moment full of emotion and pride. I scored a goal against the New York Rangers in a preseason game. For some it’s a preparation game, but not for me, it’s an unforgettable moment because I scored a goal with the Canadian.
They are originally from Quebec in the Saint-Sauveur district.
My father Jean-Pierre, who is also my manager, is an environmental scientist but ended his career in the National Assembly at the Institution of Quebec Laws. While my mother Claire taught us the importance of human relationships with others.
Your brother is your best friend.
My brother Jeff is my best friend and my biggest hockey fan. He walked around arenas with his trumpet to disrupt opposing fans, even Michel Therrien, who was Granby’s coach.
They played classical music on the piano.
From the age of 5 to 15 I played classical music on the piano. We lived on the second floor. A rather unusual and fun fact is that we had to open the window to bring the piano into our house.
You also loved poetry.
We have a huge library of books at home. I loved reading the poems of my favorite author, Apollinaire.
You played sports and piano.
The piano in the church basement with my teacher, Sister Berthe Gagnon, and sports with my friends. Very few of them knew that I played the piano. I didn’t want to be teased.
You practiced boxing with Fernand Marcotte.
Every summer I trained with the legendary boxer Fernand Marcotte. I also took martial arts classes. It’s not too often that a classical pianist takes such courses.
Why did you stop playing the piano at 15?
Hockey and my puberty forced me to make this decision. First of all, it wasn’t really accepted in hockey. Secondly, when I was 15 there weren’t many girls who wanted to spend time with a classical pianist.
Was it the right decision?
I became the second-leading scorer in the AAA Midget League, right behind Daniel Brière, who had a great professional career. By the way, I always spent time with the president of the school.
How was your time in Halifax?
In the first few months I dominated my team’s goal scorers. I was 16 years old. As the season progressed, my teammates who were older than me didn’t accept that I was the most popular player on the team. I almost gave up in the middle of the season.
You were sold to the Harfangs de Beauport.
The first year in Halifax we traveled by plane and the second year by bus. Since it was difficult for my studies, I asked for an exchange. Just one problem: I became the scapegoat of coach Alain Vigneault, who later became the Canadian’s coach during my second participation in this team’s training camp. However, it’s not his fault that I didn’t make it to the NHL as I suffered serious injuries in my last year of junior.
When did you decide to become a singer?
When I was 20, I got injured playing hockey. I went to a music club in Quebec with a group of friends and was amazed to see a man on stage and 200 people singing and dancing to the sound of his voice and his music.
In Victoriaville, your direction as a hockey player changed.
I started playing guitar to write songs. Anyone who plays guitar usually also sings.
Your first job and your first car.
At age 15, I became a scorer in minor league baseball. My first car, a Volvo from the year I was born in 1978, was rusty and had bad brakes. One night the brakes failed and my car ended up on the road.
You traveled to St. Louis for the NHL Draft.
I thought I would be drafted in the second round, but I waited in vain. By the time the fourth round came, I was hungry and crying. When it was the Canadian’s turn, I prayed to God that the Canadian would choose me. My prayers were heard.
Étienne Drapeau, who sings in bars.
People in Quebec were surprised that hockey player Étienne Drapeau sang in bars. For my first song I played a song by Paul Piché. It was the beginning of my career that I love so much.
