Racism against French-speaking Quebecers in North American sports is far from a myth, and a former National Hockey League (NHL) player doesn’t seem too sorry for his discriminatory remarks made to coach Michel Therrien more than a decade ago.
Scottie Upshall, now 39, is a former forward who lugged his pack with the pros in Switzerland from 2002 through the 2019-2020 season, which he ended by founding Ambri-Piotta. Recognized more as a utility player, the player was able to experience Pennsylvania’s rivalry to the fullest as the Philadelphia Flyers color bearer from 2007-09. And while his talent was limited, he helped foment hostility among the Pittsburgh Penguins in his very questionable way.
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For example, during a recent broadcast of the Missin Curfew podcast, the Albertan recounted a moment when he managed to explode with anger Therrien, who led The Pens from 2006 to 2009.
“Once Michel Therrien followed me on the ice rink. I called it “French Fuck” [sic] and he completely lost the card,” Upshall said.
The sender of the snide comment added that the opposing pilot became so angry that the referees warned the Flyers of the possible opening of an investigation into the matter. “The officer came to [l’entraîneur des Flyers] Paul Holmgren and he said to him: “I don’t know what Upshall said about this guy but we’ll probably have to check that out because I’ve never seen a coach go so insane,” the ex continued -Player.
No lock
However, in this case, the consequences were, in all likelihood, nil. The NHL was very quiet while the Flyers may have backstage congratulated their veteran for unsettling Therrien.
“So I got on the bus and stayed with Homer [Holmgren] wondered what I had told Therrien. I called it “French Fuck”. [sic] and it seemed perfect to him,” Upshall said of his teacher’s reaction at the time.