Michel Lacroix is the only person in Quebec to serve as the in-house announcer for Canadiens games for almost 40 years. He has also been covering major PGA golf tournaments on television for many years. His professionalism is admirable as he always chooses the right tone depending on the situation.
His sober voice during the deaths of Maurice Richard, Jean Béliveau and Guy Lafleur left a mark on the hearts of many Quebecers. Conversely, the excitement in his voice made Canadian fans tremble when Yvon Lambert's goal was announced that eliminated the Boston Bruins.
His nickname Willy has nothing to do with country singer Willie Lamothe. It happened during a rehearsal for the sound system in the Olympic Stadium, on the sidelines of the Olympic Games. He enjoyed looking at the workers in the stadium and announcing in a deep voice: “Mr. Willy Brodeur is asked to sit on the announcer's bench.” From that moment on, with a touch of humor, people asked Willy to sit on the announcer's bench could see.
Throughout the interview he wanted to talk to me about his years on the Canadiens' announce bench. My dear Willy, that will be for a future column.
The last minute of play in the history of the Montreal Forum!
It was perhaps the most memorable moment of my career because it just ended a big part of the story of the Canadian, who was playing his last game at the Montreal Forum.
What influence did your parents have?
My father Fernand, a firefighter in Laval, was appointed inspector after a heart attack. My mother, Jeanne, my father, my two sisters and I lived in the Laval Ouest neighborhood. It was important to my parents that we be respectful of others.
Your father introduced you to the sport.
We always watched ice hockey, broomball and softball games and not to forget that he loved to organize golf tournaments.
Your first hockey game with your father in the Forum.
I still have an image in my mind of my father and I sitting in our seats with the giant Export A clock ticking on the wall behind one of the nets. The lights didn't shine much and fans smoked while watching the game. One problem: I was cheering for the Canadian and my father, his favorite team, the Chicago Black Hawks.
The beautiful beaches of Laval.
Many people my age remember the beautiful beaches in Laval or under the Saint-Eustache bridge. After a bike ride we went to the beach. The years have changed.
You were a caddy at Golf Laval-sur-le-Lac.
For two summers, I went to the golf club every morning around 6:30 a.m. while I waited to be selected for 18 holes of golf. My stay at Golf Laval-sur-le-Lac allowed me to be punctual and, above all, to ensure that I was well prepared for my work for the rest of my life. I still see myself with one bag and sometimes two on my shoulders. I was proud to wear my green golf club sweater.
Did you have any other summer jobs?
Since I worked as a supervisor for several sports fields, I rode my bike around to monitor the different sports fields. This is an important step in my life because Gilles Blain from the city of Laval played an important role in my career. But first let's talk about my studies and my sporting activities.
Let's start with your studies.
In primary school I was serious, in secondary school I was curious and discovered new things, in CEGEP I discovered the joys of life and in university I prepared for my future.
You were part of the athletics team at the Séminaire de Sainte-Thérèse.
Previously, I had won a medal in athletics at the Quebec Games. In the seminar my trainer was the legendary Jo Malléjac. I competed in the Canadian and Quebec championships in the high jump and long jump as well as the 400-meter team relay.
You like football.
I played football at Laval as a defensive back and wide receiver. Football allowed me to understand the importance of group spirit in life and begin my career as an inside announcer. In fact, there was a junior soccer team in Laval and I was the house announcer for their game. In my youth I practiced other sporting disciplines as an announcer.
You were Junior de Laval's house speaker during the Mike Bossy era.
Remember that I mentioned the name Gilles Blain from the city of Laval. So imagine that he is also one of the holders of the training. My stay in Laval was the beginning of my journey to Canada, because previously Claude Mailhot had hired me at CKAC and then, on the recommendation of Gilles, I made a stop at the Olympic Games as an announcer for athletics competitions.
How can you describe your role in the Olympics?
The leaders made it clear to me that I was allowed to make mistakes in rehearsals, but no mistakes were allowed in competitions because there were only a billion people in the world listening.
Okay, a comment.
I am very happy to be part of the Canadian family thanks to Claude Mouton, who succeeded me, and Bernard Brisset, who hired me full-time.
An unusual encounter that has now lasted 38 years.
On a Sunday morning around 11:15 a.m., after a ball game with the CKAC team, sweat pouring down my forehead, with a beer in hand – yes, I know it's 11:15 a.m. – I see in the distance this pretty woman and I go up to her to talk to her. This conversation with Francine has been going on for 38 wonderful years now.