Two former head coaches and general managers of the Quebec Remparts still hold a record on the M18AAA circuit and are among the best to have worn the Governors' colors.
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Patrick Roy, a former Blizzard player with the most impressive record in the NHL, earned 27 wins in 1981-82. The New York Islanders head coach had suffered just three losses in 40 starts and led the team to an appearance in the Air Canada Cup final in Victoria.
Because Roy was suspended, he missed the first two games of the tournament and led the team to the final upon his return. A certain Cliff Ronning played spoilsport in the 3-1 win in the last game. Ronning was crowned MVP of the tournament and went on to play 1,137 games in the NHL. Roy's teammates included defender Sylvain Côté.
Despite this defeat, Roy has only fond memories of his time with the team, then managed by Fred Dixon, who made the jump to the Remparts the following season.
“I enjoyed my time with the governors of Sainte-Foy and today I realize that it was one of the most enriching experiences for me,” he says. Despite the defeat, our participation in the final of the Air Canada Cup in Victoria was also one of my fondest memories. Playing for the Governors was an exceptional stepping stone that allowed me to advance to the junior level and allow me to further my career.
Philippe Boucher retires
While all young people dreamed of donning the black leather coat with the Governors logo, Philippe Boucher preferred to play in Bantam AA for personal reasons, even if he deserved his place at the big club.
To this day, Boucher holds the record for most points, goals and assists by a defenseman in a season.
“I got hurt,” said the guard, who collected 26 goals and 60 assists for 86 points during the 1989-1990 season. Because my father was ill and for financial reasons, I decided to play Bantam AA. I remember that Bob [Chevalier] met my uncle in the restaurant to convince me. It was impressive to see him with his cigar.”
The following year, Boucher was obviously selected. “Because I played at CC caliber in Lotbinière, it was my first introduction to the very organized sport of ice hockey,” he emphasizes. We were 14 players who came from Express de la Rive-Sud and won the Quebec Games. It was an extraordinary year.”
Despite his successes, Boucher could look no further. “We played with passion and I wasn’t thinking about professionals,” emphasizes the man who was drafted in the first round (2nd overall) by the Granby Bisons. However, I knew we were a force in an eight-team district and that opportunities would arise.