After 18 seasons in the NHL, Patrice Brisebois is done. The long-time Montreal Canadiens defenseman hung up his skates yesterday.
But he apparently is not done competing. He reportedly wants to drive in NASCAR’s Canadian series. Yahoo! Sports
Brisebois was near and dear to the hearts of many Montreal hockey fans in his first full season in 1992-93, helping the Canadiens to a Stanley Cup championship.
“I wore [the Stanley Cup ring] today for the first time since 1993 because I told myself that I’m a winner,” Brisebois said, addressing his coach from that year, Jacques Demers. “No one can ever take that away from me.”
Brisebois, 38, was also awarded the Jean Beliveau Trophy, which recognizes a player’s effort, enthusiasm, involvement and time invested in collective and personal initiatives.
The Beliveau trophy committee, consisting of members of the board of directors of the Canadiens’ Children’s Foundation, also evaluates the recipient’s commitment, leadership and financial assistance to causes close to their heart.
Brisebois spent more than 12 years with Montreal in his first go-round with the team and by the end was booed by some fans for his defensive play. CBC.ca
Brisebois said he’s seeking sponsors to fund the next phase of his career, as a driver in NASCAR’s Canadian Tire Series.
“It’s a great team sport, like hockey,” Brisebois said of auto racing. “Your mechanic is kind of like your coach, and there’s a game plan, race strategy, so it’s a bit like a hockey team. I’m going to try and go as far as I can in auto racing. I’d love to be able to move on to the Nationwide or Sprint series, but it’s going to be very tough. Another dream of mine would be to do the 24 hours of Le Mans.”
Brisebois’ career in Montreal was marked by his tumultuous relationship with the media and fans.
Brisebois mentioned two local reporters by name and blamed them for creating a “snowball effect” that led to him being booed mercilessly at home games. Bob Gainey, in one of his first acts as general manager of the Canadiens, called the fans that were booing Brisebois “gutless” and “yellow” during training camp in 2003.
That quickly put an end to the booing.
“I really think Bob relaunched my career,” Brisebois said. “I felt free on the ice after he did that. I knew if I made a mistake, I wouldn’t hear those boos again.” The Associated Press
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