Part 2 deals with Luc’s induction into another Hall-of-Fame…this time the Quebec Sports Hall-of-Fame…and how it was a great opportunity to visit family and look back on hockey’s “role” in Quebec’s culture…
JF: Going to turn my attention towards the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame, another honor for you. This may be difficult to explain but can you explain Quebec’s love affair with hockey?
Luc Robitaille: I don’t know if I can explain it but I’ll tell you how amazing it was that night. I went there and I got that call and you get into the Hall of Fame Quebec and it’s an honor because it’s where you’re from and wow that’s cool then I realize it was with Olympians and older twin sisters that were skiers in the Olympics in the ‘40s and then Ronald Corey used to be the president of the Montreal Canadiens…
…that was a big deal to me and then a boxer that was very successful and then Jacques Villeneuve, his dad Gilles was my hero and so that was pretty cool…
Jacques Villeneuve
…and I get there and you’re sitting down and it was really neat for me because my mom and dad came with me, that was important to me, it almost gave me an excuse to go home, like anytime I have an excuse now to go home it’s pretty neat but as we were waiting, the gentlemen that was the host says I’m going to introduce everyone that’s here that’s been in the Hall of Fame and it was a full room and I’m sitting down and I’d seen some b-roll…I came in late and you have to do interviews and I just went and sat down and he starts going Henri Richard, Yvan Cournoyer and Dickie Moore, they’re going on and on about ex-Montreal Canadiens and I’m like in my mind, and he’s going 11 Stanley Cups, 10 Stanley Cups and you’re like, Oh my God there was so much…
Yvan Couroyer
Moore and Cournoyer
Dickie Moore
…and these guys are like royalty in Quebec and then you realize how big and how much these gentlemen mean to the province of Quebec and to the pride they brought to those people…it’s the winningest franchise in sports, it’s truly incredible what these guys have accomplished throughout their career…so it was a humbling moment where it was just so amazing to see all these guys, my Dad’s idol was Yvan Cournoyer, it was really cool to introduce Yvan Cournoyer to my dad and then before that, even when I was outside and to see the press everybody is talking about the lockout, what’s going on and it’s always about hockey in Montreal…it’s number one about the Canadiens then about hockey but it’s incredible, they’re starving for information…about anything that we’re doing in our lives and when you get there it’s so part of their every day, the daily life of everyone there, it’s just part of it, just part of their life, it’s pretty neat.
JF: I grew up in Ontario and I did play in Maple Leafs Garden in Junior before I played in the NHL but when I went to the NHL, the Montreal Forum was “the” building. I looked at Maple Leafs Gardens as the headquarters of hockey, I looked at the Montreal Forum as a shrine, agree?
The “Old” Forum
Maple Leaf Gardens
Luc Robitaille: I would say exactly that.
JF: You worship…
Luc Robitaille: You worship…I agree with you, the headquarters of hockey is Toronto, the whole mecca of hockey—there’s nothing else there it’s just hockey, then you go to Montreal and it’s treated to an entire other level, it’s like the Montreal Canadiens, the red, white and blue, it’s a shrine, it’s very hard to explain until you go there and you realize they have their own museum outside, I mean for crying out loud I was talking to Kevin Gilmore—they’re building a condominium attached to the Bell Center—they’re sold out! And people are buying them because they’re attached to the Bell Center, the building across the street, they’re not selling, it’s like crazy, I’ve never seen anything like it—people are just such fanatics and you look and they talk about Patrick Roy there who played years ago…now he’s a junior coach…whenever he speaks, it’s like the front page of the newspaper…
…whenever another ex-Canadien, even a player that was a 4th liner speaks, it’s in the paper…Donald Audette is a scout now but he’s become like royalty for them—it’s so weird! It’s truly incredible.
I would say the way to describe it’s like a shrine for the game—I think that’s the right way.
JF: Rocket Richard, he’s your hero. Yet he retired before you were even born. Maybe in the United States it’s the same thing with Babe Ruth…you never saw him play but he is still so many people’s hero…how did it come to be with the Rocket and you?
Luc Robitaille: I’ll tell you how it happened. When we used to get together for Christmas at my grandma’s…
…My grandma would cook with my uncle, a bunch of things and then downstairs all the men would go and some would play cards and pool and everybody would come up and I remember all my uncles and all my dad’s acquaintances were there—there would be like 50 people and all the men, that’s all they would talk about, they knew I liked hockey…by the time I was peewee, double A, they all would say…you should have seen the Rocket, the Rocket used to do this, the Rocket, I remember when the Rocket hit the referee, I remember he fought, I remember he had two players on his back…when you’re a kid hearing all this, keep in mind in those days the Montreal Canadiens were winning every year yet every one of those older gentlemen would speak about The Rocket and we would see highlights of him cutting to the net and pictures of him bloody and shaking the guys hand and it just always stayed with me. It was just The Rocket and there’s nothing else.
JF: Well I only have one more question. Can you compare winning the Cup as a player to winning the Cup as the president of Business Operations?
Luc Robitaille: I think if it was another organization, somewhere else, it might have been different but because it was the Kings it meant so much and to be part of that whole rebuild process and I think the thing that I understood more as a business guy especially what I do, business operations, deal with all the fans, sponsors, everything around it…when you’re a player, 20 guys in a room, your five or three trainers, your coaches, you don’t even see anybody else, when you win, it’s your group that won, you kiss your wife and your kids, you call your mom and dad but it’s that small, then you have a parade and you think this was great. Then you go to a couple of parties and it was great but you don’t realize the impact it has on the community and all those people that lived and died for years…for example I never knew there was people spending four, five, six, seven thousand a year, as season seat holders, for twenty years straight hoping one day we’d win the Cup and when you realize that, you go ‘oh my God’…it’s so much bigger than what it really is because to spend that kind of money as a season seat holder, that’s a lot of hard earned money, it’s not like, the guy buying the ice seats he’s making two, three million a year it’s not as impactful, the guys paying $5,000 a year, he might be making $75,000 a year, that’s a lot of money for him and now I realize the impact we had on those people and how much it meant, I think that, to me, the greatest thing, I’m so glad I got to realize how impactful that was and then to realize the impact the LA Kings has on the core fans in LA has been amazing.
Cautious Optimism.
http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1433633-nhl-lockout-what-experts-are-saying-about-latest-cba-developments
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
@HockeyNerd, not sure about anyone else (and I’ve never had this problem before) but that link to the BR freezes my PC.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 3:03 pm
@Lake Forest, It doesnt happen at home but BR articles always freeze my PC here at work…your not alone
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
@Lake Forest, Could be because I’m using an iPhone. Try using ‘www’ up front in place of the ‘m’. Sorry about that.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:55 am
@HockeyNerd, No I think it’s the actual site, not you. As I went directly to the article through the site and it froze. I think like Broke said, it’s a work issue (as I was at work).
LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUC!!
[Reply]
LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rad! Thanks Foxy!
[Reply]
LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!! Great article Jimmy! Coulda done without Roy’s infamous wink however lol
[Reply]
CCCCCCC!!! lol keyboard error
[Reply]
So is this site ever gonna go back to being an “insider” blog? Or is it gonna be this ugly, terrible, site that spreads stories over 30 years old?
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 3:01 pm
@Purple Reign, You know we are in a lock out right?? Just throwing that out there.
[Reply]
Purple Reign Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 6:52 pm
@Lake Forest, right, that’s why there was not one mention of David Courtney’s passing on this blog. And you know, not a single piece of journalism that could get people to better understand the current situation with the lockout. No, you’re correct, nothing important to discuss here.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 7:51 pm
@Purple Reign, Rich, quit because the NHL will not allow NHL team employees to interview players or write about the lockout. Up until Tuesday Dec. 4th even NHL owners were not allowed to talk to players or talk about the lockout. In fact the only people that are employed by the NHL or NHL team that are allowed to talk about the lockout are Gary Bettman & his personal stoog Daly. There was that GM that made the statement about NHL players being Cattle & Owners being the a Ranch, but he only got the Detroit Red Wings fined $500,000.00. No biggie right?
Lake Forest Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:59 am
@Purple Reign, I’ve seen your past complaints, let me give you an overview of the journalism you would be expecting about this lock out
Lockout Day 1: Nothing
Lockout Day 2: something
Lockout Day 3: Nothing…..
Lockout Day 80: Possibly progress, but most likely not.
What do you expect? You expect someone on here to write about the rumors???? Rich never did that and I wouldn’t expect anyone else to either. It’s all hearsay and has been for the last 80 days.
nice job, on the interview, FOXY…:)
[Reply]
ok…
maybe something good could come out of this whole thing – really…
after thinking it over, maybe having a 50 game sprint to the playoffs is exactly what we need for many reasons, but try on for size these…:
- it would make every game a playoff game, as points and regulation wins become more crucial, sparking interest again in a sport that deserves to be talked about in glowing terms versus the torn curtain image of both sides hanging on the same noose based upon principle and/ego…
in essence, let the damn dogs out and let’s see who finishes first in an abbreviated iditarod…(!)
- it helps me in my ongoing plea that the league is better off shortening their regular season to 76, 74 or even 70 games…i know i’m in narnia when i suggest a 70 game season scenario…(money, money, money….MONEY!)…however, it could be a way to make the leagie more profitable…yes….the ol’”less is more” philosophy you can apply here…
bottom line…:
it looks like we are going to have some sort of season…and i’ve been fighting the wrong paper tiger – being so passionate about the principle of why this lockout happened and over-sympathizing (a lil’) with the players…but i still stand firm with whatever they decide to do….
and it looks like the real game’s on…
now let’s get it back on the ice…..
[Reply]
also…
here’s a good timeline of where we are now and where we’ve been…
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=9678
[Reply]
Swap of proposals.
http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8718146/nhl-players-union-exchange-proposals-sources-say
[Reply]
The fact that this “Kings Insider” site chooses to ignore the passing of David Courtney is beyond mind blowing to me. Its actually kind of disrespectfull IMO. I really shouldnt care, but for some reason its a sour spot for me since I read the news of him passing. Just goes to show the fall from grace this site has taken since Rich stepped down. As much as I have grown to love this site over the past 2+ years, if they cant even write a simple sentence or paragraph to salute and remember a long time soldier of the Kings army such as David Courtney than there really is no need for it to exist…especially since nothing else is going on. I really couldnt think of any other thread right now that should take higher priority than this. If you can post it on the Official Kings website ran by /or approved by the NHL you can post it here! It just seems like it should be a given.
This is in no way a slate on Bob, Jim, Nick and Daryl….I love all these guys and appreciate anything and everything they do for us.
[Reply]
Thanks Jim great reading about the past thanks again
[Reply]
Does this make anyone else want to cry?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNliSsBMS4U
[Reply]
7MilForHickey Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 7:43 pm
@evan, SICK. tim thosmas is crying cuz hes seen that one before
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 9:05 pm
@7MilForHickey,
I think Hiller has that same nightmare. Come to think of it, after Kopi did that to him, he was never the same.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
December 10th, 2012 at 7:58 am
@evan,
BBBUUUAAHHHHH…!!!!!
[Reply]
Maaaaarrrrtttttyyyyy!!!!!
[Reply]
Make whole provision upped from $211 mil to $300 mil but that still won’t cover the existing contracts. Will players give in? Don’t think so. Bettman and Fehr will butt in again and blow whole things up.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 1:03 am
@goldielocks, My theory that the negotiations were stalled not because Bettman is an idiot, but because he is a jerk is beginning to show. I don’t think certain owners would let Bettman back in this negotiation room. The main thing that worries me is not the NHLPA voting 50+% on a new CBA that is worked out in these meetings, but that the owners will vote the 24+ out of 30 owners for a new CBA. I am wondering who is going to go to the gamees. Most people I have talked to are exteremely turned off and have focused on other sports or activities. Its just sad, but I think the NHL has set itself back atleast 2 years, and likely 5 years if the full season is cancelled. At least minus Bettman and Fehr they are meeting for 12+ hours a day and showing the commitment to negotiating that we hoped would take place in Sept. Despite it all I still want a NHL season. Part of it is wanting the Kings to have a chance to defend the cup, and understanding the possible damage a full season lockout would have to a sport that I love. Well thats my late night rant for today.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 1:42 am
@luc20rules,
i was feeling very bleak about the whole process, too…
but in many ways, this whole insane, dysfunctional and endless bargaining/lockout will either heal wounds or only cause future strife and distrust in the coming years….
but after reading the owners backing down a bit more on several key player concerns, you get the feeling that certain promises MUST be kept this time around, if they are gonna go a possible full-decade (there’s an op-out option after 8 years),without revisiting the whole nightmarish, mathematical maze of confusion as to how to agree upon what real future HRR is/will be…and how it’s gonna be shared throughout the duration of many current careers…
i don’t think hockey is gonna die this year – once again, i’m putting aside my disappointment on how and why people (owners/bettman) do the things the way they do do them…hockey will survive…
sure – there’s gonna be flack and bitterness from the many…
but…
considering that nobody is bigger than the sport, you end up back to where you start – a hockey fan…
hey, i might not be willing to shell out the cash for games or even decline to get center ice for the first time since 2003….
but i’m a fan of the sport…i love my team…i love that we are the champions…and i love the people on this team and behind it because we all went through hell together – as a member of the KINGdom…
so…do ya’ feel like grabbing either fehr or bettman…or both…by the neck and watch them slowly fade-out…like in the grip of a sergeant slaughter sleeper hold…???
fine…hold yr own vigil…buy the pinatas and start…eh, um…whacking…and go watch basketball or soccer or hug yr kids more often or volunteer to donate blood or whatever you want with yr want time and money you designated for hockey prior…it’s all good…and you have every right…
life is a fluid situation…sometimes you have to drink the poison to find its cure…and by doing so, how one reflects upon the journey is what creates the memories…
well, my memories of last year will stay with me forever…and so will my love for the sport – it will never be ruined by anyone…because, remember…nobody’s bigger than the sport….
(well….maybe gretzky was….but still…(!))
[Reply]
7MILforHickey Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 3:53 am
@variable, ^best post i have ever read on this blog.
DesertKing Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 7:19 am
@luc20rules,
So if a significant number of “new” Kings full and half season ticket holders returned their packages, can I please get my 10 pack in section 214 back with priority for all of the play offs instead of one game per round?
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:23 am
@DesertKing,
The best thing about the lockout is that the bandwagonners will be gone once the dust settles. You will get your 10 game pack, and I will once again be able to log on to stubhub at 4:30 and pay 15 bucks a piecs for tickets, or just watch from home.
If the season had started on time we’d both be out of luck.
luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
@DesertKing, I would also push for complimentory Macho Nachos from Camacho’s. Stay thirsty my friend.
“He’s a winner” not whiner.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:24 am
@Mikey J.,
He’s an Ameri-can not an Ameri-can’t… no wait, he’s Canadian…
[Reply]
Logical side of me, is telling they should not lose the entire season in order to preserve the sport we love.
But angry wounded bear inside me, is telling owners, players, and fans all should take the equal damage by canceling the whole.
I hope some poeple have the same feeling.
To me, it’s LA Kings > Hockey > NHL.
[Reply]
Hello, you have reached the voicemail box for Dean Lombardi, general mamanger of the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings Hockey Club. Sorry I can’t take your call right now, but as soon as I get back from the Bahamas, Europe, African safari, Hawaii, Bali and the Alaskan coastline, I will be happy to call you back. Please follow the prompts or leave a message. If this is the OC Tribune, yes, we defnitely want Rich back! If this is the Raiders looking for a GM who can build a championship team, please feel free to call me when you move into the new Farmer’s Field in two years. If this is the San Diego Chargers looking for a new GM who can build a championship team, er, uh, hang up and dial 9-1-1 then hire a consultant to get rid of those powder blue jerseys and urine yellow lighting bolts, then call me back so I can say “no.” If this is Phil from the Stanley Cup detail, as usual, just put the bills for damage in my mail slot at the office. If you are calling to apply for David Courtney’s job, please do your homework before you arrive because you will be trying to replace the best announcer in the business. If you know the purpose of those little paper umbrellas in my mai-tais, please press “1″ and tell me. If this is my eye doctor calling me back, please press “2″ and tell me how to treat an eye injury caused by small paper umbrellas. Everyone else, please leave a message brau!
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 10:16 am
@DesertKing, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBfXTyzaUfQ
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 10:49 am
@Lake Forest,
Loll, perfect!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
@Lake Forest,
He’s The Lombardi. He’s already somebody!
[Reply]