Known for his flamboyant character on and off the ice in front of the cameras, Jeremy Roenick unsurprisingly stole the show with his speech during his Hall of Fame induction evening.
The former forward made those present for the induction laugh with numerous anecdotes, recounting how he could appear intimidated ahead of his debut with the Chicago Blackhawks who selected him eighth overall in the 1988 draft.
He also mentioned the little French he learned in Hull, while he played for the Olympics in the QMJHL, five words that he repeated often according to him… After having declared his love on several occasions to the various people who passed through his life, Roenick shared a darker moment in his life. This period began after his three campaigns with the Philadelphia Flyers. He then played one season for the Los Angeles Kings, but he admits it wasn’t easy. He finished his 2005-2006 campaign with 22 points in 58 games.
“I’m sorry Kings fans,” he said, “I was terrible. It was horrible. »
It was the year after the lockout and he was returning to the game after significant concussions. He still underlined the chance he had to evolve with Luc Robitaille.
Roenick then became very emotional discussing the summer of 2007, after a season with the Arizona Coyotes and he was looking for a contract. He was four goals short of reaching the 500 plateau. He shared that he suffered from depression and that alcohol had taken a big place in his life. That’s when “her angel” called: Doug Wilson.
The general manager of the San Jose Sharks met him and offered him to play for his team. He agreed to Wilson’s three rules: he would be at minimum wage, he would not speak to the media unless necessary and to ditch the alcohol. It was following this agreement that Roenick managed to score the 500th goal of his career a few weeks later, on November 10, against the Coyotes.
“Thank you Doug Wilson, for being an incredible friend, but even more so, for being a friend when I needed one. I wouldn’t be here, I don’t just mean here (pointing to the podium), if it hadn’t been for you. You saved my life,” Roenick concluded on this chapter.
Throughout his career, he played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.
He also briefly represented the Hull Olympics during the 1988-1989 season. His appearance is still worthy of mention with 70 points in just 28 games in the regular season.
In 1,363 games in the NHL, he amassed 1,216 points, including 513 goals.
