While the entire province was celebrating one of the greatest sporting moments of the last thirty years, La Presse journalist Richard Labbé decided to play the spoilsport.
While Montreal Canadiens fans rejoiced over the selection of Ivan Demidov, Labbé chose to throw a damper on the party.
Here are his controversial comments:
“Lots of rave comments about CH’s first choice, who few people have seen play in person. We can wait a little before predicting a season of 100 pts for him. In the same way, if he doesn’t score in his First 5 games, that won’t mean it’s a flop.”
Labbé’s comments quickly generated a strong reaction from Canadiens fans. Yesterday, while Montrealers were vibrating to the rhythm of execution and hope, Labbé chose to crash the party, bringing his points of caution, not to say his condescension, in order to remind everyone that the fans’ excitement was ridiculous.
It couldn’t be more contemptuous than that. It must be said that Labbé has accustomed us to being grumpy. For him, everything that is “fun” must have a gray cloud raining down on our heads.
Obviously, the fans did not appreciate this attitude. For them, yesterday represented a historic moment, a glimmer of hope after years of disillusionment.
Labbé’s comments were perceived as gratuitous and intended to make us feel his walking and constant depression all year round. And the CH fans didn’t let it pass.
“Would you please let us live our trip before killing the joy! There’s nothing left but sport to make people dream and vibrate, so let’s leave the rational to it for a moment and live our sporting erection!”
“Yes, ok, but could we let people play around a bit? That’s what sport is, moments.”
“How condescending (again) Richard.”
Last night, the selection of Ivan Demidov by the Montreal Canadiens was more than just a draft pick; it was a celebration of talent, rosy futures and optimism that CH will soon be a Stanley Cup contender team.
The entire province gathered to celebrate this event, seeing in Demidov a new rising star worthy of the greatest players in CH history.
And yet, only Richard Labbé found a way to convey his bad mood to us. While Montrealers were singing, dancing and sharing their excitement on social media, Labbé chose to play the party pooper.
It’s no wonder many traditional journalists wonder why their profession is in decline.
Labbé’s attitude is a perfect example of this. Instead of joining in the celebration and sharing the enthusiasm of his readers, he preferred to adopt a contemptuous and pessimistic approach.
Media is evolving, and readers are seeking voices that resonate with their passion and enthusiasm. It simply doesn’t pay to spoil the party, as Labbé did.
Montreal fans want to believe in their dreams and share their moments of joy without being depressed with useless affirmations.
Perhaps it is time for Richard Labbé to reevaluate his approach. Montreal Canadiens fans have experienced a historic moment, and they deserve to savour this victory without having a bucket of cold water thrown over their heads. After all, sports are also about emotion, dreams and passion.
So, message to Richard Labbé: perhaps it is time to join the party and share the enthusiasm of those who see in Ivan Demidov and the Montreal Canadiens a bright and exciting future.
Labbé became the national “party crasher”. In any case, we won’t invite him to our next party…
