“I wouldn’t say that not going to the World Championship worked against a player. On the other hand, those who went there had the chance to showcase themselves and earn points.
Deputy general manager of the Canadian team which will take part in the 4 Nations Showdown, Julien BriseBois was ready for a media tour with some members of the Montreal press on Monday afternoon.
He only needed one sentence to summarize the situation of Nick Suzuki and Samuel Montembeault. We will remember that during the unveiling of the Canadian team on December 4, many swallowed their coffee wrongly when they saw that the name of the Canadian captain did not appear among the 13 attackers selected.
Photo Martin Chevalier
Suzuki himself admitted to having it a bit on his mind. Especially considering that a portion of this competition will take place in Montreal.
“But, I play against the best players in the world every night, so I think I have the opportunity to show what I can do,” he said, stressing that he had chosen to skip on the world championship due to the preparation of his wedding.
In case of injuries
If it’s any consolation for the Ontarian, the Canadian team’s staff is well aware of his qualities and the work he accomplishes each match in the blue-white-red uniform.
“Nick Suzuki is an excellent player. Nobody can deny it. He made it to the Stanley Cup final, he is the number one center of a team that always plays under the pressure of a market like Montreal, listed BriseBois. He was a prime candidate.”
Besides, the fate is not completely cast. The general manager of the Lightning recalled that the competition does not begin until two months. And that, in the meantime, players may fall in combat.
“There’s nothing to say he won’t be on the team. There will most likely be players who will not be able to participate in the tournament. Depending on who will be injured, we have a list of replacements that we will consider. Because of his wealth of experience and his talent, it is certain that Nick will be one of those who will be considered.
Only one Quebecer
As for Montembeault, the Canadian team staff loved what they saw from him during the spring of 2023.
In front of Canada’s net for seven games, he had a big say in winning the gold medal. A 6-1-0 record combined with a goals against average of 1.42 and an efficiency rate of 0.939.
“His performance opened the eyes of many people,” admitted BriseBois. Plus, he was able to win in this environment. That worked in his favor when selecting goalkeepers.”
Montembeault and BriseBois will be the only two representatives from Quebec in the Canadian team. Like the guest list for the Junior Team Canada camp, there is no scandal here.
On the other hand, what we can see is the decline in the quality of Quebec hockey. At least, the trough in which we find ourselves. However, the 47-year-old hockey man refuses to sound the alarm.
“There is a lot of talent in Quebec. It’s up to us to ensure that we are able to identify it,” he said.
“Within our organization, there have been many Quebec players that we have drafted, that we acquired via a transaction or on the free agent market over the years,” he recalled. We also hired very good hockey men from Quebec.”
Indeed, we can never blame BriseBois and the Lightning for not looking into our backyard. But of the 45 Quebecers who played at least one game in the NHL this season, there is no Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St-Louis or Patrice Bergeron.
There isn’t even a top-13 forward or a top-seven defenseman in the country.
Julien Brisebois proud, honored… and busy
Julien Brisebois will live the experience of a lifetime when the 4 Nations Showdown begins on February 12 in Montreal. A two-time Stanley Cup champion at the head of the Tampa Bay Lightning, he will be taking his first steps on the international scene.
Accustomed to putting puzzle pieces in place and maneuvering with a salary cap, the hockey man from Greenfield Park quickly understood that this was a whole new challenge that presented itself to him.
“When I was approached, I was very proud. But I didn’t know it would be so demanding, he said. If you want to do things well, you have to put in the time. Building a national team is a project of great importance. Out of respect for the players, the process must be rigorous. »
A process that spanned several months, the culmination of which came on December 4, when the 23-player roster was unveiled. Obviously, he was not alone. Around the decision-making table were Don Sweeney, Doug Armstrong, Jim Nill, Kyle Dubas and John Cooper.
We are talking about big names here. Sizes of which he himself is now a member. Moreover, when asked if the championship teams he built in Tampa Bay gave him the credibility to obtain this position, Brisebois remains modest.
“I hadn’t even thought about it. I was just happy to get their call, he said with a slightly embarrassed smile. But, yes, that probably worked in my favor. »
Memories of the 1987 Canada Cup
Brisebois has come a long way since the Canadiens hired him in September 2001 as director of legal affairs. For him, being part of the group of leaders who built this team and who will do the same for the one that will participate in the 2026 Olympic Games is an opportunity to leave his mark in the history of Canadian hockey.
“It’s an honor and it becomes a responsibility. As a competitor, we feel it. This is an opportunity to win another championship. »
And to do it in a competition bringing together the best players on the planet.
“I feel like people don’t realize what a big tournament it’s going to be. I remember the 1987 Canada Cup, when I was 10, with Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. For kids who are 10 years old today, it will be McDavid, Crosby, MacKinnon, Point and Makar. »
Let’s wait to see the quality of the tournament before we decide. Let’s say that the last World Cup, in 2016, left us wanting more. However, this tournament will certainly be more interesting than an insignificant All-Star weekend.
