Our thoughts are with Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and his family.
The doors of the NHL seem to have closed on the attacker, but the Quebecer has no intention of giving up.
In a time marked by professional challenges, he finds a new way to shine, this time in the spotlight of an unexpected but meaningful partnership.
Harvey-Pinard is now the headliner of the new advertising campaign of GilletteLabs in Quebec, a role that celebrates both its resilience, its history and its commitment to its community.
This collaboration is not just an advertisement; it tells a story. That of a young man who, despite setbacks on the ice, continues to stand tall, with pride and determination.
“This partnership is close to my heart because it tells my story,” says Harvey-Pinard.
This story, marked by moments of doubt and struggle, finds an echo in his daily life where he strives to maintain his confidence, regardless of the challenges.
In the advertisement titled The kisswe find Harvey-Pinard using the razor GilletteLabssymbol of a new beginning, him who is going to deliver a pizza to his aunt.
The gesture is simple: a gentle and precise shave, followed by a warm greeting, a beak on the cheek, a symbol of Quebec culture.
This ritual, deeply rooted in his identity, becomes a metaphor for his state of mind: starting each day with care, courage and determination, ready to face the world.
The campaign draws on intimate moments from Harvey-Pinard’s life, including her time at her family’s pizzeria during the 2020 pandemic.
While hockey was put on pause, he chose to support those around him, demonstrating once again his attachment to his roots and his ability to take on challenges, even outside the sporting context.
This connection to family and community is reflected in advertising, where his kissing gesture becomes a symbol of respect and affection.
By choosing to build his career in Quebec, Harvey-Pinard reminds us that he is much more than a hockey player: he is an ambassador of Quebec culture and values.
This partnership with Gillette is not a leak, but a statement. Harvey-Pinard sends a clear message: he is not giving up, even if he is going through a period that few professional hockey players dare to imagine.
At only 25 years old, the Quebecer saw his dream of the NHL gradually die out, stifled by a series of injuries, poor performances and growing uncertainty about his future in the world of hockey.
For him, but also for his family, these last months have been a real test of life. The physical, emotional and financial challenges he faces would shake even the strongest minds.
In 2023, Harvey-Pinard was seen as a model of combativeness and perseverance. His performances with the Montreal Canadiens inspired fans as much as his teammates.
But in 2024, everything changed. A broken leg suffered during a softball tournament marked the beginning of his descent into hell.
After a difficult rehabilitation, his return with the Laval Rocket did not live up to expectations. With only 8 points in 17 games and a differential of -2, Harvey-Pinard is struggling to find its rhythm.
The slow pace on his skates, his lack of confidence and the lack of offensive results led to questions not only about his place in the American League, but also about his future as a professional player.
For a young man like Harvey-Pinard, these trials are not experienced alone. Behind every athlete, there is a family that shares the joys of success, but also the weight of failure.
His parents, who have supported him since his first hours on the ice in Jonquière, must today watch their son struggle to find his place, far from the NHL spotlight.
For his family, the Gillette ad is a ray of light in a dark year.
She has always been one of his biggest supporters, attending his matches and celebrating every little success.
Today, she sees her nephew demonstrate incredible resilience as he seeks to rebuild himself off the ice, particularly through this partnership.
Although Harvey-Pinard signed a contract guaranteeing him $1.1 million annually, this financial security is temporary.
When his contract expires, he will not benefit from the opportunities offered to established NHL players.
This uncertainty weighs heavily, not only on his professional projects, but also on his personal life. Like many players in his situation, Harvey-Pinard must juggle the pressure to perform, managing his finances, and planning for a future that may not include professional hockey.
In this context, the Gillette campaign takes on special significance. It’s not just a business partnership; it’s a way for Harvey-Pinard to show that he refuses to be defeated.
The ad, which tells his story of perseverance and courage, highlights a more intimate aspect of his personality.
Through simple gestures like kissing, he transmits a message of humanity and closeness which reflects his values and his attachment to his community.
For his family, seeing Rafael featured in such a meaningful campaign is a reminder that he still has a lot to offer, even if it’s not on the NHL ice.
Her family sees this ad as a way to keep alive the values she passed on to her: humility, determination and the importance of remaining true to oneself.
The ordeals that Rafaël Harvey-Pinard is going through are immense. Going from the NHL to the American League, dealing with injuries and living with financial uncertainty isn’t easy for anyone.
For him, as for his family, this period is a lesson in how to face adversity.
And even if the path is dark, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard shows that he is determined to move forward, regardless of the obstacles.
Professionally, he continues to fight to regain his place in the NHL.
But beyond hockey, he shows that he is capable of reinventing himself, thinking about his future and taking care of himself, both personally and financially.
With an advertising contract that highlights its values and its courage, Harvey-Pinard ensures not only to diversify its income, but also to maintain its presence in the collective imagination of Quebec.
This is not a farewell to hockey, but a thoughtful transition to a new stage in his life.
Rafael Harvey-Pinard, despite setbacks, remains a symbol of courage and determination. Through this campaign, he shows that it is possible to transform adversity into opportunity, to redefine success not by trophies or contracts, but by the ability to get back up and reinvent oneself.
GilletteLabs celebrates much more than a player; it celebrates a man who refuses to give up. With a clean shave and a genuine smile, Harvey-Pinard reminds us that a setback is not an end, but an opportunity to start something new.
An inspiring message for all those who, like him, must find the courage to continue moving forward.
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