You fail to see the point.
- WaterBoy

You're dead wrong about that. I think the point is absurd. Anyone who's a true hockey fan would too.

You need the captain of the Canadiens to speak to you in your native tongue? Why? Why do you need this? It's not good enough for you that all of his words be translated? He's not a true representation of you?

He's a hockey player.

It's an embarrassing disgrace and pathetic form of intolerance that Saku Koivu ever faced scrutiny for something as trivial as not speaking french fluently enough to do interviews in it. The guy who spent and raised millions in the community, donated a pet-scan machine to save people a two hour drive to sherbrooke to find out how gravely ill they are, and the guy who represented the Canadiens with pure class and dedication. He went above and beyond, and was accountable always--after every tough loss.

It's more important for the coach, no doubt. I recognize this. I don't think it should be the mandate, but I can't ignore its relevance in that department. Do I think Mike Babcock or Ken Hitchcock couldn't coach the Habs because they don't speak french? No f'ing way.

thanks for this brilliant contribution
- EricEngels

Thanks! Think I could blog?

I could write the typical stuff you hear on (RIP) CKAC, Rejean Tremblay's or guest appear on 110% once in a while.

If I were the Captain of the Habs, I would take the time to learn some French, I think it could only help the situation. But that is just me..
- bixll

See, it really should be this simple. But anglos are entitled to tell francos that they act entitled.

EE, do you think they let Gio and Gorges go to change the leadership in part because they were unhappy with the lack of response when Price got injured, nobody paying a visit to Kreider? That, plus the kids are ready to step up.
- fidopro

is this real?

EE, do you think they let Gio and Gorges go to change the leadership in part because they were unhappy with the lack of response when Price got injured, nobody paying a visit to Kreider? That, plus the kids are ready to step up.
- fidopro

no.
Brandon Prust responded with his hit on Stepan. These guys pick their spots.

The moves were about timing, incoming players, players establishing themselves as leaders. Nothing more.

See, it really should be this simple. But anglos are entitled to tell francos that they act entitled.
- EssuieToutJeune

I'd be curious to see their reaction if all players were chineese and didn't speak English...

See, it really should be this simple. But anglos are entitled to tell francos that they act entitled.
- EssuieToutJeune

Both Saku Koivu and Brian Gionta learned a menial amount of French. Both communicated a bit in the language. But neither was going to get to a place where they could do an interview in it.

This is often ignored... it's not enough that they learned a few words here and there. Otherwise, we wouldn't still be talking about such stupidity.

is this real?
- DoubleDown

You don't think it's a valid question? Because when Prust went after Stepan, 2 Rangers went after him right after. But no Habs went to Kreider. No one. Just a question...

i would learn Spanish.
- DoubleDown

Russian, just to Frank with them..

If I were the Captain of the Habs, I would take the time to learn some French, I think it could only help the situation. But that is just me..
- bixll

Even stoned-out rock bands usually mutter a phrase or two before a show. Should not be hard for a guy who lives here 6 months a year.

You're dead wrong about that. I think the point is absurd. Anyone who's a true hockey fan would too.

You need the captain of the Canadiens to speak to you in your native tongue? Why? Why do you need this? It's not good enough for you that all of his words be translated? He's not a true representation of you?

He's a hockey player.

It's an embarrassing disgrace and pathetic form of intolerance that Saku Koivu ever faced scrutiny for something as trivial as not speaking french fluently enough to do interviews in it. The guy who spent and raised millions in the community, donated a pet-scan machine to save people a two hour drive to sherbrooke to find out how gravely ill they are, and the guy who represented the Canadiens with pure class and dedication. He went above and beyond, and was accountable always--after every tough loss.

It's more important for the coach, no doubt. I recognize this. I don't think it should be the mandate, but I can't ignore its relevance in that department. Do I think Mike Babcock or Ken Hitchcock couldn't coach the Habs because they don't speak french? No f'ing way.
- EricEngels

You are taking this way too far. NEver once did I mention Koivu needs to be fluent.

Basics here Eric... You live in this Province. You should know by now how Francophones react. Give them the minimum of respect and you'll have them in your back pocket for life.

It seems that you clearly don't get how Francophones feel about this whole language thing and that's a shame.

As for the journalists that ran him out of town... they are (frank)ing idiots.

Also, if you believe Koivu was ran out of town because of the Rejean Tremblay of this world, you're simply wrong.


This language debate is useless. Not understanding how French Canadians feel about the CH and the french language is shameful.

Edit: As for the coaches... I'd take Babcock or maybe even Hitch in a heartbeat.

at least we have a fresh debate here today.

You are taking this way too far. NEver once did I mention Koivu needs to be fluent.

Basics here Eric... You live in this Province. You should know by now how Francophones react. Give them the minimum of respect and you'll have them in your back pocket for life.

It seems that you clearly don't get how Francophones feel about this whole language thing and that's a shame.

As for the journalists that ran him out of town... they are (frank)ing idiots.

Also, if you believe Koivu was ran out of town because of the Rejean Tremblay of this world, you're simply wrong.


This language debate is useless. Not understanding how French Canadians feel about the CH and the french language is shameful.

Edit: As for the coaches... I'd take Babcock or maybe even Hitch in a heartbeat.
- WaterBoy

this may be your pinnacle on this site marty.

The captain will spout the typical clichés to the media so who cares about that part. The captain will be decided by who has the room, end of story. Tabarnac

this may be your pinnacle on this site marty.
- dt99999

Pis (frank) that estie.


I couldn't care less about this whole language BS and what EE thinks about Francophones.

The captain will spout the typical clichés to the media so who cares about that part. The captain will be decided by who has the room, end of story. Tabarnac
- braidan

Thanks for respecting the French fans here.

Thanks for respecting the French fans here.
- BashCH

See ? That was easy.

Pis (frank) that estie.


I couldn't care less about this whole language BS and what EE thinks about Francophones.
- WaterBoy

this will be forever known as the day EE was schooled in his own thread by WaterBoy.

this will be forever known as the day EE was schooled in his own thread by WaterBoy.
- dt99999

Hell no, he's preparing a comeback and he'll want to hurtmy feelings just like the organisation, Marc Bergevin and Michel Therrien hurt PK's feelings.

*puts oil in the pot for the popcorn*

*puts oil in the pot for the popcorn*
- pete26

Careful not to burn yourself Pete...

at least we have a fresh debate here today.
- dt99999

Hell no, he's preparing a comeback and he'll want to hurtmy feelings just like the organisation, Marc Bergevin and Michel Therrien hurt PK's feelings.
- WaterBoy

my guess is the next reply will be full of snarky passive aggressive insults then he'll disappear and you'll go the way of Oilhab

*puts oil in the pot for the popcorn*
- pete26

scoot over

my guess is the next reply will be full of snarky passive aggressive insults then he'll disappear and you'll go the way of Oilhab
- dt99999

I'll pay Dic Ann's if you get it right.