On a memorable evening in Newark, the New Jersey Devils took a momentous step to honor a key figure in their franchise history. Former coach Jacques Lemaire was officially inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor, a celebration of his illustrious career and the impact he made on the organization. Lemaire, a remarkable 79-year-old, is hailed as an 11-time Stanley Cup champion and was recognized primarily for coaching the Devils to their first-ever championship victory in 1995. This moment of reverence was witnessed by passionate fans, loyal teammates, and the hockey community at large during a pregame ceremony before an exciting matchup against the Boston Bruins.
Recollections from Old Friends
The ceremony held special significance not only for Lemaire but also for the many players who admired him throughout his multifaceted career. Notable attendees included legendary goaltender Martin Brodeur and defense titans Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Larry Robinson. Robinson, who shared history with Lemaire both as a teammate on the Montreal Canadiens and later in coaching roles with the Devils, expressed profound sentiment. “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything,” he emphasized, reminiscing about their shared journey in a successful hockey legacy that started in Montreal. Their camaraderie and shared experiences exemplified the strong bonds formed during their time associated with professional hockey.
Lemaire’s path to success in professional hockey is nothing short of extraordinary. Before he even began coaching the Devils in the 1993-94 season, he had already garnered significant accolades, winning the Stanley Cup eight times with the Canadiens as a player. His experience and insights proved invaluable as he took on the role of head coach with the Devils. After a heartbreaking loss to the New York Rangers in the 1994 playoffs, Lemaire and his team returned with renewed vigor, ultimately securing the Stanley Cup in 1995 by sweeping the Detroit Red Wings—a defining moment etched in franchise history.
As the evening progressed, Lemaire reflected on his career with humility. His acceptance speech, though brief, was filled with emotion as he acknowledged the support of former players and Lou Lamoriello, his long-time colleague. Now president of hockey operations for the New York Islanders, Lamoriello had a significant influence on Lemaire’s path, and the two shared countless hours discussing the game and striving for excellence. “All the meetings we had, the hours we spent together… was for one goal only—to get the team better,” Lemaire shared, highlighting his dedication to success.
Following his impactful stint with the Devils, which also included coaching roles with the Minnesota Wild, Lemaire concluded his coaching career with an impressive 617 wins. Expressing a sense of relief, he humorously noted, “I haven’t lost a game since 2011.” This lighthearted reveal underscored Lemaire’s departure from the demanding world of coaching, yet his legacy remains deeply ingrained within the fabric of the New Jersey Devils. As he donned the vibrant red Devils jacket at center ice, the homage paid to him underscored not just his unparalleled achievements but also the profound respect he garnered from players, fans, and the sport itself.
Leave a Reply