“Hockey chose me” -Stefan Richer
Stephane Richer won two Stanley Cups and scored 50 goals twice in a season, but it wasn’t until recently that he truly realized his immense talent.
On “Femme d’Hockey,” a TVA Sports podcast hosted by Isabelle Ethier, the Canadiens’ former star sharpshooter discusses her career full of pitfalls and intimidation, her first game in the NHL, the people who matter, and all humility. career, as well as his admiration for “Captain Canada,” Marie-Philip Poulin.
Except this week, the episode is split into three parts because Richer had a lot to explain. Watch the full podcast in the video above. Or listen here:
It was at age 14 that Richer left his family home in Ripon for Gatineau to pursue his passion for baseball. At 5 feet 3 inches tall, he had no idea that a glorious career in hockey awaited him.
“I always said that hockey chose me. “I didn’t choose hockey, I wanted to be a baseball player.”
It seems that a certain Pat Burns was right to have him on his team at the junior AA level. What followed was dazzling to say the least. Four years later, Richer was already making his debut with CH.
“I was only 135kg when I came to Hull, but Pat Burns saw something in me. I’m sure I’ll gain weight, he told himself. The next year in midget AAA I was 5 foot 11. When I was 15, I was playing in the street with my friends. Three years later I was playing on the same line as Mark Hunter and Chris Nilan. That’s pretty scary!”
“I didn’t have the size, but I knew in my heart that I just needed to grow and put on a few pounds because I knew I had the talent. I just wanted someone to believe in me and give me a chance.”
“Destiny”
Richer, however, did not think he deserved the best league in the world.
“Playing in the National League is another thing. I have close friends who are more talented than me and have never played professionally. This is fate. I feel lucky to have found my place for the little guy from Ripon.”
Richer had great success in the NHL, scoring 819 points, including 421 goals in 1,054 games. Despite these remarkable statistics, he was slow to realize the richness of his career.
“I am slowly realizing that I should be proud of myself. I won everything in my life, I experienced many wonderful things thanks to hockey. As you get older, you see how valuable you are.”
PODCAST SUMMARY:
We are talking about hockey (06:56)
Here are some facts about hockey:
- What was hockey like when you were young?
- You’ve often expressed your mental health issues because despite your great success in hockey, you’ve gone through tough times. Can you tell us about it?
- Family is very important to you. How did it feel to be constantly uprooted?
- Did you believe in yourself?
- If I gave you the chance to play any goalkeeper, which one would you choose?
- What feeds your passion?
- How was Guy Lafleur as a coach?
Shooting (28:51)
A segment of the podcast where Isabelle asks her guest a few questions:
- “Fried” or “steamed”?
- Fast or accurate?
- Sunrise or sunset?
- Boat or motorcycle?
- White or dark meat sandwich?
Make way for women (38:07)
Let’s raise the issue of women’s place in sports.
- Can you tell us about your experience as the girls’ coach at the last edition of the KR Classic?
- Who is a female hockey player who inspires you?
Pallet Jump (43:25)
- What was the moment, person or organization that made a difference in your career or life?
- What person or organization would you “give a oar” to today?
Locker Room Echoes (52:03)
- Do you have an anecdote to tell us, a unique moment you want to share with us?
Check out all other episodes here.
The Hockey Woman podcast is presented by IGA.
