The New Jersey Devils made a heartwarming tribute to one of hockey’s greatest minds, Jacques Lemaire, by inducting him into their Ring of Honor. This momentous occasion occurred during a pregame ceremony before a highly anticipated matchup against the Boston Bruins. At the age of 79, Lemaire’s legacy as a coach and player remains indelibly etched in the annals of hockey history. The ceremony saw many former players unite to honor Lemaire, reflecting the profound influence he has had on their careers and the organization as a whole.
Lemaire’s storied career is distinguished by an impressive collection of accolades, including 11 Stanley Cup championships—eight as a player with the Montreal Canadiens and two more as an assistant general manager. Joining him on the ice were hockey legends like Martin Brodeur and Scott Stevens, both pivotal figures in the Devils’ success during Lemaire’s tenure. Larry Robinson, a close collaborator and friend, poignantly remarked, “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything,” highlighting the camaraderie forged during their time together with the Canadiens, where they celebrated five Cup victories. Their shared experiences underscore the shared heritage of excellence that permeates professional hockey.
Lemaire’s association with the Devils began in earnest before the start of the 1993-94 season. While his earlier coaching stint with Montreal in the mid-1980s was short-lived, his arrival in New Jersey marked the beginning of a transformative era. Under his guidance, the Devils reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1994, only to fall to the New York Rangers in a fiercely competitive seven-game series. However, Lemaire and his squad swiftly rebounded, claiming their first championship a year later in 1995 through a decisive four-game series against the Detroit Red Wings. This accomplishment solidified Lemaire’s place in the pantheon of hockey greats.
During his emotional acceptance speech, Lemaire expressed gratitude for his former players and shared insights into his coaching philosophy alongside Lou Lamoriello, the Devils’ long-time general manager. Lemaire’s emphasis on teamwork and dedication was palpable as he donned a vibrant red Devils jacket to commemorate the occasion. “All the meetings we had, the hours we spent together… were for one goal only—to get the team better so we could win a Stanley Cup,” he remarked, showcasing the depth of his commitment to nurturing talent and fostering winning conditions.
The End of an Era
Lemaire concluded his illustrious coaching career with a remarkable total of 617 victories, including stints with the Minnesota Wild and a brief return to the Devils. However, he candidly reflected that he does not miss the daily pressures that accompanied coaching, joking, “I haven’t lost a game since 2011.” His legacy transcends mere statistics; it encompasses a profound influence on generations of players and coaches alike. As the New Jersey Devils celebrate Lemaire’s induction, they not only honor his past contributions but also affirm the values of leadership, perseverance, and camaraderie that will continue to guide the franchise into the future.
Leave a Reply