Season 14: 1989-90
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Season 14: 1989-90 |
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Guy Carbonneau: The Man
and the Captain
October/November 1989 Les Canadiens
Excerpted and translated from the French
[Webmaster's Note:
With Bob Gainey’s retirement, the Canadiens needed a new
captain, and elected Guy and Chris Chelios to share the position.]
The Man
Guy Carbonneau, the man, now 29, has always approached life with
a disconcerting maturity. One can see a weightiness in his regard,
and in the way he communicates his thoughts, and the care he takes
to answer questions with an uncommon calmness and rationality.
In unguarded moments, he will suddenly appear filled with a sadness
both strange and marvelous. On the ice, his calm rarely gives
way to emotionality, but when it does, one knows it is only the
manifestation of his great desire to defeat his opponent.
Four years in juniors and two seasons in the minors have not exactly
been a vacation. After such an apprenticeship, one can understand
more easily the ardor for the game which Carbo has harbored in
his heart the past seven seasons.
One would think of him as an extrovert, but this is not true.
Called upon to describe himself, Carbonneau is the first to say
he is a shy man. He will also say he adores the game of hockey,
which has permitted him to realize his potential.
"There’s nothing unique in the fact that I take pleasure
in winning," he says. "I like to be in the fire of the
action, when the situation is critical."
The
Captain
Off the ice, Carbonneau is shy and introverted. But once on the
ice, his eyes light up like a burning brazier with desire to vanquish
his foe. And that desire to win he shares with his cohort, Chelios.
"The only change I want to make as co-captain is a new attitude,
that is to say in my rapport with the referees," explains
Carbonneau. "It’s true that in the past I have had certain
difficulties with the officials; however, I’ve acquired more
experience and will modify my strategy in this regard. I will
be more tactful." But he adds, "What do you want, I
still play to win!"
"In my opinion, the fact that Chelly received the votes will
be excellent for the team, for Chris, and for me. Because of it
we will be able to remove some weight from our shoulders. I believe
this will have a positive impact on our game."
"It is true that it’s by attitude and behavior that
one can most often inspire one’s teammates, but concerning
the level of communication, having two co-captains is an excellent
thing. I’m certain this will strengthen the bonds on our
team."
Resources:
Les Canadiens, Oct./Nov. 1989
Les Canadiens, Dec. 1989
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 Retro Carbonneau Main Page |