Hockey Legend Jean Beliveau -- RIP

Jean Beliveau with the Stanley Cup
(Image: cbc.ca)

A half-century ago, Montreal Canadiens captain Jean Beliveau epitomized pro hockey's best aspects. He commanded respect from his play, his dignity, and his poise. His greatness was so apparent that the Hockey Hall of Fame waved its three-year waiting period and inducted Beliveau immediately after his retirement from playing. However, he never really retired from the game. The Quebec native remained an active, highly visible member of the Canadiens' front office. He proudly upheld sportsmanship and the right way to play the game. That "way" coincided with ten Stanley Cups, as Beliveau bridged the generation between Rocket Richard and Henri Richard.

Those Montreal teams represented the heart and soul of French-speaking Canada. In Beliveau's playing days, the Canadiens could skim the cream of Quebec's ice hockey talent. There was no doubt that the Canadiens represented the Quebecois against English-speaking Canada. It was no coincidence that Montreal's lineup featured mainly French surnames, with a sprinkling of Anglos who protected the team's stars from their opponents' bully boys. The Canadiens at that time played in the Montreal Forum on Rue St. Catherine, which was for hockey what old Yankee Stadium was to baseball. Those Canadiens squads were often brilliant.

I had the good fortune to see Beliveau skate in a playoff game against the New York Rangers. He was splendid, with an enviable combination of size, grace, and savvy. The Canadiens happened to win the game in overtime. No, Beliveau did not score the winner, but that hardly mattered. I knew, even then, that I had witnessed a great player in action. I've always remembered that game.

Jean Beliveau passed away in Montreal yesterday. His obit and associated stories in the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail are worth reading, as they offer the context of Beliveau's career and impact on all Canadians.