Montreal Canadiens’ ambassador Patrice Brisebois has been tapped as President of the Montreal Canadiens’ Alumni Association’s board of directors. Brisebois succeeds Réjean Houle, who is stepping down after an impressive 27-year tenure at the helm of the organization. The Canadiens Alumni team brings together legendary players from several generations who have made it their mission to fundraise for many organizations across Canada. “Réjean is such a nice man, a gentleman, always there for the boys. I would like to thank the CA (Canadiens Alumni) for naming me the new president. I’m very blessed, very happy. It’s a big, big, big privilege.”

The Alumni hockey games are the main element as crowds of up to 19,000 spectators could attend a single game. With a 40 to 50 game schedule the Hab Alumni players entertain a minimum of 100,000 people each year. The organization has raised over $1,000 000 for different charitable organizations.

The members come together to serve the community in a variety of ways, not just through hockey games. Former players take part in softball games, make corporate appearances and participate in golf tournaments for example. “There’s so many things the alumni are involved with,” Brisebois said. “Many with the community and that is so important for us to be involved with. Another is when we lose someone, we need to be there to support our fellow alumni.”

Beyond his on-ice achievements, Brisebois is renowned for his commitment to the community. In 2009, he received the Jean Béliveau Trophy in recognition of his outstanding community service. He has also served on the board of directors for the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation. Since 2022, Brisebois has represented the team as an ambassador, continuing to promote the values and legacy of the Montreal Canadiens.

Brisebois, a former defenseman, enjoyed a career spanning 18 seasons, most of which he spent with the Montreal Canadiens. He was a key member of the 1993 Stanley Cup-winning team, Brisebois was drafted by the Canadiens in 1989. Following a short stint with the Colorado Avalanche, Brisebois returned to Montreal to finish his playing career with the Habs. n