Photo credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
In the world of professional hockey, news travels fast, but the way it’s delivered often makes all the difference.
We now know a little more about the exact circumstances surrounding the announcement of goaltending coach Éric Raymond’s departure.
Let’s be honest, it’s a classy gesture that says a lot about the man (and about his relationship with Montembeault).
Instead of letting his protégé learn the news through social media or an official press release, he made sure to speak to him directly.
It’s a level of respect that’s rare in the cutthroat world of professional sports.
Let’s call it what it is: that phone call must have been incredibly difficult for the dismissed coach to make.
A relationship of trust that went beyond the professional framework, between Éric Raymond and Samuel Montembeault
It’s no secret that the two men had a strong rapport.
A well-informed source confirmed to Martineau that their relationship was “excellent.”
“Who told Samuel Montembeault about Éric Raymond’s dismissal? Éric Raymond himself, by calling Samuel.
‘Their relationship was excellent. It was friendly, but also professional. They were very close,’ a well-informed source told me, adding that Montembeault also had a great deal of respect for Marco Marciano.”
– Anthony Martineau
It was a bond that blended friendship with professional respect, with both described as being “very close.”
That likely explains why Montembeault was so shaken by the news earlier this week.
Martineau also notes that Montembeault holds a “very high regard” for Marco Marciano as well, who worked with the farm team and the organization’s goaltenders.
For the Canadiens’ number-one goaltender, it’s a significant change regardless.
That’s the harsh reality of the business, but Éric Raymond’s grace in his exit will remain etched in the young goaltender’s memory.
We can all agree that this is the kind of behavior that builds a strong reputation in the industry.
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