Martin St-Louis refuses unexpected offer during Canadiens-Hurricanes series
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Martin St-Louis has already refused a very interesting change with the Montreal Canadiens.
The Quebec-born head coach clearly indicated that he absolutely does not want media protection during games.
We know that media availabilities are mandatory after games, but it is not the same thing during games, and even after games, there are ways to work around the rules by making an assistant coach available instead.
But Martin St-Louis has always refused such changes, even after or during very difficult games for his team!
And that is precisely the kind of leadership that demonstrates the coach’s full transparency toward journalists and Canadiens fans.
Jackie Redmond of TNT shared the information on social media during Game 1.
“I don’t want anyone to feel like they need to protect me, or our team. So whatever’s happening in the game – good or bad – come out there and ask me whatever you want. I’ll answer for it. I don’t want to be protected. And sometimes those interviews are more valuable when things aren’t going well.”
– Martin St. Louis on bench interviews during Habs games.
Martin St-Louis insists on answering reporters’ questions even when the Canadiens are going through difficult moments in a game
That says so much about Martin St-Louis.
“Jackie Redmond told a great story of how MSL let her know he wants to be interviewed ESPECIALLY when things aren’t going Montreal’s way”
Several NHL head coaches specifically ask to be protected by their organization during games.
No interviews when the team is going through a difficult stretch. No answering reporters after a bad sequence. No exposing themselves to public criticism in the middle of a game.
But Martin St-Louis chose the exact opposite approach.
And that is exactly the philosophy that carried the Canadiens all the way to the Eastern Conference Final this year.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics