After lifting the Stanley Cup for the very first time last June with the Vegas Golden Knights, it was Jonathan Marchessault’s turn to take advantage of a day with the precious trophy to meet Quebec City fans at Place Jean-Beliveau.
It’s not the rain that was going to stop hockey fans from showing up for this meeting with Marchessault and the cup. The right winger who was never drafted into the NHL was very happy to be able to celebrate with his family the fruit of a roller coaster career.
“I haven’t been a first-round pick everywhere, my journey has been a zigzag. I went where no one expected. I stayed humble and I stayed myself, I wouldn’t change anything in my career,” said the recipient of the Conn-Smythe Trophy, awarded to the playoffs’ most valuable player.
” It is good feeling. I was really looking forward to bringing it back to Quebec. ”
Having worked with the Remparts, who won the President’s Cup and then the Memorial Cup, as well as the Blizzard du Séminaire St-François, the Cap-Rouge hockey player took the opportunity to highlight the successes of the Quebec teams.
“I find that hockey in Quebec this year was still symbolic. The Blizzard won in the midget AAA and the Remparts won the most difficult trophies to win at that age. It’s an opportunity to highlight the fact that Quebec was a winner this year, to line up the cups next to each other and to take a photo to show that 2023 has been a good year for Quebec hockey. It’s a photo that will go down in history and make us proud. ”
When the Golden Knights lost in the Stanley Cup Finals to the Washington Capitals in 2018, Marchessault showed up at Alex Chiasson’s day of celebrations to celebrate with his friend, but also to show his kids the trophy hardest to win. Five years later, here is what he would like his children to remember.
“You have to believe in yourself all the time and keep going. The fact that I was able to get there and win is what I’m most proud to show my kids. If your dream doesn’t come true, maybe there’s a new dream coming in the future. You must never let go.
“I want to be an inspiration not only to my children, but to the younger ones too, and everyone does. Not just for the top scorers, but also for those who are more in the middle of the pack or who have made the team by the skin of the buttocks. ”
Jonathan Marchessault will enjoy a few more days with his family before heading to Las Vegas, where he will begin his seventh season with the Golden Knights at the age of 32, the last under his contract, on October 10.
“I will now focus on hockey. I have a lot less time left than I had (Editor’s note, in the NHL). I don’t want to neglect this year, we have a very good competitive team. Our conquest will remain in the past to focus on the present and the future.
“It’s a year like the others (Editor’s note, concerning his contract). It’s the look business which is a little flat in hockey, but I try not to worry too much. I take it as an opportunity to be able to win again. ”
