Carey Price’s return to the Bell Centre was supposed to be a warm moment for Montreal. Instead, it’s turned into a debate about language, respect, and what the Canadiens’ long-time goaltender owed the fan base after 15 seasons in the city.
Alain Chantelois took issue with Price saying only two words in French at the Bell Centre: “merci beaucoup.” On Thursday, he made his stance plain: “It’s just a matter of respect.”
His criticism wasn’t limited to Price alone. Chantelois also said the Canadiens should have pushed their former star to say more than a brief phrase in French, especially given how long he spent in Montreal and Quebec.
Price lived in Quebec for eight or nine months each year during his 15 seasons with the Canadiens. Chantelois also noted that 80% of Quebecers speak French at home, and argued that Price’s résumé in Montreal deserved more than a quick thank-you.
That résumé is a big one. Over his NHL career, Price played 712 games, won 361 of them, and finished with a .917 save percentage.
Chantelois also pointed to former Canadiens who made the effort to learn French, citing Larry Robinson, Bob Gainey and Ken Dryden. Dryden, who had 258 wins in 397 starts, was among the players he used as an example of that bond with Quebec fans.
He extended that point beyond Montreal too, mentioning Peter, Anton and Marian Stastny speaking French in Quebec City, along with Expos names Gary Carter, Tim Raines and Andre Dawson.
While the off-ice conversation swirled, the Canadiens kept rolling on the ice. Montreal beat Boston 5-2 on Thursday, with Jake Evans scoring the game-winner and adding an assist.
That result pushed the Canadiens to 12-3-4, good for fifth overall in the NHL and second in the Atlantic Division.
Still, Price’s brief French message has become its own story, one centered on the relationship between the Canadiens and their francophone supporters.
With Colorado coming to town Saturday, Montreal will have another chance to turn the focus back where it usually belongs: on hockey.
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