Patrice Brisebois Calls it A Career

Former Montreal Canadiens’ defenceman Patrice Brisebois couldn’t say enough good things about current GM Bob Gainey. This 18- year veteran who hung up his skates on Thursday reflected on his career to the media and brought up what he called a turning point that took place in 2003 when he was being booed and criticized by the Montreal press. At that time Gainey just took over as GM and one of the first things he did was go public in using words such as “gutless” and “yellow” to describe those in the stands booing the Montreal born blue liner. ‘I really think Bob re launched my career,” the 38 year-old said. “I felt if I made a mistake, I wouldn’t hear those boos again.” Brisebois who was wearing his 1993 Stanley Cup ring during his retirement news conference was also full of praise for the GM who brought the veteran defenceman back to Montreal after he had a two- year stint with the Colorado Avalanche from 2005-2007. Looking back in his career Brisebois who spent 16 years in Montreal pointed out that besides for winning the Stanley Cup another highlight was the thunderous standing ovation he received when he began that second stint with the Canadiens during the 2007/08 home opener. “Without Bob, I don’t think it would have been possible,” Brisebois who in his career scored 98 goals and 420 points said. “That ovation is something I’ll remember the rest of my life.” During his playing days which in Montreal had its share of turmoil Brisebois is ranked third all time in Canadiens history in games played by a defenceman (896), fourth in Canadiens history in goals from a blue liner (87) and fifth on the list with 371 points. Looking ahead to his post hockey career Brisebois who has always been a car buff has a goal of driving at NASCAR’S Canadian series. Currently he is trying to find sponsors for the NASCAR’S Canadian Tire Series. “It’s a great team sport, like hockey,” Brisebois said of auto racing. “Your mechanic is kind of like your coach, and there’s a game plan, race strategy, so it’s a bit like a hockey team. I’m going to try and go as far as I can in auto racing. I’d love to be able to move on the Nationwide or Sprint series, but it’s going to be very tough.”