A Year Later...

A Year Later...
By Jacques Robert, Montreal Correspondent

A year ago, general manager Serge Savard and coach Jacques Demers were swept away by the Montreal Canadiens owners. In fact, on October 21, a new era ushered in as Rejean Houle and Mario Tremblay took charge of the Habs as GM and head coach. A year later, have things changed significantly in this organization?
At the time, needless to say that much skepticism surrounded the nominations of Houle and Tremblay, since those guys had no previous experiences in either jobs - Houle held a position as a PR at Molson brewery, and Tremblay worked in a radio station. Then Montreal reporters were wondering how long the honeymoon would last between Ronald Corey (president) and his new appointees.
The changes haven't turned the club upside down. Habs tradition remains the same in terms of professionalism and in the belief that its one of the greatest sport organizations in North America. Houle and Tremblay came up with their passion for hockey and, mostly, their sense of commitment to Les Canadiens. Weren't they instrumental - as players - in bringing several Stanley Cups to St. Catherine Street over the last 20 years?
Rookies are Gaining Experience
In fact, Houle and Tremblay have been working very hard to catch up on their lack of experience. For instance, Mario Tremblay can rely on Jacques Laperriere, assistant coach for 16 years, when it comes to hockey strategies and techniques. And Rejean Houle, as a rookie, has been taking good decisions so far or so it seems...
Example, one can admit that a couple of weeks into the season, the decision to have Stephane Richer back in Montreal is a good one. Lyle Odelein may be missed sometimes by goaltender Jocelyn Thibault in front of his net. But as a GM, Houle knows that a good offense is likely to lure more spectators to the Molson Centre, one of the most beautiful (and expensive!) arenas around the NHL. It goes without saying that ownership has no alternative but to see every game played in front of a sell out crowd, which is not an easy task; tickets are more expensive than ever while Montreal is fighting against an endless economic crisis. Plus, as a public relation, Houle is well aware of what fans are looking for: goals, emotions, actions... More than that, Rejean has been living up to his reputation of working like a dog as he learns how to play the game of wheeling and dealing in the NHL. Not always a fair game, eh!
Thus, when Patrick Roy was traded last winter, Houle showed that NHL business was not that foreign to him. He didn't push the panic button. "I remember how stressful the situation was, but Colorado Avalanches didn't get Roy for peanuts. Thibault and Rucinsky are very good assets for us; and Thornton obtained in exchange of Kovalenko is a good deal as well," recalled Houle in a recent newspaper interview.
As for the atmosphere in the dressing room, happy faces, smiles and laughs are often the rule, which was not the case a year ago. Under the command of Tremblay, Habs had to adjust their play and attitude in order to finish the 95-96 NHL season with a decent 40-27-10 record. This year, Mario's boys are still undefeated on home ice (thru Oct. 27).
A New Ray Bourque Needed...
Nevertheless, Houle and Tremblay would agree that they have come a long way, even though all remains to be done... defensively.
"If only a new Ray Bourque could come along! But it's no piece of cake to discover such a prospect in the minors," said Houle.
He was also asked whether he would rock the Canadiens boat just to please fans who are always asking for changes. The answer was pretty clear: "We need stability to work our way through the season. Twelve new players have made the team since Mario and I are in charge. Not bad!"
And in winking at reporters, Habs GM stated that Molson owners wouldn't see Habs finishing last with favor, just for the fun of picking up the first over-all draft choice. Even if he were to be the best defenseman ever.