Remembrance: Jean Beliveau
His name might not mean much in Texas where football is king.
But he was at home on an ice rink, which is to Canada what the gridiron is to Texas. For nearly twenty years this Canadian was hockey’s man of consummate skill and respect.
When he came to a city with his team – the Montreal Canadiens – so did Canada.
I spent many years during the Sixties into the Seventies in Boston where hockey gave sport’s fans winter heat. The rivalry between the Bruins and Canadiens was a big part of that. The bars, radio and T.V. broadcasts were like wood-stoves on frigid nights.
You could predict with certainty that this big center’s name would be prominent in the game’s outcome. And his fame was never tainted by marital affairs, scuffles with the law, boorish behavior.
The only thing scandalous about Jean Beliveau was the amount of talent he had.
He was a man’s man in an age when it was something to aspire to, be proud of.
Over the years I’ve picked up the expression that if you want to read good writing turn to the sport’s pages. I still believe that.
So please click below as if you were going to the sports section of your favorite broadsheet, tabloid or website, and read a special, personal tribute to Jean Beliveau.
Wish there were more like him.
[Note: And a big THANK YOU for the image above goes to: Jean Beliveau]
