Photo flashback; plus Hall of Fame and alumni news

Our intrepid photo-finder Erik sends along this photo of Guy, circa 1970's when he captained the Chicoutimi Sagueneens:

I don't know how he finds these photos, but I'm sure glad he does!

The Hockey Hall of Fame's induction weekend was held recently and Guy's former teammate Mike Modano was among the inductees.  Modano feels that Guy should next get the nod:

“Look at Guy Carbonneau — played a long time, won the Selke, won the Stanley Cup. "  (source)

As do Brett Hull, Ed Belfour, and Joe Nieuwendyk.  Hull is quoted here:

"I think at some point they've got to take a look at Guy Carbonneau and look at his body of work without the numbers and look at what he did as a defensive centerman and a leader and a Stanley Cup winner and numerous Selke awards," Hull said. "At some point, they've got to start putting some players like Guy Carbonneau into the Hall of Fame. So what, they don't have 500 goals. But without them, you don't win championships."  (source)

On to some alumni news now.  The CN Canadiens Alumni Challenge was held recently in Montreal.  This was the tenth edition of the challenge and it raised $398,555 (Canadian) for charity.  Guy played on a team coached by Guy Lafleur which also included Patrice Brisebois, Stephane Richer, and Chris Nilan.   The band Simple Plan gave an acoustic performance before the game.  (source)

The alumni team will be coming to Owen Sound, Ontario on January 17th to play a game which is being dubbed the "Habs vs. Hab-Nots."  Guy will be on the team.  The game takes place at 7:30 PM at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, and benefits the United Way of Bruce Grey.  (source)

And finally, Guy will be taking part in a fantasy hockey camp this coming August.  The Kelly Chase Fantasy Hockey Camp will be held in Saskatoon at the Harold Latrace Arena from August 27 to 29. The cost starts at $2,500 and all proceeds go towards Saskatoon's Inner City Hockey Leagues and Saskatoon Children's Hospital.  (source)

That's all the news for now.  Enjoy!

Another case made for Carbo in the HHOF, among other things

On Monday, the Selection Committee of the Hockey Hall of Fame will meet to select the inductees for 2014.  Brian Costello of The Hockey News makes the case for Guy in the Hall of Fame, which is basically everything I've been saying all along.  Read what he has to say here.

And on July 11 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Guy will be on hand for Hockey Fest, which includes a skills clinic for kids and an alumni game featuring former NHL and WHL all-stars.  Brenden Morrow, Guy's son-in-law, will also be in attendance.  Money raised at Hockey Fest will go to needy families who cannot afford the investment to put their kids in hockey.  (link)

Finally, an oldie (by a few months) but a goodie:  The Montreal Gazette commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Vendredi Saint brawl with this article, which includes a reprint of a 1993 article about the storied Battle of Quebec.

Enjoy! 

The Hall of Fame, and Brenden Morrow's future

Today was "Annual Lisa Gets Annoyed Day," otherwise known as Hockey Hall of Fame selection day.  And in usual fashion, the HHOF selection committee didn't fail to disappoint.  With all due respect to this year's inductees, when is Guy going to get the call?  This was his 11th year of eligibility, and once again he has been overlooked.  Then again, this is also the committee who failed to do the right thing a few years ago and induct a deserving builder, Pat Burns, while he was still alive to be able to enjoy it, so I have no expectations where they are concerned.

However, Guy himself is happy to see his former Habs teammate and co-captain Chris Chelios make the cut:

(Translated from French)  "I am very very happy. There was no doubt that Chris Chelios, when he would have a chance to enter the Hall of Fame, he would do so. He had an extraordinary career.  It is not every day that a guy plays 24 years in the National Hockey League. He fully deserves the honour. 

"The fact that he finished his career in Detroit certainly helped.  Detroit has always been a mainstay in the National Hockey League, a team that is always there to win, and supports young talent.  In his later years, he knew he was going to play less often, but he always gave the same effort."  

But Guy was also disappointed to see his former coach, the late Pat Burns, overlooked:

"He has the numbers, titles, everything it takes to be elected.  The sooner he enters the Hall, the better."

As for his own Hall of Fame expectations:

"Your ultimate dream is to lift the Stanley Cup. The Hall of Fame is one of the dreams of any player, but I'm still young!"  (source)

* * *

Also, Guy has revealed that his son-in-law Brenden Morrow has interest in playing for the Canadiens:

(Translated from French)  "He did not veto playing for the Canadiens.  There have been many movements in recent days. There are teams that are interested in his services, there are others that are less so, but there are teams who were surprised to see the interest Brenden has for them.  I really think the Canadiens were surprised that he was open to the idea of ​​playing in Montreal.  Now, only time will tell if they are interested or not."

On the prospect of daughter Anne-Marie returning to Montreal:

"They liked Dallas. They now have to turn the page.  Brenden and the children are eager to know where he'll end his career."  (source)

* * *

Finally, here is a photo from a charity softball game Guy participated in recently with the Habs alumni:

(image source:  canoe.ca)

Win a train trip to Ottawa with Guy

First of all, a nice photo of Guy taken during the Face a Face Celebrites tournament which was held recently:

(photo source:  Herby.tv)

Second:  Delissio is holding another contest in which you can win a train trip from Montreal with the Canadiens legends (including Guy) to see the Habs take on the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place.  The contest is open only to residents of Quebec, but if you happen to be eligible, have at it here.

Finally, Habs Eyes on the Prize has a piece on the Vendredi Saint brawl (which passed its 29th anniversary on April 20th) here.

Guy in Newfoundland charity game

Recently Guy took part in the 18th annual Children's Charity Benefit Hockey Game at the Mile One Center in St. John's, Newfoundland.  Guy played on the Celebrity All-Stars team with former Habs teammate Gaston Gingras, against the Newfoundland and Labrador Police All-Stars.  The Newfoundland Autism Society, Newfoundland Tourette Syndrome Foundation, and the Newfoundland Lion's Quest School Program each received donations of $2,500.  (link)

There is a photo slideshow here and a video here.  In addition, CBC has a video on the game here, in which Guy reveals his affinity for Mexican food and admits that he'd never had fish and chips prior to his Newfoundland visit.  Wow!

Belated roundup of Guy's two recent charity tourneys

Meant to do this sooner, but life kind of got in the way.  Sorry about that.  :)

Anyhow, on March 22 Guy participated in the Hockey Helps the Homeless tourney at the Sportplexe 4 Glaces in Pierrefonds, Quebec.  $243,000 was raised for local homeless shelters.  NHL alumni included Vincent Damphousse, Stephane Richer, Karl Dykhuis, Georges Laraque, and P.J. Stock.  (link)

And on March 25 the Habs alumni took on the NHL alumni in a tilt at the Bell Centre.  Proceeds from the game benefited the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation.  Guy scored two goals but the Habs alumni fell to the NHL alumni, 5-3.  An interesting in-game trade was made when current Habs GM Marc Bergevin (who had been playing for the NHL alumni in his Blackhawks jersey) was traded to the Habs alumni for Chris Chelios, who then donned his Blackhawks jersey!  Also in the game playing for the Habs alumni was "L'Artiste," Alex Kovalev, who had announced his retirement just days prior to the game.  (link)   

Blog reader Anastessia Bettas sent along these pictures from the game.  Many thanks!

In addition, All Habs has a gallery from the event here.

Also, here's an article about Guy which was recently published.  If you understand French, have at it:

Errata and news

First of all, a few corrections to recent posts.

As it turns out, the Brenden Morrow handout photo wasn't misspelled after all -- it just was on the version the Stars posted on their Facebook page.  Not sure why.  The proof's in the pudding:

(Photo source:  Twitter /@IamMORROW)

Secondly, Carbo will not be playing in the Face a Face Celebrites tourney on April 7 at the Bell Centre.  He's actually one of the coaches, coaching the Red team against Mario Tremblay.  

(Photo source:  CKOI)

Earlier this week, Guy held a hockey clinic for Atom and Bantam players in Kahnawake, Quebec as part of the Playground Poker Hat Trick series.  He returned to the ice today to work with the players.  (link)

And finally, Guy will be participating in a pro hockey experience in Sarasota and Ellenton, Florida from May 2 to 6 of this year.

Why Guy will never speak to Bob Gainey again

In an interview with the Quebec English newspaper The Suburb, just published, Carbo had this to say about his former friend and linemate and former Habs GM Bob Gainey:  "No I do not talk to him.  I still think that if we were good friends he would have told me the truth when he fired me.  I still do not understand what happened.  Whenever I am around him now, it is very awkward.  I am not a kid anymore.  I could have handled the truth."

Also in the interview:  Guy was interviewed for the Habs head coaching position last spring but was not surprised to see Michel Therrien land the job.  He would only consider going elsewhere -- as a head coach or assistant -- if it was the right fit.  Also revealed:  Guy gives a lot of his time to charity.  "Just before Christmas I went down to the Old Brewery Mission to serve dinner.  It was an awesome experience.  Most of the men lined up were hockey fans.  They remembered me playing.  I feel for those people.  They all had jobs and families at one time.  Now they have lost it all."  (link / article found on page 52)

Carbo in Dallas & charity tourney

Carbo attended Stars practice in Dallas today.  Here he is with other Stars greats Jere Lehtinen, Stu Barnes, and Bob Bassen.

(image credit:  Twitter / @Razor5Hole (Daryl Reaugh)

Also, tickets are now on sale for the Face a Face Celebrites charity tourney in Montreal on April 7 at the Bell Centre, which benefits the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation.  Guy will be playing.  For ticket information and to purchase go here.

A new take on the HHOF's lack of action

...And we're back.  I've been dealing with some health issues of late and just haven't felt up to blogging, but I'm on the mend now, thankfully.  Also there has been little to no Carbo news to report.  He will be honored by the Dallas Stars as part of the 20th Anniversary All-Time Team in the near future, and as soon as that's announced, I'll post it up here.

I did, however, come across an interesting take on why HHOF voting results should continue to be kept secret.  It has to do with a study on status and premature death, oddly enough.  The article does sardonically mention the Hall of Fame's continued lack of action on inducting Guy, which is why it caught my attention.  You can read it here.

Also of note, Guy will be participating in a Hockey Helps the Homeless fundraiser on March 22 at the Sportplex 4 Glaces in Pierrefonds, Quebec.  All participants, no matter what their skill level, will get a chance to skate with NHL alumni -- including Guy -- that day.  Anyone interested in participating can sign up as a single player or as a team and must raise a minimum of $350 and cover his or her registration costs of $150, which includes a jersey.  Also participants must be a minimum of 19 years old to play.  For more information click here. 

A Stanley Cup made of wood, and why Guy wasn't in tonight's ceremony

I wondered why Guy wasn't a part of the Habs' opening ceremony tonight (which, like all hockey ceremonies in Montreal, was extremely well done).  According to the Gazette's Dave Stubbs (via Twitter), he was invited but he's currently out of town.  And now you know.

Some recent news finds:

Given away on January 6 as part of a lottery fundraiser was a gorgeous Stanley Cup replica made of walnut and maple.  Guy's signature (along with those of other hockey greats), adorns the replica, which took about 140 hours to make.  

(photo credit:  L'Express)

On Friday, February 22, Guy is set to play in another Canadiens alumni game, at the Centre of Excellence in Boisbriand, QC.  The Habs alumni will square off against a group of business people and professionals, all to benefit the Fondation Autisme Laurentides.  Tickets cost $15 individually, $10 for two tickets or more, $50 for VIP tickets including cocktail and meeting with the players, and $75 for box seating which also includes  cocktail and meeting with the players.  Interested persons can contact Patrick at (450) 433-6084.  (Journal Le Nord)

And recently on the Canadiens blog Habs Eyes on the Prize, the readership was asked which Montreal Canadien wore the number 21 best.  Guy commanded 77% of the vote, which should come as no surprise.  Personally, I think #21 should be retired (sorry, Brian Gionta) but that's a debate for another day. 

Happy start of the 2013 season!

Carbo takes it to the streets

Recently, Guy participated in a street hockey festival to benefit YM-YWHA and the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation. Playing with a Habs alumni team, Carbo was joined by Patrice Brisebois, Steve Begin, Mathieu Dandenault, and Sergio Momesso, among others, in a Legends All-Star match.  $305,000 was raised to benefit Montreal Youth.  (The Suburban News)

Carbo in a charity game & a serious off-topic aside

On Sunday, March 4, Guy will be participating in the first edition of the CKOI Face to Face celebrity hockey tournament, presented by Ford.  Two teams of Quebec personalities from different backgrounds will compete in a hockey game at the Bell Centre, benefiting the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation.  The goal is to attract 10,000 spectators, and in addition to donations and proceeds from ticket sales, Ford of Canada will make a donation equivalent to the number of people present, as well as $5,000 donated in the name of the winning team.

The fun starts at 1 PM at the Bell Centre.  Tickets are $7.50, taxes included, and more information can be found  here.

---

Also, if I may stray off-topic for a moment:  It has been mentioned before on this blog that while I am a big fan of Guy Carbonneau, I am also in fact an Ottawa Senators fan.  

I was dismayed by this morning's article in the Ottawa Citizen which quotes team president Cyril Leeder as saying that if the government of Ontario scraps a tax writeoff for businesses' sports ticket purchases, the future of the team may be placed in doubt.  It seems that this planned scrapping of the tax writeoff was planned with Toronto sports franchises in mind -- large-market teams such as the Maple Leafs would survive without the writeoff, while smaller market teams like the Senators would not.  

Even if you are a Leafs or Habs fan and hate the Sens, the loss of such a rivalry between teams would be enormous.  If you are in Ontario and are concerned about this, as I am, I urge you to contact your local MPP and make your voice heard.  Thank you.   

Two Carbo news items of note

1)  Carbo will be taking part in the 2012 PepsiCo American Hockey League's Outdoor Alumni/Celebrity Game on Friday, January 20 at 7:30 PM at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario.  This game will be played before a Hamilton Bulldogs-Toronto Marlies matchup and features Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs alumni such as Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour, Curtis Joseph, Patrice Brisebois, and Stephane Richer.(hamiltonscores.com)

2)  Carbo has joined a new Quebec reality show, "The Franchise," as a judge.  The grand prize on the show is a St-Hubert Express franchise.  The show starts airing February 1 on the V network.  (MSN)

News roundup.

First of all, congratulations are in order to Carbo's former teammate and Habs assistant, Kirk Muller, on being hired as the Carolina Hurricanes' new head coach.  Muller is a rookie NHL head coach, replacing Paul Maurice behind the bench (who has been fired by the Canes for the second time in a decade).  Best of luck to you, Kirk!

Some Carbonneau news items:

• On November 23, Guy took part in the seventh annual CN Hockey Greatest Stars challenge, which raised $335,000 to help charitable organizations supported by the CN Employees' and Pensioners' Community Fund.  Guy played on a squad of former Montreal Canadiens that also included Steve Begin, Patrice Brisebois, Mathieu Dandenault, and Stephane Richer.  

(photo source:  CN)

• Guy is included in a box set of 12 prints by the artist Pierre Pivet, featuring Habs legends.  These prints are signed and come in a limited edition of 875, priced at $2,950.  More information about these prints can be found here.
• On Thursday, December 1, starting at 6:30 PM, Carbo will be at Bar Au Diable Vert (18+ only), located at 4557 rue Saint-Denis in Montreal, for a showing of Game 5 of the 1993 Stanley Cup Final between the Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings.  The coach of that winning Habs team, Jacques Demers, will also be at the event.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.  All proceeds are being donated to the Great Food Drive. 
• On Friday, December 2, Carbo will be at the Sportplexe 4 Ice Pierrefonds, as part of a tour sponsored by Canadian Tire, helping young people with their hockey skills.  Stephane Richer, Gaston Gingras, and Patrice Brisebois will also be in attendance.  A total of 3,000 young hockey players aged 7 to 12 years, from Novice, Atom and Peewee, try their luck across Canada. The top five boys and five girls in the best overall ranking in each category will participate in the grand finale presented on the Rideau Canal, Saturday, Jan. 28. 

Carbo joins Playground Poker Club

This morning, the Playground Poker Club in Montreal -- one of the top poker rooms in Canada -- announced the addition of Guy to its Players' Club.  Guy joins top poker players Antonio Esfandiari, Phil Laak, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, Greg “FBT” Mueller and Erik Cajelais, among others, as the faces of Playground's charity events.  Carbo is the first former National Hockey League player to join the club.

David Montour, Playground's Chief Operating Officer:

“Guy Carbonneau is the last player to take the Montreal to the Promised Land by captaining them to a Stanley Cup in 1993.  He’s a born leader and a natural choice to be the first former NHL player named to the Playground Players’ Club.”  (canadapoker.com)

Carbo at the 2011 FestiFan

Carbo took part in the second annual Habs' FestiFan this afternoon at the Bell Centre.  The event included inflatable rides, skill-testing games, and a meet-and-greet with Canadiens alumni.  Proceeds from the event were donated to the Canadiens' Children's Foundation and Ronald McDonald House, to benefit children in the province of Quebec.

Which brings us to...our second State of the 'Stache report!  This photo was taken at FestiFan:

Yes, Carbo certainly has more moustache growth now.  Lookin' good!  (photo credit:  Montreal Canadiens)

2011 Dallas Stars Dr. Pepper Golf Classic roundup

On Monday, Carbo participated in the 2011 Dallas Stars Dr. Pepper Golf Classic, held at the Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas.  The tourney raised close to $100,000 for the Dallas Stars Foundation, which supports local children's charities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Guy, of course, is an avid golfer and won a hole contest -- closest to the pin on hole #4.  His prize was a Nike VR Wedge, which he generously donated to a raffle so guests at the awards dinner would have a chance to win prizes.  (Dallas Stars)

Play smart

Guy has done a lot of charitable/community work over the years.  As the captain of the Montreal Canadiens, he was highly visible and put that visibility to good use.

One of my earliest memories of Carbonneau -- other than mispronouncing his first name (being the true Anglais that I am) and being corrected by a Habs-fan classmate -- is of owning this card.  It is an insert in the 1991-92 Pro Set hockey series and contains a message from Carbo on the back:

A couple of years ago, after attending a reception, I was arrested and lost my driver's licence for a year on a charge of drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol.  I now fully realize what could have happened:  I could have killed or injured someone or killed myself or seriously injured myself, which could have ended my hockey career.

For the above reason, I hope that you will agree to say like I do:  Never again.  Our lives and the lives of others are too precious to take such a risk.  Once again, please say no to drinking and driving.  

Carbo was approached by Pro Set because of his work with the provincial police in Quebec to spread the word about drinking and driving.  The card certainly had an impact on me as a youngster.

Small news roundup

Two items:

• Carbo, of course, can be seen on RDS this coming season as an analyst during Montreal Canadiens games.  (RDS.ca)
• Guy is also supporting a new pool complex in his hometown of Sept-Iles, Quebec.  The city has put in a third request for the government to finance part of the construction cost.  (Le Nord-Est)

(photo credit:  RDS)