QMJHL Hall of Fame Inductees
At a prestigious event last night, the QMJHL Hall of Fame welcomed five new inductees: three former players, a renowned coach, and a pivotal team builder. Among those honored were Claude Julien and Patrick Lebeau, both of whom have connections to the Montreal Canadiens franchise.
Claude Julien’s Coaching Career
Julien’s coaching career with the Canadiens spanned two distinct periods. He first led the team from 2002 to 2006 but was released mid-season during his third year after a 19-16-6 record. Following that, he coached the New Jersey Devils and later, the Boston Bruins. His tenure in Boston was particularly notable as he led the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2011, having eliminated the Canadiens in a dramatic first-round series that concluded with a memorable overtime goal by Nathan Horton.
After being let go by the Bruins in 2017, Julien quickly returned to the Canadiens, replacing Michel Therrien shortly after Therrien’s dismissal. His second period with the team lasted nearly five seasons until he was succeeded by his former assistant, Dominique Ducharme, who led the team to a surprising run to the Stanley Cup finals. During this second phase, Julien recorded a win-loss tally of 129-113-35, reflecting a .529 winning percentage.
Following his release, Julien took a three-year hiatus before accepting an assistant coaching role with the St. Louis Blues. Earlier in his career, Julien had notable success in the QMJHL, coaching the Hull Olympiques to a Memorial Cup in 1997 before advancing to the AHL to guide the Canadiens’ affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Patrick Lebeau’s Journey
On the other hand, Patrick Lebeau, who was drafted in the eighth round of the 1989 NHL Draft, had a brief stint with the Canadiens, appearing in just two games. Despite an impressive junior career where he accumulated 500 points in 257 games in the QMJHL, Lebeau stood only at 5-foot-10, and his abilities did not translate to long-term success in the NHL. His journey included short tenures with the Calgary Flames and the Florida Panthers before he transitioned to European leagues, where he found greater success. Nonetheless, his remarkable junior achievements earned him a rightful place in the Hall of Fame.
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Conclusion
In sum, the induction of Julien and Lebeau into the QMJHL Hall of Fame shines a light on their impactful stories within the sport, showcasing the deep-rooted history connecting these players and coaches to the iconic Canadiens franchise.
