In a showing of sincerity, the hockey world united to wish Montreal Canadiens head coach Claude Julien the upmost best as he was hospitalized last night. Kirk Muller will serve as interim head coach in Julien’s absence.
The Montreal Canadiens held a press conference on Thursday afternoon with Marc Bergevin and Shea Weber at the helm via Zoom, confirming that Claude Julien had been hospitalized following chest pains the previous night.
Regarding Claude Julien’s current status, Marc Bergevin had this to say:
“He’s in good hands at the hospital here in Toronto. I had a call very early this morning with Dr. David Mulder, and obviously, I wasn’t able to get back to sleep after that. I spoke to Paul Wilson and Geoff Molson right away. Obviously, we’re worried, but it’s reassuring to know that he’s in the hospital and in great hands. I spoke to him briefly this morning as well, and we’re hoping for the best for him.”
Fortunately, Marc Bergevin mentioned that he received good news regarding Claude Julien as the doctors continue doing tests.
Marc Bergevin also confirmed that Kirk Muller would serve as interim head coach in Claude Julien’s absence with aid from assistant coaches Dominic Ducharme and Luke Richardson. It is unknown for the time being if Claude Julien will return to the bubble in Toronto or if he will simply head back home.
Montreal Canadiens captain Shea Weber also made a statement on the unfortunate turn of events:
“I think in these situations, there’s always a little bit of an emotional factor and, like Marc said, a shock factor. Everybody learned about this morning, and the biggest concern is obviously his health. We want to make sure he’s healthy first.”
Shea Weber mentioned also mentioned that the shock and concern regarding Claude Julien’s admittance into the hospital will lead to an added sense of motivation in the Montreal Canadiens locker room as the players will want to rally around their head coach.
As Shea Weber, Claude Julien’s health comes first above all else. At a time like this, hockey becomes secondary, and health always takes precedent.
The Hockey World Comes Together
As the news unfolded, the hockey world began to send Claude Julien the best of wishes. NHL organizations, members of the media, fans and former players alike all had something to say.
TSN’s Bryan Mudryk was one of the many.
As previously mentioned, hockey being secondary in times like these still holds true even for those on the opposing teams of a series as Philadelphia Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault had much to say about his longtime friend. (Per @EricEngels)
The Boston Bruins, the team that Claude Julien spent 10 years coaching and having won a Stanley Cup within 2011, also sent their best of wishes to their former coach.
Dan Rosen, a senior writer for NHL.com, also expressed a sentiment many are in touch with:
The many fans of the game also shared their best wishes throughout the day.
Lastly, we here at A Winning Habit wish Claude Julien and his family the best as he recovers and takes; however much time is required of him. As exemplified, hockey has shown itself to be more than a sport. It is also a community that can band together in respect for those who have been involved with it for a very long time while at the same time acknowledging that when necessary, the sport will take a backseat.
The Montreal Canadiens will play Game 2 of the series against the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday at 3:00pm ET.