Montreal Canadiens Captain Nick Suzuki Blasted for Not Speaking Enough French
Photo credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
A number of players who have come to town over the years have pledged to learn French in order to appease the supporters, most recently Patrik Laine.
As few have publicly followed through in the club's recent history, these ultimately appear to be hollow promises. Patrik Laine, who announced his intention to take lessons with his partner, was the most recent person on that list. Was it merely to win over the public, or will he follow through on his promise?
Either way, Brendan Kelly, a journalist for the anglophone newspaper The Gazette, wrote a book in French about the significance of French for the Montreal Canadiens. He is extremely critical of the Canadiens' anglophone players, particularly captain Nick Suzuki.
Critics call out Nick Suzuki for still not speaking French
"I don't understand how Nick Suzuki, the captain, hasn't learned French in five years! Serge Savard went to Russia for two weeks for the Summit Series and had learned a few phrases in Russian."
- Brendan Kelly
- Brendan Kelly
Journalist Marc De Foy went straight to the captain to ask him the question in response to Brendan Kelly's book To feel at ease, he waited until they were by themselves before asking.
The journalist summarizes his interaction with Suzuki as follows:
"My French is fairly good," he said, looking me straight in the eyes.
Chantal Machabée, who was there, confirmed it.
So why not start giving interviews in French?
"One day, maybe," said Suzuki.
"I don't know if I could form complete sentences in French."
Chantal Machabée, who was there, confirmed it.
So why not start giving interviews in French?
"One day, maybe," said Suzuki.
"I don't know if I could form complete sentences in French."
Chantal Machabée emphasized the value of French when she joined the Canadiens' organization. She said she hoped the team members would pick up the language.
Some players even began taking lessons from a teacher in January of last year.
Some players even began taking lessons from a teacher in January of last year.
Although the results are good off the ice, they don't show up right away in front of the cameras. Many claim that they fear looking foolish and making mistakes. According to De Foy, this is a case of misplaced pride. Everyone has the right to express their opinions.
We won't risk stating whether or not players ought to try to speak French. I will add, though, that if you make a public commitment to learning the language, at least be decent enough to demonstrate your efforts in public, even if it's just a few words here and there.
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