Ice Hockey

Barely 48 hours after directing the last match of the season for the Briancon Red Devils and before returning to his native Quebec, where he leads a hockey academy, Pierre Bergeron reflected on a historic season in which his team made the playoffs in the Magnus League, 11 years after their last appearance.

Pierre Bergeron, how do you feel after the elimination in the quarter-finals against the Grenoble Wolves Burners? It was a very good season that we prepared for extensively. Making it to the playoffs is a great reward, especially considering the level of play we exhibited. I think the fans can be proud of the team, and we are too. Although we stopped in the quarter-finals, it was not against just any opponent (the reigning French champions). In this series (4-1), some matches could have gone either way. The defeat is certainly hard to take, but we must focus on the positives and be satisfied with the level we showed.

This was only your second season in the Magnus League, and you managed to take the team where it had not been in over a decade – that must be a source of pride? Certainly, I am very proud, but I don’t do anything on the ice, it’s the players who fight in every game. Their work makes me extremely happy. They fought all season long! For the club’s project, what we experienced together represents an important milestone achieved. Now, the goal is to continue on this path, establish some stability, and qualify for the playoffs every year.

Should we expect many changes in the squad during the off-season? Certainly, it will be difficult to keep everyone, we don’t hide that fact. Several players will likely change clubs, receiving offers that we cannot match. But our role will be to compensate for these departures. It’s interesting to see that some players used their time with us as a stepping stone, and it worked out. It’s better to invest in motivated players who are willing to give their all for a season or two, rather than recruit average players known in the circuit.

Isn’t this strategy risky? When you decide to recruit intelligently, you accept that the team may not perform at its full potential at the beginning of the championship. It may be challenging until everyone is in sync, but in the end, the players’ progress will be very good. That’s what happened in our case.

Have you felt a certain buzz take over the René-Froger ice rink in recent months? Absolutely! Yes, we had an excellent season in terms of attendance. It’s very revealing of the excitement we experienced… Even in the city, everyone felt that everyone’s morale was on the rise.

You were recently rewarded with the title of best coach in the regular phase of the championship. How did you experience this distinction? It’s definitely a very nice recognition. The first thing is that it’s the other coaches, captains, and general managers who vote. So to be recognized by your peers is truly gratifying. But I want to emphasize, once again, the work of my goalkeeper, the players, the entire staff… I share this success with everyone.

Your work is recognized by many, which can attract many clubs… Will you be on the bench for Briancon next season? It’s still too early to tell, we just finished the season. We have meetings tomorrow (this Tuesday) with all the players, and then with everyone involved in the administrative side. Honestly, I have no idea. I will then take some time to clear my mind and move on to something else. One thing is certain, the Red Devils will aim even higher in 2027!