UPDATE – Although it hasn’t been announced by the Colorado Avalanche multiple sources report that goaltending coach Francois Allaire will be joining his former student Patrick Roy on a three year contract. It leaves Hamilton Bulldogs goaltending coach Vincent Riendeau at the top of the list as Pierre Groulx’s potential replacement. The Canadiens announced Monday that Groulx’s contract would not be renewed. \
The Canadiens have decided not to renew the contract of goaltending coach Pierre Groulx. Groulx had been brought into the organization four years ago after a stint with the Florida Panthers. He replaced Roland Melanson who subsequently signed on with the Vancouver Canucks.
At the time there were rumours of a communications problem between Melanson and Carey Price. The relationship between Price and Groulx however, seemed to be smooth. In the final analysis, Groulx may have become the victim of last season’s erratic performance curve on Price’s part.
Time to fire up the rumour mill. The obvious top candidate was Francoise Allaire, who quit the Toronto Maple Leafs last September, but multiple reports now say he has signed a three year contract with the Colorado Avalanche where he will rejoin former student and now head coach Patrrick Roy.
If not Allaire, another option could be Vincent Riendeau who spent last season dividing his time between Canadiens prospect goaltenders with the Hamilton Bulldogs and the Hamburg Freezers of the German Elite League. Riendeau was signed by the Canadiens as an undrafted free agent in 1986. He played only one game in a Montreal uniform before being traded to St. Louis in 1988. He retired in 2001. He played 184 NHL games with Montreal, St. Louis, Detroit and Boston. The final six years of his pro career he bounced between the AHL, Germany, Scotland, Switzerland and Russia. Much of Robert Mayer’s improved performance with Hamilton last year has been credited to Riendeau’s work.
From the Canadiens Communications Department
MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager, Marc Bergevin, announced Monday that the organization will not renew the contract of goaltending coach Pierre Groulx.
“ I want to sincerely thank Pierre Groulx for his contribution to the Canadiens’ organization over the past four years. Pierre is a coach with a strong work ethic, a true professional who largely contributed to the development of our goaltenders. Unfortunately, we have to make the difficult decision today not to renew his contract with the team. I want to wish Pierre the best of luck with the pursuit of his career ” said Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin.
Pierre Groulx joined the Canadiens’ organization as an assistant coach on July 6, 2009. He completed his fourth season with the team in 2012-13. Prior to joining the Canadiens, Groulx worked for the Florida Panthers and the Ottawa Senators.
Apparently Marc Bergevin had a recent discussion with Francois Allaire requesting his evaluation of our number one hobbit…..Could it be possible the CH is secretly shopping Price while theres still value $$$$$$
It will also be interesting to see if the Habs choose Zach
Fucale in the upcoming draft.
Good Evening Ron,
i have a suggestion for Montreal Canadiens management and Coach Michel Therrien.
With the recent release of their goaltending coach, it is time to seek out an experienced and proven goalie coach, one who can guide Carey Price, both mentally and technically,towards becoming a premier world class goaltender.
A pro level goalie coach, Buffalo’s Jim Corsi, who’s team has recently undergone an ownership change, and subsequent coaching change, may be the next to be removed.
He has taken both Dominik Hasek and Ryan Miller to the level of excellence, and recently watched his latest student, Michael Enroth win a gold medal.
He resides in Montreal, loves and embraces Montreal, is bilingual, and apparently, has only a short term remaining on his contract
This is a short and long term recipe for success not only for Carey Price, but also the Montreal Canadiens.
Put this tip out there, and/or forward it to any member of the Montreal Canadiens Management.
Thanks Ron
Steve Williams
514 941 9274
Best move by the Habs over the summer? (As of 7-15-2013) the signing of Stephane Waite.
Trust me on this one.