Jacques Demers

Jacques Demers is a Canadian former professional ice hockey coach, senator, and broadcaster, best known for his successful coaching career in the National Hockey League. He is one of only two coaches to win the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's top coach in consecutive seasons, achieving the feat with the Detroit Red Wings in 1987 and 1988. Demers later guided the Montreal Canadiens to a Stanley Cup championship in 1993, cementing his legacy in the sport before embarking on a subsequent career in public service.

Early life and playing career

Born in the Ville-Émard district of Montreal, Demers grew up in a working-class family and developed a passion for hockey at a young age. His modest playing career was spent primarily in the minor leagues, including stints with the Long Island Ducks of the Eastern Hockey League and the American Hockey League's Nova Scotia Voyageurs. He never played in the NHL, retiring as a player after the 1970 season with the Quebec Aces of the AHL. This experience in the minors provided him with a deep understanding of player development and team dynamics, which he would later apply to his coaching philosophy.

Coaching career

Demers began his coaching career in the World Hockey Association with the Indianapolis Racers before moving to the Quebec Nordiques upon their entry into the NHL in 1979. His first major NHL success came with the St. Louis Blues, whom he led to the Campbell Conference Finals in 1986. Hired by the Detroit Red Wings in 1986, he transformed the struggling franchise, earning back-to-back Jack Adams Award honors and leading the team to the Campbell Conference Finals in 1987 and 1988. In 1992, he was hired by the Montreal Canadiens, and in his first season, he led the team, led by Patrick Roy and Kirk Muller, to the 1993 Stanley Cup championship, defeating the Los Angeles Kings in five games. His later coaching tenure included a stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning before he transitioned to a broadcasting role with RDS.

Political career

Appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2009, Demers entered the Senate of Canada as a representative for Rigaud, Quebec, sitting as a member of the Conservative caucus. In the Red Chamber, he was a vocal advocate for literacy, often sharing his personal story of hiding his illiteracy throughout his coaching career. He served on several Senate committees, including the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. Demers retired from the Upper House in 2019 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.

Personal life and legacy

Demers's revelation of his lifelong struggle with illiteracy, which he disclosed in his 2005 autobiography, brought significant public attention to adult literacy issues in Canada. He has been married twice and has children. His legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his dramatic Stanley Cup victory with the Montreal Canadiens, his coaching accolades, and his later work as a senator. He remains a respected figure in Quebec and across the hockey world, often appearing as an analyst and participating in charitable events.

Awards and honors

Demers's coaching achievements have been recognized with numerous awards. He is a two-time winner of the Jack Adams Award (1987, 1988). The pinnacle of his career was winning the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1993. In 2006, he was inducted into the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame. His number 23 was also retired by the AHL's Cincinnati Mighty Ducks in honor of his coaching contributions to the franchise.

Category:1944 births Category:Living people Category:Canadian ice hockey coaches Category:Montreal Canadiens coaches Category:Stanley Cup-winning coaches Category:Members of the Senate of Canada