On Monday, Rutherford, glued to his tv watching Recreation 7, noticed his want come true.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Rutherford mentioned. “Nobody deserves it extra. What he’s achieved in Florida is particular.
“He’s one in all my greatest closest buddies. Generally when modifications are made, it’s not as a result of a man can’t coach, it’s as a result of there must be a change. He’s a terrific coach. That’s why he retains getting jobs. It’s not a fluke. It’s well-earned.
“Paul has a method of relating with gamers. If he hadn’t received a Cup, it shouldn’t take away from all he’s achieved within the sport. However you’ll all the time have folks saying it effected his legacy as a result of he hasn’t received one, that it could go away a gap in his resume.
“Properly, you may contemplate that field checked.”
Sooner or later this summer time, Maurice will get his day with the Cup, getting the possibility to expertise the identical feeling of accomplishment as Rutherford had throughout that big day in Beeton 18 years earlier.
And it’s a very good guess Rutherford might be there to assist his pal, identical to Maurice was for him in 2006.
* * * * *
Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer chuckles when the topic comes up of Maurice’s press conferences since he joined the Panthers.
For the previous two seasons, they turned must-see TV. Generally there are jokes. Generally there’s cursing. Throughout one explicit availability, he merely acquired up and walked out of the room. You by no means know what to anticipate aside from understanding it received’t be boring.
How a lot is actuality and the way a lot is schtick? DeBoer thinks it might be a little bit of each relating to his long-time good friend. What he does know is that it’s extremely entertaining.
“I keep in mind we had been sitting having beers earlier than the season and speaking about how relaxed he’s in Florida,” DeBoer mentioned. “It’s an ideal match for him. And to see him like that was refreshing, particularly after seeing how burnt out he was in Winnipeg not so way back.
“I keep in mind getting a message from him congratulating me on my 1,000th sport. Imagine it or not, he was ice fishing in Manitoba. He appeared so at peace in his life. And out of the blue a 12 months later, he was within the Ultimate. And two years later, he received the Cup.
“I’m so blissful for him.”
Like Rutherford, DeBoer was an avid viewer of Recreation 7. And he makes no apologies of who he was rooting for.
“I used to be selecting the Panthers,” he mentioned. “And I used to be cheering for Paul.”
With good motive.
The 2 males first met as gamers with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League in 1985. They ultimately turned roommates when DeBoer was attending regulation faculty on the College of Windsor and Maurice was teaching the Detroit Jr. Pink Wings.
When Maurice requested DeBoer to be one in all his assistants, he agreed, going to highschool within the day and serving to out with the crew within the night. The 2 would find yourself going their separate methods, however their friendship, one which has spanned virtually 4 a long time, stays tight to at the present time.
“We don’t see one another on a regular basis however after we do, it’s like we’ve been collectively on a regular basis,” DeBoer mentioned. “We had been in one another’s marriage ceremony events. The consolation stage is all the time there.
“He wanted time away to reset. And it revived him. And now he’s a Stanley Cup champion. And nobody deserves it extra. I’m so blissful for him.”
* * * * *
Within the coming days, weeks, even months, the truth of getting his identify on the Cup will lastly, ultimately sink in.
For the child from Sault St. Marie, Ontario who grew up watching Hockey Night time in Canada, it’s surreal.
Identical to it’s for a few of his former gamers to see.
“Man, it’s superior,” former Whalers/Hurricanes ahead Jeff O’Neill mentioned. “He’s come such a protracted approach to grow to be a Stanley Cup champion.”
O’Neill would know.
Now a high sports activities radio character with TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto, O’Neill was with the Whalers when Maurice was first employed. It was an fascinating time, to say the least.
“I keep in mind he walked into the dressing room and guys didn’t know what to make of him,” he mentioned. “He was 28 years outdated. He was youthful than plenty of his gamers.
“Brad McCrimmon, for instance, was 36. He was [Maurice] considering, ‘What the hell is happening? What the hell does this man know?’”
Nearly three a long time later, this a lot is definite: Maurice is aware of the best way to lead a crew to a Stanley Cup. And nobody can ever take that away from him.
Extra importantly, why would anybody need to?
“It’s been one heck of a journey,” mentioned Maurice, now 57, breaking into an enormous grin.
One which has taken him from a Burger King drive-thru to the top of the hockey world.
On Monday, Rutherford, glued to his tv watching Recreation 7, noticed his want come true.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Rutherford mentioned. “Nobody deserves it extra. What he’s achieved in Florida is particular.
“He’s one in all my greatest closest buddies. Generally when modifications are made, it’s not as a result of a man can’t coach, it’s as a result of there must be a change. He’s a terrific coach. That’s why he retains getting jobs. It’s not a fluke. It’s well-earned.
“Paul has a method of relating with gamers. If he hadn’t received a Cup, it shouldn’t take away from all he’s achieved within the sport. However you’ll all the time have folks saying it effected his legacy as a result of he hasn’t received one, that it could go away a gap in his resume.
“Properly, you may contemplate that field checked.”
Sooner or later this summer time, Maurice will get his day with the Cup, getting the possibility to expertise the identical feeling of accomplishment as Rutherford had throughout that big day in Beeton 18 years earlier.
And it’s a very good guess Rutherford might be there to assist his pal, identical to Maurice was for him in 2006.
* * * * *
Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer chuckles when the topic comes up of Maurice’s press conferences since he joined the Panthers.
For the previous two seasons, they turned must-see TV. Generally there are jokes. Generally there’s cursing. Throughout one explicit availability, he merely acquired up and walked out of the room. You by no means know what to anticipate aside from understanding it received’t be boring.
How a lot is actuality and the way a lot is schtick? DeBoer thinks it might be a little bit of each relating to his long-time good friend. What he does know is that it’s extremely entertaining.
“I keep in mind we had been sitting having beers earlier than the season and speaking about how relaxed he’s in Florida,” DeBoer mentioned. “It’s an ideal match for him. And to see him like that was refreshing, particularly after seeing how burnt out he was in Winnipeg not so way back.
“I keep in mind getting a message from him congratulating me on my 1,000th sport. Imagine it or not, he was ice fishing in Manitoba. He appeared so at peace in his life. And out of the blue a 12 months later, he was within the Ultimate. And two years later, he received the Cup.
“I’m so blissful for him.”
Like Rutherford, DeBoer was an avid viewer of Recreation 7. And he makes no apologies of who he was rooting for.
“I used to be selecting the Panthers,” he mentioned. “And I used to be cheering for Paul.”
With good motive.
The 2 males first met as gamers with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League in 1985. They ultimately turned roommates when DeBoer was attending regulation faculty on the College of Windsor and Maurice was teaching the Detroit Jr. Pink Wings.
When Maurice requested DeBoer to be one in all his assistants, he agreed, going to highschool within the day and serving to out with the crew within the night. The 2 would find yourself going their separate methods, however their friendship, one which has spanned virtually 4 a long time, stays tight to at the present time.
“We don’t see one another on a regular basis however after we do, it’s like we’ve been collectively on a regular basis,” DeBoer mentioned. “We had been in one another’s marriage ceremony events. The consolation stage is all the time there.
“He wanted time away to reset. And it revived him. And now he’s a Stanley Cup champion. And nobody deserves it extra. I’m so blissful for him.”
* * * * *
Within the coming days, weeks, even months, the truth of getting his identify on the Cup will lastly, ultimately sink in.
For the child from Sault St. Marie, Ontario who grew up watching Hockey Night time in Canada, it’s surreal.
Identical to it’s for a few of his former gamers to see.
“Man, it’s superior,” former Whalers/Hurricanes ahead Jeff O’Neill mentioned. “He’s come such a protracted approach to grow to be a Stanley Cup champion.”
O’Neill would know.
Now a high sports activities radio character with TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto, O’Neill was with the Whalers when Maurice was first employed. It was an fascinating time, to say the least.
“I keep in mind he walked into the dressing room and guys didn’t know what to make of him,” he mentioned. “He was 28 years outdated. He was youthful than plenty of his gamers.
“Brad McCrimmon, for instance, was 36. He was [Maurice] considering, ‘What the hell is happening? What the hell does this man know?’”
Nearly three a long time later, this a lot is definite: Maurice is aware of the best way to lead a crew to a Stanley Cup. And nobody can ever take that away from him.
Extra importantly, why would anybody need to?
“It’s been one heck of a journey,” mentioned Maurice, now 57, breaking into an enormous grin.
One which has taken him from a Burger King drive-thru to the top of the hockey world.
On Monday, Rutherford, glued to his tv watching Recreation 7, noticed his want come true.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Rutherford mentioned. “Nobody deserves it extra. What he’s achieved in Florida is particular.
“He’s one in all my greatest closest buddies. Generally when modifications are made, it’s not as a result of a man can’t coach, it’s as a result of there must be a change. He’s a terrific coach. That’s why he retains getting jobs. It’s not a fluke. It’s well-earned.
“Paul has a method of relating with gamers. If he hadn’t received a Cup, it shouldn’t take away from all he’s achieved within the sport. However you’ll all the time have folks saying it effected his legacy as a result of he hasn’t received one, that it could go away a gap in his resume.
“Properly, you may contemplate that field checked.”
Sooner or later this summer time, Maurice will get his day with the Cup, getting the possibility to expertise the identical feeling of accomplishment as Rutherford had throughout that big day in Beeton 18 years earlier.
And it’s a very good guess Rutherford might be there to assist his pal, identical to Maurice was for him in 2006.
* * * * *
Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer chuckles when the topic comes up of Maurice’s press conferences since he joined the Panthers.
For the previous two seasons, they turned must-see TV. Generally there are jokes. Generally there’s cursing. Throughout one explicit availability, he merely acquired up and walked out of the room. You by no means know what to anticipate aside from understanding it received’t be boring.
How a lot is actuality and the way a lot is schtick? DeBoer thinks it might be a little bit of each relating to his long-time good friend. What he does know is that it’s extremely entertaining.
“I keep in mind we had been sitting having beers earlier than the season and speaking about how relaxed he’s in Florida,” DeBoer mentioned. “It’s an ideal match for him. And to see him like that was refreshing, particularly after seeing how burnt out he was in Winnipeg not so way back.
“I keep in mind getting a message from him congratulating me on my 1,000th sport. Imagine it or not, he was ice fishing in Manitoba. He appeared so at peace in his life. And out of the blue a 12 months later, he was within the Ultimate. And two years later, he received the Cup.
“I’m so blissful for him.”
Like Rutherford, DeBoer was an avid viewer of Recreation 7. And he makes no apologies of who he was rooting for.
“I used to be selecting the Panthers,” he mentioned. “And I used to be cheering for Paul.”
With good motive.
The 2 males first met as gamers with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League in 1985. They ultimately turned roommates when DeBoer was attending regulation faculty on the College of Windsor and Maurice was teaching the Detroit Jr. Pink Wings.
When Maurice requested DeBoer to be one in all his assistants, he agreed, going to highschool within the day and serving to out with the crew within the night. The 2 would find yourself going their separate methods, however their friendship, one which has spanned virtually 4 a long time, stays tight to at the present time.
“We don’t see one another on a regular basis however after we do, it’s like we’ve been collectively on a regular basis,” DeBoer mentioned. “We had been in one another’s marriage ceremony events. The consolation stage is all the time there.
“He wanted time away to reset. And it revived him. And now he’s a Stanley Cup champion. And nobody deserves it extra. I’m so blissful for him.”
* * * * *
Within the coming days, weeks, even months, the truth of getting his identify on the Cup will lastly, ultimately sink in.
For the child from Sault St. Marie, Ontario who grew up watching Hockey Night time in Canada, it’s surreal.
Identical to it’s for a few of his former gamers to see.
“Man, it’s superior,” former Whalers/Hurricanes ahead Jeff O’Neill mentioned. “He’s come such a protracted approach to grow to be a Stanley Cup champion.”
O’Neill would know.
Now a high sports activities radio character with TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto, O’Neill was with the Whalers when Maurice was first employed. It was an fascinating time, to say the least.
“I keep in mind he walked into the dressing room and guys didn’t know what to make of him,” he mentioned. “He was 28 years outdated. He was youthful than plenty of his gamers.
“Brad McCrimmon, for instance, was 36. He was [Maurice] considering, ‘What the hell is happening? What the hell does this man know?’”
Nearly three a long time later, this a lot is definite: Maurice is aware of the best way to lead a crew to a Stanley Cup. And nobody can ever take that away from him.
Extra importantly, why would anybody need to?
“It’s been one heck of a journey,” mentioned Maurice, now 57, breaking into an enormous grin.
One which has taken him from a Burger King drive-thru to the top of the hockey world.
On Monday, Rutherford, glued to his tv watching Recreation 7, noticed his want come true.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Rutherford mentioned. “Nobody deserves it extra. What he’s achieved in Florida is particular.
“He’s one in all my greatest closest buddies. Generally when modifications are made, it’s not as a result of a man can’t coach, it’s as a result of there must be a change. He’s a terrific coach. That’s why he retains getting jobs. It’s not a fluke. It’s well-earned.
“Paul has a method of relating with gamers. If he hadn’t received a Cup, it shouldn’t take away from all he’s achieved within the sport. However you’ll all the time have folks saying it effected his legacy as a result of he hasn’t received one, that it could go away a gap in his resume.
“Properly, you may contemplate that field checked.”
Sooner or later this summer time, Maurice will get his day with the Cup, getting the possibility to expertise the identical feeling of accomplishment as Rutherford had throughout that big day in Beeton 18 years earlier.
And it’s a very good guess Rutherford might be there to assist his pal, identical to Maurice was for him in 2006.
* * * * *
Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer chuckles when the topic comes up of Maurice’s press conferences since he joined the Panthers.
For the previous two seasons, they turned must-see TV. Generally there are jokes. Generally there’s cursing. Throughout one explicit availability, he merely acquired up and walked out of the room. You by no means know what to anticipate aside from understanding it received’t be boring.
How a lot is actuality and the way a lot is schtick? DeBoer thinks it might be a little bit of each relating to his long-time good friend. What he does know is that it’s extremely entertaining.
“I keep in mind we had been sitting having beers earlier than the season and speaking about how relaxed he’s in Florida,” DeBoer mentioned. “It’s an ideal match for him. And to see him like that was refreshing, particularly after seeing how burnt out he was in Winnipeg not so way back.
“I keep in mind getting a message from him congratulating me on my 1,000th sport. Imagine it or not, he was ice fishing in Manitoba. He appeared so at peace in his life. And out of the blue a 12 months later, he was within the Ultimate. And two years later, he received the Cup.
“I’m so blissful for him.”
Like Rutherford, DeBoer was an avid viewer of Recreation 7. And he makes no apologies of who he was rooting for.
“I used to be selecting the Panthers,” he mentioned. “And I used to be cheering for Paul.”
With good motive.
The 2 males first met as gamers with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League in 1985. They ultimately turned roommates when DeBoer was attending regulation faculty on the College of Windsor and Maurice was teaching the Detroit Jr. Pink Wings.
When Maurice requested DeBoer to be one in all his assistants, he agreed, going to highschool within the day and serving to out with the crew within the night. The 2 would find yourself going their separate methods, however their friendship, one which has spanned virtually 4 a long time, stays tight to at the present time.
“We don’t see one another on a regular basis however after we do, it’s like we’ve been collectively on a regular basis,” DeBoer mentioned. “We had been in one another’s marriage ceremony events. The consolation stage is all the time there.
“He wanted time away to reset. And it revived him. And now he’s a Stanley Cup champion. And nobody deserves it extra. I’m so blissful for him.”
* * * * *
Within the coming days, weeks, even months, the truth of getting his identify on the Cup will lastly, ultimately sink in.
For the child from Sault St. Marie, Ontario who grew up watching Hockey Night time in Canada, it’s surreal.
Identical to it’s for a few of his former gamers to see.
“Man, it’s superior,” former Whalers/Hurricanes ahead Jeff O’Neill mentioned. “He’s come such a protracted approach to grow to be a Stanley Cup champion.”
O’Neill would know.
Now a high sports activities radio character with TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto, O’Neill was with the Whalers when Maurice was first employed. It was an fascinating time, to say the least.
“I keep in mind he walked into the dressing room and guys didn’t know what to make of him,” he mentioned. “He was 28 years outdated. He was youthful than plenty of his gamers.
“Brad McCrimmon, for instance, was 36. He was [Maurice] considering, ‘What the hell is happening? What the hell does this man know?’”
Nearly three a long time later, this a lot is definite: Maurice is aware of the best way to lead a crew to a Stanley Cup. And nobody can ever take that away from him.
Extra importantly, why would anybody need to?
“It’s been one heck of a journey,” mentioned Maurice, now 57, breaking into an enormous grin.
One which has taken him from a Burger King drive-thru to the top of the hockey world.
On Monday, Rutherford, glued to his tv watching Recreation 7, noticed his want come true.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Rutherford mentioned. “Nobody deserves it extra. What he’s achieved in Florida is particular.
“He’s one in all my greatest closest buddies. Generally when modifications are made, it’s not as a result of a man can’t coach, it’s as a result of there must be a change. He’s a terrific coach. That’s why he retains getting jobs. It’s not a fluke. It’s well-earned.
“Paul has a method of relating with gamers. If he hadn’t received a Cup, it shouldn’t take away from all he’s achieved within the sport. However you’ll all the time have folks saying it effected his legacy as a result of he hasn’t received one, that it could go away a gap in his resume.
“Properly, you may contemplate that field checked.”
Sooner or later this summer time, Maurice will get his day with the Cup, getting the possibility to expertise the identical feeling of accomplishment as Rutherford had throughout that big day in Beeton 18 years earlier.
And it’s a very good guess Rutherford might be there to assist his pal, identical to Maurice was for him in 2006.
* * * * *
Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer chuckles when the topic comes up of Maurice’s press conferences since he joined the Panthers.
For the previous two seasons, they turned must-see TV. Generally there are jokes. Generally there’s cursing. Throughout one explicit availability, he merely acquired up and walked out of the room. You by no means know what to anticipate aside from understanding it received’t be boring.
How a lot is actuality and the way a lot is schtick? DeBoer thinks it might be a little bit of each relating to his long-time good friend. What he does know is that it’s extremely entertaining.
“I keep in mind we had been sitting having beers earlier than the season and speaking about how relaxed he’s in Florida,” DeBoer mentioned. “It’s an ideal match for him. And to see him like that was refreshing, particularly after seeing how burnt out he was in Winnipeg not so way back.
“I keep in mind getting a message from him congratulating me on my 1,000th sport. Imagine it or not, he was ice fishing in Manitoba. He appeared so at peace in his life. And out of the blue a 12 months later, he was within the Ultimate. And two years later, he received the Cup.
“I’m so blissful for him.”
Like Rutherford, DeBoer was an avid viewer of Recreation 7. And he makes no apologies of who he was rooting for.
“I used to be selecting the Panthers,” he mentioned. “And I used to be cheering for Paul.”
With good motive.
The 2 males first met as gamers with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League in 1985. They ultimately turned roommates when DeBoer was attending regulation faculty on the College of Windsor and Maurice was teaching the Detroit Jr. Pink Wings.
When Maurice requested DeBoer to be one in all his assistants, he agreed, going to highschool within the day and serving to out with the crew within the night. The 2 would find yourself going their separate methods, however their friendship, one which has spanned virtually 4 a long time, stays tight to at the present time.
“We don’t see one another on a regular basis however after we do, it’s like we’ve been collectively on a regular basis,” DeBoer mentioned. “We had been in one another’s marriage ceremony events. The consolation stage is all the time there.
“He wanted time away to reset. And it revived him. And now he’s a Stanley Cup champion. And nobody deserves it extra. I’m so blissful for him.”
* * * * *
Within the coming days, weeks, even months, the truth of getting his identify on the Cup will lastly, ultimately sink in.
For the child from Sault St. Marie, Ontario who grew up watching Hockey Night time in Canada, it’s surreal.
Identical to it’s for a few of his former gamers to see.
“Man, it’s superior,” former Whalers/Hurricanes ahead Jeff O’Neill mentioned. “He’s come such a protracted approach to grow to be a Stanley Cup champion.”
O’Neill would know.
Now a high sports activities radio character with TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto, O’Neill was with the Whalers when Maurice was first employed. It was an fascinating time, to say the least.
“I keep in mind he walked into the dressing room and guys didn’t know what to make of him,” he mentioned. “He was 28 years outdated. He was youthful than plenty of his gamers.
“Brad McCrimmon, for instance, was 36. He was [Maurice] considering, ‘What the hell is happening? What the hell does this man know?’”
Nearly three a long time later, this a lot is definite: Maurice is aware of the best way to lead a crew to a Stanley Cup. And nobody can ever take that away from him.
Extra importantly, why would anybody need to?
“It’s been one heck of a journey,” mentioned Maurice, now 57, breaking into an enormous grin.
One which has taken him from a Burger King drive-thru to the top of the hockey world.
On Monday, Rutherford, glued to his tv watching Recreation 7, noticed his want come true.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Rutherford mentioned. “Nobody deserves it extra. What he’s achieved in Florida is particular.
“He’s one in all my greatest closest buddies. Generally when modifications are made, it’s not as a result of a man can’t coach, it’s as a result of there must be a change. He’s a terrific coach. That’s why he retains getting jobs. It’s not a fluke. It’s well-earned.
“Paul has a method of relating with gamers. If he hadn’t received a Cup, it shouldn’t take away from all he’s achieved within the sport. However you’ll all the time have folks saying it effected his legacy as a result of he hasn’t received one, that it could go away a gap in his resume.
“Properly, you may contemplate that field checked.”
Sooner or later this summer time, Maurice will get his day with the Cup, getting the possibility to expertise the identical feeling of accomplishment as Rutherford had throughout that big day in Beeton 18 years earlier.
And it’s a very good guess Rutherford might be there to assist his pal, identical to Maurice was for him in 2006.
* * * * *
Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer chuckles when the topic comes up of Maurice’s press conferences since he joined the Panthers.
For the previous two seasons, they turned must-see TV. Generally there are jokes. Generally there’s cursing. Throughout one explicit availability, he merely acquired up and walked out of the room. You by no means know what to anticipate aside from understanding it received’t be boring.
How a lot is actuality and the way a lot is schtick? DeBoer thinks it might be a little bit of each relating to his long-time good friend. What he does know is that it’s extremely entertaining.
“I keep in mind we had been sitting having beers earlier than the season and speaking about how relaxed he’s in Florida,” DeBoer mentioned. “It’s an ideal match for him. And to see him like that was refreshing, particularly after seeing how burnt out he was in Winnipeg not so way back.
“I keep in mind getting a message from him congratulating me on my 1,000th sport. Imagine it or not, he was ice fishing in Manitoba. He appeared so at peace in his life. And out of the blue a 12 months later, he was within the Ultimate. And two years later, he received the Cup.
“I’m so blissful for him.”
Like Rutherford, DeBoer was an avid viewer of Recreation 7. And he makes no apologies of who he was rooting for.
“I used to be selecting the Panthers,” he mentioned. “And I used to be cheering for Paul.”
With good motive.
The 2 males first met as gamers with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League in 1985. They ultimately turned roommates when DeBoer was attending regulation faculty on the College of Windsor and Maurice was teaching the Detroit Jr. Pink Wings.
When Maurice requested DeBoer to be one in all his assistants, he agreed, going to highschool within the day and serving to out with the crew within the night. The 2 would find yourself going their separate methods, however their friendship, one which has spanned virtually 4 a long time, stays tight to at the present time.
“We don’t see one another on a regular basis however after we do, it’s like we’ve been collectively on a regular basis,” DeBoer mentioned. “We had been in one another’s marriage ceremony events. The consolation stage is all the time there.
“He wanted time away to reset. And it revived him. And now he’s a Stanley Cup champion. And nobody deserves it extra. I’m so blissful for him.”
* * * * *
Within the coming days, weeks, even months, the truth of getting his identify on the Cup will lastly, ultimately sink in.
For the child from Sault St. Marie, Ontario who grew up watching Hockey Night time in Canada, it’s surreal.
Identical to it’s for a few of his former gamers to see.
“Man, it’s superior,” former Whalers/Hurricanes ahead Jeff O’Neill mentioned. “He’s come such a protracted approach to grow to be a Stanley Cup champion.”
O’Neill would know.
Now a high sports activities radio character with TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto, O’Neill was with the Whalers when Maurice was first employed. It was an fascinating time, to say the least.
“I keep in mind he walked into the dressing room and guys didn’t know what to make of him,” he mentioned. “He was 28 years outdated. He was youthful than plenty of his gamers.
“Brad McCrimmon, for instance, was 36. He was [Maurice] considering, ‘What the hell is happening? What the hell does this man know?’”
Nearly three a long time later, this a lot is definite: Maurice is aware of the best way to lead a crew to a Stanley Cup. And nobody can ever take that away from him.
Extra importantly, why would anybody need to?
“It’s been one heck of a journey,” mentioned Maurice, now 57, breaking into an enormous grin.
One which has taken him from a Burger King drive-thru to the top of the hockey world.
On Monday, Rutherford, glued to his tv watching Recreation 7, noticed his want come true.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Rutherford mentioned. “Nobody deserves it extra. What he’s achieved in Florida is particular.
“He’s one in all my greatest closest buddies. Generally when modifications are made, it’s not as a result of a man can’t coach, it’s as a result of there must be a change. He’s a terrific coach. That’s why he retains getting jobs. It’s not a fluke. It’s well-earned.
“Paul has a method of relating with gamers. If he hadn’t received a Cup, it shouldn’t take away from all he’s achieved within the sport. However you’ll all the time have folks saying it effected his legacy as a result of he hasn’t received one, that it could go away a gap in his resume.
“Properly, you may contemplate that field checked.”
Sooner or later this summer time, Maurice will get his day with the Cup, getting the possibility to expertise the identical feeling of accomplishment as Rutherford had throughout that big day in Beeton 18 years earlier.
And it’s a very good guess Rutherford might be there to assist his pal, identical to Maurice was for him in 2006.
* * * * *
Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer chuckles when the topic comes up of Maurice’s press conferences since he joined the Panthers.
For the previous two seasons, they turned must-see TV. Generally there are jokes. Generally there’s cursing. Throughout one explicit availability, he merely acquired up and walked out of the room. You by no means know what to anticipate aside from understanding it received’t be boring.
How a lot is actuality and the way a lot is schtick? DeBoer thinks it might be a little bit of each relating to his long-time good friend. What he does know is that it’s extremely entertaining.
“I keep in mind we had been sitting having beers earlier than the season and speaking about how relaxed he’s in Florida,” DeBoer mentioned. “It’s an ideal match for him. And to see him like that was refreshing, particularly after seeing how burnt out he was in Winnipeg not so way back.
“I keep in mind getting a message from him congratulating me on my 1,000th sport. Imagine it or not, he was ice fishing in Manitoba. He appeared so at peace in his life. And out of the blue a 12 months later, he was within the Ultimate. And two years later, he received the Cup.
“I’m so blissful for him.”
Like Rutherford, DeBoer was an avid viewer of Recreation 7. And he makes no apologies of who he was rooting for.
“I used to be selecting the Panthers,” he mentioned. “And I used to be cheering for Paul.”
With good motive.
The 2 males first met as gamers with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League in 1985. They ultimately turned roommates when DeBoer was attending regulation faculty on the College of Windsor and Maurice was teaching the Detroit Jr. Pink Wings.
When Maurice requested DeBoer to be one in all his assistants, he agreed, going to highschool within the day and serving to out with the crew within the night. The 2 would find yourself going their separate methods, however their friendship, one which has spanned virtually 4 a long time, stays tight to at the present time.
“We don’t see one another on a regular basis however after we do, it’s like we’ve been collectively on a regular basis,” DeBoer mentioned. “We had been in one another’s marriage ceremony events. The consolation stage is all the time there.
“He wanted time away to reset. And it revived him. And now he’s a Stanley Cup champion. And nobody deserves it extra. I’m so blissful for him.”
* * * * *
Within the coming days, weeks, even months, the truth of getting his identify on the Cup will lastly, ultimately sink in.
For the child from Sault St. Marie, Ontario who grew up watching Hockey Night time in Canada, it’s surreal.
Identical to it’s for a few of his former gamers to see.
“Man, it’s superior,” former Whalers/Hurricanes ahead Jeff O’Neill mentioned. “He’s come such a protracted approach to grow to be a Stanley Cup champion.”
O’Neill would know.
Now a high sports activities radio character with TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto, O’Neill was with the Whalers when Maurice was first employed. It was an fascinating time, to say the least.
“I keep in mind he walked into the dressing room and guys didn’t know what to make of him,” he mentioned. “He was 28 years outdated. He was youthful than plenty of his gamers.
“Brad McCrimmon, for instance, was 36. He was [Maurice] considering, ‘What the hell is happening? What the hell does this man know?’”
Nearly three a long time later, this a lot is definite: Maurice is aware of the best way to lead a crew to a Stanley Cup. And nobody can ever take that away from him.
Extra importantly, why would anybody need to?
“It’s been one heck of a journey,” mentioned Maurice, now 57, breaking into an enormous grin.
One which has taken him from a Burger King drive-thru to the top of the hockey world.
On Monday, Rutherford, glued to his tv watching Recreation 7, noticed his want come true.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Rutherford mentioned. “Nobody deserves it extra. What he’s achieved in Florida is particular.
“He’s one in all my greatest closest buddies. Generally when modifications are made, it’s not as a result of a man can’t coach, it’s as a result of there must be a change. He’s a terrific coach. That’s why he retains getting jobs. It’s not a fluke. It’s well-earned.
“Paul has a method of relating with gamers. If he hadn’t received a Cup, it shouldn’t take away from all he’s achieved within the sport. However you’ll all the time have folks saying it effected his legacy as a result of he hasn’t received one, that it could go away a gap in his resume.
“Properly, you may contemplate that field checked.”
Sooner or later this summer time, Maurice will get his day with the Cup, getting the possibility to expertise the identical feeling of accomplishment as Rutherford had throughout that big day in Beeton 18 years earlier.
And it’s a very good guess Rutherford might be there to assist his pal, identical to Maurice was for him in 2006.
* * * * *
Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer chuckles when the topic comes up of Maurice’s press conferences since he joined the Panthers.
For the previous two seasons, they turned must-see TV. Generally there are jokes. Generally there’s cursing. Throughout one explicit availability, he merely acquired up and walked out of the room. You by no means know what to anticipate aside from understanding it received’t be boring.
How a lot is actuality and the way a lot is schtick? DeBoer thinks it might be a little bit of each relating to his long-time good friend. What he does know is that it’s extremely entertaining.
“I keep in mind we had been sitting having beers earlier than the season and speaking about how relaxed he’s in Florida,” DeBoer mentioned. “It’s an ideal match for him. And to see him like that was refreshing, particularly after seeing how burnt out he was in Winnipeg not so way back.
“I keep in mind getting a message from him congratulating me on my 1,000th sport. Imagine it or not, he was ice fishing in Manitoba. He appeared so at peace in his life. And out of the blue a 12 months later, he was within the Ultimate. And two years later, he received the Cup.
“I’m so blissful for him.”
Like Rutherford, DeBoer was an avid viewer of Recreation 7. And he makes no apologies of who he was rooting for.
“I used to be selecting the Panthers,” he mentioned. “And I used to be cheering for Paul.”
With good motive.
The 2 males first met as gamers with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League in 1985. They ultimately turned roommates when DeBoer was attending regulation faculty on the College of Windsor and Maurice was teaching the Detroit Jr. Pink Wings.
When Maurice requested DeBoer to be one in all his assistants, he agreed, going to highschool within the day and serving to out with the crew within the night. The 2 would find yourself going their separate methods, however their friendship, one which has spanned virtually 4 a long time, stays tight to at the present time.
“We don’t see one another on a regular basis however after we do, it’s like we’ve been collectively on a regular basis,” DeBoer mentioned. “We had been in one another’s marriage ceremony events. The consolation stage is all the time there.
“He wanted time away to reset. And it revived him. And now he’s a Stanley Cup champion. And nobody deserves it extra. I’m so blissful for him.”
* * * * *
Within the coming days, weeks, even months, the truth of getting his identify on the Cup will lastly, ultimately sink in.
For the child from Sault St. Marie, Ontario who grew up watching Hockey Night time in Canada, it’s surreal.
Identical to it’s for a few of his former gamers to see.
“Man, it’s superior,” former Whalers/Hurricanes ahead Jeff O’Neill mentioned. “He’s come such a protracted approach to grow to be a Stanley Cup champion.”
O’Neill would know.
Now a high sports activities radio character with TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto, O’Neill was with the Whalers when Maurice was first employed. It was an fascinating time, to say the least.
“I keep in mind he walked into the dressing room and guys didn’t know what to make of him,” he mentioned. “He was 28 years outdated. He was youthful than plenty of his gamers.
“Brad McCrimmon, for instance, was 36. He was [Maurice] considering, ‘What the hell is happening? What the hell does this man know?’”
Nearly three a long time later, this a lot is definite: Maurice is aware of the best way to lead a crew to a Stanley Cup. And nobody can ever take that away from him.
Extra importantly, why would anybody need to?
“It’s been one heck of a journey,” mentioned Maurice, now 57, breaking into an enormous grin.
One which has taken him from a Burger King drive-thru to the top of the hockey world.