A season full of twists and turns
Fertile. The word is right and proper
Recreating the atypical course of this transitional season for the Gatineau Olympiques, towards the creation of a squad that aspires to compete every day and, at the same time, imbue our young players with this winning culture specific to our organization, was not without its twists and turns.
First, the appointment of a new general manager and a new head coach. A coaching staff in need of overhaul. A cracked or even shattered core of players to recreate. Major disappointments and surprises; major injuries to key players. Non-returns. Incessant movement of players. Successive departures; first of the care staff, then of the head coach. An interim. A thrilling second half to the very end of the season, then the playoffs for the 39th year in a row.
Yes, a 39th consecutive year. A CHL feat. Enough to satisfy even the most discerning palate. And it’s all set against a backdrop of passion: our administrative staff, our owners. Galvanized by the unwavering support of a proud, die-hard fan base, glittering with the slightest of our collective efforts.
Firstly, during the first half of the season, which was so difficult and poignant. In pain, defeat, disappointment and hardship. Then came the post-Christmas period and our team’s true renaissance in the second segment. Our loyal fan base is always the privileged witness of our youngsters’ progress, which is, let’s face it, sometimes dazzling and certainly astonishing.
And then the rest.
On the hockey front, the Gatineau Olympiques face a number of challenges:
Firstly, we need to consolidate our core of players for next season; nearly twenty players from the current edition could be returning.
Secondly, begin the process of naming our next head coach.
Then prepare for the next draft, where we’ll speak three times in the first round and eight times in the first five rounds. Work on selecting our next European player.
And finally, plan for the training camp next August.
Finally, even with so little hindsight, we can already speak of the Gatineau Olympiques’ 2023-2024 season as a memorable one. Certainly marked by many twists and turns, but in the end, oh so profitable for the future.
Thank you all for your invaluable collaboration.
Serge Beausoleil
General Manager
Les Olympiques de Gatineau