Francis Bouillon: The Stars Aligned
MONTRÉAL – His induction into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Hall of Fame will be and exclamation point at the end of a story of inspiration. Never drafted into either the QMJHL or NHL, Francis Bouillon proved to all young people that fighting hard, a good work ethic, and dedication remain the best tools to realize your dreams.
‘My story has never been like anybody else’s. Generally, NHL players were dominant at all levels that they played. But for me, I was never an impact player. I played in the double letters but I was not an exceptional player. I always had to prove my worth at each training camp,’ said the friendly defenseman who eventually made it to the NHL where he played for 15 years.
Having been contacted by several QMJHL team, Bouillon had high hopes of being picked by one of them at the 1992 Junior draft.
‘From the way they were talking, I thought I would go in the fifth or sixth round. I travelled with my family to the Maurice-Richard arena on draft day. I was super excited but in the end, I left empty-handed. It seemed I was destined to play junior AAA. A few days before the training camp, I received a call from Bob Hartley.’
The Hawkesbury native wanted to give him a little experience, but he certainly didn’t expect what was to happen. Bouillon was impressive enough to earn a spot in Titan’s locker room.
‘It was quite the education. The locker room was filled with character players (Martin Lapointe and Éric Veilleux to name two) and we played in a very intimidating arena. After three seasons, I was traded with a few teammates to Granby. It was difficult to leave Laval, but we knew we were going to something great. Expectations were high for the Predators. ”
Key Meeting
Without this trade, the story of Francis Bouillon could have been very different. Named team captain, he was one of the key elements that allowed the Predators to raise the Memorial Cup.
“It had been 27 years since Québec had won the Memorial Cup. For me, it’s certainly the high point of my career. In Granby, I met Michel Therrien who became my mentor. He opened doors for me every time he had the opportunity. He was the one who convinced Réjean Houle to give me a chance…so I was able to play in Fredericton. He later suggested me to Alain Vigneault who gave me a place in the Montreal Canadiens’ line-up in 1999. Finally, it was also thanks to him that I was able to return to Montreal in 2012. It’s a combination of factors, but the stars always aligned for me to let me succeed. ”
The Public’s Adoration
It’s often been said that his heart is bigger than the Bell Center. Combative and energetic along the boards, Francis Bouillon never hesitated to block a shot or take a hard check to help his team win.
Three years after leaving the Montréal Canadiens he was again holding the torch in the middle of the ice to mark his return to the tricolour. The fans gave him a warm standing ovation.
‘I had a mix of indescribable emotions. Playing for the Canadiens is a source of incredible pride for a Québecer. I would have liked to have played there my whole career, like Jean Béliveau and Maurice Richard. Unfortunately, that’s not how my story unfolded; but my return was really special. I have a life-size photo in my basement, and I can see the emotion on my face every time I walk past,’ he confided.
After the Préfontaine arena in Montréal being renamed in his honour, Francis Bouillon will now become a member of the QMJHL Hall of Fame on Wednesday night. Luc Lachapelle, Jean-Sébastien Giguère, Gaston Therrien and Brad Richards will also be inducted during the Golden Puck Awards ceremonies.
