Jean Rougeau
Canadian, born on June 9, 1929 in Montreal, QC.
Died, May 24, 1983
Before getting involved in the hockey world, Jean Rougeau was a renowned wrestler. For three decades, the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder tangled with opponents in the ring. After eight years in the amateur ranks, “Johnny” as he was known back then made the leap to the pros in 1951. His brother Jacques and his nephews Raymond, Jacques Jr. and Armand also made their mark in the squared circle. He would then form All-Star Wrestling in 1967.
Even as a teenager Jean showed signs of being an organizer, putting together wrestling galas in vacant lots. At the end of these shows, fans would throw money into the ring to reward the wrestlers!
This accomplished businessman also dabbled in politics, even serving as a bodyguard for future Quebec Premier, René Levesque in 1976.
Along with his wife Jacqueline, he raised two daughters Louise and Suzanne.
In the QMJHL Jean Rougeau was an important figure over the course of the QMJHL’s first 14 years of existence in a variety of roles. His charisma was unmatched much like his presence and notoriety gained from his time in the world of professional wrestling.
From the league’s inception in 1969, his involvement began to be felt. He helped bring the Rosemont National to the QMJHL and was a league governor during that historic inaugural season.
Just prior to the 1971-72 season, Rougeau made the important decision to transfer the franchise from Rosemont to Laval. He even moved behind the bench of the National as head coach for 104 games from 1971-72 to 1972-73. He was then the team’s GM from 1975 through 1978 also serving as Governor of the Laval club from 1976 to 1978.
On August 8, 1981, he was elected President of the QMJHL, succeeding Marcel Robert. Nine teams made up the league at that time. He was determined to clean up the QMJHL’s image for all matters concerning the academic success of players.
Shortly after his ascent to the presidency, Rougeau received the heart-breaking news that he had cancer. Even once weakened by his illness, he courageously carried on with his functions right up until his resignation just days before he passed away in May 1983.
In honour of his memory at the start of the 1983-84 season, the Governors Trophy awarded to the QMJHL’s regular season champions would be renamed the Jean-Rougeau Trophy from that day forward.
Jean Rougeau will be posthumously inducted into the QMJHL Hall of Fame in the “Builder” category on April 8, 2015.
