Quick hits with Cape Bretonâ’s own Pascal Vincent
BOUCHERVILLE, Saturday, January 26, 2008 This week, the official website of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League presents an interview with Cape Breton Screaming Eagles GM and Head Coach Pascal Vincent.
<i>You have just reached two important coaching milestones: 300 wins and 600 games. How much has your approach with players changed over the years?</i>
"It’s changed a lot. I’ve definitely gained a lot of experience over time and through the wins and the losses. From the moment I left the Midget ranks, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with great people. Hockey is a jungle. You have to survive, and the way to do it is to win, although I think our organization is a bit different. Mr. Lynch, one of our founding members, always stressed that the #1 priority would be to help develop great individuals, from players to team staff. I think that from an organizational standpoint, we’re benefiting from that philosophy today."
<i>Most experts had you ranked at the bottom of the Eastern division standings in their pre-season rankings, but you’re in third place, just a few points behind Halifax and Saint John. Can you pinpoint the reasons behind your success this season?</i>
"I think a lot of it has to do with the way we draft. Our scouting staff has really done a phenomenal job. We’re very careful to select players that will fit into our system, meaning that we’re not necessarily looking for the best available player. Most of our decisions are based on the interview process. Moreover, a large part of the credit has to go to our veterans; the guys who grew up in the organization. They’ve played an important role by taking the younger guys under their wing, which has created great team chemistry. Finally, our special teams and our goaltenders have been very good all season."
<i>Which team is your greatest rival?</i>
"Without a doubt, it’s the Halifax Mooseheads. I like to compare the rivalry to the one that existed between the Montreal Canadiens and the Quebec Nordiques in the eighties and the early nineties. It’s like a big town versus a small one. We live in a much smaller community than Halifax, but just like in Quebec City, the people are very proud. The fans, the billets and the media have certainly played a part in growing the rivalry."
<i>What are your long term goals? Down the line, do you see yourself getting involved with Hockey Canada’s national program?</i>
"I had applied a few years ago, but I don’t intend to do so again for personal reasons. This job (GM and Head Coach) takes up a lot of my time. Although it’s certainly an interesting program, what interests me first and foremost is our next game. I don’t really think about where I’ll be five years from now. What’s important is today. Things can change so quickly in this business."
