When the Toronto Maple Leafs relieved former head coach Sheldon Keefe of his duties, replacing him with former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube, some fans were admittedly skeptical of the hire, while others were ecstatic for the change, as Berube has something that Sheldon Keefe did not -- a Stanley Cup ring.
On the afternoon ahead of the Maple Leafs' game against Berube's old team, the St. Louis Blues, a reporter asked him if he knew where his ring was from 2019, when he helped guide the Blues to victory. Berube was honest and upfront when answering. He admitted that he wasn't sure where it was, other than somewhere at home. He also showcased his sense of humour, cracking a joke at his wife's expense.
Winning the Stanley Cup is the greatest accomplishment in professional hockey and being able to guide a team to victory is a very special moment. Having the opportunity to call yourself a Stanley Cup champion is an honour, being able to show off your ring is something many players and coaches don't get the opportunity to do. Not knowing where your ring is, though... that's probably not a problem many players or coaches can say that they have.
Some NHL coaches can seem stern and robotic at times, and Berube is no different, so seeing this humourous side to him was a treat for fans and the media alike.
While Berube has appeared to be no-nonsense, not allowing music during practices like his predecessor, Sheldon Keefe, the atmosphere around the team makes it seem like he's already gotten the respect of his players, and the fact that he's already won a championship, that's part of the equation. If the Maple Leafs hope to be successful, several things need to go right. Having a coach who knows what winning the Cup entails is certainly important. Having one who has won and is both a hard-ass and a good human being is even more special.
POLL | ||
24 OCTOBRE | 1478 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Humourously Admits to Misplacing Stanley Cup Ring Who will win a Stanley Cup first with their new team? | ||
Craig Berube | 945 | 63.9 % |
Sheldon Keefe | 533 | 36.1 % |
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