MONTREAL – Pascal Vincent is coming home.

On Tuesday, the Laval Rocket announced the appointment of a Laval, QC native as their head coach. The Canadiens’ minor-league affiliate signed a three-year contract with the new coach.

Vincent made an appearance on Zoom to address the media after the announcement. Here are a few noteworthy moments from his media session:

Please note answers have been modified for clarity and conciseness.

Vincent on the importance of returning to his home province:

Having spent my childhood just a short distance of 10 minutes away from Place Bell, playing minor hockey in Laval, it’s been quite a while since I left home. However, my roots as a true “Lavallois” run deep, and it is indeed an honor to be associated with the Canadiens organization and serve as a coach for the Laval Rocket.

Vincent on what it means to join the organization as a Quebecer:

I used to enjoy watching two out of three periods of Montreal Canadiens hockey on Saturday nights. Guy Lafleur was my favorite player during that time. Being from the province of Quebec, the Montreal Canadiens hold a special place in your heart. It’s an esteemed organization, and this becomes even more evident when you’re away from Montreal. When you work for a different team and have the opportunity to play against the Habs at the Bell Centre, you can feel the intensity and passion of the fans. Moreover, you also realize how unique and significant it is for opponents to visit Montreal.

Vincent on focusing on the next chapter of his career and his extensive experience in hockey:

I am fully focused on the Laval Rocket and the Montreal Canadiens, and my main goal is to integrate well and build relationships with others. This marks a new chapter and advancement in my career. With almost 31 years of coaching experience and a lifelong dedication to hockey, it is safe to say that hockey is my passion. I have had the privilege of coaching at the junior level and then progressing to the NHL as an assistant. Throughout my journey, I have gained invaluable knowledge and skills. Working closely with Paul Maurice for a couple of remarkable years, as well as leading the Jets’ farm team for five years, has provided me with a deep understanding of the American Hockey League. Along the way, I have not only honed my expertise in various aspects of the game but also had the opportunity to meet countless individuals.

Vincent on his impressions of management and staff during the interview process and what stood out the most:

Their vision and goals were exceptionally clear. They knew exactly what the job entailed – collaborating with prospects and players in Laval to ensure their proper development. I was genuinely impressed by their vision. The presence of Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes, John Sedgwick, Vincent Lecavalier, Alex Burrows, and Eric Crawford further emphasized the well-executed nature of their plan. It was evident that they possessed a clear vision and were knowledgeable about the necessary steps to achieve their goals.

Vincent on the importance of having similar systems between the AHL and NHL levels:

Ensuring consistency in our systems is a major focus for both the NHL and the American League. Although there may be some variations, our goal is to make them as similar as possible. This aligns with our vision, as it is crucial for the players to understand that we will be utilizing the same kind of systems. This way, when they are promoted or demoted, the transition will be smoother for them.

Vincent on working with exciting prospects in Laval:

The AHL offers a unique, captivating, and enjoyable league experience. The popularity of Place Bell is undeniable as fans flock in great numbers, and this is undoubtedly for good reason. The team has demonstrated excellent decision-making in their recent draft picks, and there are numerous talented individuals who have already joined or will soon join the team. Personally, I am thrilled about the caliber of players we have. Our goal is to instill a strong work ethic and uphold important values while pushing these young players to reach their full potential. The Canadiens’ vision aligns perfectly with my own.