Homage to Brother Henri-Louis Bilodeau

20 June 2007,

I heard with sadness that brother Henri-Louis Bilodeau had passed away. He was my coach when I was a young player at St-Pie X School in Sherbrooke. He inculcated values that I never forgot and that I still practice now a day at 50.

He has his own way to motivate us that I never found in anybody else. He spoke to us at the 2nd person of singular in such a way that if the remark fitted you, you took it in.

He took care of us like a “brother” giving us oranges and honey either before or during the break of the game. He never rose the voice or showed anger. He told us when he was displeased in a way not to harm anyone. He knew how to motivate without agressivity.

He cared so well for the ice ring that in spring time we kept ice longer than any place in town. We were successful team thanks to him I guess. I trusted him in such a way that I could accept sacrifice if he asked me to do it. He inculcated life values and wisdom that I shared with my children and those I coach from time to time.

I think there are few men like him that exert in a short time a so lasting influence. Thanks.

Guy Valcourt, Québec.