Photo credit: All Habs / NHL
The Montreal Canadiens organization shared difficult news this morning that goes beyond hockey.
The Canadiens revealed that consultant coach Roger Grillo is currently battling cancer.
In the message published, the team wrote:
“The Canadiens organization learned in the past weeks that coach consultant Roger Grillo is battling cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague and our friend. We stand with him and his loved ones during his fight. We fight for Roger.”
– Montreal Canadiens
I must say that since his arrival in Montreal, I’ve heard nothing but good things about him.
Roger Grillo is going through a difficult time, and the Canadiens are rallying around him
This kind of news hits hard because it touches the human side before the professional one. Roger Grillo has spent his entire life in hockey…
He was notably a coach at the University of Vermont, where he coached Martin St-Louis when he was a player.
His arrival in Montreal happened naturally, thanks to his long-standing connection with St-Louis.
Here’s what Martin St-Louis said when Grillo joined the Canadiens:
“I was looking for someone who could really be an extension of the staff,” explained the Canadiens coach. “With everything Roger has done in his coaching career and after it, he had the perfect experience for the role I wanted to fill. And obviously, I’ve had a relationship with him for a long time.”
– Martin St-Louis
Several people in the hockey community quickly reacted to the news.
Indeed, messages of support were seen from Anthony Martineau and Marco D’Amico, who shared symbols of love and encouragement.
On behalf of the entire team, we send all our thoughts and support to Roger Grillo and his loved ones during this difficult time.
