In an emotional ceremony before their game against the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night, the New Jersey Devils paid tribute to former coach Jacques Lemaire, inducting the legendary bench boss into the team’s prestigious Ring of Honor. The 79-year-old Lemaire, who guided the Devils to their first Stanley Cup championship in 1995, was joined at center ice by a host of franchise luminaries, including goaltending great Martin Brodeur and defensive stalwarts Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Larry Robinson.
A Legacy of Excellence
Jacques Lemaire’s induction into the Devils’ Ring of Honor serves as a testament to his immense impact on the organization and the sport of hockey as a whole. An 11-time Stanley Cup champion, Lemaire’s coaching acumen and leadership played an instrumental role in transforming the Devils into a perennial powerhouse and Stanley Cup contender.
Montreal Mastery
Before his tenure in New Jersey, Lemaire established himself as a hockey icon during his playing days with the Montreal Canadiens. As a member of the Habs, he captured an astonishing eight Stanley Cup titles, cementing his status as one of the most decorated players in NHL history. Lemaire’s on-ice success would prove to be a harbinger of his coaching brilliance.
Forging a Championship Culture in New Jersey
When Lemaire arrived in New Jersey prior to the 1993-94 season, he inherited a talented but underachieving squad. Undaunted by the challenge, the master tactician quickly set about instilling a culture of discipline, work ethic, and defensive responsibility that would become the hallmarks of Devils hockey for years to come.
All the meetings we had, the hours we spent together, talking about players, the game and everything was for one goal only — to get the team better so we could win a Stanley Cup.
Jacques Lemaire, on working with Lou Lamoriello
Lemaire’s dedication and attention to detail paid immediate dividends, as the Devils reached the Eastern Conference Finals in his first season at the helm. The following year, New Jersey would reach the pinnacle of the hockey world, sweeping the heavily favored Detroit Red Wings to capture the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship.
A Lasting Impact
Although Lemaire would go on to coach the Minnesota Wild and enjoy a second stint with the Devils, his legacy in New Jersey was forever cemented by that magical 1995 championship run. His influence on the organization extends far beyond his tenure as head coach, as evidenced by the outpouring of respect and admiration from former players and colleagues at his Ring of Honor induction.
- 11-time Stanley Cup champion as a player, coach, and executive
- Coached the Devils to their first Stanley Cup in 1995
- 617 wins as an NHL head coach
As the Devils faithful rose to their feet to honor Jacques Lemaire on Wednesday night, it was a moment that transcended the game of hockey. It was a celebration of a man who not only achieved greatness on the ice but who also helped shape the very identity of a franchise. Through his induction into the Ring of Honor, Jacques Lemaire’s legacy will forever be enshrined in Devils history, serving as an inspiration for generations of players and coaches to come.
