When Steve Bélanger is asked what is the most beautiful memory he will keep of these 23 seasons spent with the Remparts, the sports therapist answers with emotions the conquest of the Memorial Cup, in 2006.

• To read also: From Lions to Voltigeurs: A matured and assumed decision for Éric Bélanger

• Read also: Tactics to distract the Remparts: "It's part of the game", says Patrick Roy

“It has been an extraordinary year, points out Bélanger, a tremolo in his voice. Of course, when you go all the way with the "boys", whether you spend eight or 10 months with them... it marks you for life. »

“When you have never won and you finally win, it stays etched in your memory for life. You understand, he adds. You meet the guys [who were with you] and you always have great stories to tell! »

But even if Patrick Roy repeats that Quebec is "all in" this season and that Bélanger could once again have experienced the strong emotions of a great conquest, he has chosen to take up a new challenge starting next week.

A perfect new role

A member of the Remparts since the 2000-2001 season, the certified therapist will now work in the sports therapy department of the University of Trois-Rivières. He will be responsible for the university clinic.

His last match with the "Red Devils" will be on Saturday, when Quebec hosts the Olympiques.

At 51, Bélanger is currently studying for a master's degree at UQTR. This “hands-on” position he has just accepted suits him perfectly, he says, because he likes to have “both hands in it”.

“For two years, I had been going to university, attending classes. I liked the interaction with the students, he explains. Since I have been with the Remparts, I have always had interns. I like to show them real life. »

It is also one of them, Félix-Antoine Lavoie, who will now fill the big shoes of his mentor. A mentor who will support him remotely, if necessary, until the end of the campaign. Because "passing the puck in a few weeks" was not easy.

"Half of my life"

This big decision was not easy to make either, raises Bélanger. “The Remparts are almost half of my life. I am 51 years old and I was in my 23rd season. It's heartbreaking to leave. »

The possible departure of Patrick Roy at the end of the campaign "may have had a small influence in [his] choice", recognizes the veteran.

"That's not the main thing, though. He was the first person I spoke to about it. The two, over the years, we had developed a bond, we knew each other, we knew where we were going, ”he smiles.

For Bélanger, however, the hardest part will be leaving “the game”.

" That's where it happens! Surely I'll come for a little walk from time to time... I'm sure I'll miss it. But how bored will I be? I will be able to tell you in a few months! »

In 23 years with the Remparts, Steve Bélanger has seen hundreds of players pass. He won the Memorial Cup. And of course, he dealt with serious injuries. A few days away from starting a new stage in his career, the sports therapist spoke about the moments and people who marked him in Quebec.

Stressful moments, quickly forgotten

“Stressful moments, we forget them, says Bélanger. For me, it is not in hockey that they have arisen, but in other events. In hockey, there was Mikael Tam [who was seized with convulsions after being hit in the head by the elbow of Patrice Cormier], except that I was not there, I was at school. There was also Kurt Etchegary [who had heart surgery], but he had a special condition. He did not fall on the ice. It could have become a medical emergency if we hadn't been proactive. »

Discreet, but intense behind the bench

Steve Bélanger is a discreet man. But he was capable of being intense behind the bench when he believed the situation was right. To the point of sometimes being expelled from a match, as has happened this season. “I was in the “game”. We want to win. So I was sure I was in. »

"Radu", the best and several good guys

"The best hockey player I've seen for the Remparts is 'Radu'. A mile ahead! But there have been other good guys, like Robert Pearce. He was often injured, so we had developed something. I am also thinking of Charle Truchon, Brent Aubin, Marc-Édouard [Vlasic]. He didn't say a word, but he's made what, 1,200 NHL games? »

The good words of his boss

Bélanger's departure also marks the end of an era for his boss, head coach and general manager Patrick Roy. “When he told me, we could see that it was not an easy decision. He had the Remparts logo tattooed on his heart. [...] He gave his heart and soul for us over the years. What I liked about Steve is that he understood his role and always protected the players, which is really important for our organization. »