Roch Carrier Le Chandail De Hockey
Introduction
For Canadians, hockey is more than just a sport. It’s a national obsession, a way of life. And when it comes to hockey literature, few works have captured the imagination of Canadians quite like Roch Carrier’s short story “Le Chandail De Hockey” (The Hockey Sweater).
The Story Behind The Story
“Le Chandail De Hockey” was first published in 1979 as part of a collection of short stories titled “Contes Du Pays Maudit” (Tales From An Accursed Land). The story is set in the author’s childhood hometown of Sainte-Justine, Quebec, during the 1940s.
In the story, the protagonist, a young boy named Roch, idolizes Montreal Canadiens star player Maurice Richard. When Roch’s mother orders him a new hockey sweater, he excitedly awaits its arrival, expecting to receive a Canadiens sweater with Richard’s number 9 on the back.
However, when the sweater finally arrives, it is not a Canadiens sweater, but rather a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater. Roch is devastated, as he cannot bear the thought of wearing the sweater of his team’s bitter rivals. Despite his protests, his mother insists that he wear the sweater to practice, leading to a humiliating experience on the ice.
The Impact Of “Le Chandail De Hockey”
“Le Chandail De Hockey” quickly became a sensation in Quebec, and has since become a Canadian classic. The story has been adapted into numerous forms, including a short film, an opera, and even a stage play featuring narration by the author himself.
But what is it about this story that has resonated so deeply with Canadians? It could be the way it captures the passion and intensity of hockey fandom, or the way it reflects the cultural divide between English and French Canada. Whatever the reason, the story has become an indelible part of Canadian culture, and is often cited as one of the greatest hockey stories ever written.
Roch Carrier: More Than Just A Writer
While “Le Chandail De Hockey” is undoubtedly Roch Carrier’s most famous work, it is far from his only contribution to Canadian culture. Carrier has worked as a journalist, a playwright, and a translator, and has written numerous other books and stories, including the beloved children’s book “The Hockey Sweater and Other Stories”.
Carrier has also been a vocal advocate for Quebec independence, and served as the National Librarian of Canada from 1999 to 2004. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to literature, including the Governor General’s Award for French-language fiction and the Order of Canada.
Conclusion
“Le Chandail De Hockey” is a story that transcends its subject matter. Yes, it’s a story about hockey, but it’s also a story about childhood, about family, and about the bonds that unite us as Canadians.
Whether you’re a hockey fan or not, Roch Carrier’s classic tale is a must-read for anyone interested in Canadian culture and literature. Its timeless message of perseverance in the face of adversity is one that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.