Sometimes, you learn that superstar athletes and sports legends are just like us.
On the latest episode of the Blackhawks Talk Podcast, former Hawks head coach Joel Quenneville joined us to talk about life in quarantine and, of course, Chicago hockey. Turns out, he's been reliving the glory days just like the rest of us.
To pass time during the ongoing stay-at-home order, many of us have been rewatching classic games from those Stanley Cup-winning seasons. Well, Joel Quenneville joined the club and recently caught some old Blackhawks games on TV, too.
“Been amazing,” Quennevile said. “I haven’t seen any of the last games. When we win the Cup, I don’t see the game. I usually watch the games in the playoffs at least twice after, and you get a really good idea of what’s going on and prepare for the next game. But when it’s over, you’re just thinking about partying and having a fun time, experience jubilation across the board.”
There was plenty of jubilation during Quenneville’s tenure manning the bench for the Blackhawks, but when asked whether his time in Chicago was everything he expected it to be, Coach Q said it was “10 times better.”
“It was spectacular. The city was supportive. They love hockey. They love sports,” he said. “It’s a great city in all facets.”
Quenneville also added that, “Chicago’s a special place to play, and at least I was fortunate to coach here. I had to play in the building, which was fun. But it’s got everything you want. And that celebration from 2010, and then winning at home — and in between, winning in ’13 put it all together, and you couldn’t ask for a better run.”
NHL
Quenneville returned to Chicago a couple of weeks ago after beginning his self-isolation in Florida where he was “spoiled” by the weather.
“It’s a tough time. Different experience for everybody in the whole world,” he said. “You get a real appreciation for all the work that’s being done on the front lines, an appreciation for the people that are putting their lives at stake and helping the rest of us, and doing what we can to comply with the quarantine.”
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