Claude Thanks Players, Fans And Fellow Coaches
BOSTON (CBS) – Before the Boston Bruins loaded onto their duck boats to celebrate their Stanley Cup Championship, coach Claude Julien made sure all the credit went to his players.
"I want to tell you that winning a Stanley Cup is great, and these guys here, I want to publicly congratulate them because they did a great job for us," Julien said pointing to his players behind him on stage.
Julien is never one to take the spotlight from his team, unless it is to take the heat away from them. He enjoyed the locker room celebration after their Game 7 victory in the corner, with his five-year-old daughter Katryna in his arms.
Read: Julien Enjoys Championship Through Players
"I just want to enjoy the moment through their eyes," he said Wednesday night in Vancouver.
Of course, Claude made a point to thank the fans as well.
"The Stanley cup was won by these guys here, but it belongs to you guys out here," he said to the thousands of fans lined up to see the Bruins off. "So enjoy it, and enjoy the day."
Claude Julien Thanks Fans, Boston Coaches
But the classiest part of his short speech Saturday morning was when he thanked his fellow Boston coaches, who he said made him feel a part of the Championship fraternity even before he was able to lift the Stanley Cup.
"On a personal note, I would like to thank Terry Francona, Bill Belichick and Doc Rivers for the support that they have given me personally throughout the playoffs," said Claude, who received at least a phone call from each of them. "Even before winning a championship they made me feel like I was part of their group. But now, at least with a championship, you really feel like you belong. Thanks to them, and thanks to you guys for your support. I look forward to bringing another one home soon!"
Welcome to the club Claude.
