from RDS (autotranslation)
Renaud Lavoie
Thursday, 12 March 2009

Scotty Bowman has had a major impact on many people in the National Hockey League. Whether on players, officials, managers, he changed the lives of several of them. In this long list must be added the name of Don Lever.

The two men began to meet when Bowman was the big boss of the Buffalo Sabres. Before the start of the season 1985-1986, Don Lever had accepted the invitation of Bowman to join their training. Lever was the end of their career (he made his debut in 1972 with the Canucks) and supply Sabres was simple: two more seasons, but with the possibility that it also evolves with the Rochester Americans, farm-club Sabres. In return, he became assistant coach of the formation of Buffalo until his retirement.

Twenty-four years later, both men are still very close to each other when they spend time together during the season, being neighbors in a neighborhood of Buffalo.

I talked to Scotty Bowman on the phone, he who spends his winter in Sarasota, Florida, and the word that came back most often in conversation is a word that is what Bob Gainey required of all employees: consistency.

“Don Lever is constant (this was his first words). It is always the same after a win or after a defeat. It’s really a very honest person and the players love him.”

Don Lever was a master in Bowman. It is the latter that Gainey has recommended for the post of head coach in Hamilton four years ago.

“Don was looking for a job and I told Bob that he was the kind of coach he sought. He has a lot of experience and is a very honest person. And you know, it’s 37 years it is in professional levels. Everywhere he went, he was right. Joel Quenneville has been in St. Louis (2002-2004) and he always told me that Don had done a big job with him. Don has long been a deputy, it’s true, but you know, they prepare the training. It is very far from being a rookie. And its success in Hamilton are very important because it won with young people who are now in Montreal. His record is very good and he has confidence in him. This is a guy who will do everything to succeed and he wants to stay in the NHL. It is a family man who great passion for hockey. ”

Language, a factor

There is a point which is a handicap for Don Lever: he does not speak French. And Quebec, the vast majority of people want the head coach of the team speaks the language of the people. And this is normal. But for Scotty Bowman, a lot has changed in recent years in the world of hockey, and it is not that the Canadians put barriers which could hinder the organization.

“The players now come from everywhere. Is it should be the same with coaches? In Russia, my former assistant in Detroit, Barry Smith, was there for three years. He has a good team in a league which is not easy and although it now has a little knowledge of the language, his assistants help with the media. In the case of Don Lever, he will learn English quickly because I am convinced that already knows a few words. But you know, the most important thing is that he has an incredible eye. He knows who has talent and who does not. And I will repeat, is someone very constant.

This consistency is what makes the difference between winners and losers. In the case of Bob Gainey, there is no doubt that one of its great strengths. Scotty Bowman has also been noticed in Don Lever. So tell you one thing, head coach of the Canadiens next season will be very constant. This will be Bob Gainey, Don Lever.