Serge Savard

Canadiens Dept: The Canadiens and Molson, whose family founded the eponymous brewing empire in 1786, are under blistering criticism for naming a coach who doesn t speak French for the first time since 1970, according to Globe and Mail. More typically, nationalist groups called for a boycott of Molson products while former team executives such as Serge Savard, along with provincial political leaders of all parties, insisted the coach of the Canadiens should speak French and but the ability to speak French and English will be a very important factor in the selection of a permanent head coach, Molson, a native Quebecer who speaks fluent French, added in a statement. Gauthier had said he hoped Cunneyworth would continue beyond this season. While opinion appeared to be split among diehard hockey fans, many of whom just want to see the team win, pundits, politicians and nationalists fueled the controversy. In one of the more extreme examples, columnist and radio commentator Rejean Tremblay argued team management have long wanted to eradicate French from the club to strengthen its iron grip on communications. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.