Richard Sévigny facts for kids

Richard Sévigny (born April 11, 1957) is a former ice hockey goaltender from Canada. He played for the Montreal Canadiens and Quebec Nordiques in the National Hockey League (NHL). After his playing career, he became a coach in France. He is known for being the last Montreal Canadiens player to wear jersey number 33 before the famous goalie Patrick Roy.

Richard Sévigny's Hockey Journey

Starting in Junior Hockey

Before joining the NHL, Richard Sévigny played for several different teams. He spent his early career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He played for the Granby Vicks and the Sherbrooke Castors. In 1976, Sévigny was chosen for the QMJHL West First All-Star Team. He played 55 games that season.

His strong performance also caught the eye of Team Canada. He was selected to play in the 1976 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. There, he helped his team win a silver medal.

Joining the NHL Draft

Sévigny's international play made the Montreal Canadiens notice him. In 1977, they picked him 124th overall in the 1977 NHL amateur draft. The Canadiens also drafted seven other goalies that year. This meant there was a lot of competition to earn a spot on the team.

Playing in Minor Leagues

In 1978, Sévigny played for the Kalamazoo Wings in the IHL. He played 35 games and was chosen for the Second All-Star Team. The next season, he played in the American Hockey League (AHL). He played for the Springfield Indians and the Nova Scotia Voyageurs.

Winning the Stanley Cup

In the 1979 Stanley Cup Finals, something unexpected happened. The Canadiens' starting goalie, Michel Larocque, got hurt during warm-ups before Game 2. Richard Sévigny was dressed as a backup goalie in his place. The Canadiens went on to win the Stanley Cup that year. This meant Sévigny's name was carved on the Stanley Cup even before he played his first NHL game!

Becoming an NHL Star

When legendary goalie Ken Dryden retired in 1979, more spots opened up on the Canadiens team. Sévigny played well during training camp. He started in eleven regular season games during the 1979-80 season. The next season, he played in 33 games and won 20 of them. He had the best GAA in the league that year. He won the Vezina Trophy along with his teammates Denis Herron and Michel Larocque.

On April 20, 1984, Sévigny was part of a famous fight. It happened during a game against the Quebec Nordiques. This event is often called "Good Friday Brawl." Both teams' benches emptied twice during the game. The game was delayed for over an hour. Sévigny even fought the Nordiques' backup goalie, Clint Malarchuk. He was given a penalty for his part in the fight.

Moving to Quebec Nordiques

For the next two seasons, Sévigny continued to have winning records. However, the Canadiens did not offer him a new contract. He was then quickly signed by the Quebec Nordiques. He signed a four-year deal with them. He spent the next three seasons with the Nordiques and their AHL team, the Fredericton Express. He finished his playing career in France in 1990.

Richard Sévigny

Medal record
Representing  Canada
Men's ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Silver	1976 Finland	Ice hockey

Life After Hockey

Famous Quote

There's a famous story in hockey about Richard Sévigny. He was once quoted saying that Guy Lafleur would easily beat Wayne Gretzky in the 1981 playoffs. This quote supposedly motivated the Edmonton Oilers team to win against the Canadiens.

Coaching and Charity

After retiring from professional hockey, Sévigny stayed involved in the sport. He has played in charity hockey games with other former players. He also coached the semi-pro team, the Verdun Dragons.

Awards and Achievements

• Selected to the QMJHL First All-Star Team in 1976.
• Selected to the IHL Second All-Star Team in 1978.
• Stanley Cup championship in 1979.
• Vezina Trophy winner in 1981 (shared with Michel Larocque and Denis Herron).