Paul Maurice’s friendship with a young Jets fan lasted less than two weeks. But what he did for him meant everything
New York TimesIt was quarter past seven on Friday, June 21 — the longest day of the year — and Winnipeg was on the clock. He’s already dealing with enough.” Lagacé, a 30-year-old professional stage manager on the Jets season-ticket-holder waiting list, had texted Maurice from his family home in La Salle, Manitoba. Lagacé thanked him and returned to his friends, proudly exclaiming, “Paul Maurice texted me back!” The draft continued in Vancouver as the Lagacés’ satellite feed was restored in La Salle. “OK, but what do we think about Scheifele?” “I like Scheifele too.” At this, Maurice reached into a black garbage bag that he’d brought and presented Lagacé with a signed white Mark Scheifele jersey. “It’s fricken’ Paul Maurice!” In the days between his draft party and his death on Sunday, June 30, Lagacé kept beaming his way through the story.
History of this topic
Paul Maurice, a hockey lifer, now has a Stanley Cup. And it was worth the wait
Associated Press
Winnipeg Jets stars steal show with Paul Maurice on Panthers’ bench
New York Times
Paul Maurice returns to Winnipeg: Former Jets coach balances difficult emotions
New York TimesDiscover Related
