NHL

Brodeur's big day

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Updated Jun 19, 2009 10:30 PM ET
     
 
A decade and a half ago, when he was a little-known rookie starting his first full season with the Devils , Martin Brodeur could not have imagined that he would someday become the NHL's all-time winningest goalie. But on the day Brodeur was honored by the General Assembly and the Senate at the State House in Trenton, he remembered those early years and the coach who gave him his start. Brodeur said yesterday the possibility that Jacques Lemaire could return as Devils coach made him smile. But he also suggested the team's new coach, whomever that may be, should continue playing the aggressive offensive style instituted by Brent Sutter that allowed players like Zach Parise and Travis Zajac excel. "He's a guy that I have a lot of respect for," Brodeur said of Lemaire. "He's the first guy that gave me my chance to play in the NHL. To see his name going around puts a little smile on my face because we do have a relationship." Nevertheless, Brodeur said he was sorry to see Sutter step down. "Brent brought a system in to help these guys be able to go in and skate more and be more active on the offensive side of the puck," he said. "We showed we were able to play a certain way and compete with the top teams. We just have to continue that way." What if Lemaire isn't the new coach GM Lou Lamoriello chooses? "I'm at a point that for me the decision I know will be the right one," the goalie said. "I have a lot of faith in Lou and the Hockey people we have to bring the right guy in." Lamoriello, who attended the two ceremonies yesterday along with Devils owners Jeff Vanderbeek and Mike Gilfillan, won't commit to a deadline for naming a new coach. The GM's search was interrupted by "Martin Brodeur Day," which began with 300 lucky fans gathering at the Prudential Center for a train ride to Trenton with Lamoriello, Vanderbeek, Gilfillan and former players Ken Daneyko, Grant Marshall and Rob Skrlac. More than 1,200 fans tried to land a seat on the Train to Trenton, but only 300 could fit in the balcony inside the State House. They received a miniature goalie stick signed by Brodeur, a T-shirt commemorating the day, a box lunch and mingled with the owners and GM on the train ride. Brodeur met the group in Trenton, where he was praised by members of the Assembly and then the Senate. At one point between the ceremonies, Brodeur said, "This is an amazing thing for me and the organization at the same time." The West Orange resident went on to explain how, although he is Canadian, he has spent much of his adult life in New Jersey. His children were born in the state and attend school in New Jersey. Senate President Richard Codey joked: "And you pay your taxes here." Brodeur deadpanned: "That's what I was going to talk to you about."
Tagged: Martin Brodeur, Devils

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