After the last match of his career: Noreau’s tears when saying goodbye to Switzerland

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He cannot finish the first sentence of his answer because the emotions overwhelm him and the tears flow after the 6-3 win in Lugano: Maxim Noreau is hanging up his skates after eleven seasons in Switzerland. “I appreciated every moment here and I will miss Switzerland,” the Lakers defenseman said. “All my teammates will remain my brothers for life.”

His Lakers teammates gave the Canadian an unforgettable farewell. Starting before the final home game on Saturday against Ajoie (3:2): Noreau’s sons Mason and William entered the SCRJ dressing room and read out the starting lineup to applause for their father’s final appearance at Obersee. On the Saturday before he left for Lugano, the team surprised him with T-shirts with his face and the inscription “happy retirement”.

Noreau came to Switzerland from the AHL (Houston) in 2011. His first stop was Ambri, a small village club where he didn’t know what to expect. It should have been the start of a great career in this country. After three seasons at Leventina, the 36-year-old made a detour to the AHL (Lake Erie, San Antonio) before playing in the National League until 2016. From 2016 to 2018 for SCB, then four years for the ZSC Lions and the last two seasons of his career for the SCRJ Lakers.

Hockey will remain a part of his life after he returns to his home country of Canada. In recent weeks, the national player and four-time Spengler Cup winner has launched his own training program with “Noreau Hockey” and published clips with tips and tricks.

Source : Blick