Ron Francis
Ron Francis
Ronald Michael Francis, Jr.is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre and the current general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League. Drafted fourth overall in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft, Francis played 23 seasons in the NHL for the Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs. Upon retiring from professional ice hockey in 2004, Francis stands second all-time in career assists, behind only Wayne Gretzky; fifth in career points; third in games played;...
NationalityCanadian
ProfessionHockey Player
Date of Birth1 March 1963
CountryCanada
bodies care dropping extremely guys high january last left losing obviously points six start tough week year
Our expectations were extremely high last year and when you start losing bodies like that, it's tough. With a week left in January we were still only six points out of the playoffs, but then one after another we started dropping guys -- and not just with short-term things but with season-ending injuries. I think at one point we had 13 guys out of the lineup. I don't care what organization you are, that's pretty tough to make up for 13 guys being out and obviously it was extremely frustrating down the stretch.
accomplish anybody chance fantastic gave team
For me, that team was very special. We didn't win, but I don't think anybody gave us a chance to accomplish what we did. At the end of the day, it was a fantastic experience.
actively boys came certainly coaching contract fun games hockey involved nice opportunity opposed practices team volleyball watch year
Certainly, I wouldn't be opposed to any of that if the right opportunity came along, I would certainly look at it. But right now I'm under contract to coaching 11-and 12-year-olds on a boys' hockey team this year - my son's team. Between the boys and hockey and my daughter, who's actively involved in volleyball at school, it's been nice to make it to all their practices and games and watch them. It's been fun being with them.
best chance entire equipment experience guys hard hours jobs medical opponents opportunity players quietly respect sure talents thank thoroughly utmost work
To all the players I had the chance to play with over my career, I thank you for all your hard work and dedication, your friendship, and for making this entire experience one I thoroughly enjoyed. To all my opponents over the years, I always had the utmost respect for your talents and how you competed every night. To the equipment guys and medical staffs, I thank you for all the hours you quietly put in to make sure that the players have the best opportunity to do their jobs well.
class proud special
To be in that class is very special for me and something I'm very proud of.
along bring chance contribute everybody fit guys help piece quicker trying winning
The quicker you help bring those young guys along the better it is for everybody on the team, ... The quicker they come along, the better chance we have of winning because they are going to help you and contribute to the success. So ultimately, that's what we are all doing is trying to win and be successful. So if the young guys are another piece of the puzzle, the quicker we can get them to fit in the better off we all are.
match
then working on legislation to match the numbers.
almost believed entire further great memorable nobody ride step surprised
Nobody believed we could do what we did, and we almost went one step further and really surprised them, ... The entire ride has been memorable and fun. I have no regrets. It's been a great part of my life.
cost fill money
It's great, unfortunately it cost me a lot of money to fill up the building.
draft eddie enticing extent fair february good last lottery mario picked season talk
(Coach Eddie Olczyk) and I are good friends, and we talk a fair amount, ... I think it probably would have been more enticing had the season picked up last February to do something (in Pittsburgh). But I actually called Mario (Lemieux) to congratulate him when the draft lottery when down, and he said, in passing, 'Are you going to play?' I said, 'No, I'm done.' And that was the extent of the conversation.
good people
Off the ice, you just want people to think you are a good person.
anybody certainly honored mentioned name wayne
I think anybody would certainly be honored to have their name mentioned with Wayne Gretzky,
believing capable certainly chance experience heads last level nobody picked ready season shows team
I think every team heads into the season believing they have a chance, and certainly we're no different here, ... And I think our experience two years ago shows that it's certainly possible. And look at Anaheim last year. Nobody picked them to have a chance and yet they got there. I think we're certainly capable of doing that. I think our team is ready to get back to the level where we were two years ago.
certainly four jacket love picture wearing
If it comes that the four of us are wearing a jacket at the same time, that's certainly a picture I'd love to have in my rec room.