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
If that happens, I certainly want a picture of all of us for my own wall,
I always joked in years past that when that time came I would send a fax in from the Caribbean.
I always said put me in front of 40 or 50,000 people and play hockey, I'm comfortable there. Put me in front of 50 people to talk or get in front of, and that's where I'm probably the least comfortable.
My personality is not one that goes out looking for that (publicity). If anything, I probably bring a little bit of that on myself because I tend to shy away from that limelight. But it was never about that. It was about playing the game. And the thing I'm most proud of over the length of my career is probably the consistency. That is the best part.
Looking back overall, it was a long ride. I certainly wasn't expecting it to be that long, but I certainly enjoyed many aspects of it and look back with fond memories and absolutely no regrets. It was a great part of my life.
The (lack of) notoriety, that's for others to debate. I'm very satisfied with how my career went and I enjoyed the entire trip. I look back with no regrets.
I had a pretty clear picture once the season was cancelled last year (in February). So really in the last couple of months I was ready to announce this, but I've been pretty busy with the kids here. With everyone making their announcements, my agent called me and said we should get this thing official. So here were are.
I don't really look at myself in that category, but hearing your name mentioned alongside them is something I'm proud I've accomplished, and I take that as a huge compliment.
Hopefully that's the case, it would certainly be an honour,
He's like me ... only he can skate, ... When you come in the league everyone is always trying to put a label on you to compare you to someone. I know when I broke in the comparison that I heard was to Jean Beliveau. There are always going to be expectations when you get drafted as high as he did, but you'll see him develop his own unique style over time. Most guys find their own niche and their own way of making their career. I think there is no question that he is going to play in the NHL and be very successful.
I am not saying that if we win Game 3, we win that series, but it certainly would have put us in the driver's seat.
All week, I wasn't sure how it was going to go, how I was going to react. I had a lot of sleepless nights leading up to tonight. It was kind of a remarkable feeling. ... When I went out on to the ice, I had to hold it together and get through it. It was a fun night.
Every goal is a highlight film.
I always said put me in front of 40 or 50,000 people and play hockey, I'm comfortable there. Put me in front of 50 people to talk or get in front of, and that's where I'm probably the least comfortable.