by Giselle Lussier
GAZETTE STAFF
Florent Robidoux’s Cypress River basement radiates with history as Brad Anderson and Brenny Richmond eagerly grill the former Chicago Blackhawks left wing about his storied hockey career. Amid framed photos, well-worn scrapbooks, a trove of memorabilia and two championship rings, a few cherished jerseys hang – one of which is set to be retired during the Cypress Gardens 50th Anniversary celebration on Saturday, February 22nd.
Questions fly at him, and Florent is both surprised and visibly moved by all the attention. “Wow, I just can’t believe you are doing all this,” he says, shaking his head, completely humbled by the gesture. It’s clear he has a hard time fathoming the fuss – after all, in his mind, he was just a boy having fun by doing what he loved most; playing hockey. What he doesn’t realize is that, to the people of his hometown, he is a hockey legend – the only one to make it to the NHL and a beacon of inspiration for every Cypress River player who’s ever laced up their skates. His story has been passed down through a couple of generations now, cementing his place in local history.
Robidoux reminisces about trying out for the Brandon Wheat Kings at 17, chuckling at the memory “I think it was in September—I was a farm boy, and like all farm boys, I’d spent my summer working in the fields. So I went straight from the field to tryouts, and,” he grins, shaking his head, “I wasn’t put on the list.” But before disappointment had time to sink in, he and Glenboro defenseman Ron Vertz received a call from the New Westminster Bruins. Soon, they were on their way to Estevan to play in the SJHL.
After a season with Estevan, Florent moved up, securing a regular spot on the roster of the 1977 Memorial Cup champion Bruins. Known for their tough, grinding style, the Bruins were one of only four teams to win back-to-back championships.
The following year, Portland had the opportunity to choose two protected New Westminster players, and Florent was one of them. Soon, he was headed south to join the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL. Over two successful seasons, he was named a WHL All-Star, racking up 100 points in a season along with 157 penalty minutes.
In 1980, Robidoux signed as a free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks, splitting his time between the NHL and the AHL’s New Brunswick Hawks. His time with New Brunswick was a standout, earning him a Calder Cup championship with 66 points and 200 penalty minutes during the 1981-82 season.
Anyone who watched Florent play in Cypress River and Glenboro as a youth knows he was never an aggressive player – fighting was rare. When asked about the shift in his style, he laughed, “I wouldn’t have dared get into fights back then – I was scared of my mom.” But jokes aside, he explained, “Being 6’2”, weighing 200 pounds, and playing at that level, I had to change the way I played.”
Rather than waiting for the upcoming draft, Robidoux signed as a free agent with Chicago in 1980, playing at both the NHL and AHL levels with the New Brunswick Hawks.
Robidoux became known not just for setting up plays, providing some helpers and scoring some pretty sweet goals but also for being unafraid to drop the gloves when necessary. His career was on a promising trajectory – until tragedy struck.
A car accident in the 82/83 season left Florent with a broken femur, altering the course of his career. And it wasn’t just a clean break – it was severe. He spent three months in traction with a pin through his knee, followed by a month in a cast and then more time on crutches.
When asked if the injury was mentally devastating, he answered with characteristic resilience. “I was young and optimistic; I just thought of it as a normal break and figured in time it would heal, and I’d be skating again.” Despite the break, Florent played in 52 NHL games with the Blackhawks between 1980 and 84.
Rehabilitation wasn’t what it is today. Florent recalls his training regimen – running up and down every single step in the stadium while wearing a 20-pound vest. “I sometimes wonder how things might have turned out if we had the knowledge we do now,” he mused. His thoughts weren’t just about his hockey career but also his overall health. The injury left his leg two inches shorter, and over the years, compensating for the imbalance has led to painful back issues and well, he has a bad shoulder as well.
Following his injury, #25 did return during the 83/84 season and managed to play five games in the NHL for Chicago as well as playing in the AHL for the Springfield Indians. He was signed as a free agent with Philadelphia in 85, but didn’t get to experience any more NHL action. He retired in 1987.
The conversation and questions around the table covered a number of legends he played with and against during his career including #99 Wayne Gretzky. He mentioned the devastation felt when losing to Brandon in the 6 game final. Brenny and Brad’s jaws literally dropped when Florent absently mentioned that he lived with another NHL great Denis Savard for a stint.
As Brenny and Brad glanced over the team photos spread across the table, they pointed out former teammates who had gone on to become coaches after retiring from playing. Was that a path Florent regretted not pursuing?
He paused for a moment, reflecting. “I think about the ‘what if’ now,” he admitted. “But in 1987, I just wanted to settle down, to have a permanent home. I had moved 17 times in six years.
His most cherished professional year was his first year with New Brunswick when they not only captured the coveted Calder Cup, but had so much “fun” doing it.
Some of the most memorable moments were when he played close to home in Brandon and Winnipeg and he had his friends and family taking up an entire corner of both arenas. This made up his own cheering section making one wonder if the last person to leave Cypress River remembered to turn out the lights. His first NHL goal was scored against the Jets in Winnipeg with his fans cheering in celebration.
“Scoring that goal was big, but having my biggest supporters; my brothers who drove me to practices and taught me how to skate; well that was huge.” He said sincerely adding, “I always received unwavering support from my parents (Hubert and Therese), who not only drove me to every game and practise but also supported me and taught me humility.”
The most memorable “pinch me” moments included “walking up the stairs to the ice surface at the Chicago Stadium with the sound of the pipe organ blasting; such a unique sound.” The other was playing at the Montreal Forum. “I grew up a huge Montreal fan and that was the arena many of us had watched many Saturday night’s Hockey Night in Canada.” He also added the irony in that the team he grew up loving and cheering for became his nemesis as a player.
It is impossible to name one mentor, or one person who may have shaped him into the player player he was. In the professional ranks he credited New Brunswick.
Hawks coach Orval Tessier and assistance on the ice from players, Bill Riley and Dave Farrish.
But he also pays tribute to those in the very beginning. “I don’t want to sound corny or anyone to think I’m saying this because of the upcoming event in Cypress, but I would have to say playing with Cypress River in my childhood and teen years instilled a deep love for the game, we had so much fun that I never wanted to quit playing.” His Cypress River coach, Barry Fraser and Glenboro coach, John Vertz, made the game fun, but were always supportive and encouraging.
The memories Florent speaks of were not only some of the best for him, but his former teammates as well. Childhood friend and teammate, Greg Law, remembers him as being the heartbeat of the team. “He was a great skater, great puck handler and great teammate!”
Tony Desrosiers recalls as kids spending many hours skating on the dugout near his home. He also recalled how playing on the same line as Florent, “I loved playing on the same line as Robi, he was great at setting up plays so I got to score a lot of goals; he made me look good,” he laughed.
As the Cypress River Arena marks its 50th year, it’s only fitting that the community honours the player who put their town on the hockey map. Florent Robidoux’s journey – from a small-town rink to the NHL – has become part of local lore, inspiring generations of young players to dream big.
Along with the description of having hockey smarts and being an all round talented player, the word humble was not omitted by anyone interviewed, however Tony said it best; “Robi’s personality never changed, he is still the humble person I grew up skating on the dugout with!”
When asked what of his career is he most proud of, his answer; “I gave it the best I could until the last minute of the game; whether we were winning or losing,” a huge smile escapes as he adds with a chuckle, “and when I beat Doug Jarvis in three face offs!”
This coming Saturday night, when his jersey is raised to the rafters, it won’t just be a tribute to his talent and perseverance; it will be a celebration of the unwavering support of the town that shaped him. And in true Robidoux fashion, he won’t just be watching from the stands – he’ll be right where he’s always belonged, on the ice, reffing the game, still giving back to the sport that gave him so much.
