We all live overloaded lives since the advent of multiple communication platforms such as email, social networks and cell phones that seem to captivate some of us so dearly. More reachable than ever but more lonesome too. Let's say that the stress level has gone up a notch since they have become part of our lives while decreasing our level of attention. Everything seems to be done on the surface and to see people walking on the big arteries of our cities with their noses in their screen, one would think zombies are now part of the real world. It is sad in fact this level of global awareness, people embark on various movements because it is the fashion of the moment and "like" everything on their path to avoid missing the digital boat. It is in fact their lives that they are missing by living it through a screen through this narcissistic mirror that has no limits. All these incessant disturbances move us away from ourselves because, despite a form of loneliness mentioned above, it is difficult to find a space for you to be with you unless you pull the plug. It seems simple but depending on our reality and our obligations it is not always possible. For others it's downright addictive, a form of digital drug that calms the soul like a cigarette does for others.

It is clear that many of you dreamed of becoming professional hockey players, playing for the Habs or other teams of your choice when you were a kid. Not all, but many I am convinced. So to say that hockey is at the heart of our lives even as an adult is no exaggeration even for those with children or demanding jobs. Hockey like soccer, basketball or any team sport shapes our lives. The passion sport arouses in us even among the most cartesian thinker is remarkable and often inspiring. 

During the forced break of the last week due to a tournament at the College Notre-Dame arena the administration of the Ligue Fédérale des As was not idle, especially in the discipline department.  It was necessary to bring back in line some of the members of the Barbarians and Meteors who had exceeded the limits of what is acceptable in a competitive but friendly hockey league during their meeting of December 2nd. In addition to the general warnings to both teams, some players received personal letters because in their case formal complaints had been made against them by members of the league.

I rarely write my texts for the LFA journal on the fly, but I just came back from the press conference for the PASSION HOCKEY exhibition at the Pointe-à-Callière museum where the LFA is proudly represented and where its colours are displayed. This exhibition is held in partnership with the Canadian Museum of History, the Montreal Canadiens in connection with the National Hockey League centennial . The LFA has come a long way in four years of operation and is now amongst what is truly hockey in the city. Without believing that we will one day have our place in the Hall of Fame, despite having redrawn the boundaries of what a well managed amateur sports league with a singular vision can be and can become (as we have not finished rethinking the game) it's still fun to realize that we are part of this great Montreal premiere and that thousands of people will see our logos and colors in a museum in the next days . I invite you to visit the exhibition over the next couple months to discover all its treasures, it's worth the trip!

After finishing my text of the LFA bulletin board for our journal, I learned the death of Robert Girard, a hockey friend of some of us. Bob played 7 seasons in the NHL at a time when it was rought and you had to keep your head up. I met him in the early 2000s after an accident during a friendly game where I busted my knee. Although I knew many other guys in the room it was he who volunteered with another dude to take me home as I could not drive.. Over time with his sidekick François we made travel plans and I finally joined them in Mexico in 2016 where we spent two great weeks and this well before he was diagnosed with cancer. Bob was an example in a number of ways, including physical fitness and exemplary eating habits. He was filled with kindness and warmth, a characteristic not so common thease days His smile and presence will be missed. Salut Bob !