Take 5 with Lewy's Legion - Michel Morin

March 1, 2011 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Lewiston MAINEiacs News Release


There are a lot of parents who make sacrifices for their children to be able to play hockey as they grow up. As the child gets older the sacrifices get bigger both in money and time. That never stopped Michel Morin from supporting his son Pierre-Olivier Morin. Michel has become a familiar face around the ABC. Most people would think he sacrifices a lot of his time to watch his son play here in Lewiston. Truth be told, he loves to watch PO and the Maineiacs play and hardly sees it as a sacrifice to be here or at any rink to watch the boys. Michel, can be found at pretty much any Maineiacs game regardless of where it is, Lewiston, any rink in Quebec, and even in the Maritimes. Michel has been to every rink in the league at least once since PO has been playing in the Q and many of them several times. Most people average about 15,000 miles on their car a year, not Michel, he does that and puts an extra 20,000 miles on his car each year while travelling to support PO and watch him play. Of all the rinks Michel has been to, aside from Lewiston, Shawinigan's new rink is his favorite. He says the view of the game is fantastic no matter where you sit in the rink. Of his many trips to Lewiston, Michel comments about the number of moose he has seen during the trip."There are so many," he says, "especially in the Grafton Notch and Newry areas. It is particularly dangerous especially at night when heading home after a weeknight game." Maineiacs fans take note, this is a man who could probably make this trip in his sleep.

When staying in the LA area, the Morin's stay a the Marriott in Auburn and usually eat breakfast right at the hotel. In between games, the Morin's really enjoy shopping, especially in Freeport. One of the things that many players from Quebec miss most when they arrive in Lewiston is poutine. Oddly enough, many fans who have been to rinks in Canada come to love poutine and will often buy poutine mix and "squeaky" cheese before heading back across the border. One thing the Morin's have become quite fond of while in Maine is outlet shopping in Freeport. Michel says, there will be many trips back to Freeport for shopping when PO's career in Lewiston is done. Outlet shopping is something that you don't see in Quebec.

Michel has always been a part of PO's hockey career. He first signed PO up for hockey at the ripe, young age of 4. PO loved it right from the start. Michel coached PO from ages 4 to 12. After that he made sure to be there to support PO through every practice and game. Michel says, "I love hockey and it is very important to me and my wife to be there to support our children." Michel has a very warm, genuine smile. He sits through every game, watching intensely but doing so in a very quiet calm manner. His passion for the sport and his son's game is written all over his face. The Morin's also have a daughter. PO's older sister figure skated growing up and is now an architect. Michel is very quick to point out how proud they are of their daughter and her accomplishments as well. As for PO, of course his parents are proud! Michel says, "PO is serious. His dream is to play hockey. He had a very good experience in the Vancouver in September camp and hopefully he will have the opportunity to return. We want PO to be able to realize his dream. Every parent wants that for their children. If that doesn't happen, we want him to be happy in whatever he does. He is smart, serious, and a very, very good person."

PO left home at 16 years old to come to Lewiston. Let's face it, these boys are away from home living in someone else's home 8-9 months out of the year. Most parents would be somewhat apprehensive about someone else molding their child through his teen years. Not the Morin's. PO has been with the same billet family from day one. Mike and Jeanne Carpenter and their young adult children Jackie and Mike are PO's Maineiacs family. The Morin's couldn't be happier. Michel speaks fondly of the Carpenter's. He says, "We love them. They are fabulous. They are very good people. PO is part of their family. They're family to us too, they always will be." We, the fans, have been fortunate to see PO develop and grow both on and off the ice over the years. His family has seen him it too. Michel has seen his son grow physically, become more confident on and off the ice, he's become a responsible young adult. He gives credit to the Carpenter's in helping his son grow and mature.

Michel was kind enough to send this message to the people in the LA area and especially to the Maineiacs fans, "All the fans for the Maineiacs are incredible. They are fabulous! They love the players and they are great with the players. My wife and I love the people of Lewiston. We have made a lot of friends in Lewiston that we will remember for years to come. Lewiston is a great city for hockey and we hope that you will have a QMJHL team in the city for a long time to come. Thank you to all the Maineiacs fans! You are GREAT!"

-Michelle Manson



Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from March 1, 2011


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