In the world of professional sports, especially in a city like Montreal, players and coaches often find themselves under the microscope of an intense media environment. For young athletes, adjusting to this level of scrutiny can be a daunting challenge. In such a high-pressure atmosphere, having a mentor or role model can make a world of difference. For Cole Caufield, the star winger of the Montreal Canadiens, that mentor has been none other than Chantal Machabée, one of the most respected journalists in the city.
Machabée, who has spent decades covering the Canadiens as a sports broadcaster and reporter, is no stranger to the demands of the Montreal media. Her experience and insight have not only shaped her career but also played a pivotal role in helping Caufield navigate the often-overwhelming spotlight that comes with playing for one of the NHL’s most storied franchises. Through her guidance, Caufield has learned how to handle the media with poise, grace, and confidence.
The Montreal Media Environment: A Pressure Cooker for Athletes
Montreal is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable hockey cities in the world. The Montreal Canadiens, known affectionately as the Habs, are a cornerstone of the city’s identity, with a history and tradition that stretches back over a century. Playing for the Canadiens means that athletes are often at the center of attention, not just in the locker room but also in the community and media. The expectations are sky-high, and every move, every performance, and every statement is scrutinized by both fans and journalists alike.
For a young player like Cole Caufield, who was drafted by the Canadiens in 2019 and quickly became one of the team’s most exciting prospects, the intensity of the Montreal media can be overwhelming. The city’s media landscape is notoriously tough, and journalists are relentless in their pursuit of stories, insights, and reactions. This environment can be especially difficult for rookies and young stars who are still learning the ropes of their profession.
While Caufield has undeniably shown a great deal of maturity on and off the ice, it’s clear that the pressure of playing in Montreal could affect anyone. Fortunately, Caufield has had Chantal Machabée to offer guidance during this challenging period of his career.
Chantal Machabée: A Trusted Mentor
Chantal Machabée is an iconic figure in the world of sports journalism, particularly in Montreal. Having spent over 30 years in the industry, Machabée has become one of the most recognizable faces in the coverage of the Montreal Canadiens. Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for being both insightful and fair, building trust with the athletes and coaches she covers.
Her deep understanding of the Canadiens and the media environment in Montreal has made her an invaluable resource for players, and for Caufield, Machabée’s influence has been especially profound. Her advice to Caufield has been pivotal in helping him adjust to the media spotlight and remain focused on his game while maintaining a strong relationship with the press.
Machabée’s guidance is not just about teaching a young player how to handle tough questions or respond to scrutiny. It’s about understanding the media as a tool for building relationships, controlling narratives, and communicating effectively with the public.
The Advice That Helped Caufield
When Caufield first entered the NHL, the pressure was intense. As one of the Canadiens’ brightest young stars, he was expected to deliver right away. On top of his performances on the ice, his every word was being picked apart by the media. His every move was being analyzed, and the expectations weighed heavily on his shoulders. This is where Machabée stepped in to provide him with the tools to handle it.
1. Stay True to Yourself
One of the most important pieces of advice that Machabée gave to Caufield was to stay true to himself. She emphasized the importance of authenticity and not letting the noise of the media or public opinion dictate how he conducted himself. In a city as passionate as Montreal, there is often an overwhelming pressure to conform to expectations. However, Machabée made it clear to Caufield that being genuine and transparent would resonate most with the fans and media alike.
“People respect you when you’re yourself,” Machabée told Caufield during their early conversations. “The media and fans will pick up on your sincerity, and they’ll appreciate it more than any rehearsed answer you give.”
For Caufield, who is naturally reserved and thoughtful, this advice helped him find comfort in his own skin. Instead of feeling the need to put on a façade, he embraced his authentic self and stuck to what felt natural when engaging with the media. Whether answering questions about his performance on the ice or responding to more personal inquiries, Caufield learned to stay grounded in who he was and not try to be someone he wasn’t.
2. Take Control of Your Narrative
Machabée also advised Caufield to take control of his own narrative whenever possible. In the world of sports media, it’s easy for others to dictate how a player is perceived based on snippets of interviews or brief moments on the ice. However, Machabée stressed the importance of framing his own story, particularly in moments when things might not be going as well as expected.
“Don’t let anyone else tell your story for you,” Machabée advised. “You have the ability to shape how people see you — but only if you’re proactive in communicating your thoughts and feelings.”
By understanding the media’s role in shaping public perception, Caufield learned to approach interviews with confidence. He understood that while he couldn’t control every aspect of the media’s coverage, he could certainly influence it by taking the time to express his thoughts clearly and with purpose. Whether it was explaining the intricacies of his game or responding to criticism, Caufield realized that being proactive and thoughtful would ensure that his side of the story was always heard.
3. Develop a Thick Skin
One of the harsh realities of playing in a media market like Montreal is that athletes will inevitably face criticism, both from journalists and from passionate fans. Chantal Machabée’s advice to Caufield was to develop a thick skin and not take the criticism personally. “You can’t let every negative comment get to you,” she told him. “There are always going to be ups and downs, but your focus should always be on getting better and doing your job.”
This advice helped Caufield maintain a level of emotional resilience, even in the face of harsh media coverage. Rather than dwelling on negative commentary, he learned to focus on improving his game and remaining composed in the face of adversity.
4. Use the Media as a Platform
Lastly, Machabée emphasized the importance of using the media as a platform to connect with fans, share his story, and give back to the community. The media in Montreal is not just about covering a player’s stats or performance; it’s about telling a story that resonates with the people who support the team. Machabée encouraged Caufield to leverage his media presence to build a connection with Canadiens fans, showcasing his personality and passion for the game.
“Fans want to know who you are, what drives you,” Machabée explained. “Take the opportunity to share your journey, your goals, and your love for the game. It’s not just about the numbers — it’s about the experience you’re giving them.”
By taking this advice to heart, Caufield began to embrace his role as a public figure more fully, building rapport with fans and creating a deeper connection with the Montreal community.
Conclusion: A Lasting Relationship of Guidance
Chantal Machabée’s advice has undoubtedly played a crucial role in Cole Caufield’s ability to handle the media in Montreal. With her years of experience, Machabée has offered him invaluable lessons on authenticity, self-confidence, emotional resilience, and the power of narrative. These lessons have helped Caufield not only survive but thrive in the intense media spotlight of Montreal, enabling him to stay grounded while still engaging with the community that adores him.
As Caufield’s career continues to develop, it’s clear that the advice he received from Machabée will remain a guiding force. In the pressure-cooker environment of Montreal, having a mentor like Machabée has allowed him to navigate the challenges of being a young star with poise and maturity. Through her wisdom and encouragement, Caufield has learned to manage the media spotlight while remaining true to himself — and that is a lesson that will serve him well for years to come.