CALAHOO, Alberta — A brief 30-minute drive northwest of Rogers Place, home of the Edmonton Oilers, leads you to the tiny hamlet of Calahoo, a mere dot on the map of Alberta.
According to the latest census data from Statistics Canada, the population was recorded at 143 in 2021.
It appears that many residents share the surname Berube.
Some might as well call it Berubeville, unofficially the hometown of Craig Berube, head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
During a late May drive, amid the Oilers’ pursuit of a spot in the Stanley Cup Final, first-time visitors can’t help but notice one overwhelming question.
Is it possible that everyone here is named Berube?
“I can’t provide an exact number, but there’s certainly a lot,” Craig chuckled. “My dad grew up with six brothers and a sister, and all of them had about 18 or 19 kids together. Then, those kids had kids, and well …
“Nearly all of them still live there. I’m the only one who moved away.”
This area firmly resides in the heart of Oil Country, a fact that has never changed. Berube himself is a part of that heritage. At 58 years old, he was a teenager when the Oilers, led by Wayne Gretzky, initiated their legendary dynasty that claimed five Stanley Cups between 1984 and 1990. He understands the enduring significance of the franchise in the local community.
However, as Berube and the Maple Leafs prepare to host the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second edition of Prime Monday Night Hockey (7:30 p.m. ET; TVAS, Prime, NHLN, BSSUN), many locals will be donning Toronto blue-and-white instead of Edmonton’s blue-and-orange to support the community’s favorite son.
He made a point of that during the offseason.
“I took a lot of [Toronto] merchandise back home this summer to share with them,” he mentioned in a recent one-on-one interview with NHL.com.
It took a bit of time for some family members to embrace the idea.
“It only took a couple of days, but they eventually put it on,” he recounted. “We were out golfing, and many were wearing golf shirts and hats featuring the [Maple Leafs’ logo]. It was nice to see.”
Not all have switched allegiances.
“There will always be Edmonton fans here, but his friends and family are supporting him and Toronto,” said Roger Berube, Craig’s father.
Berube aims to inspire his players and, by extension, the passionate fan base of the team, to rally behind his goal of ending the franchise’s 57-year Stanley Cup drought.
* * *
During the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, while coaching the St. Louis Blues, a Toronto journalist showed him a message from Hall of Fame forward Doug Gilmour.
“Hey Chief,” the text read. “I just wanted to express how honored I was to be part of YOUR trade long ago!”
Berube chuckled as he read the message.
“Ha! I think that should actually be the other way around,” he said with a grin. “Honestly, I was proud to be part of his trade.”
On January 2, 1992, a monumental 10-player trade took place between the Maple Leafs and the Calgary Flames, which sent Gilmour, Ric Nattress, Jamie Macoun, Kent Manderville, and Rick Wamsley to Toronto in exchange for Berube, Gary Leeman, Alexander Godynyuk, Michel Petit, and Jeff Reese. This trade remains the most significant in NHL history by the number of players involved.
For context, Gilmour finished his career with 1,414 points, while Berube tallied 159.
“Just a slight difference,” Berube remarked jokingly.
In his 1,054 games played in the NHL, Berube was known more for his fighting prowess than scoring, amassing the seventh-highest penalty minutes (3,149) in league history. His time with the Maple Leafs in 1991-92 included 40 games, during which he experienced the relentless scrutiny that accompanies life in hockey-crazed Toronto.
Though his tenure was brief, it left a lasting impression.
He was reminded of this shortly after his hiring as the Maple Leafs’ coach on May 17, just eight days after Sheldon Keefe’s dismissal. During a face-to-face meeting with forward Mitch Marner at a quiet Toronto café, a fan snapped a photo of them together and shared it on social media, sending it viral. Such is life in Toronto.
When asked about his conversation with Marner and its popularity among fans, Berube stated that he tends to disregard distractions from the outside. Regarding Marner, who received criticism following the Maple Leafs’ elimination in the Eastern Conference First Round by the Boston Bruins, Berube responded, “I’m eager to coach him.”
From Calahoo to Toronto: Craig Berube’s Journey from Local Legend to Maple Leafs Coach
Early Life and Hockey Beginnings
Craig Berube was born on December 27, 1966, in Calahoo, Alberta, a small community that has produced its share of hockey talent. Growing up in a vibrant hockey culture, Berube began playing at a young age. His early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career.
Local Legend in Calahoo
Craig’s passion for hockey quickly made him a local legend. Known for his toughness and dedication on the ice, he played for the local junior teams, impressing scouts and coaches alike. His hard-nosed style of play caught the eye of larger leagues, leading to opportunities beyond the confines of Calahoo.
Transition to Professional Hockey
Berube’s professional journey began in the late 1980s when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 6th round of the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. His transition from a local star to a professional player was marked by challenges and triumphs.
Minor League Experience
Before hitting the NHL, Berube spent time in various minor leagues, including the AHL and IHL, where he honed his skills and established his reputation as a tough enforcer. His minor league experience was crucial in shaping his understanding of the game and preparing him for the rigors of the NHL.
Career in the NHL
Craig Berube made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1988, quickly becoming known for his physical style of play. Over the next two decades, he played for several teams, including:
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- New York Islanders
- Washington Capitals
- St. Louis Blues
Key Milestones in His Playing Career
| Season | Team | Games Played | Points | PIM (Penalty Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988-89 | Philadelphia Flyers | 66 | 7 | 149 |
| 1992-93 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 43 | 3 | 78 |
| 1995-96 | New York Islanders | 72 | 12 | 135 |
Transition to Coaching
After retiring as a player in 2004, Berube made the natural transition to coaching. His extensive experience as an enforcer provided him with unique insights into player dynamics and team strategy, making him a valuable asset to any coaching staff.
First Steps in Coaching
- 2006-2008: He began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Flyers.
- 2009-2011: Berube took the head coaching role for the AHL’s Adirondack Phantoms, guiding the team through competitive seasons.
Rise to Prominence: Coaching the Blues
Craig Berube’s big break came when he was named the head coach of the St. Louis Blues in November 2018. Under his leadership, the team overcame a dismal start to the season, culminating in a historic run to win the Stanley Cup in 2019. This achievement brought him national recognition and solidified his reputation as a top coach in the NHL.
Coaching Philosophy and Style
Berube’s coaching style is characterized by a strong emphasis on physical play, accountability, and teamwork. Here are some key aspects of his philosophy:
- Accountability: Berube believes that every player must be responsible for their role on the team.
- Physical Play: He encourages a hard-hitting, aggressive style that can wear down opponents.
- Team Chemistry: Building strong relationships among players is crucial for Berube, as he understands that trust translates to performance on the ice.
Becoming the Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs
In the summer of 2023, after a rigorous selection process, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced Craig Berube as their new head coach. This appointment marks a significant milestone in his career, providing him the opportunity to lead one of the NHL’s most storied franchises.
Expectations and Challenges in Toronto
Taking the helm of the Maple Leafs comes with its own set of challenges and expectations:
- Breaking the Curse: The Leafs have not won the Stanley Cup since 1967, and Berube is tasked with changing that narrative.
- Player Development: With a roster rich in talent but needing consistency, Berube’s experience in player development will be crucial.
- Fan Expectations: The passionate Toronto fanbase demands success, putting pressure on Berube to deliver results quickly.
Benefits of Berube’s Coaching for the Maple Leafs
Under Craig Berube’s guidance, the Maple Leafs stand to gain several advantages:
- Improved Defensive Strategies: Known for his defensive acumen, Berube’s systems will help tighten the Leafs’ defense.
- Fostering Leadership: His experience will help cultivate young leaders within the squad, essential for playoff success.
- Enhanced Team Cohesion: Berube’s emphasis on team chemistry can lead to improved on-ice performance and morale.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players
As a well-respected coach, Berube’s impact on players has been profound. Here are testimonials from players who have played under him:
“Craig holds us accountable and pushes us to be our best. He’s always in our corner, and that means a lot.” – Former Player, St. Louis Blues
“His understanding of the game and ability to relate to players sets him apart. It was an honor to play for him.” – NHL Player
Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Leafs
Craig Berube’s journey from Calahoo to the NHL and now as the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. His unique blend of experience as both a player and a coach positions him well to tackle the challenges ahead and potentially lead the Maple Leafs to much-desired success.
