Former Montreal Canadiens defenceman David Savard and his wife, Valérie Lachance, have embarked on a new chapter of community service by accepting roles as official spokespeople for the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation. The announcement comes as the foundation marks its significant 25th anniversary milestone.
A New Role in Community Service
The couple's appointment was formally revealed at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Savard, who retired after a distinguished 14-year NHL career following the previous season, expressed enthusiasm about this new opportunity to contribute to the community that embraced his family.
"At the end of last year, we went to a lunch with them and all the people they work with and we got the chance to kind of see what they give back, the difference it would make for those organizations," Savard explained. "When they asked us to be spokespersons we just kind of jumped on it because it kind of reflects our values that we're trying to do with our kids."
Foundation's Quarter-Century Impact
The Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation has made remarkable contributions throughout its 25-year history, investing $54.4 million in programs and community donations aimed at helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The foundation's initiatives have reached an estimated 4 million vulnerable children through approximately 1,000 organizations across Quebec.
One of the foundation's most visible legacies includes the construction of 15 refrigerated outdoor Bleu Blanc Bouge rinks throughout the province, with a 17th scheduled for unveiling on December 2. These facilities provide accessible recreational spaces that encourage physical activity and community engagement.
Geneviève Paquette, the Canadiens' vice-president of community engagement and general manager of the Children's Foundation, emphasized the significance of this appointment. "The foundation never really had a spokesperson before and we were fortunate our first president was Guy Lafleur," Paquette noted. "For us, as a foundation, we're extremely proud and grateful for them to have agreed to be the voice of the foundation for this year."
Family Values Align with Foundation Mission
As parents of three children - Emma (10), Elliot (9), and Zachary (5) - the Savards bring genuine personal commitment to the foundation's mission. Valérie Lachance shared her perspective on this new joint venture: "This is the first time that we can do something that matters to us, both of us together. I think it's a good opportunity for us to also give to the community and Montreal is now our community, so we're happy to be able to give back."
The couple, both originally from Quebec City, met over two decades ago when Savard was playing with the AHL's Springfield Falcons after being selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the fourth round (94th overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft. Their journey together has included nine seasons with Columbus, a Stanley Cup championship with Tampa Bay in 2021, followed by four seasons with the Canadiens, alongside raising their three children.
Transition to Life After Hockey
Savard reflected on adjusting to retirement from professional hockey, acknowledging the significant lifestyle changes. "It was an adjustment in a way that you're missing your routine a little bit," he shared. "It took a little while to get used to it, but now we're finally, I think, figuring out our schedule."
His wife noted the positive aspects of having him home more consistently: "I'm happy for sure. It helps a lot with the kids and all the stuff around the house, too. I'm really happy now." She also highlighted one of the most challenging aspects of being an NHL player's spouse: "I feel the toughest part is with the kids. Before having kids you do your own stuff and it doesn't matter. Now the kids know dad's not around or he's not going to be at my soccer practice."
Reflections on Career and Community
Savard discussed his decision to sign with the Canadiens as a free agent in 2021, partly motivated by concerns about his children losing their French language skills. "Now they're losing their English," he joked. "We're really happy to be staying in Montreal. We didn't want to go anywhere else. We fell in love with the city and the way people treat us here."
Regarding his retirement decision, Savard revealed he knew around Christmas of his final season that it would be his last. He expressed gratitude for how the Canadiens organization, specifically president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes, handled his transition. "I think they're just really good people and they make you feel like you're people and not just a player in a business," he said.
When asked what makes him most proud about his career, Savard emphasized the personal connections: "I would say the impact you have on some of the guys, the young guys. I get texts all the time from guys I played with, even in Columbus. I think that's how you want to be remembered is that you were just a good person."
His wife added her perspective on his career: "I think he's really humble because I think he had such a big impact on every team he played for. He didn't give himself a lot of credit, but he's an amazing team player, for sure."
The couple looks forward to their new role representing the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation, bringing their family values and community spirit to an organization that has already made substantial differences in children's lives across Quebec.
