Remembering Revered Canadiens Journalist Yvon Pedneault

The former columnist and analyst passed away early on Saturday at the age of 77.

The hockey world was saddened to learn that Quebec-based journalist Yvon Pedneault passed away on Saturday at age 77. According to multiple media outlets, he spent his final moments under the care of the palliative unit at Charles-Lemoyne Hospital, marking the end of a storied career that left a lasting mark in the Quebec sports media scene.

Pedneault's journalistic career began in 1965, leading him to cover the daily activities of the Canadiens from 1969 to 1979 for the now-defunct Montreal-Matin, as well as La Presse. He witnessed the team's seven Stanley Cup victories during that decade. His last newspaper role was as a columnist for the Journal de Montreal newspaper. 

In a poignant public statement, the Montreal Canadiens organization remarked, “A devoted sportsman, Pedneault brought a compelling mix of passion and professionalism to his work. His contagious energy and authenticity will be missed by all who had the chance to know him.”

However, Pedneault's work wasn't only found in print form. From 1998 to 2008, he assumed the role of a game analyst on RDS, a role he undertook alongside Pierre Houde. He appeared on television for Radio-Canada, TQS and served as a game analyst on TVA Sports for select games up until this season.

Pedneault also shared his perspectives on the radio, and even hosted his own show on CKAC, along with a daily segment on BPM Sports up until June 2023.

The Quebec-based writer was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) in 1998, after being awarded the Elmer Ferguson Memorial award in recognition of his hockey writing. He was also a member of the HHOF selection committee from 2005 to 2011. 

Tributes poured in on social media platforms from friends, colleagues, fans and Quebec premier Francois Legault. "Today, we lose a monument of hockey and sports journalism. A real enthusiast, a man always in a good mood who had fun and entertained us while analyzing the games. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and colleagues. Thank you for everything Yvon Pedneault," Legault posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Pedneault's long-time spouse Jeannine passed away in November. The couple had one son and two grandchildren.