Former Canadiens driver Dominique Ducharme, who was named assistant coach of the Golden Knights a few weeks ago, was in top form on Thursday while he was at IGA Stadium to watch the National Bank Open.

Ducharme, who gave a short interview to TVA Sports, didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to see some of the best tennis players in the world in action.

“I love tennis, I love sports, I love watching the best in the world,” he said. Even if it’s not the same sport, there is a way to learn the same sport. See psychologically how they deal with certain situations, adversity and a change in momentum. It’s always interesting.

The hockey player revealed that he’s preparing to move to Vegas (or nearer) in two to three weeks.

“It’s one step but one way away,” he said. So there is still a lot to do before then. But it’s exciting, I’m happy. Both professionally, because it’s a good opportunity, but also personally, because it’s something new. Living in the American West, no snow… But it will be different!

Ducharme expects to gain a lot of experience in his new role.

“The day I stop making progress as a coach, it will be time for me to retire,” he explained. These are guys who work with Bruce Cassidy and John Stevens and have been head coaches for a long time. Bruce experienced the same situation as in Washington before returning to Boston. I will see something different, I will learn something different and I feel like I can contribute to the team.

The Quebec coach was also delighted to land in an environment where he will find some familiar faces.

“There are players I’ve worked with before, like Nicolas Roy from Team Canada-Junior, Brett Howden, (William) Carrier, who I had younger,” he listed. It’s good to come to a place where you know certain people that you’ve worked with before. It helps with customization.

Now the goal is clear: help the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row.

“We know we still have a chance of another trophy (…) it’s exciting to arrive in such an environment,” he said.

Watch the interview in the main video.