and see it live is crazy,” could succeed.” “I kept proving to myself Renouf played 18 NHL he said. “Knowing that you’re able to play with with the Avalanche, that I could belong at the games them in practice helps registering three assists and a you feel confident that NHL level. It was a great couple of fights. you’ll probably be OK “Every single game I kept in the game.” experience. It provided getting more confident and It also helped that it just kept going,” he said. “I proof not only to myself kept proving to myself that I he quickly assimilated into the Avalanche belong at the NHL level. but also to other teams in could locker room. “A lot of It was a great experience. It guys helped me with the league that I can be provided proof not only to the transition,” he said. myself but also to other teams “It certainly helps your effective at that level.” in the league that I can be transition when you’re effective at that level.” playing for the best team If Renouf had any regret in the league, and to get a chance on a team like about his first extended stay in the NHL, that was great.” it was that his promotion occurred in the Even so, Renouf admits that he felt a few middle of a pandemic. The coronavirus butterflies in his stomach when he played his prevented his father from attending any first game with the Avs against the Arizona games. After witnessing both of Renouf ’s Cup Coyotes in Phoenix. “Being a COVID year, wins, he couldn’t leave Canada due to border there were no fans, so I think that helped restrictions. the nerves a bit. It had been a long three “For all the years that he’s followed me, the years between playing in the league, but I one time I was in the NHL for a while, it sucked felt confident with my pro experience that I that he couldn’t come,” he said. “I felt so bad
Renouf is a gritty defenseman who is not afraid to drop his gloves. Photo Credit: Nicolas Carrillo Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 59
