The 32-year-old Montrealer retired last January following a series of injuries, putting an end to a career which spanned over nine seasons in the USL First Division, seven of which were played in the Montreal uniform.
“I am very proud to be recognized today by the Montreal Impact,” said Gervais. “I loved playing professional. I have always been well treated in Montreal and I also got the opportunity to meet extraordinary players.”
Gabriel Gervais now joins the select group of builders, which includes former players Lloyd Barker, Patrick Diotte, Rudy Doliscat, John Limniatis and Grant Needham, as well as Nick Filippone, who was honoured last year as administrator of the organization.
Gervais played 150 games with the Impact, of which 146 as a starter. He notably helped the Impact post the best defense in the league during four consecutive seasons, from 2003 to 2006. He was named Montreal’s Most Valuable Player in 2004, in addition to being proclaimed Defensive Player of the club three times. He was also named USL D1 Defender of the Year in 2003, 2004 and 2006, becoming the first-ever player in the league to win that award three times. He was also selected six times to the USL D1 First All-League Team.
In keeping with the now established tradition, Gabriel Gervais received a painting from artist Carlo Cosentino during the banquet.
PHOTOS PÉPÉ
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
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