Her father, Novica, comes from Montenegro, her mother, Angie, from Bosnia. Johnathan Kovacevic was born in Hamilton, Ontario to parents who fled to a land of peace.
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Since his early childhood, Kovacevic has been immersed in a multicultural environment. He learned the importance of languages and the need to preserve cultures. In a city like Montreal, the great 25-year-old defender feels good.
“I’m still discovering Montreal, but now I have my bearings,” said Kovacevic a few hours before the game against the Hurricanes on Saturday at the Bell Centre. I love this city, it’s a unique place. I’m staying in Old Montreal, there aren’t many places like that in Canada. There is a European touch. I find that cool. I try to go out to find new restaurants, but I also like going to art galleries. There is a unique cachet with Montreal. It is a vibrant city. »
In French
Growing up in Ontario, Kovacevic studied French immersion at school. He still speaks the language of Guy Lafleur quite well, but he remains shy to do so in front of a camera.
With the author of his lines, he always slips in a few words in French.
“I speak a little French, but I want to improve to communicate even better in both languages,” he replied. The multicultural side and the duality of languages in Montreal attract me a lot. I find it great to see that just about everyone speaks two languages, sometimes even three. When I meet people, conversations sometimes open in French and continue in English. It’s a feeling unique. »
It’s not just in the locker room that number 26 recycles his French lessons. He also does it in his daily life.
“When I meet a young French-speaking fan, I say a few sentences in French. I always notice the little one’s eyes light up. But parents are taking the leap even further. They don’t expect it. The child is just happy to meet an NHL player, he does not dwell too much on the language. However, I feel that it touches the hearts of parents. I understand the importance of French in this province. »
In his rookie season, Kovacevic quietly emerges from the shadows.
“I’m getting recognized more and more, but I’m very far from the level of Cole or Nick. I probably have the best of both worlds. I still remain incognito, but I also have my moments when I sign autographs or take photos. »
A good season
Hit by a multitude of injuries, the Habs have used eleven defenders this season. Kovacevic is the one who dominates the team with 72 games. We would not have bet on such a scenario on October 7 when Kent Hughes claimed it on waivers from the Winnipeg Jets.
“I’m proud of my season,” said the likeable 6-foot-4 colossus. It’s never easy to arrive in a new team and it was also a new league for me. I had only played four games with the Jets in Winnipeg. I landed in Montreal also without a camp and I did not know the players. There were several firsts. I suspected that it was to become a challenge. I come out of it grown. »
The first game
“I consider myself a better defender today than in October. I now know better the reality of an NHL season. There are ups and downs. At the beginning of the season, I became too negative after a mistake or a turnover. It was playing in my head the next time I was there. Now I realized that I have to forget about it and roll with the hits. It’s still a game where you can make mistakes. »
An “unforgettable” game
From his first full season in the NHL, Kovacevic puts one game at the top of his list. And it’s not that of December 6 against the Kraken in Seattle where he scored his first goal.
“I would say my first game in Montreal, the first of the season against the Leafs,” he said.
“I discovered the presentation of the players, it was an unforgettable moment. Andy [Josh Anderson] had scored the winning goal with 20 seconds left [19] in third place. I had jumped on the bench and I can still hear the noise of the crowd after this goal. I had never experienced this feeling. »
At a salary of 0.767 million for the next two seasons, Kovacevic will represent a good investment for CH.