2023-07-04 11:00:00
BROSSARD – While the Canadiens are trying to identify their next generation in net, we are beginning to discover the intriguing Jakub Dobeš. The Czech goalkeeper with a great personality is preparing for the next season by doing boxing and hot yoga, among other things.
This fall, Dobeš will take his first steps in the Laval Rocket net. The Czech could suddenly be thrust into an expanded role should Cayden Primeau get a fresh start elsewhere while eligible for waivers.
“I just focus on the development camp. I was in Laval for a month and Cayden was a good friend. I hope he stays with the organization, but he has to do what’s best for him,” Dobeš commented on the one topic that made him somewhat uncomfortable in front of the media at development camp.
This uncertainty in front of the Rocket cage risks leading the leaders to find an alternative solution to support Dobeš if Primeau leaves.
“It’s hard to say, it depends on what the organization will choose. You can have a veteran who will support a young person or another young person of the same age so that the two push each other. I’m sure they’re looking at both options and it’s good to have competition,” said head coach Jean-François Houle.
Arrived in Laval at the end of the season, Dobeš will truly experience the caliber of the American League this year and he does not sound intimidated after two university campaigns with Ohio Sate.
“It was good, I don’t think the tempo is really higher than in the NCAA, but the players are more talented and they reach the corners of the net more easily. The adjustment I had to make was on the physical side to raise my level and I’m going to be ready,” said the 22-year-old goaltender.
“When he arrived last year, I liked his big size and he looks in control. Yes, he is still young and we will have to be patient, but it will be a good opportunity for him to be an American League rookie,” noted Houle.
In an effort not to waste this stage of his development, Dobeš managed to add muscle mass to his frame. Listed at 199 pounds in the latest reports, the Canadiens’ 2020 fifth-round pick now weighs 218 pounds.
“I tried to get stronger, lift as much weight as I could and work on the physical side while taking some time off the ice to clear my mind. I think I have a good program to get stronger, it works,” described the six-foot-three athlete.
The Cerberus from Ostrava nevertheless understands that his progress is directly linked to the baggage he will accumulate in front of professional athletes.
“It comes down to a lot of experience. The more I will play, the better I will develop. I am very competitive by nature and I believe that my mentality will push me and that I will have a good season, ”stated the goalkeeper who has a head start on the four other goalkeepers in the development camp who are all younger than him.
To help his cause, Dobeš, who moved to St. Louis in the 2017-18 season, is refining his arsenal in several ways.
“I do boxing and hot yoga. I work on little things that can make me a better athlete. It’s fun to do and it helps me to be in great shape,” said Dobeš.
“And if ever I am involved in a brawl of guards, I will be ready”, he chained, sketching a smile.
He was quick to clarify that he was not yet doing training rounds with his gym partners.
“No, they are all my friends and I am not an aggressive person”, reacted the friendly Dobeš.
Very kindly, however, he confided that he had revealed his training hobby to the other goalkeepers present in Brossard.
“Yes, we had to introduce ourselves and I told them what I was telling you. But they’re not scared of me, don’t worry,” he said with a laugh.
Moreover, Dobeš was not shaken to see that the Canadian drafted three goaltenders (Jacob Fowler, Quentin Miller and Yevgeni Volokhin) in Nashville last week.
“I watched the first round on TV and then went to play pickleball with the family. The organization must do what it deems necessary. I met those who are present and they are all good guys. I hope they will have a good career and help us lift the Stanley Cup, ”concluded who opted for red leggings like at Ohio State.
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