The Laval Rocket’s long run in the playoffs last year sets the bar high for the 2022-2023 season.
At least that’s what club head coach Jean-François Houle said in an interview with Jean-Charles Lajoie on Wednesday.
“I think there are expectations. We did well last year and we are trying to move forward. We will have very good young people and it will be a very interesting season for the Laval Rocket. Up front, it should be a bit the same as last year. Defensively, we have very good young defenders with talent who have a bright future ahead of them.”
A name that catches the eye on the attack is certainly that of Filip Mesar. Asked whether he was going to stay in Laval to start the season, Houle preferred to leave the decision to the Canadians.
“If he is with us, we will take him and it will be up to us to develop him well. I think he is a youngster who has a great future ahead of him. He has a lot of speed and can play on the wing or in the middle. It remains that he is just 18 years old and it is not easy to play in the American League. It’s a very physical league. It remains to be seen what Canadians will decide. They are going to make the best decision for the youngster.”
The Rocket pilot, however, got carried away when it came time to talk about Rafael Harvey-Pinard. He even wants to see the Canadians keep the Quebec forward in the NHL.
“He took charge of the team last year and he showed a lot of leadership. He is a young man who gives of himself every evening. He is a very good example to follow on the ice for other young people. He is a very good person. It is certain that he will have a letter on his jersey, if he is here in Laval. Me, I hope he will stay at the top.
Regarding relations with the Canadiens, Houle ensures that communication is present to ensure the best development of hopes.
“I have good conversations with Martin St-Louis. We are going to use several of his concepts while remaining within our structure that we were able to establish last year, here in Laval. I am also in contact with John Sedgwick, who is assistant to the general manager in Montreal. Like I told Martin, if there is anything, I pick up the phone and call him directly to talk about the players or the different concepts we want to put in place.
Watch the interview in the video above.