Remparts forward Nathan Gaucher won’t have to wonder which pair of boots he’ll have to put on to go to the arena.
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The center player was chosen at 22e rank overall by the Anaheim Ducks.
It was California’s first-round pick last season, Mason McTavish, who announced Gaucher’s selection.
“From the second half of the first round, I was starting to get a little sweaty in my palms. I had had good discussions with Anaheim,” the 6’3”, 207 lb forward said following his selection.
These discussions had arisen in recent weeks, since Gaucher had not participated in the last Combine of the NHL. In total, he spoke to the Ducks three times in the weeks leading up to the draft, including a meeting with the team’s new general manager, Pat Verbeek.
“He wanted to get to know me as a person and see if I was really a character or if I was just showing it off on the ice. They wanted to know my personality and I think that was beneficial. »
COMPLEMENTARY STYLING
The Ducks have selected several talented players over the past few seasons, starting with up-and-coming young star Trevor Zegras, defenseman Jamie Drysdale and McTavish.
Looking to the team’s future, Gaucher believes it will fill an organizational need.
“We talked regarding it a bit during our meetings, but they have a lot of players with good skills. I think my physical strength, my style of play and my work ethic will complement these players well. »
Moreover, Gaucher was probably the most applauded hope Thursday by fans at the Bell Center, with the obvious exception of the two choices of the Montreal Canadiens.
“It’s worth all the money in the world. Fans were shouting and applauding me. I said to myself: ”Is it for me these cries?”. All my family is there, we are around sixty, so it’s pleasant to experience that with them. »
LOVERS IN ARIZONA
It was believed for a while that Gaucher would be the only Quebecer selected on Thursday, but the Arizona Coyotes made a trade at the very end of the first round to acquire the No. 29 pick and announce the selection of the defender from the Drummondville Voltigeurs , Maveric Lamoureux.
Walking down the bleachers before heading to the stage, the tall 6’7″ defenseman was seen wiping a few tears from his cheeks.
“It was tears of joy. My legs wanted to let go when I heard my name. At first I didn’t really realize it and then everyone started screaming and I realized it was happening for real. It’s my childhood dream come true. »
