Friday, June 3, 2022. 3:12 PM
In the absence of striker Brandon Gignac, who was ill, the prospect of the Canadian Joshua Roy trained among the group of regular players of the Laval Rocket on Friday, the eve of the start of the final series of the Premier League. ‘East of the American League.
It was the Quebecer’s first training session with the school club since signing an amateur trial contract, just hours after his season ended in the QMJHL following the elimination of the Sherbrooke Phoenix.
“It was just to put him alongside our players and see where he is, because sometimes it’s not easy when you go from junior to professional,” explained the head coach of the Rocket, Jean-Francois Houle.
The latter does not exclude inviting Roy to put on the Laval uniform during the series against the Thunderbirds.
“He has a chance to play, maybe not tomorrow, but maybe in a couple of games,” he hinted. “He has to have practices with our team so that he feels comfortable. »
Backed by an excellent campaign during which he amassed 51 goals and 68 assists in 66 regular season games, as well as 8 goals and 15 assists in 11 playoff games, the Canadiens’ fifth-round pick ( 150th overall) in 2021 certainly has enough to do in the American League, says Houle.
“I thought he’s grown a little bit compared to the start of the year at rookie camp. He’s a player who picked up a lot of points in major junior, he can play hockey and he’s a very good player. So if he can help us, it’s just good for us. »
The “ON switch”
Ten days after eliminating the Rochester Americans in three games in the second round, the Rocket can’t wait for the next face-off.
“We have to put the ‘switch back on’ for tomorrow”
“It was very long. We are bored p’tit little practice. We can’t wait to hit the ice tomorrow night and finally play a game “said forward Cédric Paquette.
“It was a long week, especially in the playoffs, you’re not used to this. You are used to playing both days. It’s good for the body, everyone is rested. It’s time to put the switch at On tomorrow,” said forward Gabriel Bourque.
Game 2 of the series will take place on Sunday, while the next two will be played at Place Bell in Laval on Wednesday and next Friday.
“I really enjoyed our week,” said Houle. “Our practices were short, but we worked on our intensity. This is how we want to play against Springfield. […] It’s just about having a lot of energy, just at the right time. »
Joshua Roy wants to learn from veterans in Laval