Some athletes prefer to forget their poor performances. In the trash, with the little sound of crumpled paper when someone slides a document into the bin.
Quentin Miller is not that type. After Wednesday’s practice at the Canadiens’ development camp, the goalie reflected on what he learned this season.
“It’s normal for an athlete to have lows. You learn from it, you grow. But if you keep pushing, it’ll come back. One time, I got knocked out in three straight games. I kept doing my thing and it came back.”
The Ahuntsic resident’s memory is precise. From November 26 to December 3, he allowed five, four, then six goals. Each time, his evening ended in the second period. Such was life within the Quebec Remparts, a team in reconstruction after winning the Memorial Cup in 2023.
Except that Miller was traded to the Rimouski Oceanic, a team that, as the host of the next Memorial Cup, is therefore assured of participating. For the choice of 4e CH tour in 2023, it means the chance to participate in the prestigious tournament. And it also ensures that he plays behind a hyper-competitive team, in order to be able to stand up to the champions of other leagues.
Miller will try to use this opportunity to demonstrate that he is already ready to get an NHL contract. “That’s my goal,” he stated clearly.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Quentin Miller
The Tricolore has until 1er June 2025 to reach an agreement with him, or the youngster will become eligible for the draft again. The problem is that the competition is set to be fierce, especially if Jacob Fowler, another 2023 draft pick, decides to make the jump to the pros next spring. That’s in addition to Jakub Dobes, 23, who established himself as the Rocket’s No. 1 goalie last season.
“I know that at the level I’m at, there’s going to be competition, there’s always going to be other goalies drafted,” Miller said. “I’m not worried about that, I’m confident in myself. […] Having goalies like Fowler, like Dobes with me, it pushes me. I see their level and I know that I am capable of being better than them. It pushes me. But I don’t stress too much about it.
A consolation for Zetterberg
Last week in Vegas, 225 players were drafted by one or another of the 32 National League teams. In absolute terms, out of a world population of some eight billion, that leaves a lot of people undrafted, when you think about it.
Except that Alexander Zetterberg thought he was one of the lucky 225, so much so that he went to the Sphere to attend the event. The 5’7, 157 lb forward was mostly ignored, but he didn’t leave Vice City empty-handed.
“I got a text from a guy who works here. So I just had to pack my bags and come over,” he described briefly.
Zetterberg is clearly arousing curiosity despite his size. It must be said that he was dominant in the junior ranks in Sweden with 58 points in 45 games last season, and a sustained production in international tournaments.
He will continue his journey at Boston University, where he will follow in the footsteps of Lane Hutson, another physically disadvantaged player, who has been doing rather well so far… “He’s really good, he’s crazy!” he said of the Canadiens’ defenseman.
With his NCAA career on the horizon, Zetterberg won’t be leaving this camp with a contract in his pocket. But he can leave a good calling card for when he leaves school.
A misstep by Lapointe
Last week in Vegas, the Tricolore claimed goalie Mikus Vecvanags with the 134e choice. During his subsequent press briefing, Martin Lapointe indicated that Vecvanags will play with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada next season.
That plan now seems uncertain. That’s because Lapointe had come forward before the Canadian Hockey League’s European draft even took place. So he essentially revealed the plans of the Armada, which spoke on 22e rank. However, the Titan of Acadie-Bathurst, who spoke on the 19the rank, finally selected Vecvanags.
The Latvian said he had no prior agreement with the Armada and had spoken to “a few teams.” “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m excited to play in such a league,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity.”