(Buffalo) Coach Jean-François Houle was fair with the hopes of the Montreal Canadiens at the rookie tournament in Buffalo, giving them all a chance to stand out. And he even tried some experiments.
Posted at 8:22
Houle, head coach of the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League, treated all players fairly, even offering playing time to invited players, including forward Pierrick Dubé and goaltender Antoine Coulombe.
Dubé did well in a 4-3 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils on Friday. Coulombe was to defend the Habs’ cage on Sunday noon against the Ottawa Senators.
“For me, regardless of my use, I wanted to give my maximum, said Dubé after the game on Friday. I played more shorthanded in this game than in my entire junior career! All I want is to become a complete player. »
Dubé was recognized for his offensive qualities in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He also scored several key moments this spring, helping the Shawinigan Cataractes win the President’s Cup and reach the Memorial Cup semi-finals.
However, he noted that he has been training for three years during the summer with a group that includes Patrice Bergeron and Phillip Danault.
“They remind me that players who were offensive in junior and who now play in the NHL are numerous. If I want to climb to the highest level, I have to show my qualities at the defensive level, ”said Dubé.
“For me, being able to rub shoulders with guys who have long careers like Danault and Bergeron, and who are dominant against the big opposing lines, is a great experience. Their advice is worth gold,” he added.
Coulombe also participated in the Cataractes’ triumph this spring, as did two other players present in Buffalo for the rookie tournament: defenseman Zachary Massicotte, invited by the Ottawa Senators, and forward Olivier Nadeau, fourth-round pick of the Buffalo Sabers in 2021, which now belongs to the Gatineau Olympiques. Nadeau is recovering from shoulder surgery, but he’s in Buffalo this weekend even though he can’t play.
“After a season like this where you win the Cup, you become like brothers,” Dubé said earlier this week. We kept in touch throughout the summer. I was in Shawinigan with Massicotte to train with the team to prepare to come here. Again yesterday, we met at the arena. These are bonds that have been woven for life and we are very happy with what is happening to us. »
They can therefore count on each other as they try to impress the leaders of their team, but also the many recruiters present in the stands during matches.
“I’m the only goalkeeper in the group, so it’s a little different for me, but I ask the others how it’s going,” Coulombe said. Nadeau was here last year. I sometimes ask him questions. With Pierrick too, we all help each other. We want the best for all four. »
Dubé hopes to leave the Canadian camp with a contract in hand, whether with the big club or with the Rocket. Coulombe can always return to play another season in the QMJHL and would be happy to simply leave a good impression on the leaders of the Canadiens in anticipation of next summer.