Yaniv Perets never looks at his stats. It’s a superstition that the goaltender developed during his career in hockey. With its excellent performance since the beginning of the season, it should keep this habit.
• Read also: A CH hopeful wants to end his university career in style
The Quebecer, who grew up in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, is having an extraordinary campaign with the Quinnipiac University Bobcats in the NCAA first division.
In his second full season in college, he is 24-3-3 with a 1.61 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. He is first in the NCAA in average and winning percentage.
A performance that is a copy and paste of his last season. “I don’t look at my statistics, explained Yaniv Perets. Every season is different. I take it one day at a time and focus on constantly improving myself.
“I always stay in the present moment. If you start thinking too much, it can play tricks on you. »
The recipe for its success? A mix of positive attitude, technical skills and team performance. “I try to stay on my skates longer. I’m also working on my skating and other technical aspects. My goal is to reach the next level.
“I’m also privileged to have an excellent team in front of me. »
His statistics are so impressive that he could dream of a nomination for the Mike Richter award given to the best goaltender in the NCAA. He could be in competition with another Quebec goalkeeper, Devon Levi. It would be quite a feat.
Ignored by the NHL
The 22-year-old goaltender was not drafted by the NHL. Nor in the QMJHL. Did it affect Perets in his development? Not really.
“I’ve always wanted to take the American college route,” the 6-foot-1, 180-pound goaltender said. Like any player, I would have liked to be drafted by an NHL team.
“It’s a source of daily motivation. On the other hand, whether I am drafted or not, my dream remains to have a career in the NHL. It doesn’t make a difference to me.
“I’m going to motivate myself one way or another. It is a long term process. I will always work hard to achieve my goal. »
One day at a time
If he keeps playing that way, he’ll be able to convince the Bettman Tour executives and scouts to give him a chance.
“I don’t really talk with teams. I go one day at a time. I don’t control what happens outside the arena. I’m focusing on my game and trying to savor my time in the NCAA. »
With the best team in the United States
Yaniv Perets’ excellent statistics are directly linked to the success of his team, the Quinnipiac University Bobcats.
They have been flirting with first place in the NCAA rankings since the start of the season.
As of this writing, the cast led by Rand Pecknold is ranked first with a 24-3-3 record. After reaching the finals of the Frozen Four last year, the goals for Bobcats players are still very high.
“We want to win all the tournaments and championships in which we participate, launched Yaniv Perets. We also want to win the series and of course, the Frozen Four.
“We have high expectations because we know we can achieve great things. »
trust
The Bobcats have the spotlight on them. Their performances are watched by other teams and NCAA observers.
You would think that the pressure must be heavy on the shoulders of the team players. This is not the case. Quite the contrary.
“We don’t feel any extra pressure. This is the place where we have wanted to be since the start of the season. It is a privilege to be first.
“Regardless of our ranking, we know that we are one of the good teams. We are aware of what we can accomplish. We want to be at the top and we want to finish first.
“We want to be competitive every time we go on the ice. »
Simple recipe
The Bobcats did not revolutionize hockey with their game system. However, they have ingredients that have proven themselves over the years.
“Our great strength is our daily commitment,” said Perets. We are fussy about details in all aspects of our games. Everyone knows what to do in every situation.
“Defensively, they are so dedicated. I have lost count of the number of shots they block in front of me during our games. We form a balanced team both in attack and defense.
“The most important thing is that everyone buys the coaching system. »