Going to the podcast Area exit, the four best prospects of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ) for the next NHL Draft have spoken out on the new regulation that could arrive this summer prohibiting fights during league games. Even though they rarely throw down the gloves, they are somewhat indifferent to this decision because whatever the league decides, they will have to abide by it.
If Ethan Gauthier (14e), Matthew Cataford (27e), Matteo Mann (53e), Jordan Tourigny (63e) are the highest-ranked players on the National Hockey League (NHL) Central Scouting’s list of the best North American skaters, it’s because they shine with their points rather than their fists .
At six feet and six inches tall, Matteo Mann has fought only once since joining the Chicoutimi Saguenéens three seasons ago. The expected ban on fighting will therefore have no effect on the way he plays.
“I don’t make the rules, I play the game. […] There aren’t a lot of fights in our league, so I don’t really have a comment on that, to be honest. It’s the league that decides, and as players, we will live with the decision. »
Ditto for Mathieu Cataford. The Halifax Mooseheads forward is a solid and complete player, certainly, but he also has only one fight under his belt.
For me, it doesn’t change much. It’s just to adapt to the new regulations and we have no control over that.
Mathieu Cataford, Halifax Mooseheads forward
Similar story for the best hope, Ethan Gauthier. While some claim that fights are useful to protect star players from different formations, the Sherbrooke Phœnix winger believes that times have changed. “I don’t necessarily think it’s to protect star players. In the 18 teams, there is not a player in the league who is there just to fight like we saw before, he explained. In my team this year there are guys on the front line fighting to defend a teammate, but if you look at the league compared to three, four or five years ago, the difference is huge. »
A year of adaptation
The top prospects have been on a major media tour over the past few days. They are in the middle of a decisive year for their future, but they must also live up to expectations on their respective teams, in addition to maintaining a good average at school.
These 18-year-old student-athletes differ from their contemporaries and even if what awaits them is encouraging to say the least, this transition to adult life is not easy.
However, they seem to adapt well to it, as told by Jordan Tourigny. “I don’t think it’s an extra charge that’s difficult,” said the Shawinigan Cataractes defender.
The teams are very good at finding the balance between hockey, school and outside. You just need to have the motivation to do it and the desire to go to school.
Jordan Tourigny, defenseman for the Shawinigan Cataractes
Gauthier admits: “During a draft year, it’s not always easy. There are forms to fill out, interviews, you have to manage your schedule.” Especially since his parents have always favored the school in hockey. That’s why you have to “have a good balance,” he argues.
To be realistic
Last year, the current top scorer in the QMJHL, Jordan Dumais, openly criticized the recruiting center, dissatisfied with his ranking on various lists.
This season, his teammate Mathieu Cataford must learn to live with these different rankings and the expectations placed on him. “There are lists that will come out during the year with which you will not always agree”, he specifies.
For him, the important thing is to “stay focused on the main objective, which is to be drafted. Of course, everyone would like to go out in the first round. It is not a possible reality, unfortunately, but it is what we are going to do afterwards that is important. »
In the last draft, the Montreal Canadiens used their last pick to claim Miguel Tourigny. The former defender of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and the Acadie-Bathurst Titan had been ignored by NHL clubs at the two previous auctions. He is therefore well placed to support and advise his younger brother, who should hear his name much sooner. “His name was on the lists and he had a lot of expectations. He had hopes of being drafted into the NHL. It was his dream and it is the dream of all hockey players. Now it’s my turn and he’s very present for me. He really doesn’t want me to create too many expectations, so that I won’t be sad if my name comes out in a place that I didn’t want, ”says his brother Jordan.