(Laval) Sometimes, there are players who return backwards to the American Hockey League, but this is not the case with Rafaël Harvey-Pinard.
“There were just two games left in the season for the Canadiens when I came back here to Laval, explained the Quebec striker on Tuesday at Place Bell. For my development, I think it’s important to play games that have high stakes. So coming back with the Rocket, I knew it was going to be a great opportunity to do that, and I’m glad to come and help guys. »
Harvey-Pinard gave the Rocket a boost to slip into the playoffs, and he’ll now look to help extend spring hockey in Laval. The first-round series between the Rocket and the Utica Comets will open Wednesday night at Place Bell.
For him, it is a question of continuing an already quite busy season. Recalled by the Canadian in January, the young man could have only been passing through, as one can sometimes be on an ice rink or in life in general, but the audition lasted, and it lasted still . To the point where Harvey-Pinard ended up playing 34 games with the Canadian, a figure well beyond expectations.
The most surprising thing about him is that despite this late arrival at the Bell Center and Brossard, he still ended the season as the Canadiens’ fourth scorer, tied with Mike Hoffman and Kirby Dach. who all got 14 goals. But the latter two needed 67 and 58 games, respectively, to get to that harvest.
It is this magic that Harvey-Pivard will try to bring in his bag during the American League playoffs.
“Just rubbing shoulders with all the guys from the Canadiens, I would say that it allowed me to learn a lot, and that will help me here… Also, it’s an experience that will help me in the future.
“I showed that I am capable of playing in the National League. Being recalled after Christmas, my status with the club was really day to day, I always had to make my place. It’s going to be the same thing when we get to team camp in September; I will have to prove myself, even if I have shown that I am capable of playing in the league. »
What we must conclude is that the young man is able to play pretty well anywhere. He has also obtained nothing less than a goal and five assists in three games since returning to the city made famous by the great Mario.
His Rocket teammates quickly noticed his presence.
“Rafael is a good competitor, he’s a good team guy,” said Anthony Richard about him. The guys at the club who already knew him know very well what he is capable of. I would say he has proven to be a good pick-up to the team since he came back. We really needed it…”
So there is no question of sulking, there is no question of thinking that proof is no longer to be done. Rafaël Harvey-Pinard is here, in Laval, and he is happy to be.
“American Liguria is really intense,” he concluded. Everyone wants to graduate in the National League, so everyone gives 100% night after night. It’s a different style of play… but it’s also a different challenge. »
Only two games to win… or lose
We sometimes say it’s different in the American League, and we’re right to say so. Thus, the series between the Rocket and the Comets of Utica will start in Laval, even if it is the school club of the New Jersey Devils which has the advantage of the ice. Also, it’s a best-of-three series, which means Wednesday night’s loser will already have the proverbial back against the wall. “I can’t say if I like this format or not because I’ve never tried it!” admitted Rafaël Harvey-Pinard. Maybe I’ve been in a best of three in the peewee or bantam ranks? Anyway, I don’t remember! »