It’s often said about a person that they don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. Joshua Roy seems to have understood this. It’s quite rare for fans to impatiently await the arrival of a fifth-round pick in the pros, but Roy had already left his business card. After two excellent seasons with the Sherbrooke Phoenix and two gold medals at the World Junior Hockey Championship, the 20-year-old Quebecer was ready to move to the next level.
Even though Laval Rocket lost its first two games of the season, at home moreover, Roy quickly showed that he had his place among head coach Jean-François Houle’s trusted men.
The young forward spent more than 20 minutes on the ice in each of the two games, he scored his first two career goals in the American Hockey League and he climbed to the top of the team in scoring with four points. Roy had already had experience in the American Hockey League, by virtue of a playoff game in 2022, but he was rather satisfied with his work during his first two outings with the Rocket in the season.
“It went better than I thought it would. I have to continue like this, because it’s only a weekend. I have to keep this style of play until the end of the year. I adapted well to the pace of play and I had good line partners,” he said.
Roy was referring here to Philippe Maillet and Emil Heineman during the first match, as well as Mitchell Stephens and Joel Armia, during the second. Armia, an eight-year NHL veteran, took over for Heineman when the Swede was injured coming into contact with a referee.
No matter who was next to him, Roy was a threat on the ice. He also showed great chemistry with Lias Andersson during the power play.
“I played with very intelligent players who understand the game well,” Roy said. It makes things easier to play with them. We saw each other well on the ice and we complemented each other well. I think it helped. » As offensive as he is, Roy also managed to stand out thanks to his work on defense. He improved this facet of his game during his last two campaigns in the QMJHL, but it’s also what made him one of the crowd favorites at the most recent World Juniors. Roy also set the table for Dylan Guenther’s overtime goal in the tournament final.
Houle noticed this and it was for this reason that he decided to give him great responsibilities, even though his striker was taking his first steps among professionals. “Joshua had two very good matches. As a head coach, it’s certain that when you see that, you want to give more. If he continues like this, I think he can be a very good player for us, insisted the head coach. It’s only two games and he still has things to improve to be consistent in the NHL, but I’m happy with the player he is. » While forward Kirby Dach will be sidelined for a very long period due to an injury, the Montreal Canadiens could turn to the Rocket to compensate for this absence. It’s probably too early for Roy to be recalled by the Habs, but his complete profile will undoubtedly attract attention. “He presents a promising profile,” said Houle.
We have several rookies, but with the right learning and development, he has a good chance of playing in the NHL one day. » “That’s what you want as a hockey player, but I don’t focus on that,” Roy recalled. I just want to work hard and develop myself. If I ever get called back, then I’ll be ready. »