(Boston) Luke Tuch had just landed in Buffalo on December 9 when he was notified that his sister-in-law had entered the hospital to give birth to her nephew. His brother, Alex Tuch, was injured and had been removed from the Sabers’ lineup for the game against the Canadiens that night. “It aligned perfectly with the birth of his son,” says the Habs hopeful.
In the bowels of Agganis Arena in Boston, where we meet him on January 8, Luke Tuch smiles. That’s the effect you get when you talk to him about the birth of his nephew, Tripp Michael Tuch.
The Boston University Terriers forward was traveling to Buffalo to visit his former boarding house family. This is Andrew Peters, a former Sabers player who now works for the organization. As his sister-in-law was still in labor, Tuch joined Peters for a meal before the match.
“The birth lasted 27 hours, so I was like: I’m going to go to the match, I’m not going to wait here,” relates the young man.
“I think she had the baby around 9 or 10 p.m. There can only be two visitors. My brother saw the baby that evening and his wife’s mother was there. With my father, we decided to go there the next morning. »
Failing to meet his nephew that evening, he met members of the Canadiens staff, including the general manager, Kent Hughes, and the vice-president of hockey operations, Jeff Gorton. Their sons Jack Hughes and Jack Gorton also play with Tuch for the Terriers. It’s all in everything, as they say.
“It was good, it was quiet,” he says. I had some good conversations with them. I see them here [à Boston] often enough. »
“About every week, someone from Montreal” calls Tuch or attends one of his games. Contacts between the organization and the player are therefore frequent, even if the young man refuses to venture too far into the subject.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Luke Tuch at the Canadiens’ development camp last July
It is not uncommon for players to sign a first contract once their college career is over; this was the case, in particular, of Jordan Harris, Jayden Struble and Jake Evans. Tuch is in his fourth season at Boston University and the Canadian has until August 15 to offer him a contract, otherwise the forward will be free to agree with another organization.
“I think right now my focus is on this season,” Tuch said. Things will be sorted out next summer. I have had a very good relationship with Montreal in recent years. I was drafted a little over three years ago. I just try to give my share of effort, to play hockey. I have a good relationship with Montreal and we’ll see what happens during the off-season. »
His “best season”
Luke Tuch is having the most productive campaign of his university career, with 5 goals and 13 assists in 19 games. Last season, his first full after going through the pandemic and injuries, he had 20 points in 40 games.
According to his coach, Jay Pandolfo, Tuch is currently playing “the best hockey of his career here.”
“There is no doubt about it. He arrived here healthy this year. The last two summers he suffered from shoulder injuries and I think that slowed his progress a little. This year it seems stronger than ever,” notes Pandolfo, whom we meet in his spacious office.
There are times when he really takes control of the match physically. He creates space for his teammates and himself. He’s playing with the identity he needs to have to play at the next level.
Jay Pandolfo, head coach of the Boston University Terriers
Words supported by the player himself, who claims to be playing his “best season”. He also plays on the same trio as the one who is expected to be the future first choice in the draft, Macklin Celebrini. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to play with a guy like him,” he notes.
Tuch believes he improved his speed and strength last year. The Canadian also wanted him to “bring that into [sa] season,” which he does.
“They want me to play my fast style [fast power forward], that I play hard and that I go to the net. There aren’t many players doing that in the NHL anymore, playing that rugged style and scoring goals around the net.
“The player I am here at Boston University will be the player I hope I will be in Montreal. »
Enjoy the moment
In addition to producing more on the scoresheet, Luke Tuch has built his confidence this season. It was the result, he believes, of his participation in the World Championship with the American team during the off period.
“I feel like I was really able to keep up and mentally follow the game. I gained confidence and carried that into the season. I think I’m pushing the pace a lot this year, I’m running the game.”
Jay Pandolfo praises the way his alternate captain leads by example and handles pressure.
“Luke came back [cette année] with the mentality of having the best possible season and seeing what happens. Regarding the noise outside, I think he’s trying not to think about what’s going to happen and is just trying to enjoy the moment. This is one of the main reasons why he is successful. »
Speaking of enjoying the moment, Tuch finally met his nephew on December 10. “It was incredible! », he exclaims, smiling.
Two brothers, two paths
PHOTO CHARLES LECLAIRE, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVES
Alex Tuch
Despite their six-year difference, Luke Tuch has a “very good relationship” with his brother, Alex, who plays with the Buffalo Sabres. As for whether he puts a certain pressure on himself to have the same kind of career as that of his brother, the young man answers yes. “But I think pressure is a privilege,” he adds. “Ever since I was young, we have always been compared to each other,” he continues. We’re roughly the same height and weight, but I think our styles are a little different. I think I have more aggression in my game and he’s a smoother skater. He moves his feet a lot and he plays very fast. But when it comes to my hockey career, I chart my own path. […] I think our styles are similar, but also different. »