(Victoriaville) The Victoriaville Tigres are “grayed” as goaltenders. If the young Gabriel D’Aigle is talking about him for his “elite potential”, Nathan Darveau is attracting all eyes with his prowess this season. He’s just waiting to be noticed by NHL scouts…
The contrast within the Cerberus duo is striking. D’Aigle, second overall pick in the last QMJHL auction, is 6’4″ and was seen as a future NHL first-round pick even before playing a game with the Tigers. Darveau, a 19-year-old veteran, measures 5’8″, has distinguished himself for two seasons, but remains ignored by NHL teams because of his height.
In short, Darveau is the secret behind much of the Victoriaville Tigres’ success this season. The young man, initially a pick of 11e tour in 2019, leads all Canadian Hockey League goaltenders with his .929 save percentage in 43 games.
However, the coach of the Tigers goalkeepers, Sébastien Charpentier, is sorry for the fate that could be reserved for his protege at the higher level.
Reality is cruel because recruiters don’t look at these guys [qui sont petits comme Nathan]. They go [plutôt] invite sitters that are long-term projects and not accomplished in the present.
Sébastien Charpentier, goalkeeper coach of the Victoriaville Tigres
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Sébastien Charpentier, goalkeeper coach of the Victoriaville Tigres
“It’s not easy to say ‘I want to have a career in hockey’ and to be so dominant in the best junior league in Canada without knowing if you will have the chance to do at least one training camp at the higher level. “Explains Charpentier, who was one of the last 5’9” goalkeepers to reach the NHL in the early 2000s.
“You can’t take days off. »
This is exactly what Darveau does. The Rouynorandien does not take any day lightly. It works again and again. And he hopes to get at least one invitation to an NHL camp.
“I focus on a game at the same time and I do my best in each match to show them that they are missing something”, he said with a smile in an interview with The Press at the Colisee Desjardins in Victoriaville.
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Victoriaville Tigres goaltender Nathan Darveau
According to his head coach, Carl Mallette, Darveau “inspires everyone” at the Tigers.
“I have incredible admiration for him because in every game he gives us a chance to win,” he notes.
I have to say he sees the puck more than some big goalies in the league. […] His greatest quality is his hockey intelligence.
Carl Mallette, head coach of the Victoriaville Tigres
“He doesn’t play frustrated,” he adds. He is realistic. I’ve known him since he was 14 and it’s always been, “I’m going to show you I’m good.” That’s what he does. »
Together
If D’Aigle and Darveau have neither the same physique nor the same background, they have a common strength: “Combativeness”, words of the veteran.
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The Victoriaville Tigres goaltending duo, Gabriel D’Aigle and Nathan Darveau
“Both of us are really competitive, so it’s fun in training, continues Darveau. We challenge ourselves a bit. »
His young teammate, not very talkative by nature, is more talkative when asked about Darveau, with whom he shares “one of the best relationships in the team”.
“We often say that it is the fastest mitt in the East, launches the 16-year-old Sorelois.
– Oh yes ?
– Yeah. Anyway, I say that! »
He’s not the biggest, but he gives the most all the time. He fights for the puck. He will work until he stops it. […] Besides, he’s a good person.
Gabriel D’Aigle, about Nathan Darveau
When the Tigres selected D’Aigle second overall last July, the plan was very clear: Nathan Darveau would be the team’s first goaltender until the end of his junior career, at the end of the season. 2023-2024. D’Aigle, who will then be almost 18, will be ready to take over the following season, which will coincide with his draft year.
“Since day 1 of the camp, they have been walking hand in hand, underlines Mallette. The plan was set for both. »
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Victoriaville Tigres goalies Nathan Darveau and Gabriel D’Aigle
A chance
Nathan Darveau still has time to continue showing his skills to NHL scouts. While Mallette is “convinced” that his goaltender “will make a living out of hockey”, Charpentier is convinced that “Nathan can play in the American League anywhere”.
“You have to go beyond his greatness, that a team have the courage to invite him, that they believe in him,” insists D’Aigle.
The final word belongs to Darveau:
“If they give me my chance, it’s sure and certain that I’m going to prove myself. »