We had to wait until the 22e rank of the first round, but a first Quebec player ended up being drafted, Thursday evening at the Bell Center, during the opening of the NHL draft.
Posted yesterday at 11:27 p.m.
Nathan Gaucher, a 6-foot-3, 207-pound defenseman was picked at 22e rank by the Anaheim Ducks. He played the last three seasons in the uniform of the Quebec Remparts, in the QMJHL.
“By the time I got to the second half of this first lap, my hands were starting to get a bit sweaty! he began by explaining. I had discussions with the management of Ducks, and I am extremely happy with this result. »
It must be believed that the leaders of the Ducks held the 18-year-old player in high esteem, since they still wanted to meet him three times before making this first-round choice on Thursday evening.
I had very good discussions with them, and I’m very proud of what it turned out. I think that these three meetings were beneficial.
Nathan Gaucher
“I’m happy to join them, because we see that they already have a good team with players who have skills, and I think I can add my own contribution to the team, among other things with my physical game. But I also know that I will have to improve my attacking game. »
Last season, Gaucher had 31 goals and 26 assists for a total of 57 points in 66 games with the Remparts.
Lamoureux chosen by the Coyotes
PHOTO RYAN REMIORZ, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Maveric Lamoureux
Maveric Lamoureux was then the second Quebec player selected during this first round of the NHL Draft. The young man was chosen at 29e rank by the Arizona Coyotes.
Lamoureux, an 18-year-old defenseman, played the last two seasons in the Drummondville Voltigeurs uniform of the QMJHL.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” he said. The Coyotes moved up three spots to draft me, so I think they really wanted to get me! They’ve shown a lot of interest in me over the past few weeks, so I had a good feeling ! »
This selection became all the more emotional as her parents struggled to hold back their sobs when they were seen on TV. Lamoureux himself charmed the Quebec public by shedding a few tears on TVA Sports when talking about his family and his childhood dream of being drafted by an NHL team.