Yaniv Perets has certainly not taken the paved path in his quest to one day reach the NHL. Ignored in the QMJHL draft, then three times in the NHL draft, the goaltender could well become the first Quebecer since Junior Lessard in 2004 to win the Hobey-Baker trophy, awarded to the best player in the NCAA.
The native of Dollard-Des Ormeaux, on the island of Montreal, with the Bobcats of Quinnipiac University ended Sunday in a loss to the mighty Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA tournament. This defeat, while his team was at the gates of the Frozen Four, in no way tarnished the quite exceptional season he had just experienced.
Superstitious and focused on the moment, Perets stayed away from media, social and otherwise, during the season. He never looked at his personal statistics and even asked colleagues not to approach them in interviews this winter. Now eliminated, he finally realized what he had achieved, and the numbers speak for themselves.
In his first full season in the NCAA, Perets finished with a 22-5-2 record, a 1.17 goals-against average and a .939 save percentage. He was named MVP and Goaltender of the Year in the ECAC division.
“It’s been a crazy year,” assured the 22-year-old goalkeeper in a telephone interview with Le Journal on Monday. I always knew that I could accomplish great things if I put in the effort. »
His journey is certainly enough to inspire young hockey players dreaming of one day knocking on the doors of the big league.
After being ignored in the QMJHL – his goal was to play in the United States anyway – he made his way between the Ontario Junior A and the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), in the land of Uncle Sam. He then joined the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) in 2019-20.
It was also where he started the following season, but midway through, unsure if the BCHL would resume due to COVID-19, Perets prematurely joined the Bobcats, where he played his two first games in the NCAA.
Important choice
This season, he was given the net in Connecticut, and the least we can say is that he made sure he never lost it.
So much so that this youngster who has never been drafted anywhere attracts the attention of NHL teams. Offers are on the table. For now, Perets has two options: make the jump to the pros after just one season in the NCAA or play one more to complete his development. The decision is still not made.
One thing is certain, he is getting closer and closer to his dream of playing in the NHL.
“I believe in my chances of one day achieving it. The goaltenders who play in the NHL are incredible and it would be a dream to be part of this group. However, I know that I still have a lot of things to work on before I get there, but all the goalies who are in the NHL believed in their dream. I will continue to work in order to achieve this dream. »
With Devon Levi
For the NCAA MVP award, Perets is joined by several big names, including his good friend and Northeastern Huskies Quebec goaltender Devon Levi, as well as NHL prospects Bobby Brink, Matty Beniers and Luke Hughes.
“It would be a dream come true for me. There are so many good players who have won this honor over time. On the other hand, the real trophy that I would have liked to have is that of national champion. I would have liked to be able to savor a title with my teammates and that we become brothers for life. »
The last goaltender to win the Hobey-Baker Trophy was Ryan Miller in 2001. The winner will be announced April 8.