The temperature outside is getting colder and so are the emotions on the ice…
Day Two of the Habs Rookie Camp was akin to being on a second date – the faults begin to show and there may be a few surprises.
Ian Shultz appears determined to make the team as he showed an abundance of enthusiasm and would be a great asset to the parent club. Need someone to stand up to Milan Lucic? Someone who is willing to drop the gloves and make a reputation for themselves ? Schultz just might be that guy as long as he is willing to take his defensive responsibilities seriously.
Louis Leblanc and Philippe Lefebvre continue to impress…
“I just want to show the organization that I belong here and I will continue to work hard” Says Leblanc.”I realize that it’s Montreal and the pressure and demands are higher but it’s just something that I will have to deal with.”
Lefebvre also understands the pressure and after a disappointing showing in last year’s rookie camp is attempting to make a better impression this year. “The camp did not go well for me last year but I have a different attitude in this years camp. Playing with Leblanc will be good for me and my career – we have a good team with the Juniors and hopefully it will help me to get noticed with the Canadiens.”
The intensity grew during the second scrimmage as bodies flew more freely.The young guns on the ice doing everything in an attempt to leave an impressions on the Habs’ brass. Most will return to their respective junior teams with stars in their eyes…
Some of the players to look forward to seeing in the future …
Phillipe Lefebvre
The 19 year old from Trois Rivieres is a natural goal scorer but like many offensive talents in the Habs organization, he’s not very big.
Playing in the QMJHL with the Drummondville Voltigeurs last season, the 185 pound left winger put up some impressive numbers on a very good Voltigeur team. The young francophone netted 26 goals and 55 points in 66 games and will attempt the same type of numbers with the Montreal Juniors this year. If Sunday’s game is any indication, Lefebvre will be allright playing alongside fellow Habs prospect Louis Leblanc.He’s a very unforgiving forechecker and has no fear in the corners – his size does work against him as he is up against many d – men that win those battles more times than not.Lefebvre has a realistic shot either next year or the one after that – if at all.
Andrew Conboy
A big dude in the Habs camp…! At 6′ 4″ and 205 pounds, you may not want to be on the receiving side of one of his big
hits. Conboy has a mean streak – he’s generally skating around ready to take on all comers as he makes his way to an eventual spot on the Habs roster. The only thing getting in his way are his defensive liabilities which seem to be commonplace among kids coming from Junior. Doesn’t anyone teach defense anymore? Look for Andrew to make an appearance if the Habs start getting pushed around…oh, and he will give Schultz a run for his money. Competition is good…
Aaron Palushaj
Who is this guy ? A Bollywood actor…? The guy you pass in your office building everyday but you don’t know his name? This 44th overall draft pick comes from St. Louis via a straight up trade for Matt D’agostini. The 2007 pick is the guy to watch for the future as players like Gomez and Gionta get older. Aaron would be an awesome sidekick for Cammalleri down the road as his great vision would enable Mike to set up for his patented one timers. Another year in Hamilton will allow him to mature and he will be one of the players that Gauthier sends an email to if the Habs second bananas do not produce. Aaron was also a teammate with Pacioretty in Michigan so the pair have a connection that will aid the two of them in their quest for the Bell Center’s address. Hey…, If the Tampa Bay Lightning can have a Canadiens connection then why can’t we have a St. Louis one…? Right Aaron, Lars and Ian…?