No Remparts player was alive when Michael Jordan made it rain and shine with the Chicago Bulls. However, almost everyone watched the documentary The last Dancetelling of the team’s conquest in 1997-1998 and they intend to draw inspiration from Friday when the QMJHL playoffs officially begin.
Like the Jordans of the time, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Steve Kerr, Théo Rochette, Zachary Bolduc, Nathan Gaucher, James Malatesta, Nicolas Savoie, Justin Robidas and co. know this is their last chance to make something important happen with the group . Several players will make the leap into the pro ranks next year, while others will transition to other formations over the summer.
After a second straight season in which they finished first overall, the Remparts intend to close it out this year in the same way the Bulls did in 1998: with the grand trophy of champions of the series.
“A lot of guys won’t be here next year. Everyone has that energy to say, This is our last chance. We mentioned it, it’s our last dance, like the Bulls. I think that energy will help us in the playoffs,” Rochette said Tuesday morning after being presented with the Budweiser Cup, awarded to the Remparts MVP in the regular season.
KEY ITEMS
In Rochette’s case, it’s the final dance on multiple levels. Collectively, of course, he decided to come back as a 20-year-old with the Remparts instead of making the leap to the pros in Switzerland because he wants to win the President’s Cup. Individually, the next series will be pivotal for the rest of his career as well, and a good postseason performance could land him a contract with an NHL organization.
“Do I have the impression that these series can be decisive for me? Yes. Does this concern me? NO. I know why I’m here and it’s to win and I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team like everyone else in the dressing room. If we win and it doesn’t work for me [au niveau professionnel], it will still be a goal. »
In last year’s playoffs, Rochette and linemate Zachary Bolduc didn’t achieve what they’re capable of, and they’ve repeatedly admitted that.
“Last year I tried to tell myself it wasn’t new to me, but it was,” Bolduc admits. It was my first playoff experience and almost my first regular season in the QMJHL. This year I feel ready for it. The guys are ready and I personally come with a different mindset. I see it as an order. »
Photos Stevens LeBlanc
Mikaël Huchette (left) and James Malatesta (right) will also need to play big roles if the Remparts are to succeed in the playoffs.
NO PRESSURE
For his part, Patrick Roy doesn’t want to put any extra pressure on the shoulders of his two dynamic attackers, both of whom have reached the 100-point plateau this season
“I’m not even going to talk about it. The reason we went with a guy like Justin Robidas was to bring more depth forward. We think we’re going to need our four lines if we want to be successful, and we can’t rely on a single line. »
Perceived as an outsider despite their 109 points
It’s still early days and no playoff game has yet been played in the QMJHL, but observers are already making their predictions and the Remparts are rarely considered the big favorites to win the Gilles-Courteau Trophy.
An observation that is far from scientific has led us to realize that Sherbrooke Phoenix and Gatineau Olympiques appear to be the two favorites to win the top honors at the moment.
It seems Zachary Bolduc made the same observation. When asked if the first place in the general classification and the clear and declared intentions that the whole organization is only aiming for one thing, the big trophy, put pressure on internally, the number 15 sketched a smile.
“It depends who you’re talking to. Some see us as their fourth favorite team [derrière Sherbrooke, Gatineau et Halifax]. Some people say that we are a strictly offensive team,” the attacker initially launched.
“I was told that in an interview the other day and it made me laugh because we are the team that has conceded the fewest goals this year. You have to take it and leave it,” he continued.
USE YOUR STRENGTHS
The remaining doubts about the Remparts are mainly due to the physical game. Many believe that a team like Sherbrooke, for example, is more suitable for the playoffs because of its resilience. Again, Bolduc has reservations.
“We all have our strengths. Yes, they may be more physical, but we’re faster. It will be important to use our strengths. Even if the teams can hit us, we won’t let ourselves be trampled on. We are able to react. »
A DAY AFTER THE TIME
Photo Stevens LeBlanc
Patrick Roy led the Remparts’ practice Tuesday in preparation for their first-round series against the Charlottetown Islanders.
But hey, we’re a long way from the Gilles Courteau trophy and that’s the motto for Patrick Roy.
“Our group is aware of the situation and they said that from the start, we must never be too high or too low in our emotions and keep the same focus game after game.
“We may have more experience this year and we know that every game can make the difference. Our approach is always the same: one game at a time. »