Goaltender Quentin Miller had the chance to play his first season in the QMJHL last year, alongside several players who could one day play in the NHL. But even when exposed to shots from James Malatesta, Zachary Bolduc or Nathan Gaucher, he had never seen anything like Cole Caufield’s.
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Miller was defeated by the Habs on Sunday, at the end of the intramural game between the Reds and the Whites, and was back on the ice with his Quebec Remparts teammates at the Pavillon de la jeunesse on Tuesday morning. During his first experience at a pro camp, he made no secret of the fact that he was very impressed with both Caufield and Habs captain Nick Suzuki.
“Together they are incredible. They do all the drills together and the chemistry between them ensures they stay on the ice the entire time. You really impressed me. They have good hands and good shots. »
Quentin Miller faced Nick Suzuki in a shootout last Sunday. PHOTO MARTIN ALARIE
Speaking of good shooting, Miller was able to match that of Caufield, who also beat him in Sunday’s game between the Whites and the Reds.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shot as powerful as him. [James] Malatesta has a good chance, but Caufield says… At some point he came and I thought: “I have him!” I have it! I got it!” And then he beat me. His shooting is really on another level. »
A dream come true
The goalkeeper from Montreal, whom the Canadian selected in the fourth round of the last draft, was still on cloud nine because of the experience he had just had. As a growing Habs fan, he has had the opportunity to realize part of his dream over the past few weeks.
In his first professional camp, Miller had the opportunity to play a game in the rookie tournament against the Boston Bruins, practice a few times with the team’s best players and participate in intrasquad play. on Sunday, in front of a packed Bell Center.
“It was incredible and I don’t even know how to describe it. Playing at the Bell Center and singing “Fix You” has been a dream since I was young. It’s hard to understand and achieve, to finally experience it. I looked around and it was really impressive. »
PHOTO MARTIN ALARIE
Miller now returns to Quebec with the goal of being the Remparts’ trusted man and perfecting his game based on the advice he received during his time in Canadiens camp.
“There are many technical aspects that I need to improve. “I’m far from perfect,” he admitted, adding that he could count on the mentorship of Jake Allen in Montreal.
“He gave me a lot of advice, he’s a really good guy. »
gather experience
After only playing 20 games in the QMJHL in his career, Miller must now prove that he has what it takes to be a dominant goaltender in the QMJHL. In the eyes of Remparts head coach Éric Veilleux, he is on the right track.
Éric Veilleux PHOTO Stevens LeBlanc
“He will definitely gain experience this year,” he said with a smile, meaning that he will play most of the team’s games. He’s a good goalie and I think things worked out well for him in Canadiens camp. For him it is an extraordinary experience. He is taking the right path, I have no doubt about that. »
Miller will make his first start of the season on Friday when the Remparts visit the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.