His big brother just started skating in the NHL, his father and uncles played in Major Junior, and his stepfather notably wore the colors of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Caleb Desnoyers, the U18 AAA Playoffs’ top scorer, is one of the top picks for the QMJHL draft and doesn’t want to become a “flop” in the family.
“They’ve always been role models for me since I was young,” Caleb said. It would be really fun to follow in their footsteps. »
These aren’t the role models that the 15-year-old teenager’s life is missing.
His father David played with the Saint-Hyacinthe Laser in front of goalkeeper Martin Brodeur.
His uncles Simon and Hugues Laliberté also played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ).
Pascal Trépanier, the spouse of his mother Martine Laliberté, played 229 games in the NHL.
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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Pascal Trépanier (right) watches a save by Patrick Roy against the St. Louis Blues’ Scott Mellanby in 2002.
And his big brother Elliot had his baptism of fire with the Philadelphia Flyers in late February.
“I feel no pressure to come from a hockey family,” says Caleb, who has the advice of several experts. In fact, it motivates me. My goal is to be the best and to prove that I’m capable, that I won’t be the flop of the family. »
“He is a special player”
So far no worries.
The No. 10 Gaulois de Saint-Hyacinthe is having a good season in the Quebec U18 AAA Hockey Development League after finishing third with 23 goals and 30 assists for 53 points in 42 regular games.
And since the start of the playoffs, he’s dominated with 13 points in eight games (before Tuesday night’s game).
“Earlier in the year, maybe the points came a little less easily. It wasn’t easy mentally, but I got back to basics to have fun,” says Caleb.
Among the top 10 in the repechage?
“He’s a special player,” adds his coach Jean-Philippe Sansfaçon. He’s had some ups and downs this year and he’s come to terms with many things in the face of adversity. He’s a very dynamic attacking player with good feel and improved his finish in front of goal. »
It is not surprising that Caleb Desnoyers will be named among the top 10 at the next QMJHL auction in June according to expert estimates, which is far from rousing the client concerned from his sleep.
“I try to play with confidence and have fun without worrying too much about the draft,” he said.
There’s still a long way to go
One thing is for sure, Caleb wants to “do better” than his brother to spice up the selection session with a little fraternal competition.
Elliot was the Moncton Wildcats’ 18th and final first-round pick of 2018.
“He makes a little fun of me because I didn’t get out early,” said Elliot, who currently plays for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American League. But that didn’t stop me from pursuing a career in QMJHL, winning gold at World Juniors and turning pro. »
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Elliot Desnoyers was treated to a solo round while warming up before his first game with the Philadelphia Flyers on February 25 in New Jersey.
“Of the 17 players drafted before Elliot in the QMJHL, there are 10 who weren’t even drafted in the NHL, notes her father, David. And so far only Hendrix Lapierre, William Dufour and Elliot have played in the NHL. So Caleb still has a long way to go. Successful guys are hardworking, hardworking, disciplined guys. »