On June 29, Quebec Remparts goaltender Quentin Miller was life-changing.
The Montreal native, who was drafted in the fourth round by the Montreal Canadiens in the most recent NHL draft, has seen snippets of what his life could be like if he were to land a position at the big club. But until then, he wants to prove he has his place in the elite of QMJHL goalies this season.
Everything happened very quickly for Miller. Assisting William Rousseau last season, he witnessed the Remparts’ two conquests, that of the Gilles-Courteau Trophy and then the Memorial Cup, first-hand.
Then, just over three weeks after winning the ultimate honor of Canadian junior hockey, he passed into the hands of the Canadiens, his childhood team.
“It’s been a very busy year for me, with the team’s career and the repechage,” he admitted on Monday in the youth pavilion, where the Remparts training camp is in full swing with a view to next season.
A busy year for sure, followed by a shorter than usual summer, but just as busy. A first sign of life that could await him.
“I did a lot more interviews than before. After the draft I had a very busy schedule. I also recognized myself once in a restaurant in Montreal. It was pretty funny.
“This attention doesn’t bother me. I like it even if I want to stay calm and not get too cocky. »
Quentin Miller first wore the Canadiens uniform during the team’s final development camp in early July. MARTIN ALARIE / MONTREAL JOURNAL
An important role
That brief Montreal media dip is now behind him and Miller knows that the next season will be very important for both him and the Quebec Remparts as it will be very different from the last.
The team has lost most of its key players from last year and is entering the first season of a rebuilding cycle in which he will be one of a few veterans to return to the organization.
After acting as a backup to Rousseau, Miller is now the Red Devils’ right-hand man at the net, a mandate that can prove difficult considering he has just 20 games of QMJHL experience.
” I’m very excited. Last year I think I had a great year, even if I played fewer games. I was part of the team and I got experience helping the likes of Justin Robidas, Nathan Gaucher or William Rousseau in preparation I’m very grateful for the experience,” said the man, who got a chance to play a bit during the Memorial Cup, replacing Rousseau in the round-robin match against the Peterborough Petes.
Learn to be number one
Miller took all of that experience from the past year with him when he left the family home to return to Quebec for the 2023-2024 season.
But there is no more rewarding experience for a player than playing games and that will be Miller’s challenge, according to Remparts goalkeeping coach Pascal Lizotte.
“I can’t wait to see him take on this challenge. Last year, in the second half of the season, he didn’t play much, but we made a lot of videos. We even did video sessions together during the Memorial Cup. All of this served to prepare him for the following year. I think mentally he’s ready for this new challenge. »
At least that was the result of the conversations between the two men since the beginning of the training camp.
“He wants to show he’s among the elite in the league and take that lead on the team. I really like how he’s been behaving so far,” adds Lizotte.
A high potential
What makes Miller’s upcoming season so intriguing is that it’s difficult for just about everyone to reach their potential.
Before joining the Remparts, he played one season at the AAA U18 level, spending the rest of his minor hockey career mostly at the high school level.
“Last year the scouts told us it was difficult to assess because they couldn’t see it. I agreed with them. Quentin’s blanket, we don’t know where it is. It keeps improving every day and there is still a lot of room for improvement. »
In order to continue his development and maybe one day become a good prospect for the Canadiens, Lizotte believes his goaltender needs to keep making the necessary efforts.
“This year he has to establish himself as the best goalkeeper in the league. To achieve this, his work ethic must be impeccable and the best on the team. He needs to develop a professional routine, hit the gym, take care of his body, eat right, and prepare well mentally. If we ask other players who has the best work ethic on the team, their answer will have to be Quentin. »