In London, Logan Mailloux played in a 10,200-seat amphitheater at Budweiser Garden. But there is a world of difference between one of the largest arenas in the Ontario Junior League and the Bell Centre.
• Also read: [EN IMAGES] Faux pas and mishaps: The Canadian loses 4 to 2 against the Devils
“I thought it was pretty crazy, especially during the warm-up,” Mailloux said. I didn’t want to look too much to keep my concentration. But when I saw the stands I broke my neck. It’s that big. »
For his first preseason game in the CH jersey, Mailloux formed a duo with Jordan Harris. In this 4-2 loss to the Devils, the number 94 scored three goals, two shots and finished with a clean sheet in 21:00 of play.
“It was a good test, but I feel like I did well,” noted the Ontarian. I played better as the game went on, I moved the puck better. My first game at the rookie tournament in Buffalo, I was more nervous than I was in this preseason game. »
Martin St-Louis offered a fair analysis of his young right-hander’s game.
“He has proven his qualities. He felt very comfortable offensively. He has a good shot. Since he is understaffed, I would like him to take fewer risks. But he is a young man. »
Roy: one goal, one blocked shot
Joshua Roy is a natural. He demonstrated this in the first period by denying Akira Shmidt with a good shot between the pads after Xavier Simoneau delivered a precise pass on the power play.
“It always feels good, for me the game started well, but I thank Simoneau and Ylönen for the assists,” he replied. All I had to do was get the puck into the net. »
Beyond that goal, Roy won points with simple plays. On his own territory, he blocked a shot from defender Colin Miller. Before the rookie tournament, the 2021 5th round pick from CH mentioned that his offensive and defensive play would secure his spot in the pros.
“I have to be good both defensively and offensively,” he remembers. I’ve made a lot of progress defensively in the last few months. »