NASHVILLE | Jakob Pelletier hasn’t played in the QMJHL for two years but still watches the Moncton Wildcats games. One player had caught his eye this season: defender Étienne Morin.
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Ironically, Morin was defeated by…the Flames in the second round on Thursday in Nashville!
“We don’t know each other but he wrote to congratulate me and wish me good luck on the repechage. “It’s a nice coincidence that I’m finally being drafted by the Flames,” Morin rejoiced after his selection.
“I‘really fell in love with him”
While on vacation in Hawaii, Pelletier woke up six hours late to dozens of text messages informing him that the young Quebec defender was passing to the Flames.
“I don’t do that often [écrire à des joueurs évoluant dans la LHJMQ], but I really fell in love with him. I really liked him. I felt it was important to congratulate him and wish him the best of luck in his repechage. Seeing the Flames recruit him reminds me of me four years ago. I’ll be able to give him a little hand [Jonathan] Huberdeau did it to me when I arrived,” he told the Journal.
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From what he’s seen of him, Pelletier believes Morin has the potential to become a key defender in the Flames’ blue line.
“He’s fluid on his skates and moves the puck well. I think he can be a very good defender who is effective in all aspects of the game and can bring an offensive touch.
strong emotions
Morin didn’t say he was disappointed that he had to wait until the second round to get drafted, although his name was mentioned as a potential first-round pick.
And when he was finally called up with the 48th pick overall, it was an emotional roller coaster ride.
“You’re a little passed out! You don’t know what’s going on anymore. I heard my name and thought it was great. It’s a reward for all those years of hard work. I often wake up at 6 a.m. and drive to play hockey. It becomes a reward.
“My parents were more stressed than me. I know you are proud. The stress just went down.”