John Parker-Jones does not have a contract at the NHL level. On paper, he intends to continue his career with the Laval Rocket in the American League. But one night, during a preseason game, he touched the NHL.
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“For me it’s a dream come true,” remarked the 1.80 meter tall, 100 kilogram colossus. There are people who say it’s just a preparation game. I do not think so. For me, this is an opportunity to leave my mark. »
“I looked at the Bell Center and there were so many fans,” he continued. I’m glad to have been given this opportunity. We didn’t win. But I will remember it for the rest of my life. »
Parker-Jones didn’t just fill out a jersey. Number 85 had a good game on the right wing of the fourth line alongside Mitchell Stephens and Jan Mysak.
He almost beat goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov twice. He also distributed three hits and blocked one shot. And all of this in just 10 minutes and 43 seconds.
“It’s good for my confidence,” he replied. I feel like I’m not so far away now. However, I would like to see the scoring chances again. I missed a backhand in the slot. I’m going to practice my backhand for 30 minutes after practice on Saturday! »
Impossible to teach
After three preseason games, Riley Kidney, a second-round pick from CH, has not yet taken the ice. Parker-Jones received this vote of confidence despite his contract situation.
“He deserves it,” said coach Martin St-Louis. I saw him last year, I didn’t know him at all. We see a lot of progress from last year to this year. He’s not just a big guy. He’s pretty smart on the ice. »
“He still moves pretty well for a big guy,” he continued. He has better hands and a better shot than you think. I am very happy with his match. He is a player who is trying to show what he can do. You can’t teach 1.90 meters
Parker-Jones is originally from Brantford, Ontario, the birthplace of Wayne Gretzky, and shared this meeting with several members of his family.
“I found out Thursday night that I was playing the Leafs and I had time to talk to my parents, my girlfriend, my sister and my grandparents. There were about ten people from my family in the stands. They drove to Montreal, the journey takes about six hours. »