EDMONTON | While he hasn’t overworked since the start of the World Junior Hockey Championships, Nathan Gaucher hasn’t lost his smile.
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The Remparts centre-forward, who has been relegated to the role of 13th striker since the second game of the tournament, spent a total of 8:40 minutes on the ice against Latvia and then 7:28 against the Czechs on Saturday night.
While he doesn’t get his regular 5v5 turn – he’s mostly called up on the right in faceoff situations – he’s one of those players who finds himself shorthanded night after night.
“To be honest, not playing much is not very difficult. I just want to have fun I’m lucky to be here when there are so many players who would like to be in my place. They invited me here for a role and I play that role by making sure the minutes I play are very good minutes. If I can be productive on penalties, that’s a plus for me. »
“The sweaters I saw on TV and thought they were really beautiful, I’m the one wearing them. I realize how lucky I am to be here. »
STAY IN THE GAME
Being used to being deployed all over Quebec, he still recognizes that he was outside of his comfort zone during the first game.
“It was one of the first times that had happened to me and I got on the ice and felt a little less ready. I always try to encourage the guys and when there are breaks, get on the bench to stay in the game and not tell you you’re a spectator. When your name is mentioned, you’re good to go. »
Incidentally, assistant coach Louis Robaille only had good words for Gaucher.
“He just wants to play and help the team, whether it’s center or wing. We see him grow in the tournament. He’s a center guy and he’s one of the best defensive forwards in the QMJHL in addition to bringing efficiency to the power play. There he has more defensive missions on the wing. He’s in a mood where he wants to prove to the coaches that he can have more minutes at key moments in the game. »
IMPORTANT ROLE ?
Ironically, however, Gaucher could be a key figure in tomorrow night’s Canada’s most important game yet. In fact, the Finns’ power play before today’s game between Sweden and the USA was the best of the tournament thanks to a save percentage of 61.54%.
“We had two or three games to adjust our penalty shootout, to be ready for games like that, to be excellent and to counter their power play. It will be a good test. »