Patrick Roy won 551 games in the National Hockey League, won four Stanley Cups and multiplied individual honors in addition to being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Considered one of the best goalkeepers in history, he nevertheless humbly analyzes the raw talent he possessed.
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The Quebec Remparts head coach doesn’t get too involved with his side’s goalkeepers, whom he leaves in the care of coach Pascal Lizotte. However, when his first-choice goalkeeper William Rousseau went through a bad patch a few weeks ago, he didn’t hesitate to give him advice based on his personal example to help him understand him.
And we can say that it surprises.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
“Will, he reminds me of myself. We’re just not good enough not to maintain our focus and intensity from start to finish of a game. That’s such a message. When it came to 3-0 [contre Rimouski vendredi dernier], he took it softer and he can’t. I couldn’t do that either when I was playing. If you want to be part of the cream or the best, you have to play with that intensity from start to finish, even if the score is in our favour.
HIS NETWORK
Sure, the Remparts will need their playoff starting goalie and hope he can repeat the game inspired by last year’s playoffs. Remember that Quebec had started the playoffs with 20-year veteran Fabio Iacobo before Rousseau took his place as No. 1 goaltender.
“I gained experience in the playoffs last year and learned how it works. It’s been different since Fabio started and that’s me. I want to go home with the mentality that this is my net and I want to keep it for as long as possible.
After a period of weakness, the 19-year-old goalkeeper feels ready and claims he has regained his confidence and means.
“Perfection, I always strive for it. I know it might not be possible, but during my depression I kept telling myself I would get through this. At the moment I use it in training as a frustration and good motivation. This has allowed me to surpass myself in the last few games.
One thing is for sure, the players before him have full confidence.
“We probably have the best goalkeeper in the league,” said Zachary Bolduc.
INDIVIDUAL HONOR
Averaging 2.22 goals conceded per game this season, William Rousseau beat his closest rival Nathan Darveau (2.34) to win the Jacques Plante Trophy, awarded annually to the goalkeeper with the best average.
A recognition that he naturally accepts, but which he shares with his teammates.
“It’s an honor for me, but it’s a trophy that everyone took part in. I’m thinking, among other things, of our manpower, of Nico Savoie, of all the players who block shots in front of me. Thank you.”