Since the holiday season, William Trudeau has been a revelation with the Laval Rocket. Within a few weeks he had fought his way into the defense brigade.
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The Canadian’s 2021 fourth-round pick has been booming since December 28, when he scored his first professional goal.
This performance propelled him to a successful offensive series. Before Friday’s game against Syracuse, he had 11 points in his last 16 games.
“I felt like there was a click during the game where I scored my first goal,” said William Trudeau. It gave me a good dose of confidence and I started playing in ways that always brought me success. »
Aside from his solid performance against Syracuse, there’s another element that his head coach says allowed him to be more relaxed.
“He waited a little bit to know whether he would return to junior or not,” says Jean-François Houle of his young defender. During this time there are many things that can go through your mind.
“After the announcement, he didn’t take anything for granted and continued to work hard. »
take your chance
As injuries plagued his team, Houle decided to give some players, including Trudeau, more responsibility.
The latter was used in all sauces. The coaches even put him on the first power play unit during this time. A big vote of confidence.
“I like how he moves on the blue line. He finds his options and the players who are open, explains the head coach of the Rocket. He is creative. He’s not nervous with the puck.
“It’s an incredible asset for a 20-year-old not to be stressed out with pressure everywhere in an environment like ours. We are very happy with its development. »
A promotion that the main prospect did not expect.
“I was a bit surprised when they told me about it,” explains Trudeau. I took it as a beautiful mission. It was one of my goals, but I didn’t know it would happen so quickly. »
At Charlottetown in the QMJHL, he didn’t often get a chance to become a first-unit quarterback. Those precious minutes belonged to Lukas Cormier.
“The first unit is important. You set the pace for the second, says the ice hockey player from Varennes. With good chances to score, you can cheer on the rest of the team. »
Not only does he produce the power play, but he can also attack five against five. He doesn’t hesitate to do so when he sees an opportunity.
“I’ve always managed. It’s part of the way I play, and I can do it more often if I have confidence. »
Remarkable progress
After being cut off from the Canadian camp, Trudeau surfaced at Laval when a monster buildup occurred at his position.
At this point, the Rocket had eight healthy defenders. Then the Canadian Nicolas Beaudin acquired. Though he seemed to have two takes against him, hard training kept him going.
This week, despite the return of several veterans, his place is not under threat. He’s in good shape.
“I’m not satisfied,” says Trudeau. My philosophy is to always prove that I have my place in the team.
“While I’m guaranteed to stay with Rocket through the end of the year, I have no intention of resting on my laurels. »