“It's because you did something good” – Gabriel Dumont

UPDATE DAY

When he received a voicemail from the American League commissioner in January, Gabriel Dumont believed he had done something wrong in a game. It was quite the opposite. 

The 13-year pro veteran earned one of two AHL All-Star Classic captaincy titles. The other is defenseman Brian Lashoff. 

“At first, I didn't answer the call because I was on the ice for practice,” says the Syracuse Crunch forward. I had a message from commissioner Scott Howson telling me to call him back.

“I was not expecting this type of news. My head was rolling and I wondered what I had done in the last game that the commissioner wanted to talk to me.

After a few seconds, Howson informed him of his nomination.

“It's a vote that is held across the league,” adds Dumont. To be recognized by the leaders of the AHL and the other teams that are not supposed to like you, it is a great pride. It's because you did something good. »

To add to the fun, he will participate in the all-star game in front of his family and children. 

« It allows a few people around me to come and see me. My parents are there. They put a lot of time and effort into getting me to where I am today. My wife and children are also present. »

Serene with his situation

Dumont has always been recognized as a hard worker. He worked hard for each of his recalls in the NHL. In total, he played 90 games on the Bettman circuit, including 18 with the Canadiens, who drafted him in 2009. 

The pride of Dégelis, in Bas-Saint-Laurent, has also wore the colors of the Senators, the Wild and the Lightning. Does he still dream of a regular position in the NHL? 

“You never give up on this idea,” says the 32-year-old athlete. It's like a normal worker, he will never say no to a promotion. I know this is part of the reality of the hockey world and I made peace with it a few years ago.

“I am really calm with my situation. In recent years, I have spoken to many people in the industry and it has allowed me to do a good retrospective of my career. Often, it's the little details that make the difference. 

“At my age, you have to be able to take a step back and see the big picture. »

Big injury

The Quebecer suffered a knee injury which caused him to miss several weeks of activities with the Crunch at the start of the season. season. The captain missed about fifteen games in total.

“I missed almost two months. It's been difficult, but I'm getting back to my cruising speed. »

He had seven goals and three assists in 13 games with his team in January. Head coach Benoit Groulx will count on his contribution for the last part of the calendar, where the race for the playoffs will still be tight in the North section.

“There are several good teams in our section. In the American League, every team can beat everyone every night. »

Barré-Boulet produces and does not ask any questions 

Alex Barré-Boulet has been one of the offensive pillars of the Syracuse Crunch since the start of the season. His stats are there to prove it. 

At the All-Star Game break, he was fourth in the American League in scoring with 49 points, including 13 goals, in 39 met. It also shows a differential of +17. 

In January, he broke a Crunch franchise record for most assists. The old brand belonged to Brad Moran, who had amassed 143 with the Lightning school club. Barré-Boulet now has 150 on the clock at the time of writing. 

“This season, I'm going more day to day,” explains Alex Barré-Boulet. Last year, it was difficult to have a sense of belonging as I wandered between the NHL and the American League for a good part of the year. It was weird as feeling. »

Used in all sauces

Last year, at the end of his training camp in Tampa Bay, he was claimed on waivers by the Seattle Kraken. Less than two weeks later, the Lightning brought him back to their organization before selling him back to their farm club. 

“I'm happy to be here [in Syracuse] and we have a good group of players. This season, I have a bigger role with the team as I am used to all the sauces. 

“I'm just as hungry to go play in the NHL, but I'm more relaxed when I'm on the ice. I know what I can do in this league.

Since the start of the season, he has only been called up once by the Lightning. And the reason is simple. 

“The Lightning have no injuries. Sometimes it's a matter of timing. A major injury can give three players the chance for a recall. You never know what can happen. »

A special flavor

His second appearance in the all-star game will have a special flavor because it is presented in Quebec. 

“It's definitely more fun because it's in Laval, adds Barré-Boulet. My family can be present and I did not need to fly to get there.

While waiting for another chance to make a name for themselves in the NHL, Barré-Boulet wants to continue collecting the points. A department where he has excelled for several years.