Remparts: a renewed passion for Mikaël Huchette

UPDATE DAY

The expression “out of sight, out of mind” does not apply to Mikaël Huchette. Away from the game for almost four months, the Remparts striker has realized two things: firstly, that it is difficult to go about your business when you have both arms in plaster, but above all that he does not would never do without his favorite sport. 

Operated on both wrists in November to repair a birth defect that bothered him and caused him pain both in hockey and in everyday life, Huchette resumed handling pucks and participating in regular Remparts drills. for about two weeks. 

“I feel really good and I already feel a difference in my throw. I don't have any pain and it feels so good to have no more pain. To be able to play, stay on the ice for a long time and not have a bandage, it feels good,” he said today, still wearing his injured player's green jersey, unable to perform exercises with contact. 

Good for his career

But beyond the physical aspect, it is also the mental aspect that has been a challenge for the 19-year-old striker. It was that for the first three weeks after the surgery, both of his arms were completely immobilized and he needed his parents' help to accomplish just about everything. 

< p>“It was tough mentally. I couldn't be with my teammates, I had both arms in splints and I couldn't move. It was the first time that I could not practice my favorite sport. It was really hard, but now I'm happy, it was a blow to give.”

A “blow to give”, that's what he repeated to himself over and over again during his rehabilitation.

Since in addition to making his life much more pleasant — he even felt pain when he turned a doorknob — he believes that it will be beneficial for the rest of his hockey career. 

< "I was hanging on to the fact that I was going to feel so good and maybe it was going to change my career. It was not only a blow to not have pain anymore, but also to be able to train in the gym and to be able to gain physical strength without pain. 

Keep improving

Huchette still does not know exactly when he will be able to return to action with the Remparts. A medical appointment is scheduled for March 15 and he should know more at that time. 

“My right wrist is fully recovered and the left is 50%. So I hope that in three or four weeks, it will be settled. For now, I just want to improve every day and when I come back I want to have an important role and contribute in the playoffs. 

This important role, he had it. last year and should find him again, according to Patrick Roy.  

“On the power play, he does a good job in front of the net. He contributes a lot. Shorthanded, he is good on face-offs and with his stick to defend. At five against five, he brings us even more offensive depth. Honestly, it's going to be fun to see him come back and feel good.”

♦ Huchette has been holding the “Mikael Huchette hockey camp” for the young people of her region, in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, for several years. The registration period is underway and Nathan Gaucher and Zachary Bolduc should make a few appearances.

Decisive series for Rochette

Striker Théo Rochette

Théo Rochette has repeated it several times: he still believes in his dream of playing in the NHL, and the next playoffs will be decisive in this quest.

Invited to the Philadelphia Flyers camp last summer, they assured him that they would keep a close eye on his progress. So far, he's answering the call.

In 52 games, he has scored 36 goals and collected 89 points, which places him third in QMJHL scoring.

< p>But the Flyers want to see more and they had been clear with him before the start of the season: how he performs in the playoffs will play a crucial role in their decision to sign him or not.

Knowing how to bounce back

We can understand them since, although injured against the Rimouski Océanic, the captain of the Remparts had experienced all kinds of difficulties in the playoffs last year, and he is perfectly aware of it.

“With the series I had last year, I see it as a challenge. I don't want to repeat what we did last year and I think our line in particular, we were really disappointed with how we played in the playoffs. We arrive there with a different mentality, and a little more experience. We really want to help the team win and we are ready to do better,” said the man who has not had recent discussions with the Flyers.

“I know they are still interested” , he assures, adding that the New Jersey Devils have also shown interest.

Three good tests

However, there are still 15 regular season games for the Remparts and the next three will be good tests for the team. 

Thursday, they will cross swords with the Victoriaville Tigres, fifth overall, then, on Friday, they will visit the Voltigeurs de Drummondville who will probably want to avenge the hard 8 to 1 loss inflicted by the Remparts last week. 

Quebec will then conclude its weekend with the visit of the Mooseheads of Halifax.

“The mentality you have to have is to be ready for each game and take them one at a time and not watch what will happen at the end of the game. week” , summed up Patrick Roy.