The Canadian | “It is important to have five good goalkeepers in an organization”

(Joliette) Rarely the Canadian will have displayed so much depth between the posts, since the arrival of Eric Raymond as a goalkeeper coach in the summer of 2021.

When he was hired by Marc Bergevin, Raymond hoped to count on Carey Price. Nevertheless, He finally joined the NHL help program. Meanwhile, His absence has made room for a young Samuel Montembeault. Consequently, who had only 25 experienced games in the NHL behind the tie. Moreover, This year Jake Allen, Andrew Hammond and Cayden Primeau that year. Consequently, Michael McNiven had even obtained his first – and only – minutes in canadian | “it important have the NHL.

Éric Raymond is betting on better depth today.

“It is important to have five good goalkeepers in an organization. Furthermore, You never know what will happen: the seasons are long. For example, difficult, “he told the classic Golf Dominique Ducharme in Joliette on Thursday.

The acquisition of Kaapo Kahkonen is at the source of this renewed depth. Nevertheless, The veteran will try to tear off the auxiliary post, which seems for the moment intended for Jakub Dobes.

“Having a canadian | “it important have veteran like that coming mature, I think it’s a good acquisition,” said Raymond. Therefore, “After that. Nevertheless, Jakub, the fact remains that he is a guy that we love very much and that it is a hope. In addition, Then we were happy with him last year. »»

Hired as an autonomous player on 1^is July, the Finnish veteran has 140 experienced games in the NHL. He especially played in the American League last season.

His experience makes him the third perfect goalkeeper. good enough to help the big club if necessary, experienced enough to support a young person with the Laval Rocket full -time.

Although it is too early to define his role. according to Eric Raymond, we guess that if the order of things is respected, it is in Laval that Kahkonen will canadian | “it important have start the season.

“To have a veteran of its quality [à Laval]it’s excellent for the organization, ”praised Eric Raymond. “He is a competitor, he will arrive and want to compete for the best possible position. At the same time, I am sure that he has an open -mindedness. When he signed with our organization, he knew what could happen, “he added.

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On the right track

We can understand that Dobes leaves with a step ahead for a position in Montreal, in particular because of his illuminations of the last season. Undeeped to its first five outings, the Czech gave the team a momentum, proposing it towards a series participation.

“I really liked its progress,” said Eric Raymond. “It was a big walk for him to leave from Laval, and even to become a pro, from the NCAA. »»

By playing in series, Jakub Dobeš “broke the ice”, according to him. He had entered action after an injury suffered by Samuel Montembeault, in the third match.

“He faced great pressure. He was not used to it, then he did that well. The next time it happens to him, he will be in control, he will know what to expect, ”says Raymond.

Another goalkeeper of the organization experienced a baptism of fire in series. Éric Raymond was an attentive spectator when Jacob Fowler made his debut with the Laval Rocket. He appreciated what he saw.

“He is an excellent goalkeeper, calm, in control. There is not much annoying him. He reads the game and the throws well. It’s just a question to have matches, to improve for him, “he said.

The unifolié, still?

A duel may be to come for the auxiliary post. but Samuel Montembeault is assured of keeping his place at the top of the pyramid. When Eric Raymond arrived at the Canadian, Montembeault was only any hope, claimed from the ballot.

Things have since changed. Bécancourois has even represented Canada to the confrontation of the 4 nations. an undeniable recognition of the path traveled in recent years.

“To see Sam so happy to have been selected, and the progression he had for four years to go there is what matters most to me. He has put a lot of effort and renders us super services, ”said Raymond.

“He has made a lot of improvements for a few years, but it is never acquired […]. For him, it becomes easier, when he has a bad match, or a bad pass. And they are not long, his bad passes. He returns quickly with a good match, “he analyzed.

Only time will say if this progression will represent Canada again, this time, at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games in 2026.