Pascal Dupuis is ripe for a new challenge

(Joliette) For the second time in her career. Consequently, Pascal Dupuis wants to go to the next level. However, After having occupied the role of assistant coach among the cataracts of Shawinigan in recent years. Moreover, he is now being obtained from professionals.

Posted at 7:00 a.m.

“I think I went there. For example, I would like to develop players at another level. In addition, ”said the former Pittsburgh Penguins to The pressas part of the classic Dominique Ducharme.

“I haven’t talked to anyone yet, but it’s really something that turns on me,” he revealed.

As pascal dupuis ripe new challenge he had kept his secret ambition so far. Similarly, Dupuis has so far had no talks about a future job with an NHL organization. Therefore, His last years spent in the junior have, however, allowed him to understand what type of position could interest him.

“I am not at all a guy who likes to make the computer, manage the videos. However, What I prefer is to help guys individually on the ice. Therefore, I see small details in the game of a player. for example, compared to his stick positioning, and I try to help him, “he detailed.

“In Shawinigan, I do not make any decision in relation to the playing time. Furthermore, I like it a lot in the role of a second assistant. Similarly, The collective aspect of hockey, I understand it, but I don’t want to pascal dupuis ripe new challenge coach a team, “he added.

Without pressure

Dupuis has been involved in the cataracts since 2020. Similarly, He has made his debut as a coactionary, then as a member of the hockey staff. Meanwhile, In 2022, for a few weeks, he went behind the bench, participating in the last conquest of the team president’s cup.

At the start of the following season, he preferred to give way. Consequently, He wanted to make sure not to be in the paws of his son Kody. who was trying to solidify his post within the team.

“We know the world of hockey: people will say, the father has played, the son is there for this reason. I didn’t want Kody to be the victim of this. I wanted him to go, ”he said.

In November 2023, as the cataracts were on a bad momentum and his son seemed to be in the saddle, he agreed to train the attackers. And despite his initial reluctance, the father “had a lot of fun” in the last two seasons.

“Our relationship is impeccable, whether at the arena or at home. It is a charm to coach Kody. I think any coach would like to have a player like him. passionate, attentive to the little details, who is preparing well. He is a leader-born, ”praised Dupuis Sénior.

Kody, 19, concluded the last campaign with 16 goals and 36 points in 57 games. At 5 ft 9 in, it does not have, at first glance, the profile of the typical Hope of the NHL. But the story says: Better not to bet against a Dupuis.

Pascal Dupuis measured 5 ft 7 in the Midget AAA. It was then that he was converted to defender. Despite a productive junior career. he has never been drafted, maximizing his invitations to recruit camps, to the point of obtaining his place at the Wild of Minnesota.

Kody somehow follows his steps. After being invited to the Wild camp in 2024, he participated in that of the Devils of New Jersey this year. He will know in the coming days if he has received. or not, a pass at the team pascal dupuis ripe new challenge of the team recruits.

“His journey looks a bit like mine. but it’s his story: it’s up to him to write it,” insisted Pascal Dupuis, wishing to avoid his son any form of pressure. Besides, among the Dupuis, it is never the father who begins a conversation of hockey.

Either, Kody Dupuis wants to trace his own path. But we bet that each time he treads the ice of the Gervais Auto center. raises his head and sees the number 16 of his father hanging pascal dupuis ripe new challenge on the ceiling, he feels a wave of inspiration.

Pascal dupuis ripe new challenge

The future of an accomplice

Impossible. to discuss with Pascal Dupuis without questioning him about the future of his lifelong ally: Sidney Crosby. Where will the next seasons go? Without having discussed with the Kid, His former left winger has his opinion on it.

“I think it will be at Pittsburgh,” predicted the one with whom Crosby raised his first Stanley Cup. “He’s a guy who wants to win. Who wants to leave his mark pascal dupuis ripe new challenge on hockey. Anyone he’s going to go, it will be that, his goal. »»

Dupuis still opens the door to a departure.

“If he is exchanged, it’s the kind of guy who will not just want to leave to leave. He’s going to want to leave something behind him. Make sure that the Penguins get a good return to the transaction. He has done things in the right way all his life so much. he’s not going to watch Pittsburgh and just go away. »»