The native of Saint-Anaclet-de-Lessard and ex-Océanic, Julien Desrosiers, fully experiences the conquest of the Gilles-Courteau trophy by the Drummondville Voltigeurs, who surprised the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in four games in the QMJHL final .
“It’s an incredible feeling, especially in front of our supporters who were excited yesterday (Tuesday). We celebrated, but we’re going to get back to work to prepare for the Memorial Cup. From Day 1 of training camp, we showed the guys footage of the Memorial Cup because that was our goal,” he comments.
Desrosiers, who is completing a second season as assistant coach with the Voltigeurs, had a brilliant playing career in the Magnus League in France.
“With no disrespect to the Sea Dogs, we knew it was going to be pretty easy in the first round. We won in four. Sherbrooke surprised us a little in the second round. It brought us back to earth a little and pushed us to redouble our ardor. We agreed on a whole series against the Tigers. There is a big rivalry with Drummondville. It was the battle of the 122,” he says.
Julien Desrosiers says he is a little surprised by the victory in four games in the final against the Drakkar.
“Honestly, we expected a long series. The Drakkar has had quite a season and it’s not easy to win in Baie-Comeau. Few people predicted that we would return to Drummondville with a 2-0 lead. The quick victory will allow us to rest a little and treat our injuries. There are always some in the series.”
Significant impact of the ancient Ramparts
The Voltigeurs had a good core of veterans with Luke Woodworth, Justin Côté and Ethan Gauthier, not forgetting goaltender Riley Mercer.
Three former Remparts who won the Memorial Cup last year, Vsevolod Komarov, Mikaël Huchette and Kassim Gaudet, joined the group, as did former Armada and Olympian Alexis Gendron, who started the season in the American League, with the Philadelphia Flyers farm club.
The Drummondville Voltigeurs are champions of the Gilles-Courteau Trophy. (Photo screenshot-Voltigeurs de Drummondville)
“We knew we had a good team that had grown together over the past few years. Our good start to the season has forced our hand a little to look for players to help us go further. Komarov was the playoff MVP. Huchette has had some superb series and Gaudet is a true warrior. The three brought their experience into the locker room to calm the guys down in difficult moments.”
Don’t look too far
In anticipation of the Memorial Cup, Julien Desrosiers reminds us that we must keep in mind the final objective, not to see too far while taking the games one at a time. He says he is fortunate to work with high quality players.
After his two seasons with the Océanic, Julien Desrosiers aligned himself with the Drummondville Voltigeurs. (Photo courtesy Ghyslain Bergeron)
“They are young people who want to learn and who have a good attitude. This is not the case everywhere, but here, I have had the chance for two years to work with guys who are great. This position was a great opportunity for me to stay in hockey and do what I love. I love what I do. I have always been passionate about hockey.”
2024-05-15 21:30:01
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