Blais “wants more”!
GATINEAU – He may only be a 16-year-old, but Justin Blais is ready to impress as he heads into his second camp with the Gatineau Olympiques.
Despite his young age, he will be seen as a veteran of the Gatineau squad, having played 55 of the 68 regular season games in 2023-2024.
The defenseman is gearing up for more responsibility this season.
“I’m going to come to camp ready. My goal is to carve out a solid position for myself, and to have a big impact on the team so I can contribute to winning. It doesn’t matter if I’m 17. I’m confident in my abilities, I know what I can bring to the team, and I know what it takes to be successful at this level.”
Because the young man learned a lot last year. By his own admission, the Olympics’ two-part season helped him grow as a player.
“It helped me a lot! Facing adversity was good for me. To have so little success at the start of the calendar, only to win 6 consecutive games and earn a playoff spot, is a situation that will serve me well for the rest of my junior career,” he explains.
Looking for a first goal
Although Justin Blais showed great potential in his first season in the QMJHL, he still hasn’t been able to find the back of the net.
In a game against the Victoriaville Tigres in 2023, the defenseman let go a cannonball that pierced the opposing goalie. However, after review, the puck deflected off the stick of one of his teammates, denying him his first goal in the Cecchini circuit.
“I still watch the video of that goal. It’s funny because I celebrated quite a bit. We still laugh about it with each other. But obviously I can’t wait for it to happen, and I’m not worried about it happening in 2024-2025!
A tough training camp
With training camp only a few days away, Justin Blais says he’s excited to be back with his teammates. He knows that several positions will be up for grabs when the puck drops on the ice at the Slush Puppie Centre on August 12.
t’s going to be interesting. Several players will be back, and a lot of good youngsters will be trying to make their mark. Everyone’s going to have to come in with a knife between their teeth. We’ll have to convince management that we deserve our place on the team, and definitely give it our all.”
Blais also had a few words of advice for the young players who will be coming to Gatineau in a few days’ time.
“You have to want more than anyone else. You can’t leave any doubt when your name is called. Playing in Gatineau is so incredible. When you jump on the ice and there are thousands of fans cheering you on with signs in the stands every night, it’s just sick.
The rookie training camp begins on August 12, while the main camp kicks off on August 18. Camp details will be announced in the coming days.
