Draft Day Journal: Charles-Antoine Pilote
Today we take a look back at players who were drafted in the middle rounds of the QMJHL Entry Draft; rounds six through nine.
No matter what round you are drafted in, it is all about what you can bring to training camp, your skills, and what you bring to the ice night after night. A few star studded names that were drafted by the Wildcats mid-way through the draft have gone onto successful careers both on and off the ice, names such as: former captain and current Neurosurgery Resident, Matt Eagles (9th round pick) as well as current NHL’ers Conor Garland (6th round pick), Ross Johnston (6th round pick) and Mathieu Olivier (7th round pick).
This season the Wildcats saw many new faces in the lineup, many of whom were original picks by the team. These new guys showed up to camp ready to go, and proved that they deserved a spot on this team. As the season went on the team continued to find their rhythm and grow more comfortable with eachother on the ice.
A few current Wildcats who were also drafted in the middle of the pack are:
Nicholas Sheehan – Round 6, #91st overall by Moncton in 2019
Dominic Leblanc – Round 8, #136th overall by Moncton in 2019
Owen Stammer – Round 8, #137th overall by Moncton in 2018
Francis Langlois – Round 9, #149th overall by Moncton in 2018
Today we feature Charles-Antoine Pilote, a 7th round pick, 117th overall by Moncton in 2019. The 18-year-old is one of the newest members of our d-core and had a impactful first season with 10 points in 31 games.
“Charles-Antoine had a very good rookie season with us last year,” added Director of Hockey Operations, Ritchie Thibeau. “He is extremely dedicated to getting better both on and off the ice.”
” It is very rewarding to see him in the CSR list for the 2021 NHL Draft, and we wish him all the best, he definitely deserves every chance possible!”
Draft Day Journal: Charles-Antoine Pilote, 2019 Quebec City
Let’s take a look back to 2019, you were part of the last in person draft we had. How were you feeling heading into the day?
- I was pretty nervous the day of the draft. I remember waking up around 6:00 a.m. to prepare myself. I think I was just excited to get to the Videotron Centre! All of my family was with me, my father, mother, brother, sister and my girlfriend. My grandparents were also there, along with two of my uncles who had followed my hockey career since I began.
What is a memory from your draft day that stands out the most?
- Just to hear your name called live in front of everybody, and to have the chance to experience it with my family was an amazing memory. If I have to choose one memory, I would say when I went to pick up my jersey at the table; to meet everyone and feel like you are immediately part of the team was something special, the whole day is something I will always remember.
How did you feel being drafted by Moncton?
- In the beginning when I was drafted, it was just the excitement of being part of the QMJHL and the opportunity to continue to grow my game. From that first team dinner, and then arriving to rookie camp, I quickly realized that this just wasn’t another city to play hockey in, this was a special place. Everyone in this organization is an important part of the team and everyone has the same goal, to have success! I’m from Montreal, so the opportunity to play hockey 10 hours from home is exciting. I have had the chance to see a couple other Provinces, to learn English, and to meet some great and people while playing hockey. I am extremely happy to be a Wildcat and be part of this team.
How was the transition this season to the QMJHL from QMAAA?
- It was easy for me, there are always a couple other players who played in the league when they were my age. They have been through this already and can help when you are unsure of different situations.
- One thing that was a little bit harder was to go straight from secondary 5 (grade 11) to university. However, our Academic Advisor for the team, Sarah Noseworthy did a really good job helping me with that transition.
Although it was not a normal season, how was your first year in the QMJHL?
- Although this season was different on many levels, it gave me an idea of what the league is like. However, I still have a lot of things to learn going into this year and am looking forward to it!
- For me I took the opportunity this season season to learn. Since we only played 31 games that meant I had much more practice time, video sessions, and worked with our d-coach very closely.
Do you have a memory that stands out the most from this season?
- I think the best memory from this season was playoffs. Especially the game where we went to double overtime against Bathurst. Unfortunately we lost the game, but I really understood what playoff game is like and the intensity.
What are you most looking forward to about next season?
- I can’t wait to be able to play in front of my family. I am looking forward to being able to play on the road in Quebec, it will be so nice to have my family in the stands again at some of my games!
What does your training look like this summer?
- I have been training with a small group of other QMJHL players this summer which has been great. I do my off-ice workout at 9:00 a.m. then go on- ice after that. I train five days a week and go on the ice three or four times a week. It is also important to do other things outside of hockey; after training I like to play golf with friends or go biking. On the weekends I make sure to spend time with my family, since I don’t see them during the season often, I want to take this time to do things with them as well.
In recent weeks, your name was part of NHL Central Scouting list. How did that feel, and what areas did you really improve upon this season?
- It was nice to see my name on the list. You play all the season with a little pressure, trying not to focus on the fact that it is your draft year, but in the back of your mind it’s always there. I talked to a couple of teams, and the day I saw my name on the NHL Central Scouting list I was very proud. This season I think I really improved my footspeed/quickness, my explosiveness/top speed, and my defensive game (awareness).