Presenting Top Prospect #4: Xavier Parent
Even before a fifth name has been called over the loudspeakers at Saint John’s Harbor Station, two star forwards from Esther-Blondin College could already be celebrating.
Like Samuel Poulin (considered the second-best hopeful in this year’s cohort), Xavier Parent shouldn’t have to wait very long before donning a QMJHL jersey.
‘We started playing together in minor hockey … We always played on the same team. It will certainly be something special to be drafted together, within a very short time, by a QMJHL team,’ explains Poulin, who tallied 24 goals and 31 assists (55 points) in 34 games this last season with the Phoenix.
The director of the QMJHL Recruitment Support Center, Carl Bouchard, describes him as a quick skater.
‘He manages to explode and find in himself a second, sometimes even a third gear! Because of that, he is very difficult to guard against. He will have to improve his consistency, but he will certainly have a good junior career. His offensive assets are excellent, and he is above all, a play maker.’
Parent believes that his speed will allow him to play in the QMJHL as early as September.
‘That’s what always allowed me to advance from level to level. I have a good game sense, but this summer I really want to improve my efficiency in the playoff circle. It’s one of the most important aspects of hockey. In your end, a face off win can save a goal; at the other end, it gives your team a chance to score… In short, this is where I want to excel,’ he explains.
Parent considers himself a team player and says he is not afraid of finishing the night with an ice pack in his leg.
‘Blocking shots is important. I’m a leader. Even at the age of 14, I spoke up in the locker room when we needed a goal.’
A finesse player
Parent measures only 5’8” and weighs 165 pounds. His small size, combined with his speed, is reminiscent of a certain Jonathan Drouin who had a brilliant career in Halifax.
‘I love being compared to him. Like me, he isn’t very big, but he’s got a heavier build. I want to put on weight this summer. Our stature is similar and our strength is for sure on offense.’
His Midget AAA coach warned him not want to impress the fans right from the start in the QMJHL.
‘Xavier works non-stop and is very courageous on the ice. With its small size, he takes lots of hits, but it doesn’t affect his passion. He’s not an individual player, he’s an excellent teammate; But he tends to want to take everything on his shoulders. In junior, he will have to use his wingers more. In the QMJHL, he will not be able to beat three players all by himself to make his way to the net. He is determined to win, but will have to do it differently,’ concludes Paul Bordeleau.
