Danick Gauthier: better than ever
SAINT JOHN – The Saint John Sea Dogs are missing four players to this year’s world junior championship in Edmonton and Calgary.
But there’s plenty of offensive production left in their lineup in the person of 20-year-old forward Danick Gauthier.
“I’m very excited, it’s going to be a great second half,’’ said Gauthier, who had 11 goals last year. “I want to repeat what I did in the first half. I never thought I would have 31 goals before Christmas. It’s amazing. I’m very proud of that, but the season is not over.’’
Long before Gauthier increased his output on the ice, he picked up the pace off the ice. Last summer saw the 6-foot-2, 201-pound forward pay his dues with demanding workouts – one in the morning and another in the evening.
Gauthier wasn’t just preparing for his final major-junior season; he was also getting ready for his first NHL camp with the Phoenix Coyotes. He worked out with close friend Alexis Bernier, a defenceman with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.
“I worked a lot on my speed and my strength,’’ Gauthier said. “Those were the two areas I worked on this summer and that (has) helped me a lot on the ice.’’
Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant said Gauthier’s improved conditioning was evident at the beginning of the season.
“His fitness is excellent and he’s a lot stronger and he’s in top shape,’’ the bench boss said. “Now he’s got that extra gear. He paid the price this summer and that’s what it’s all about for these kids (who want to continue their careers after junior).’’
Coming into this season, Gauthier had 19 goals in his Quebec Major Junior Hockey League career. And while improved fitness has paid huge dividends for Gauthier, Gallant said the player’s improvement also stems from more opportunities.
Several Sea Dogs graduated to the pro ranks or university hockey after last year, while the club has been plagued with injuries in the first half of this season. Jonathan Huberdeau and Stanislav Galiev have both missed big chunks of the season with injuries.
“I think he always had the talent,’’ Gallant said about Gauthier. “To be fair to Danick, he was mostly on our so-called checking line before this year. He’s definitely a top-two line player on any team in our league.’’
With his increased strength and confidence this year, Gauthier is strong on the puck and has used that strength to put himself in good shooting position. Playing on the first line and first power-play unit has helped, too.
He’s hoping his efforts will help the Sea Dogs to a second straight President’s Cup championship. That would also clinch a Memorial Cup berth in Shawinigan. Long post-season runs always yield opportunities as scouts get the luxury of evaluating players in pressure situations.
And that’s fine with Gauthier, who wants another NHL opportunity after his overage season. Gallant sees that as a realistic goal.
“There’s been a lot of interest,’’ the coach said.
