The Right Choice
SHAWINIGAN – Dennis Yan and Anthony Beauvillier are terrorizing opposing goaltenders, as attests their combined 54 points in 27 games. The Russian forward Yan is now in his second season in the QMJHL after having developed in the ranks of the American development program. He currently sits 8th among league scorers with a record of 16 goals and 12 assists (28 points) in only 14 games.
To this point of the season, he has collected three hat tricks and has two five-point games. During the second weekend of October he racked up ten points in only two games.
‘I’m happy with how I’ve started the season. I knew that by combining my speed and my skills I could make a difference out there on the ice. This year, we’re aiming high. Our team is younger than before but we also have more maturity than we did last year. Our fans want to see us win it all…and I have to admit that is our goal too,’ Yan explained.
Seven of his goals have been scored on the power play. 36 of his 46 shots on goal were considered scoring opportunities by Q statisticians.
‘It’s an important part of our game. A power play goal is often what makes the difference in a tight game. We have a cohesive group; the atmosphere in the dressing room is good and you have to admit that the core of the team is well built. Everyone has their own part to play; everyone brings another dimension to the game. The season is still young but there is a lot of good to take from what has happened so far.’
Getting Lightening to Strike
Yan isn’t obsessed, but obviously hopes to earn his first professional contract in the next few months. The Tampa Bay Lightning made him their 3rd round choice (64th overall) in the last NHL draft.
‘To be honest, we were surprised that Yan was still available in the 3rd round. To my thinking, he was going to be taken in the 2nd. All the better for us that we can get our hands on a young forward with real offensive potential,’ explained Lightening scout, Michel Boucher. Boucher is responsible for evaluating all 16 and 17-year-old players developing in Quebec.
Yan’s exciting start to the season is hardly surprising to Boucher.
‘His shot is really fast… he can take it lots of ways by getting himself in all kinds of positions. That brings an element of surprise against opposing goalies. He has a great offensive instinct, and what I really like… is that he manages to show that instinct even when he isn’t playing with Anthony Beauvillier,’ Boucher emphasised.
Defensive Play Needs Refining
In Shawinigan, Yan has no problem scoring goals. He is fulfilling well what is expected of him by his coach, Martin Bernard, but is still going to have to work on his defensive play if he wants to make the NHL.
‘It’s normal, you ask him to do something and he does it. But in the NHL you have to be consistent on both sides of the red line. He has improved over the last few months, but he still hasn’t got to the level that he has to be to play among the best,’ summed up the coach.
OVERLOOKED BY TEAM USA
Despite being Russian, Yan was born in the United States. He has kept his American citizenship and took part in the Team USA development programme over the last few years.
Last year he decided to join the Shawinigan Cataractes because he thought it was from there he would have the best chance of being drafted into the NHL.
‘I don’t regret my decision. Shawinigan feels like home now. Even my mom is here and I feel good. It’s a great organization and we’re having success.’
Despite his performance however, he failed to earn an invitation to the World Junior Championship training camp.
‘I worked really hard, but they didn’t call me for the camp that took place this summer. Maybe a good season with the Cataractes will help them to change their minds, but honestly there is nothing I can do to make them alter their decision. All I can do is be productive and see what happens next year.’
TALKING TO DERGATCHEV
The Cataracts have another Russian in their sights: LA Kings hopeful, Alexander Dergatchev, who is currently developing in the KHL.
The two Russian Forwards met at the NHL Combine and immediately became friends.
‘We saw each other again at the NHL draft. He asked me questions about the level of the Cataractes’ play. His mind wasn’t made up yet, but he decided to try his luck in the KHL. I have no idea what will happen to him,’ Yan concluded.
Dergatchev could prove to be GM Martin Mondou’s best acquisition of the season, without even having to deal anyone in exchange. There are lots of fans that are already hoping to see him pair up with Dennis Yan.
Translation: Richard Dumas
