Stress from start to finish

NHL Project. The day master guides dream about since their early childhood. Today is supposed to be a gateway to a bigger goal: to play in the biggest hockey league in the world. There is enough to make you dizzy.

“The closer the day is, the more I sleep. A few days ago, I fell asleep at three in the morning. I was just thinking about it.”

Listed at number 20 by NHL Central Scouting among North American skaters, Maveric Lamoureux could be one of four Quebec players from QMJHL to hear his name in the first round tomorrow.

“It’s pressure out of nowhere. I have no idea where I’m going to get off, where I’m going to land. It’s been the dream of my life as a little guy. Now I know it’s going to happen. It’s a mixture of tension, excitement and happiness,” the Drummondville Voltigors defender explained.

For Tristan Luno, who ranks 24th on the same list, the uncertainty about the next destination is a new feeling.

In 2020, it was the first choice of QMJHL auction. Although the event was presented by default, the defender was invited to the offices of the Gatineau Olympiques, to be there for the official announcement of his selection.

thriller

This time, the story will be different for a young Victoriaville.

“Going first generally gives a sense of mission accomplished. When you’re competitive, you want to be the best,” he said. Now I don’t know where I’m going somewhat Suspense. Living this thrill to the end is another kind of experience. But it will also be fun. »

His fellow Gatineau team, Montreal linebacker Noah Warren is ranked 33rd among North Americans.

Get rid of negative thoughts

The good thing about all these young people, the vast majority of whom were born in 2004, is that the work is done. Like any student at the end of the session, all they have to do is wait for the final grade.

Except for the hockey players, the season, the playoffs, the matches with the best prospects, the review weekend in Buffalo, it was great stock to manage.

“Draft year is not a year like other years. There are a lot of things that happen on the ice,” admitted Nathan Goucher, whose name appears in 16th place.

“When you go through periods when things are less good, this is your draft year, you have more negative thoughts. You put pressure on yourself, continued CQR. You have to erase these thoughts, remember you play hockey because that is what cheerful. »

The recipient of the Mike-Bossy Award, awarded to the best player in QMJHL, Gaucher hasn’t seen many dips over the past season.

Sports psychologist to the rescue

This was mentioned by Vincent Le Cavallier during his press conference jointly with Kent Hughes, the Canadian, earlier this week. Marking it as the first choice in the draft comes with its share of distractions.

Obviously, at the age of 17, the young man is not equipped to handle this kind of situation. To properly manage this, you need to get help.

Of course, none of the four Quebec players he’s met over the past few days will ever hear his name calling from the start. This did not prevent them from facing some challenges and from seeking significant support.

“I had the opportunity to work with a sports psychologist to find other things and just chat. The mind is a bit out. You work your muscles, but you also have to work your mind,” said Nathan Gocher.

Adaptation

For his part, Maverick Lamoreaux asserts that he needs a period of adjustment to be able to absorb and absorb all the attention he was receiving.

“It took me about a month and a half to realize that I just had to focus on myself and what I had to do. From the moment I stopped worrying about the arrangement and what was being said in the stands or on social media, it was fine.”

To achieve this, it required a team effort involving the agent, coach, and general manager as well as a sports psychologist.

“It requires a strong entourage. Now, I can say that mental preparation is a very important aspect of the sport,” Lamorio said.

This is even more true in a world where you have to deliver goods every day and no longer dominate the scene as much.