On paper, the similarities between the two top prospects Justin Carbonneau, of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, and Bill Zonnon, of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, are striking.
Published at 7:00 a.m.
Both are latethat is, they were born in the last months of the year. So far, the two have collected 59 points in 41 games. They are distinguished by their robust play. To push the note even further, the two prospects both believe that their game is very similar to that of the same NHL forward: Adrian Kempe, of the Los Angeles Kings.
However, it is a very different treatment to which Carbonneau and Zonnon are entitled, on the eve of their professional draft. On the NHL Central Scouting list, Carbonneau is number 13e rank and Zonnon, at 29e.
And above all, while Carbonneau participated in the NHL prospects challenge, Zonnon had to watch the event at home, since he was left out of the 13 forwards selected.
“It wasn’t easy,” says Zonnon, met by The Press at the Sport Rousseau Center of Excellence, a few hours before the Huskies face the Armada. “But I know I deserved to be there: I didn’t need to be told that. »
If there is one who agrees with this statement, it is Justin Carbonneau.
Read Justin Carbonneau: “Do everything to avoid disappointment”
“Clearly, he could have been there, and he has shown it ever since,” believes Carbonneau. He is a player who is dynamic, athletic, who is everywhere on the ice. He moves extremely well. You will see him move from one area to another with incredible speed. »
When asked about Carbonneau, Zonnon returned the compliment. “We played together a little younger, and for sure, he’s a good player,” he says.
“We bring different facets,” he says at the same time. He’s powerful, but I think I’m really good at both ends of the ice. I consider myself a truly complete player.
“Power players like me, who can do everything on the ice, I don’t think you can find many,” he says with confidence.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Bill Zonnon
-It was during the last year that Zonnon transformed into this complete player. The one “able to do anything”.
During the last season, his coach, Steve Hartley, began to use him more in defensive missions, particularly on the penalty kill. He even transferred him to the center. Position in which he had not evolved since the pee-wee ranks.
Its successes were immediate. With veteran Antonin Verreault and 16-year-old European Lars Steiner, two players of small stature, Zonnon forms one of the most formidable trios in the QMJHL.
“We complement each other well. I’m there in the corners, in front of the net to give them space on the periphery to make plays. It’s a role that I take to heart,” he says.
And clearly, Zonnon’s play appeals to NHL scouts. Among the 32 NHL teams, 28 have contacted the main interested party since the start of the season. The Canadian, who sent him a questionnaire to fill out, is part of the lot. Originally from Montreal East, Zonnon admits that being drafted by the CH would be “really special”.
“It would be a dream come true,” assures the man who grew up admiring defenseman PK Subban.
The Canadian is pretty much the reason why I started playing hockey. My father still watches all the matches.
Bill Zonnon
Beyond the identity of the team that will select him, Bill Zonnon’s priority remains to be chosen in the first round. And let’s say that he gives himself good arguments to achieve this. “I know what I have to do to put myself in a good position in the draft, and if I do it, I will be rewarded,” he assures.
“Anyway, if it doesn’t happen, it will be a source of motivation for me. A kind of reality check. It can only help me later,” he concludes.
A good dose of maturity
Go into exile to improve yourself. Despite his young age, Bill Zonnon understands the concept perfectly. At the age of 14, he left home to join Northwood School, a secondary school in New York State, United States. His visit took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which complicated visits from his family. “It was pretty hard to go through that at that age,” he admits. I lived with a roommate, in a dormitory. No one woke me up to go to school or tell me to do my homework. I learned a lot about myself, and about life. It’s an experience that made me the person I am today,” he concludes.
