No matter where or when, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard has always faced adversity. He was never the biggest and he was never the strongest. He was an 8th round pick in the QMJHL and a 7th round pick in the NHL.
However, that didn’t stop him from winning the Memorial Cup, being a junior captain and reaching the NHL.
There, another obstacle presented itself in the way of the friendly skater from Saguenay. On July 26, the Canadiens announced that Harvey-Pinard had undergone surgery following a broken leg. At that time we were talking about a four-month convalescence.
Last week in Brossard, I spoke with him about his injury and his period of getting back into shape. “I’m taking it one day at a time. I try not to see too far ahead. The next step will be to remove my boot. Then, gradually, I will start walking and skating again. I don’t know how long I have, but I’m going to keep my spirits up,” he told me with his usual smile and in a determined tone.
During my interview with him, I saw his dump boot and asked him to tell me how he got injured. However, Rafael preferred not to go into details, which I respected.
One thing is certain, is that Harvey-Pinard is grateful for the medical work offered by the organization since the first day of his injury. “I am well surrounded. Someone in everyday life would not have been treated as well as I am currently, both physically and mentally. It’s about taking the time for it to heal properly. I have to take it one victory at a time.”
During the winter of 2023, Harvey-Pinard charmed all of Quebec by carving out a place with the big club. Unfortunately, due to injuries suffered since then and the emergence of several young players, Harvey-Pinard is fully aware that he will have to fight for a position again when he returns to health.
“It will be a challenge,” he told me without hesitation. In the National League, your position is never assured. Every year you have to prove that you deserve your place more. It will be up to me to do it in the middle of the season. My challenge will be to arrive 2 or 3 months after the start of the season. I’m going to give it my all like I always have.”
It is difficult for me to remain indifferent to the determination and perseverance of an athlete like Rafael Harvey-Pinard. When the time comes, he will deserve to be given the time necessary to regain his ease and synchronism.
When healthy, Harvey-Pinard has proven, since his arrival in Montreal, that he can play an important role with the team. His versatility, his seriousness and his great desire to make a difference have always allowed him to stand out.
