Thetfordois Alexis Gagné was selected at the start of the 11e round (188th overall) by the Shawinigan Cataractes during the Maritimes Quebec Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) draft which took place on June 7 and 8 in Moncton, New Brunswick.
The young 16-year-old striker was able to experience this moment with his family who accompanied him for the occasion. He also loved the host city and the draft experience. For him, this selection represents a reward for the efforts made all these years. He said he was very emotional and relieved when he finally heard his name in the Future Center.
“You’ve been making sacrifices since you were young to get to this point. It’s a bit of a dream too, we all want to be drafted in the QMJHL. It’s like a reward, but it’s only the beginning,” he commented in an interview with Courrier Frontenac.
He admitted to feeling some stress during the event as the rounds progressed. “I was thinking about going out a little early, but these things happen and you have to be ready for that. It really doesn’t matter because ultimately I was drafted by a great organization and I’m very happy with it. »
During the last season, Alexis played for Canam de Beauce-Appalaches in the M17 AAA. The 5’8, 157 lbs center scored 7 goals and added 9 assists in 28 games. He also played 5 matches with the Chevaliers de Lévis in the M18 AAA, scoring 1 goal and 1 assist. In previous years, it was aligned with the Collège Claretain in Victoriaville.
The one who describes himself as a fast player who likes to create plays offensively plans to arrive ready for his first camp in Shawinigan which will take place in August, working both on and off the ice this summer. “I want them to see my strengths and my offensive skills. I also want to improve my defensive game,” he said.
With places for 16-year-old players being limited in the QMJHL, if the forward is not selected in his first year, he should continue his development in the U18 AAA with the Knights.
