Getting Drafted by Habs a 'Dream Come True' for Leblanc
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The following article featuring Harvard forward Louis Leblanc appeared January 14 on the Montreal Gazette Web site.
By Kevin Mio
The Gazette
MONTREAL – The Canadiens have often been accused of
ignoring homegrown talent in the NHL entry draft, but they didn't
do that last summer when they selected Louis Leblanc in the first
round (18th overall), much to the delight of fans gathered at the
Bell Centre. Last season, the 6-foot, 178-pound centre from Pointe
Claire had 28 goals and 59 points in 60 games with Omaha of the
United States Hockey League and was named rookie of the year. This
fall, he began playing at Harvard University and in his first 12
games had four goals and six assists. We had a chance to talk with
him recently about the draft, attending Harvard and being cut from
the Canadian junior team.
What was your reaction to being selected by the Canadiens at the
entry draft last summer? It was a dream come true. Growing up in
Montreal, it's always a dream to get drafted by your home team and,
obviously, the next step is to make the team.
What was going through your mind moments before the pick? I was a
bit nervous. The fans were cheering my name, so that was fun; it
doesn't happen every day that people cheer your name. It was
exciting, and as they got up I didn't know what to expect. But it
was relieving when they called my name.
Complete article can be accessed via the Gazette Web site by clicking here.
