Canadians: Raphael Harvey Benard and Nick Suzuki have chemistry that goes back to Vegas

MONTREAL – To see the instant chemistry between Nick Suzuki and Raphael Harvey-Benard, we thought the Canadian captain could read into Quebec’s brain. But their relationship instead dates back to the Las Vegas Golden Knights rookie camp in 2018.

Harvey-Pinard has just been passed in the NHL Draft for the second year in a row after a stellar season with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies under Mario Beaulieu.

Pauliot’s son, Raphael, served and still serves as a scout for the Golden Knights. So he fooled his superiors by inviting the RHP to the organization’s recruitment camp.

This beautiful little story was simply mentioned by Suzuki when the author of these lines asked him about this interesting chemistry Which led to scoring two goals against Ottawa.

“He goes back to rookie camp in Vegas. I don’t know if people know this, but we’ve been together and bonded. He plays the right way so I know where he’s going to be most of the time. It’s fun to see an athlete prove his point that way,” said Suzuki respectfully. For hero number 49.

“I’m thinking if HP plays very well, it might help him prove himself in the NHL,” Suzuki added when asked about the many opportunities that arise due to injuries.

It was enough to cross the locker room to get more details of the Canadian’s watch sensation.

“I’m still amazed Nick remembers that,” he replied with great humility. We played a few games together during the camp. Still clicked. »

“I’ve already seen his highlights. You see he’s such a smart guy. In camp, it seems, he plays on both sides of the rink. He has such good vision, it was already visible in Vegas. The next year (in 2019), I played against him.” at the Memorial Cup,” said Harvey Benard.

For the record, remember that Harvey-Pinard and the Huskies won this championship while eliminating Suzuki and the Guelph Storm with a 6-4 win in the semi-finals. It was tough going against them, Suzuki remembers.

The 24-year-old skater may have shone with Alex Pelzel and Michael Pezzetta since his call-up, but it’s a game changer when a coach gives you such a promotion.

“Yes, it gives me energy to be with two guys like that who are so talented. It’s a message to keep working hard and doing what I do,” RHP said kindly.

With five goals and an assist to produce in seven games, Harvey-Pinard will have something to pinch.

“Things are going well, but I’m not 100% satisfied. I think I can give you some details better,” said the man who is proud above all of the consistency shown only in the game in Ottawa.

Having gone undrafted, Arber Xhekaj can understand the struggles Harvey-Pinard, a seventh-round pick in his third year of eligibility, overcame.

“Of course, you have to find a way to give in and that’s exactly what he does. We really like his energy in the locker room too. He’s a good guy and he produces more, he’s doing well,” commented the imposing defender.

“He and (Alex) Pelzel were fantastic. They are very positive and get to a high level in every game. No matter how the game goes for the team, they are responsive, present and that helps us.”

what they said

“It’s a physically and mentally demanding league. We don’t get the results we want, but we work and look for the answers. It can be frustrating not to win after playing a solid game. With all the work we do, taking a break is a challenge. Short will help our team and our injured.”

“If you watch Nick’s performance under a microscope all the time, you will notice differences and that’s normal so you have to be careful with that. I want to give him the opportunity to correct himself and not bombard him with coaching advice. I’m happy, he played a good game and it would be good for him to leave in the break That way. I know there’s a lot of pressure on him, but if you look at what he’s been doing since the start, there’s a lot of good stuff,” St. Louis said of the captain who collected assists to reach 40 points on the plateau. 51 matches.