Hidden in the automobile's interior.
Familiar Faces: The Significant Role of Host Families for Quebec Draft Prospects
Navigating the NHL draft can be both exciting and challenging, with numerous factors influencing a player's trajectory. For the three Quebecers poised for the NHL draft — Caleb Desnoyers, Bill Zonnon, and Justin Carbonneau — their host families in the QMJHL have played an essential role in their journey.
Comfort and Camaraderie with Host Families
Caleb Desnoyers, hailing from Moncton, Bill Zonnon of Rouyn-Noranda, and Justin Carbonneau from Blainville-Boisbriand, all shared that their host families made their lives easier by providing comfort and a sense of belonging. Carbonneau, who joined the Armada at 16 through a trade, fondly reminisced about feeling at home with his host family, describing the experience as extraordinary. Zonnon echoed this sentiment, expressing how their support and companionship helped him navigate the challenging season, alleviating any worries that could hamper his on-ice performance.
The Road Ahead for Justin Carbonneau
The Armada, with Carbonneau's potential, is gearing up to be a powerhouse in the QMJHL in 2025-2026. Alternatively, Justin Carbonneau might choose to further his hockey career in the NCAA, with Boston College's James Hagens eagerly waiting to welcome him. Though the situation is undiscussed between the two, Hagens — an American defenseman and top-10 draft pick contender — expressed his enthusiasm for the prospect of Carbonneau joining Boston College. However, Hagens cautioned that the university route can be challenging, especially for older players like Carbonneau, who is currently 18, compared to his own transition at 17.
European prospects, such as Victor Eklund, have shared a different experience. Eklund, who spent last season in the Swedish hockey second division, found the media hype surrounding the NHL draft much less intense than in North America.
Emotional Moments Ahead: Matthew Schaefer
The coming draft is never far from the minds of Quebec's top prospects, but Matthew Schaefer, a favorite for the first overall pick, faces an emotional journey. Schaefer lost both his host mother and his own mother during the previous season. At a recent press conference, Schaefer shared that he expects to think of his mother when he hears his name called in the first round on Friday evening, anticipating tears of joy from his family as his name is announced.
Amidst the excitement, reporters couldn't help but ask if Schaefer's mother would have cried too if she could have been present in Los Angeles. Schaefer responded poignantly, "Definitely. If it rains this weekend, it'll be her tears. But they'll be tears of joy!"
Justin Carbonneau, currently with the Armada, might choose to pursue his hockey career in either the QMJHL or the NCAA, with Boston College's James Hagens expressing his interest in having Carbonneau join their team. Meanwhile, Caleb Desnoyers, Bill Zonnon, and Justin Carbonneau have all found comfort and a sense of belonging with their host families during their QMJHL tenure, which has significantly influenced their pro sports development, particularly in hockey.
