Alexis Lafreniere doesn’t think of the pressure that the team he is about to join, he just wants to play hockey. The Canadian is the youngest player in Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship, which will start next week.
A few rare athletes managed to carve out a position with the team before reaching the majority. Among them are some exceptional players, including Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid.
The 17-year-old Lefreniere didn’t consider himself an underdog at the start of the selection camp last week in Victoria.
“It doesn’t matter how old are you, we all the same chance. Playing against older player at the international level will bring a bigger challenger.” Lefreniere said.
“You have to ride your game, nothing that there will be positives, too. I think that I can learn a lot from the other guys. They are older have a lot of experience.” he added.
His place in the Canadian squad became official earlier this week when the Los Angeles Kings confirmed that their hope Gabe Vilardi will be absent from the tournament due to a back injury.
Junior Team Canada head coach Tim Hunter said he enjoys Lafreniere’s contribution.
“He’s part of this team because he has the talent. He doesn’t play like a young man of his age. He is aggressive, plays smart and with intensity.” Hunter said.
“He has not known moments where he says to himself ‘Oh, this is hard’, and forget his assignments and what have you.” Hunter added.
Alexis Lafreniere doesn’t think about his age, he just wants to play hockey. (Source:www.youtube.com)
Lafreniere has already attracted the attention of scouts because of his unparalleled puck handling and strong shot with the Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL.
According to Rimouski’s assistant coach Charles Juneau, the six-foot, one-inch, 192-pounder scored 80 points in his rookie season last year, and has already scored 17 goals and 34 assists so far in his second campaign.
“He is very good at reading the game. He knows where the puck will go even before a pass is made, and he knows where his teammates will be before they even look up. He’s that kind of guy that loves to be on the ice. If we don’t kick him off the ice, he’ll stay there all day.” Juneau said.
