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OVOXO · 05-29-2024, 05:09 PM

It's not every day that I get to reconnect with old friends, but when I do, it's always an absolute treat! So, imagine my excitement when I sat down for a chat with Louis Bélanger, my long-time pal and the newest member of the Wolfpack of New England

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Not only is Louis a long-time friend, but he's also the person who encouraged me to join the league. As my mentor, he's been instrumental in helping me navigate the ins and outs of the sport, providing invaluable guidance and support throughout my journey. As we sat down to chat, I couldn't help but ask him about his experience being drafted by the prestigious team.

"It’s been a crazy week," Louis said, laughing. "I had to travel to a Snow-Cone Truck on a school parking lot, of all places. Can you imagine? Kids running around, parents trying to order ice cream, and we're right beside doing our draft?" He went on to explain that, while he wasn't sure why such a renowned league like the SHL would choose this unusual location, he heard rumors that someone called "@kahri" was behind it. But, on the bright side, there was free ice cream.

"It's really an honor to be selected by this organization," Louis gushed. "There was a lot of action behind the scenes leading up to the draft, and it felt like every team was calling me for information." Louis had initially set his sights on being drafted in the first round, but as the big day approached, his stock began to rise. He shared a story about a GM who contacted him, admitting that he hadn't reached out sooner because he had planned on simply snagging Louis at his spot—only to realize that Louis would likely be taken much earlier.

Louis is thrilled to join Luke and JR's project in New England and hopes to contribute to the team's success in the long run. When asked about his future teammates, he mentioned fellow draftee Olivier Cornwall and other standout players like Bruno Tuyo, Antoine Beauregard, Thomas Sawschuk, Jeff Goldblum, Lily Jin Morrow, and Kenny Omega. He expressed his admiration for these skilled athletes and looks forward to learning from their expertise on the ice.

As for the upcoming season, Louis emphasized that his primary focus remains on the Scarecrows, his current SMJHL team. Despite a challenging first season with the club, he remains optimistic and aims to help them achieve 30 wins next season and secure a spot in the second round of the playoffs. With a potential position switch to center on the horizon, Louis has been diligently working on his face-offs and other essential skills.

Throughout our conversation, it was clear that Louis places immense value on the people who have supported him on his journey. He expressed gratitude for his teammates and management in Saint-Louis, including his captain, co-GM, and several close teammates who have significantly influenced his career both on and off the ice.

When it comes to his message for Wolfpack fans, Louis encourages them to check out his heartfelt letter in the Boston Globe (https://simulationhockey.com/showthread.php?tid=136976) which was published yesterday.

As we wrapped up our conversation, I couldn't help but feel inspired by Louis' enthusiasm and dedication. His journey to the Wolfpack is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the draft process and the importance of hard work and perseverance.

Reflecting on our chat, I found myself even more excited for my own upcoming draft experience. If Louis' story has taught me anything, it's that you never know where your path might lead or what unexpected opportunities might arise.

So, as I embark on this next chapter of my hockey career, I'm keeping Louis' words of wisdom in mind. No matter what happens, I'll be ready to embrace the unexpected and seize any opportunities that come my way. Who knows, maybe I'll be sharing my own draft story in the not-too-distant future.

By: Elliot Alderson