BROSSARD – A conservative estimate of hundreds of Canadiens fans decorated the glass around the ice surfaces at the Bell Sports Complex on Monday.
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They were there to watch prospects participate in Development Camp, but more specifically, they were eager to see Juraj Slafkovsky in action.
Slafkowski did not disappoint, immediately showing his scoring ability, his power with the puck and his ability to control the game from every area of the ice.
Tweet from @MarcPDumont: SLAFGOALSKY pic.twitter.com/H4pOiQbMkU
And while the massive Slovakian was far from happy with his performance, he was clearly impressed with the number of fans in attendance following his every move closely.
“It’s really nice,” Slafkowski said. “It’s a hockey town, everybody loves hockey and I enjoy that. I’ve always wanted to play somewhere that loves hockey, and I’m in the best place in the world for that. I feel nice. I like to take pictures and sign autographs, I’m happy.”
Tweet from @MarcPDumont: I wonder if Habs fans are excited to see Slafkovsky…#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/YZtafX8rae
Fans have already gravitated toward this year’s first overall pick not only because of his potential, but his ability to straddle the line between confidence and arrogance.
When asked about possibly playing on a line with Cole Coffield, who quickly texted his new teammate after the draft, Slafkowski wisely poured cold water on the subject.
“It’s already there and I have to fight for it,” he said. “We’ll see. I just want to do my best and fight for a contract.”
As for the reaction to his selection at home, there’s no doubt that a certain Canadian obsession is taking over Slovakian hockey, especially considering that his close friend, Filip Messar, was also drafted by the Habs in the first round.
Tweet from @CanadiensMTL: Our #NHLDraft live stream on Twitch captured the moment Juraj Slafkowski found out his best friend would be joining him in Montreal. #GoHabsGo | @FordCanada pic.twitter.com/h0CgSCUNoO
“It’s great that it happened, that we’re both on the same team,” Slafkowski said. “I was telling others before the Draft that it would be nice. I’m happy to be here with him.”
The couple has a very long history together. To say their parents are tight-knit would be an understatement considering both families vacation in the same areas whenever possible.
“It’s very special,” Messard said. “I am very happy that there are two Slovaks here. It makes it easier for me to adapt. We know each other very well since we were children.”
Their friendship will help both players feel more and more comfortable as they embark on their NHL journey, but in Slafkowski’s case, his immediate and honest immersion in Canadiens history was quite evident.
And that will go a long way toward endearing him to the legions of fans hanging on his every word.
“I still enjoy being a part of the organization,” he said. “But I just want to focus on my game and do the best I can so I can fit in in Montreal and win games.” It’s great to be Canadian and it’s the best thing that could happen to me. He just has to work hard to prove it.”
Canadiens development camp, which runs through Wednesday, will give Slafkowski plenty of opportunities to prove his worth, though judging by his performance on the erg bike in Brossard, structural reinforcements are in order.
Tweet from @CanadiensMTL: 𝘉𝘌𝘈𝘚𝘛 𝘔𝘖𝘋𝘌 🔋#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/kGHr1E1QMB
When asked if he damaged the bike, he replied with a sour smile.
“I’m sure to damage everything here,” he said.
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