SAINT-JEAN, NB | Shane Wright's draft year has certainly been anything but a long calm river. Despite everything, the Kingston Frontenacs forward would not change places with anyone.
The Canadian center has seen his status as a top amateur prospect threatened and challenged more than any player in the past decade. Sometimes praised, sometimes criticized, his game has been dissected from A to Z by various experts, especially after the Canadian won the lottery and the first overall pick.
Afterwards, everyone had their opinion on Shane Wright.
"It's definitely not something you can ignore easily. Now that the season is over, my attention is on the draft. However, this is just noise and I have no control over what people say or the different rankings. I'm focused on being as ready as possible for the draft. It obviously comes with pressure, but I want to take advantage of the moment as much as possible, ”he said on Tuesday evening, on the sidelines of the Canadian Hockey League gala during which he won, unsurprisingly, the prize. of the best professional hope.
NOT IMPORTANT
Speaking of rankings, that of TSN journalist Bob McKenzie, published on Tuesday, confirmed what many had been saying for many weeks: Wright's status as the best hope in the world and assured choice of the Canadian with the first overall is threatened.
After conducting a survey of nine NHL scouts, the reporter placed Juraj Slafkovsky first after five of them also placed him at the top.
For Wright, it does not change anything.
“I don’t pay much attention to the different lists. Bottom line, these are just rankings and that doesn't mean it will be representative of the order of the draft. We won't know until July 7, so I don't really care. I know they are smart people who put a lot of effort behind these rankings, but they don't matter to me. »
LIVE THE EXPERIENCE
After being in the spotlight all season – in fact he has been since he was 14 – the big day is finally approaching for Wright. In eight days, he will finally know what training he will have the chance to start his professional experience.
Even though the last season was trying for him and he had to live with expectations and criticism, he always ensures to have fun.
“I enjoy every second. I have the chance to practice the sport that I love and to live an experience that I have dreamed of having since I was a child. There's nothing I don't like about this whole process. Sometimes it can be a little taxing, but I wouldn't trade places with anyone right now. »
HULTON IS COACH OF THE YEAR
Two members of the QMJHL left the CHL gala with honors on Tuesday. Charlottetown Islanders head coach Jim Hulton first won the national coach of the year award, while Halifax Mooseheads forward Jordan Dumais won the gentleman.
In Hulton's case, it was the second year in a row that he had won the award.
“Our team of scouts does an incredible job of identifying players with character. It is an individual honor that should rather be a collective honor. This award goes to the Charlottetown Islanders. »
Last season, the Islanders finished second overall in the QMJHL standings with a 48-13-7 record. They lost in the final of the President Cup against the Shawinigan Cataractes.
In addition, it was Kamloops Blazers forward Logan Stankoven who walked away with the title of most valuable player in the Canadian Hockey League, beating Saint-Jean Sea Dogs member William From the oven.
