To aspire to great honors, a team must be able to count on a solid defensive brigade in order to limit the damage. At the Rocket, the leader of this unit is veteran Xavier Ouellet.

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During the regular season, the Quebecer was one of the pillars of the Canadian subsidiary. It's been the same since the start of the playoffs.

He's the type of leader who leads by example on the ice, not through his heated speeches in the locker room between periods. When things get hot on the ice, he's able to calm things down and relax his young teammates.

The captain is recognized for his efficiency. He is not the one who will attempt spectacular checks. However, opposing teams do not always like to face him.

"I've always been effective with my stick. It's always been part of my game, Ouellet said after Rocket practice on Tuesday. This is something that I really take to heart.

“I try to be tiring by putting my hockey between my opponents legs and around the puck to disturb them as much as possible. It takes time for them to make good passes and good plays. »

well in his head

Ouellet and Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle have known each other for a dozen years. He does not see many differences between the defender he had under his orders in the QMJHL and this season in the American League.

"He's pretty similar," Houle said. He has the same leadership appeal on the ice. He plays the same way, but he's more mature.

“He achieved a lot too. He had chances to play in the NHL. When you get downed in the American League, you go negative.

"Right now, he's fine in his head. He has peace of mind and that's why he plays well. »

Despite the setbacks of the CH, Ouellet was not recalled this season. A combination of circumstances, according to Houle.

"Due to the COVID-19 situation, there have been several strange moments. It changed the data. Xavier was supposed to be called back, but he caught COVID. Same thing for Louie Belpedio. »

A beautiful energy

This is not the first time that Ouellet has contributed to his team's success in the playoffs. He did it with the Canadiens during the 2019-2020 season.

In the American League, he helped the Grand Rapids Griffins reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2015.

Does the 28-year-old athlete see a comparison between these two experiences and the current path of Laval training?

"I think there's a great energy around the arena," Ouellet said. The guys are happy to be there and they are excited.

"We're all working in the same direction. We are all on the same page. We enjoy winning. It makes me want to keep going in the same direction. »