The role that Quebecer Joshua Roy will play should be more important than expected with the Canadian team, while he made his presence felt during the preparatory games in anticipation of the World Junior Hockey Championship.

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Roy picked up where he left off with the maple leaf, having scored eight points in seven games last summer in Edmonton.

Connor Bedard was complimentary to him. He was very impressed with his teammate during the summer tournament.

“He is the player who has marked me the most,” the man who, according to several experts, should be the first choice in the next draft of the Bettman circuit, told TSN. I didn't know him too well before the start of the summer tournament. He is incredible. When you watch him in training, I don't think he misses a shot. He is so smart. He's someone I like to watch."

Canada's head coach, Dennis Williams, also had good words for Roy.

"He's probably the most under-the-radar player on our roster this summer," Williams said.

Roy, who is 6-foot, 193 pounds, is now set to play an even bigger role in Halifax. He stood out in the three preparatory games. He scored two goals and added two assists in those games.

“I played three solid games. It certainly gives me confidence for the World Juniors, ”said the Beauceron, not forgetting to praise his trio partners Nathan Gaucher and Zach Dean.

Roy rises in the hierarchy

Roy's work was rewarded in the last game, in the victory of his team. When forward Shane Wright left Friday's game after blocking a shot, Roy took his place on the first power play unit.

“It's good, I'm not used to not being on the power play. I will do my best to stay there,” said the main interested party, who has amassed 43 points in 23 games with the Sherbrooke Phoenix this season.

The talent of the fifth-round choice of the Montreal Canadiens in 2021 does not leave his teammates indifferent.

“His draft rank is absurd. With COVID-19, it's been one of the weird years, so obviously recruiters haven't really taken a good look at it. He was one of the most underrated in our draft and he shows why today,” said Logan Stankoven.