It’s a coincidence of course, but Ritchie Thibeau seems to have a knack for picking up Quebeckers with Acadian blood running through their veins.
After goaltender Vincent Filion, whose maternal grandfather Jean-Étienne Dugas is from Caraquet, the director of hockey operations for the Moncton Wildcats has just done it again by obtaining 20-year-old right-handed defenseman Samuel Desgroseilliers. The latter’s mother, Annie Prud’homme, grew up in the Haute-Aboujagane region.
Moreover, the new number 26 of Les Chats Sauvages was proud to recount his Acadian origins.
“My mother was born Drisdelle and I still have relatives in Haute-Aboujagane and Shediac,” he says enthusiastically. Even my grandmother’s brother, Ola Drisdelle, was once the mayor of Haute-Aboujagane. ”
You will have understood that Desgroseilliers has absolutely nothing against the idea of coming to finish his junior career in Moncton.
Although he hadn’t necessarily been surprised to the contrary, Desgroseilliers knew full well that a move was more than possible.
“We had 12 19-year-olds last season with the Armada, so I knew there was going to be a lot of changes this summer. I didn’t necessarily expect to leave, but I was still ready to go anywhere. I had done some research on my side and I knew before the exchange that there were possibly open positions in Moncton, ”he says.
“Moncton is a great place to play hockey and it has one of the most beautiful arenas in the league,” continues the 5-foot-10, 175-pound rear.
Although he describes himself as a complete defender, Desgroseilliers believes he can contribute more to the offense. He sees himself in a position to play much the same role as Adam McCormick in Bathurst last season.
“I know I can do better in terms of points,” said the man who has totaled 11 goals and 49 points in 158 career games in the QMJHL.
“In Blainville-Boisbriand, the coach (Bruce Richardson) was already using me in special teams. With the Wildcats, I want to play a bigger role. I can also help the team by providing leadership both on and off the ice. I know the Maritime division will be very strong, but I’m ready to face it, ”he said.
A future Blue and Gold
Given his origins and his status as a 20-year-old player, Desgroseilliers’ arrival in Moncton could also encourage the management of the Aigles Bleus at the Université de Moncton to give him a sign along the way.
Especially since the municipality of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, where Desgroseilliers comes from, already has a long history with the U of Mr. Danick Crête, who is now continuing his career in France, played three seasons with the Bleu and between 2017 and 2020. The current number one goalie of the Étienne Montpetit team is also from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
“They are both friends. Even Etienne lives three or four houses away from us. He’s one of my brother Nicolas’s great friends. It is obvious that the Aigles Bleus are an option that could interest me next season, ”he reveals.
There is no doubt that Aigles Bleus director of hockey operations Luc Michaud, as well as head coach Judes Vallée will take the time to analyze Desgroseilliers’ game in the coming months.
In short…
Barring a surprise, Samuel Desgroseilliers will be part of a defensive top-6 that will also include Connor Olson, Anthony Hamel, Charles-Antoine Pilote, Thomas Darcy and Francesco Iasenza…
From New Brunswicker Nick Blagden, the other player acquired from the Armada by Ritchie Thibeau, here is what Desgroseilliers had to say: “Nick is a big guy who will help the team on the physical level. He is a true warrior who brings energy both on the ice and in the locker room. He is also a player that Daniel Lacroix can use on the penalty kill, ”Desgroseilliers summed up…
The new Wildcats defenseman has chosen to endorse number 26 in order to pay tribute to his older brother Nicolas who wore this number with the Drummondville Voltigeurs…
Samuel Desgroseilliers was a sixth round pick (102nd) by the Armada in the 2017 draft …
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