The past year has been eventful for forward Jonathan Huberdeau. He was traded from the Florida Panthers to the Calgary Flames, signed an eight-year contract extension and had a season that fell short of expectations.
Nothing better to recharge your batteries than a good hockey tournament organized to raise funds for your high school.
A proud member of the Cap-Jeunesse Secondary School Cougars from 2005 to 2008, Huberdeau was very happy to have the chance to reconnect with old friends. The alumni tournament, of a high caliber, involving alumni of the QMJHL and university ranks, was held for a good cause.
“It’s going to bring in good money for the school and today’s young people, so it’s fun. Also to find everyone with whom I played in time, I have always been close to my friends. I like to give back to young people, especially because when I was young, we didn’t have a pro player here. Giving back to my hometown is really important to me. ”
In terms of hockey, no one can hide it, the last season was disappointing for Huberdeau, his first in Calgary. A drop of 60 points from a statistical point of view, and an exclusion from the playoffs. The dismissal of head coach Darryl Sutter will inevitably bring a wind of change.
“It was difficult for me. Not making the playoffs with the team we had was a failure. A new general manager will be appointed shortly, as well as a new coach, it will be fun. It will revive everyone, admitted Huberdeau. It’s really an important summer for me, to come back and regain my confidence. I have to work hard on myself to get back to my top next year. ”
“Although he is already thinking about his second season in Calgary, it is difficult for the Quebecer to prevent himself from following the path of his former Panthers teammates with interest, and perhaps even with a twinge of heart. “It would be a lie if I said it didn’t do anything to me. You can ask any player who goes to another team and sees his old team go far like that, it’s like a Cinderella team this year. In one way, I wish them the Stanley Cup, but in the other… it’s really a mixed feeling. ”
Huberdeau will therefore take advantage of the off-season to recharge the batteries, while remaining involved in his community. The fifth edition of its golf tournament will take place later this summer.