After a month’s stay with the Canadian, it took Anthony Richard a few days to get used to the Rocket.
• Also read: The Canadian’s injuries have a significant impact on Rocket
“The early games were about adapting, especially in terms of game speed,” Richard said. I’ve been feeling great on the ice since last weekend. »
A few hours after his release from the AHL, Richard saw his teammates Raphaël Harvey-Pinard and Rem Pitlick called back from the big club. Did Richard’s heart ache when he saw this situation?
“I spoke to JF about it [Houle] early in the season and a lot of turnover was expected. I think it was in the team’s plans and the managers wanted to give those who produced Ylo last year a shot [Ylonen] and PS [Harvey-Pinard] played very well last year and it was a good way to see where they were in their development. I think I was a hidden card and they didn’t expect me to play too. They were pleasantly surprised. »
We’re not aware of the official reasons behind his return to the AHL, but Richard left the Canadian with a good calling card. Notably, he scored his first goal in the NHL. A moment he will never forget.
“When I saw the puck go in, I was just happy. The other players came to congratulate me. It gave me a shock knowing it was the first. I had a smile that I had a hard time putting off. »
As in the offspring
Returning to the rocket, Richard felt like he was reliving his youth. Why ? He found two of his former Val-D’Or Foreurs teammates, Olivier Galipeau and Anthony Beauregard, in the dressing room.
“We won the President’s Cup together,” he said. I was happy to see her again as we had lost touch a little over the past few years.
“I’m glad they’re here and have a good chance of getting the upper hand with the injuries. »