Rookie camp comes to a close

BROSSARD - There was a feeling of great pride and excitement amongst the players remaining at rookie camp on Wednesday.

It marked the final on-ice session before the Canadiens' main training camp begins on Thursday with physicals and medical exams at the Bell Sports Complex.
For Laval Rocket head coach Joël Bouchard, who headed up the rookie camp activities this time around, the last five days have proven extremely beneficial for all involved.
"As a hockey guy, what I take away from these last few days is the experience that these youngsters were given. They experienced so many things," explained Bouchard. "We wanted them to learn and that's exactly what happened. You can't learn what they learned in school. You have to let them play and make their own mistakes. They have to experience these kinds of things. They can't know what they don't know."

The emergence of Kotkaniemi
Bouchard has been particularly impressed by the progress of Finnish youngster Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who is steadily learning the intricacies of the North American game.
"Like the other guys, he's made very good progress. He also has a great personality," explained Bouchard. "He's engaged and he's here for the right reasons. I see him adapt more and more every day. His potential is obvious."

As for his immediate future, Bouchard indicated that it's still far too early to make any projections.
"It's really early to know where he'll play this season. We have to give him time and let him play," said the Rocket bench boss. "He has to work through a process."
For Kotkaniemi, this rookie camp experience was an important one.
"I got a little bit adjusted to the small rink at the Rookie Tournament, so I think I'm more ready now for the main camp," said the 18-year-old centerman, whom the Canadiens selected third overall in June. "I'm trying to get better every day. I think I've done that pretty well."
Kotkaniemi has also been forming important bonds with fellow Habs prospects.
"I've got many new friends," said Kotkaniemi. "That's a good thing. They're great guys."
What they said…
"Rookie camp is all about learning. The more it goes on, the more you get used to the rhythm. You have to come to main camp with a good idea of the way we play the game. You can't be too impressed and you have to try to keep things simple. I want to force management's hand. I want to be super competitive." - Alexandre Alain
"My goal is to make the Montreal Canadiens. That's been my goal since day one. I played well over the weekend. Now, I'm moving on to main camp and I want to do well with the pros." - Will Bitten

"Every time you have a jersey, it's an opportunity. Every time. It doesn't matter what the name in the back is. You've got a jersey, you've got a chance. That's your job." - Joël Bouchard