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Rookyi · 12-09-2024, 07:31 PM

The most recent SMJHL draft is now behind us. Like seen in previous years, some picks were expected, but others, not so much. This S81 draft class will see many great prospects come to the SHL by the names of Océane Söderberg-Tremblay, River Yekaterina Volkova, Dee Centerman IV, Jr, Claude L'Castor and others. This list could continue for a while to be fair. Today, I have the honor to talk with a prospect that was a hot subject entering this draft and that could be a great contributor for his new team in the Kelowna Knights, Jordan Lafrenière.

-First of all, Jordan what was your overall experience in this draft, could you tell us how you felt after hearing your name getting called at 17th overall?

- Thanks for having me! To respond to your question, I mean, it was a night full of stress. I did not really know where I would end up but, in the end, Kelowna is a great place you know, this locker room is something incredibly special. Everybody welcomed me as soon as I entered the team group chat, and it felt like I was immediately a part of the franchise. I am very thankful to my teammates for that! So, I would say I felt relived ha ha

- Now, we know that on most people’s mock drafts you were going to Vancouver. How do you feel about their decision to pass on you?

-Well, at the beginning it was hard to take I will not lie. I felt a bit sad as I really wanted to be part of their project. However, now it is history from the past, Kelowna is awesome, and I hope I will be able to stay there for the entirety of my SMJHL career. I would have never thought that the fans would be beside me and encourage me like that. This support fuels me to make progress and put on a show for them every game night, I cannot wait for the home opener!

-You always love to see that, must be a great confidence booster, isn’t it?

-It is, I can ensure that the fans won’t be deceived from this choice, I will give it my all to make the team benefit from my presence!

-Let’s go on another topic now, what are your main objectives for the following seasons, more precisely the following one?

- Obviously being a playmaker, I just want to help my teammates by providing them chances. I am looking forward to play a pivotal role for our offense this season in terms of playmaking. My goal scoring ability is still developing but I am sure I could still contribute to this plan of the game.

-Interesting! Could you tell me more about how we can feel when we see ourselves drop in the draft? Afterall, many saw you as the 2nd overall pick from what I saw on social medias, so yeah, how did that make you feel?

- I mean, it is something I wouldn't wish for anybody. The stress becomes omnipresent, and you start to think have I done something wrong in the interview? Is it because of my style of play? All these questions were going around in my head, and I was stressed that I wasn’t good enough... My dad later said to me that I was surely going to make as he saw all the effort I put since I was a kid, just to reach that level. He also knew that it was going to calm me down a bit. When I heard my name being pronounced, I went directly to hug my dad, he was crying with joy, and he told me: “I always told you to work hard, and now it comes back! You made it Jordan! You made it! You accomplished your dream of getting drafted!.” I will always remember that moment as the most beautiful day in my life, even if I sled lower in the draft. Just seeing my dad proud of me after all the sacrifices he made for me, that moment was priceless.

-Wow! What a wonderful moment for your whole family!

-It was indeed!

- What is your motivation for the future?

- My main motivation is to become a hall of fame member in the SHL. I know this goal might seem like a big task for me, I know that this declaration will put a lot of pressure on my back but I think I will be able to achieve this goal as I always work hard to improve and I want to become the best player possible. I’ll do every action that helps with my developpement. The pursuit of my goal will be my main motivation. I also want to make my family proud as I would be the first ever to reach the SHL in my family. My dad tried but didn’t make it because of injuries… So, for me it’s worth to put all the efforts to make his dream of seeing one of his sons reach the league he worked so hard to join finally come true.

-Wish you the best of luck for that, it will be a long road, but you don’t really seem bothered by the time it might take you; it is a great sign of maturity at your age. Now, I just want to ask you a last question, where do you think your team, the Kelowna Knights will end up in the standings this season?

-Great question, I think that we will make the playoffs, our core is exceptionally good particularly on the offensive side and our goalies are very good too! For the following seasons I can see us go for the 4 stars cup given that we have a lot of potential across the roster.

-It is already the end of our interview! I wish you success in your career and hopefully we will be able to catch up again soon!

-Thanks for inviting me, and yeah it would be a pleasure to be back at this show soon!

***ThePyroAlpaca*** · 12-09-2024, 07:52 PM

Great Article! Kelowna got a steal at 17!

LGRW613 · 12-09-2024, 07:55 PM

LET'S GO! Hyped to see how your first season goes!

***Froste39*** · 12-10-2024, 02:09 AM

Knighted Interview Knights

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