Post by dogcatcher on Jan 31, 2008 7:01:27 GMT -4
Charland enjoys success in second half with Dogs
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Thursday January 31st, 2008
Appeared on page B6
SAINT JOHN - The expectations were high for Saint John Sea Dogs forward Keven Charland when he entered the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Drafted seventh overall by his hometown Victoriaville Tigres in the 2005 QMJHL draft, Charland had more pressure on his shoulders than most first-round picks.
While living at home and playing in front of family and friends is nice, there's a flip side. Pressure, both self-imposed and from the outside, can add up and all of a sudden nothing is good enough.
"It's really hard playing in your hometown because if there's 3,000 people in the stands then 6,000 eyes are looking at you every night and they see every mistake," said Saint John head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu.
That was the case for Charland during the 2006-07 season, his second in the league.
As a rookie in 2005-06, he said the expectations weren't as high.
"It wasn't too bad at 16 because I was a rookie and the coach didn't put any pressure on me," said Charland, who will face his former team tonight at Harbour Station starting at 7 p.m.. "I just had to work hard in practice and be ready for my 17-year-old season."
Following his 15-point rookie season, Charland hoped for a breakout second year. However, things didn't go as planned. Head coach Stephan Lebeau was let go and replaced with Martin Bernard. Charland also started the season on the fourth line and by his own admission didn't play well.
"The whole organization changed after the first season and I didn't play like I expected to," the Victoriaville product said.
The pressure also began to mount and Charland registered just six goals and four assists in 31 games.
"I had put extra pressure on myself," he said. "With friends, family in the stands you want to play well and then you try too hard and think about all the other stuff.
"I just had to concentrate and play my game, but that was difficult to do in (Victoriaville)."
Seeking something to change his season, Charland asked to be traded from the Tigres. He was dealt to Saint John on Dec. 18, 2006, along with Kyle Kelly, in exchange for Alexandre Labonte, Alexandre Monahan and a fifth-round pick in 2007.
"When I was traded here it was easier because no one knew me and I was coming to the rink just to play hockey and not worrying about some of the bad stuff being written about me in the newspapers," he said.
In 29 games last season as a Sea Dog, Charland racked up 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points.
Beaulieu said the change has been a positive for Charland.
"People tend to critique more than they give praise and it gets really tough," the bench boss said. "Sometimes it's just better to get away and play in another city."
It hasn't been easy in Saint John. For parts of this season he's played on the fourth line and was a healthy scratch for one game. However, he seems to have found his groove since the holiday break and is averaging a point a game in the last 11 outings.
"I just wanted to show Jacques that I can help this team," Charland said. "I wanted to show that I can be a big part of this team both this year and next."
As for Beaulieu, one thing he wanted to improve in Charland's game was his defence. Since his arrival, the coaching staff has worked to improve this area and it's starting to pay off.
The 18-year-old forward is a 16 this season to go along with his 30 points.
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Thursday January 31st, 2008
Appeared on page B6
SAINT JOHN - The expectations were high for Saint John Sea Dogs forward Keven Charland when he entered the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Drafted seventh overall by his hometown Victoriaville Tigres in the 2005 QMJHL draft, Charland had more pressure on his shoulders than most first-round picks.
While living at home and playing in front of family and friends is nice, there's a flip side. Pressure, both self-imposed and from the outside, can add up and all of a sudden nothing is good enough.
"It's really hard playing in your hometown because if there's 3,000 people in the stands then 6,000 eyes are looking at you every night and they see every mistake," said Saint John head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu.
That was the case for Charland during the 2006-07 season, his second in the league.
As a rookie in 2005-06, he said the expectations weren't as high.
"It wasn't too bad at 16 because I was a rookie and the coach didn't put any pressure on me," said Charland, who will face his former team tonight at Harbour Station starting at 7 p.m.. "I just had to work hard in practice and be ready for my 17-year-old season."
Following his 15-point rookie season, Charland hoped for a breakout second year. However, things didn't go as planned. Head coach Stephan Lebeau was let go and replaced with Martin Bernard. Charland also started the season on the fourth line and by his own admission didn't play well.
"The whole organization changed after the first season and I didn't play like I expected to," the Victoriaville product said.
The pressure also began to mount and Charland registered just six goals and four assists in 31 games.
"I had put extra pressure on myself," he said. "With friends, family in the stands you want to play well and then you try too hard and think about all the other stuff.
"I just had to concentrate and play my game, but that was difficult to do in (Victoriaville)."
Seeking something to change his season, Charland asked to be traded from the Tigres. He was dealt to Saint John on Dec. 18, 2006, along with Kyle Kelly, in exchange for Alexandre Labonte, Alexandre Monahan and a fifth-round pick in 2007.
"When I was traded here it was easier because no one knew me and I was coming to the rink just to play hockey and not worrying about some of the bad stuff being written about me in the newspapers," he said.
In 29 games last season as a Sea Dog, Charland racked up 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points.
Beaulieu said the change has been a positive for Charland.
"People tend to critique more than they give praise and it gets really tough," the bench boss said. "Sometimes it's just better to get away and play in another city."
It hasn't been easy in Saint John. For parts of this season he's played on the fourth line and was a healthy scratch for one game. However, he seems to have found his groove since the holiday break and is averaging a point a game in the last 11 outings.
"I just wanted to show Jacques that I can help this team," Charland said. "I wanted to show that I can be a big part of this team both this year and next."
As for Beaulieu, one thing he wanted to improve in Charland's game was his defence. Since his arrival, the coaching staff has worked to improve this area and it's starting to pay off.
The 18-year-old forward is a 16 this season to go along with his 30 points.
