Braeden-Virtue-filling-his-new-sweater-71-photo-courtesy-of-Serge-Poulin
QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —In a matinee conference after the morning skate, the Quebec Remparts General Manager and head coach Philippe Boucher confirmed the arrival of American defenseman Braeden Virtue.
Drafted in the eighth round (135th overall) in 2017 in Saint John, the young 16-year old played last year with the Islanders HC U16. Reaching an agreement between his parent (father Terry Virtue former NHL player) and the organization, the young defenseman decided to waive off his college eligibility to play in the QMJHL.
Everyone who follows Quebec Remparts knew it was hard for the organization to successfully bring an American player to stay over the 48 hours period allowed by American colleges before losing his eligibility to the NCAA.
This year two Americans came to Quebec training camp, one left, center Benjamin MCGlashing, the other decided to stay and embrace the QMJHL career.
“We are very happy to see Braeden to stay here. We were in contact with his family all summer. The process brought us to sit with the family, so with the help of Terry (his father) to confirm his arrival with us,” Boucher said.
“It never was easy lately to bring American players here, you have lots of great institution in USA and lots of players dream to play for them, so we did everything we can in the pass, to make them choose the QMJHL. So, it is funny to see a young kid with his parent to understand that, we aren’t just a second option, but we can be their first option if they want to play in the QMJHL,” Boucher added.
“As far as scholarship is concerned in USA, we did not sell our league properly, continued Boucher. “We give as much as the college, we cover the studies as long as the young kid is here and we can help the kid after the study that can be compare to what college do for kid during all their scholarship in USA. The experience the kid get to play for Quebec is unique experience, they play in front best fans. Be in front of media is bit impressive for young 16 years old but he will learn to deal with it.”
“We can do lots of things here for young kid, said Boucher. Don’t forget in USA scholarship given to kids in USA is often only one or two years very rarely they gave four years. You have got several example were kids did not get four years scholarship,” said Boucher.
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“The MCGlashing family left last night very impressed about the organization so we will see what will happen next year. We will hope other American will come to play in Quebec in the future” Boucher said.
Quebec will play his first preseason game hosting Rimouski Oceanic Tuesday night. Same two teams will face each other on Wednesday night but in Rimouski.
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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