I contacted Jeremy Gregoire, the Montreal Canadiens’  sixth round draft pick (176th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft to give him the chance to talk about himself. Traded from Chicoutimi to Baie-Comeau after two junior seasons, the 19-year-old center scored 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points in 32 games with 59 penalty minutes and a +9 rating during an injury-shortened season. Now that his junior stage is over, the 6’0”, 200-lb native of Sherbrooke, Quebec is hoping to stick as long as possible with the Habs in training camp.

1. You suffered a painful wrist injury during a Habs’ intra-squad game last fall. How did you rise to the challenge and how did you motivate yourself to come back to action faster with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar?

The injury I sustained in camp presented a great challenge for me, because I missed eight weeks of action. Since I had been invited to the Team Canada junior camp in the summer, I had given myself the goal to be physically fit if I was ever invited to the camp. Furthermore, the Drakkar’s coaching staff allowed me to stay close to the action by being behind the bench during games. With these elements, I was able to keep my motivation up. I did not hesitate to try extra hard, as the success that my team had encouraged me to work harder on and off the ice.

2. Were you disappointed when you could not play any exhibition games with the Canadiens and when you did not participate to the World Junior Championship?

One of my goals during the 2014 training camp was to participate in an exhibition game. I think I was having quite a good camp to get that opportunity, but this injury crushed my chances. The fact that I was unable to achieve my goal did not disappoint me, because it was something I could not control. This is the same story for Team Canada. Since I had not played any game before the presentation of the final list, it was impossible for me to be selected. The only thing that I was controlling was my fitness and besides, I would have been prepared if management had ever needed me.

3. You were named captain of the Drakkar before the 2014-15 season. What kind of leader are you in the room and on the ice?

I’ve always been a leader, wearing a letter as soon as I turned 17, but being captain of the Drakkar was a real honor. I am someone who is quite verbal in the locker room. Moreover, I like to lead the way on the ice for my teammates. I am an enthusiast who always gives himself fully and I would describe myself as a leader by example.

4. You received the Guy Lafleur Award of Excellence ($6,000 scholarship) for your success in school for a second consecutive year, but you decided to give it to Dominic Talbot-Tassi who was the other finalist. What motivated you to be so generous towards Dominic?

The academic aspect also matters to me and since I have the opportunity to excel in school, I can take part in the contests and scholarships offered by the QMJHL. Dominic Talbot-Tassi is also an excellent student, but he was twice finalist for the Marcel-Robert Trophy and the Guy-Lafleur Award. Having already won this award, it was obvious that this time he deserved the scholarship. He will begin his studies at McGill next year, so this assistance will benefit him.

5. You had an excellent playoff run with the Drakkar, notching 10 goals and 21 points in only 12 games, what explains that you are producing so much in the playoffs?

During my QMJHL career, I have always had good playoffs while playing for excellent teams and this season was no different. I honestly do not know what really makes me successful. I think my will to win has a lot to do with it. In the playoffs, regardless of the means, only winning matters and everyone has to put in the effort to get there. I only want the well-being of my team to help us win the title.

6. If you had to compare your style of play to a NHL star, what player would it be and why?

Without comparing my game, I try to model it on Patrice Bergeron’s game. It is a beautiful model for me because he is a great two-way player who excels in every facet of the game. He is also good offensively and defensively, and he plays responsibly. I love watching him play!

7. You will in all likelihood make your professional debut as a 20-year-old player in the American Hockey League next September. What are your goals for next season?

I have yet to set any goals for next season. Currently, I’m training hard to improve some aspects of my game and I will continue to do it so that my transition to professional hockey is adequate.

8. Finally, can you tell us about your summer training? What is a typical training day for you?

I am someone who likes to spend time in the gym. I always train for 2 hrs a day during the week. Sometimes, I jump on the ice later while managing my rest periods. I’m careful as to fully recover from my workouts. My father established a partnership with the Bromptonville arena five years ago, enabling the installation of a gymnasium on the second floor. Since then, I can take advantage of Hockey Attitude’s facilities at all times.

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Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions for rabidhabs.com.