If the defense of the Tigers is hurt by the services of Jeremie Blain this season, they could count on several young players to make up for this important loss.

The biggest revelation of training camp this year was Floridian, Vytal Cote. The road that led to the arrival of the defender in the Bois Francs is somewhat surprising. In fact, it’s purely by chance that he found himself on the invite list for the Tigers training camp. Team President Eric Bernie made the discovery. While in Florida to buy a condo, the boss of the team was advised to monitor the young American defender, with parents from Quebec.

The real estate agent is the mother of one of my best friends, who also plays hockey. She asked the president of the team if it was possible that the Tigers attended a tournament in Montreal to see my friend. The Tigers liked what they saw. It might be here, said Vytal Cote.

“I was playing for two years, in Ontario, in a prep school. Since the caliber of play in Florida is slightly raised, my bother suggested I go play in Canada to better develop myself. My game play after Ontario, was playing in the NCAA. After this tournament in Montreal, the recruiter sent me an e mail and it changed my plans”

Cote accepted the invitation to the Tigers and has given up on the American college circuits. Considering that my studies are important for me, the choice was heartbreaking. He concluded that he could further develop his hockey in the Canadian League while pursuing his studies at a distance. My dream of a career in Hockey is too big not to go forward, he said.

“I trained all summer with the Subban brothers (Malcom, PK and Jordan). It gave me a taste of the caliber of play and allowed me to be physically ready.”

He added 24 lbs to his frame during the training.

Early in the camp, the Tigers knew he would be able to compete in the QMJHL. Things have gone so well that the direction of the team quickly got him a position in the lineup. “Even though I felt ready, I was not too sure what to expect at the start because I had never had such an experience. My expectations were not very high. For my size, I move the puck well and am also mobile. I think my vision of the game has also helped me to adjust to this level of play. “