BUFFALO | It’s not simple to emulate Patrice Bergeron, however one of many first Quebecers to listen to his identify within the NHL draft, Mathieu Cataford, takes inspiration from the Bruins veteran. “Ever for the reason that ranks acquired embarrassing, I’ve been making an attempt to play the identical method,” he confided to the Buffalo hopefuls’ rankings camp.
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Very like the participant he idolizes, Cataford is a right-handed heart. Like him, he’s described as a fierce competitor and a pure chief. And, after all, the Halifax Mooseheads consultant is taken into account an outright attacker, efficient in all sides of the sport.
Cataford definitely doesn’t declare to be the subsequent Patrice Bergeron, even when nothing prevents him from dreaming. The Saint-Fixed ahead is ranked the No. 36 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. His idol completed twenty eighth and forty fifth within the draft 20 years in the past earlier than occurring to have an exceptional profession.
“He’s doing the whole lot proper and he’s a Quebecer like me. I attempt to emulate his sport, to incorporate him in my video games. What I hold listening to from him is that he’s an excellent chief. It’s mannequin. I by no means met him, however my agent spoke to me about him rather a lot,” Cataford defined of his inspiration.
Don’t be afraid to talk
In his first season in Halifax final 12 months, Cataford was the highest scorer amongst 16-year-old gamers within the QMJHL with 46 factors.
Although nonetheless an inexperienced rookie, his teammates caught the attention when he acquired up within the dressing room to select up the spittoon after a tricky defeat at Gatineau. For a 16-year-old teenager, that’s a uncommon gesture.
“Management comes naturally to me, though typically you may work on it. I’m not embarrassed to say something. After I spoke on the time, some had been shocked, particularly the aged. After that, some got here as much as me to inform me it took braveness and that they revered me for it,” he stated, returning to this episode.
He has additionally demonstrated his talking abilities in 4 interviews with groups since arriving in Buffalo. He anticipated to hit 18 this week. “It doesn’t stress me in any respect,” he added.
Photograph archives / Didier Debus scissors
Exhausting in “Tabarnane”
This season, Cataford continued his stand up the NHL with 31 targets and 75 factors, whereas additionally taking part in in all conditions. His solely remorse? That the Mooseheads missed the Gilles Courteau Trophy within the Finals and missed their Memorial Cup conflict.
“It was an excellent season and never many individuals noticed us within the last. On the identical time, it sucks to have labored so onerous to stop two wins from profitable the whole lot. Plus you’re watching the Memorial Cup, watching Quebec win, and saying to your self, “Tabarnane!” he cursed with a depraved smile.
“It’s a shared feeling as a result of it’s the QMJHL that’s profitable and it simply proves as soon as once more that we’re league. Guys typically inform us our league is tender. Tabarouette, the league has been profitable on-line for 4 years! On the identical time, I wasn’t tempted that it was the Remparts.
With the Canadian?
Photograph archive / Martin Chevalier
As for his vacation spot, Cataford simply desires “the staff that has the very best plan for me,” however he makes no secret that he’s additionally pondering of the Canadian, who has a alternative of 31-32 alongside the thirty seventh, a logical horizon for him.
“In fact, like all staff that’s in these ranks, I’m fascinated about it. I just like the Canadian rather a lot from what I’m listening to from my brokers, however it’s going to additionally all depend upon whether or not he likes the vitality I exude in interviews with them.