Desperate for a playoff spot, the Laval Rocket are preparing to play a crucial game against the Syracuse Crunch on Friday.

In an interview with Jean-Charles Lajoie on Thursday, Jean-François Houle confirmed his team was up for the challenge.

“The boys have given themselves in the last two games. I’m very happy about the two wins, but one remains. I think our players are aware of that. We have a big game to win tomorrow.”

The Rocket boss is happy to have reinforcements as Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Jesse Ylonen are relegated by the Canadians. He adds that they showed up with a great attitude.

“It’s great to see young people like this who aren’t sulking because they’ve hit rock bottom. They know they are there to help us get to the playoffs. Harvey-Pinard is quite a young man and we are delighted to have him with us. That gives our team energy and it’s just good.

Another player keeping the rocket going is Emil Heineman. Since joining the team, the Swede has scored seven goals and accumulated nine points in ten games.

“He’s excellent. He adapted very quickly to the North American game. We knew what we had after seeing him in the recruit camp. He’s a good skater with an excellent throw. He’s able to physically He’s playing and has a bright future ahead of him. It has a high ceiling to be able to improve. I’m pretty sure we’ll see him in the NHL one day. He can make a very good player.”

Houle also had good words for Jayden Struble, even though he feels he’s further from the NHL than Heineman.

“He’s right and he’s gaining ground. He still has a lot to endure as he is still very young. He will have to improve some things but he will be fine. So far, Jayden Struble has been solid and we hope he continues that way.

Watch the interview in the video above.