The Laval Rocket held their season-ending record on Saturday after a heartbreaking two-game elimination to the Utica Comets in the Calder Cup qualifying series.

The Laval team came very close to forcing one last game in this best-of-three series, but the Comets leveled the game with less than two seconds remaining before forward Samuel Laberge allowed his team to get on with the series to rescue.

Fiery Rocket forward Rafaël Harvey-Pinard says he is very happy with last season despite the result.

“It was a season of learning in my case, on the other hand it didn’t end the way I would have liked, a shame but I think the boys can be proud to have made the playoffs with the number of Injuries that we had,” Harvey-Pinard told media on Saturday.

Born in Jonquière, he turned heads with his remarkable performances at the big club. He finished the season with a total of 20 points, including 14 goals, in 34 games with the Habs.

The concerned headmaster reiterated that his days at Rocket of Laval are now behind him and he is ready to join the founding of the big club full-time.

“I think I played my last game with Laval but I repeat the training camp will be so important. With all the CH injuries coming back, I have to prove I deserve my full-time spot,” said the Habs’ seventh-round pick in 2019.

Richard hopes to return

Forward Anthony Richard mentioned during this autopsy that he would like to be back in the Canadians’ entourage for next season.

“I enjoyed chatting with Martin and Kent the last time I left. I like the game that Martin endorses and what JF (Jean-François Houle) brings to the table here. […] My goal is to make the team at camp. I think I would have a chance as they know my game and I’ve shown I can produce,” he added.

The Trifluvien, who is without a contract for next season, has been a key part of Jean-François Houle’s squad this season. In total, he accumulated 67 points, including 30 goals, in 60 games in the Laval jersey.

Richard also had a chance to shine with the Canadiens, amassing five points, including three goals, in 13 games.