Victoriavillois Miguël Tourigny will play with Dukla de Trenčín in Slovakia next season. He signed a one-year contract with this team, which plays in the Extraliga, the country’s top division.

His decision to fly to Europe was a well-considered one. Accompanied by his agent, he explored the different paths since the end of the last campaign. “I thought for a long time that I wanted to play professional this year, whether in North America or Europe. My agent was on the same page as me in this regard. I believe this will help me the most for my long-term development in becoming a better hockey player. The Montreal Canadiens organization also supported us in this decision,” he explained.

The 20-year-old defenseman could have played a fourth and final season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). With 80 points, including 31 goals, he had the most productive season of his career last year. “I certainly considered the option hoping to win a championship but it would have been short term to see things. It’s a conscious decision and I wanted to play with men in the pros. I think that’s the best thing for my career. »

A few hours after his arrival in Trenčín, Tourigny played his first two encounters with his new formation. He is satisfied with his first assignments on European soil, even if it will take some time to get used to it. “I was looking for a bit of orientation in the first half and that’s normal. The ice rink is bigger and the playing style is different. However, I felt comfortable pretty quickly. I liked what I was doing. I will keep working hard and assimilating the game system.”

The shock was also outside the rink. “It’s a culture change. The way of life is very different than in Quebec. Not everyone speaks English. I’m adjusting, but the organization and my teammates really take care of me. »

A first experience with the Canadians

Before going to Slovakia, he attended his first rookie camp with the Montreal Canadiens. They selected him in the 7th round during the National Hockey League (NHL) final draft. “I absolutely loved my time there. I am grateful that I had the chance to be drafted into my childhood team and to be a part of this great experience. It was really something special for me. I have to admit that I was a bit intimidated at first. I gathered as much information and advice as possible to improve myself. As a stay, it was only positive,” he shared.

Despite not playing a pre-season game, the right-handed defender donned uniform for the traditional Red vs. White game presented at the Bell Centre. “It was really something special. When the crowd started waving, we couldn’t even talk on the rink. I really wondered what was going on, it was so impressive. I enjoyed this moment to the fullest. »

Tourigny was particularly impressed by the first overall winner of the last draft, Juraj Slafkovsky. “He’s very friendly. He could have come to camp with poise and arrogance, but really not. He’s an excellent person. He really impressed me on the ice. His physique is very impressive. Like everyone else, he’ll need some adjustment , but I think he’ll be a good player with the Canadians.”

At the end of the current season, Miguël Tourigny hopes to sign his first contract with the CH organization.