LAVAL | When we asked Jean-François Houle which of his players had made the most progress this season, he answered without hesitation.

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“[Jakub] Dobes. The way he started, it wasn't easy. He showed a lot of character to get back up again.”

It's not an understatement to say we've come a long way. After his first 20 games, the 22-year-old Czech had a goals against average of 5.73 and a save percentage of 0.867.

He finished the season with a 2.93 GAA and .906 save percentage while also being the second busiest goaltender in the AHL, appearing in 51 of the Rocket's 72 games. And all in his rookie season.

Not good

“The first month and a half wasn't particularly good, I was a newcomer to a very young team,” Dobes admitted. I'm not disappointed that it happened, in fact I'm proud of it because it allowed me to learn and overcome challenges.

“I’m not a finished product, I think it’s good for me to have accomplished this.”

Dobes, who arrived professionally after two seasons in the NCAA, maintains that the adversity of the early months benefited his development.

“I learned to play against men, against better players. I learned not to just rely on my athletic abilities. I think I’m a quick learner and have been able to gain as much experience as possible.”

History of leggings

Whether coincidence or not, the tide began to turn for Dobes when he began experimenting with new leggings designed by Quebecer Michel Lefebvre, who designs custom leggings for the True brand.

“The pads are great,” Dobes admitted. Mr. Lefebvre made them especially for me and according to my specifications. I feel like I'm moving faster. It definitely helped me a little. I’ll keep them next season.”

He received them in early December and began wearing them as the team broke a nine-game losing streak.

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