Draft Day Looms Large

[Andre LeBastard 112]

The annual VHLM Draft is set to take place shortly future and for the many players involved, it could well prove to be one of the most important days of their neophyte careers. 18-year-old Mississauga Hound centre Andre LeBastard is no different being eligible for the upcoming draft. Lebastard is trying to remain grounded: "I'm a bit nervous and excited for sure", he explained. "Everyone is telling me that there is not much I can do but wait and see where I end up." "Personally, it's not so much about how high I'm drafted, like at what number, but more about which club drafts me, that I am excited about." The Ottawa native is likely not going to go in the first round, being a raw rookie with just 18 games played so far this season.There are many players with a full season's worth of experience up for the draft. His Mississauga Hounds coach, let his actions speak for themselves giving LeBastard 1st line minutes and lots of power play time in the games he did play sing joining the club. 

 

Signed as a Free Agent by the Hounds in the closing stages of the current season, LeBastard played 18 games scoring two goals while adding five assists, for a total of seven points. Not numbers that jump out at you and scream 'elite playmaking centre', but give the kid a chance to get some games under his belt and those numbers should improve. Certainly, getting so much ice time at such an early stage of his development bodes well for the future. 

 

The Assistant General Manager of the Hounds Zetterberg spoke highly of LeBastard and his draft chances saying, "I have been very impressed with Andre, he has been a great player to have in our organization and is very active in improving his skills as well as the locker room - whoever ends up drafting LeBastard will not be disappointed. I expect him to be a force in the seasons to come". 

Very kind words from management, something LeBastard is proud of. "I tried to work hard and keep my eyes and ears open to kinda soak up the experience and look to some of the older players about how to conduct myself, both on and off the ice", he said. He is humble enough to say thanks for the opportunity he has had with the Mississauga Hounds. "I can only say how happy I am since signing here, it would be nice to be drafted by the club and play here next season, but that is out of my control". "I just want to get on the record that I'm really thankful for the offer the club made to sign me and I'm really happy that I chose to accept it." "This club has an enviable record in developing plyers and whatever happens at the draft the Mississauga Hounds will always be a special club for me."

 

Indeed. Whichever club decides to draft Andre LeBastard will not be disappointed, provided they are willing to help the young man develop and grow. At present, LeBastard will certainly play in the VHLM next season, the only variable will be what colour jersey he will play in.