Comet Tales: with Alexandre Grenier
April 5, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release
There's much happening in the NHL and Utica for Comets' forward Alexandre Grenier to be excited about.
With nine games left of the AHL's regular season to play, the Comets aren't eliminated from post-season play. There are factors outside of what happens when Utica takes to the ice this coming Friday against Toronto, and the next eight contests, that could determine their fate.
Grenier has pledged to contribute what he can to hopefully bring playoff hockey to The AUD later this month. Through 59 games in coach Travis Green's line-up, the Laval, Quebec native continues to be a major contributor to the team's offense. Grenier, 22, has collected 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists), and registered 139 shots on goal.
Just two seasons removed from getting acquainted with his Comets teammates and Utica's surroundings, Alexandre was playing in his second season of juniors in the QMJHL. There are some interesting twists accompanied by interesting relationships experienced by Vancouver's third round selection in the NHL entry draft of 2011.
Labeling his two years of service with the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts and Halifax Mooseheads as "a great experience", there are two individuals that have been making NHL headlines all season long with one team in the Central Division. Colorado Avalanche's coach Patrick Roy and rookie sensation Nathan MacKinnon are major reasons for the club clinching a playoff spot, having earned 100 points, only seven behind division rival St. Louis.
Both Roy and MacKinnon have history with Grenier. It was with the Remparts who Grenier spent his first year in juniors with (2010-11). Roy is not only the team's owner, he was also the coach at the time Greiner earned a spot on their roster. "Patrick Roy is my most favorite coach of all," says Grenier. "He's (Roy) a winner at everything he does; whether it's in the dressing room or on the bench."
After participating in the Junior Triple-A level of hockey for the Saint Jerome Panthers of the QJAHL, Grenier was on his way to being a pupil of the game's legendary goalie. "A friend on my team knew a scout for Quebec. This led to me getting a three game try-out with the Remparts," Greiner recalls.
With Roy's success in Colorado and Grenier's budding career in the Vancouver organization, different time zones and travel schedules have kept the former teacher and pupil apart for a couple years. Grenier isn't surprised at the level of success and the speed in which the Avalanche have risen to.
"Patrick is so good. We haven't stayed in touch, since we went our separate ways", Grenier explains.
After his year of service with the Remparts, Alexandre was traded, during the QMJHL draft, to the Halifax Mooseheads. One of his teammates was a 16-year- old from Nova Scotia - Nathan MacKinnon. Yep, the kid that was the first overall pick in last June's NHL entry draft in New Jersey.
"Nathan came in the league and was just unbelievable. He is going to have a great career; it's just the beginning for him,"predicts Grenier. "Nathan is going to be a superstar." During the 2011-12 campaign, MacKinnon and Grenier were the one-two offensive punch of the Mooseheads. Greiner tallied 64 points on the season, second only to MacKinnon's 78 points.
Heading into Friday's match with the Marlies at The AUD (7pm), Grenier echoes what many Comets followers believe. Getting two points with a win over Iowa this past Sunday is a huge motivator for this coming weekend. "We play each game as if it was our last. This past weekend we fought some hard battles."
As for his introduction to the City of Utica and surrounding area, Grenier has nothing but praise for the "unbelievable fan base", as he labels the Comets faithful. "Everywhere I go people recognize me. The area grew on me. I would like to thank the fans for everything,"Grenier states.
American Hockey League Stories from April 5, 2014
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- Norfolk Spoils B-Sens' Comeback with Third Period Flurry - Binghamton Senators
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- Comet Tales: with Alexandre Grenier - Utica Comets
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