Interviews with Philippe Lefebvre and Morgan Ellis

Mckeen's correspondent Rick Springhetti was in attendance at the Montreal Canadiens rookie development camp and conducted interviews with Philippe Lefebvre and Morgan Ellis, both from the QMJHL.

Interview with Philippe Lefebvre

Passed over at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, left-winger Philippe Lefebvre did not go unnoticed by the Montreal Canadiens who were happy to sign him to a free-agent deal. The Trois-Rivières native played a sound two-way game with the Drummondville Voltigeurs on a team that was very deep in offensive talent. Now, with the Montreal Juniors, he is expected to be a leader and is looking forward to bring an offensive touch to his game.

McKeen's: You started your QJMHL career with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in 2007-08. Since then, the amount of players that were drafted, signed or got a tryout with an NHL team is very impressive. What do you think the Voltigeurs do right?

Lefebvre: Guy Boucher made a difference. If you look at his path to the NHL it happened quickly and you can tell that the players who were coached by him learned a great deal and we continue to apply all the things he has taught us on and off the ice, especially the importance of a good work ethic.

McKeen's: This year, you will be playing with the Montreal Juniors. For many reasons, be it the expectation or the arrival of Louis Leblanc, which will obviously be a source of much media and public attention, the pressure will be very present. Did the organization do anything to prepare you for that?

Lefebvre: In terms of dealing with the media, not too much. We all understand that the there will be a lot of external pressure, but for us the players, we feel the pressure will mostly be internal. When you know that you will be playing with a team that has every reason to believe that they can be successful you want to win, your teammates want to win and it's what you are focused on. In terms of media pressure, yes you have to manage it but at the end of the day, its external issues that have nothing to do with on-ice performance. Your focus should always be on what goes on when you hit the ice.

McKeen's: In the past few years at Drummondville, you had a role to play in the success of the team but there were a lot of veterans who played top minutes. Now, in Montreal, you will be expected to be one of the go-to guys. Will your approach have to be different coming into the season?

Lefebvre: Different, I don't know. Like you mentioned, my role was a little different in Drummondville, my role was mostly defensive, which is not a bad thing, as it gave me to opportunity to learn that aspect of the game. This year, I will have the opportunity to bring a more offensive element to the team. In the first two regular season games and during the pre-season, I played on the first powerplay unit and on the team's first line but because I learned the defensive aspect of the game in the past few years, I can contribute in both aspects of the game and that is my approach to this season - to be reliable in both aspects of the game. It's important because good defense leads to offense.

McKeen's: During the press conference by Pierre Gauthier to mark the start of the rookie camp, he mentioned that he wanted the identity of the organization to be that of a team that is smart on the ice and fast. That seems to be right up your alley. That has to be encouraging to hear for you.

Lefebvre: Of course when you hear these things from the organization and you think you can fit-in, it motivates you to show them what you got every time you hit the ice. It can only help me develop as a player.

Interview with Morgan Ellis

Born in P.E.I, defenseman Morgan Ellis is known for being an efficient player that the coaching staff can look to when needed. This season, Ellis will also be looked upon for guidance by his teammates, as he was named the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles team captain during the off-season. Drafted in the fifth round by the Montreal Canadiens, Ellis is looking to make a good impression before heading back to Nova Scotia to begin his Junior hockey season.

McKeen's: For people who don't know you very well, can you describe the kind of player you are?

Ellis: I am more of a stay-at-home defenseman who will jump in the attack when the opportunity is there. I like to finish my checks and be physical and make my presence be known when I am on the ice.

McKeen's: You mentioned in an interview before the draft that one of the teams that you would like to be drafted by were the Montreal Canadiens. Did you get the feeling at the time that they might be interested?

Ellis: Well, I came to the prospects camp that the team held before the draft, so I assumed that they had some interest but really, I had no idea if I was going to get drafted or who was going to draft me. But lucky for me, it was Montreal and I was thrilled.

McKeen's: A lot of people from the Maritime Provinces have started to make a name for themselves in hockey in the past few years, why do you think that is?

Ellis: I think hockey is just growing, more leagues and more teams and as players from the Maritimes such as Sidney Crosby and Brad Richards who is from P.E.I have success in the NHL, youngsters are motivated to follow their path so they work as hard as they can and try to make it.

McKeen's: Your family is meat farmers in P.E.I, did you have to work on the farm when you were younger or did your parents try to steer you more toward hockey?

Ellis: No, I had to put in my share of work on the farm and I am thankful for it now because it does give you a sound work ethic and it even helps you get stronger quickly. Working on a farm is a lot different than working out at a gym, but having to do both really helped.

McKeen's: You were named team captain at Cape Breton. The team will be going through a bit of a rebuilding phase after the organization went for it all last year and that will bring its share of challenges. How do you plan on approaching this season?

Ellis: Yeah it's going to be challenging at times but the most important thing is to keep everyone calm and focused. Most people are not expecting much from us but I think we will surprise some people if everyone follows the game plan. We don't have as much skill as some teams but we will have the work ethic and the desire will be there. We will have a lot of young guys and they have stepped up at this point, so it will be interesting to see them progress. But again, if we manage to stay calm and focused, we will be fine.

McKeen's: Cape Breton is coached by Mario Durocher, one of the most respected coaches in the QJMHL and someone who is making a name for himself. What kind of coach is he?

Ellis: He is a great coach, he gives guys the opportunities to prove themselves and he definitely gave me many opportunities to do so. He doesn't ask for too much, just to work as hard as you can and the rest will fall into place.

McKeen's: As you develop as a player in terms of experience and skills learned at camps like this one, are there aspects of your game that you think will really improve this year.

Ellis: Well the coaching staff here is great at teaching you things that you think you know but don't necessarily know well. They explain it in such a straightforward manner that you really get it quickly and as you gain experience on top of that, your game just becomes more complete and that is what I will try to do.