QMJHL: Grant-ing Seadogs Wish

The Saint John Seadogs were eliminated in four games by the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the QMJHL semifinals. One of the reasons they went deep in playoffs is that they boast two towers of power on defense, Alex Grant (14gp 3g-11a) and Yann Sauve. The latter is draft eligible this summer but Grant became Pittsburgh Penguins property last summer in Columbus two years removed from being the first overall selection in the 2005 QMJHL draft.

Being a first rounder is always special for any player in any league and for Alex Grant it was no exception.

"It was pretty special for sure. You never know if you're going to go first, not even if you are ranked very high but when I received the call from Saint John, I was a happy guy."

The Seadogs bet the farm when they selected Grant, who was a high-risk, high-reward-type player when they made the selection a few years ago.

"Alex used to take too many risks with the puck. He always had offence in mind and was trying to do way too much." coach Jacques Beaulieu said.

Grant agreed. "I used to be very offensive-minded and didn't play that well in the defensive zone because I wanted to join the rush all the time."

But many things have led Grant to mature as a player, one being the 2007 World Under-17 championship in Finland where he won bronze with Team Canada.

"It was really incredible as a first experience wearing the maple leaf on my chest. Playing with the likes of Stamkos and Turris was awesome."

Being selected 118th overall in the fourth round by the Penguins in 2007 also contributed to his emergence as a more dominating presence on the ice, as it gave him the chance to participate in his first pro camp last summer.

"The game is way faster at that level. You have to pick up your skating if you want to make it to the pros. I'm sure I'll bulk up as the years go on and hopefully I'll mature into an even steadier defenseman."

And when a player is named captain of his respective team you know he is growing as a player and as an individual and that is exactly what happened to him this season.

"He's our backbone and when he beats the drum everyone follows," Bealieu said. "I'm not the vocal type but I'll speak when I feel it's needed. I tend to lead by example on the ice and in practices and I hope the team follows," Grant added.

Grant has come along since the second half of last year and he is rounding out to be the player the Saint John brass had hoped he would and more when they selected him.

"He has simplified his game," the coach said. "He is a powerplay quarterback and a leader. He has found his game and is rushing the puck while minimizing risks. He is getting his shots through on the point. He must get stronger to become a pro. He is well on his way to being a pro and there is no doubt in my mind that he will be a pro at some point."

"I've become a more complete defenseman. The coaches have helped me a lot over the past two seasons and I play a more balanced game now," replied Grant.

All this essentially helped Grant lead his team in the postseason and even if they fell short of a championship, he feels the Seadogs can be optimistic about the days ahead.

"We exceeded expectations this year since we are a young group of guys, but we still wanted to win this year. At least we know we will have a great team next season."