Have you ever had days where you were stuck back in your childhood, and reminiscing the “Good Ole Days.” Well, Jakob Pelletier is doing just that while thinking about the upcoming NHL Draft. It’s like he’s living on a cloud, and at least for the moment he is, “First of all, I still can’t believe I am about to live the NHL Draft experience,” Pelletier said, “In some ways I feel like I am still in pee-wee and the NHL is in a long time away. Even though, the draft is still two months away, my family is very excited about the day and I cannot wait to share this time with them.”
Pelletier is a strong skater, and to be quite honest he’s one of the most underrated prospects in this year’s draft. His size, as he stands at 5’9,” appears to be the one thing holding him back, but Pelletier is a playmaking machine that is built for the NHL. Pelletier is a mini Danny Briere, and Flyers fans know all too well how his career ended up.
“My main goal was always to play in the NHL,” Pelletier exclaims. “Since I was 5 years old, after learning how to skate I always dreamed of being drafted or playing in the NHL. It would be a dream come true to be drafted.”
The young stud continues, “I am a good skater with a great hockey I.Q. I am a playmaker who can also finish plays. I am good in small areas and around the net and I am a threat. I am a winner who wants to win, and I play hard every shift. I always have a smile and play with determination. I will always play the game hard no matter what, and I will play for the logo and the city with pride.”
Pelletier has matured into a playmaking machine, that is good on his edges, a great board battler, and goes to the front of the net into the “Dirty Area” to pot a goal. His vision of the ice, as Pelletier makes accurate pass after accurate pass ranks off the charts, “This off-season I want to work on my skating for sure, and also on my shot. I think my shot could be better. I also want to be more solid on my feet so I can be better in one-on-one battles in the corner and in front of the net.”
This young stud in Pelletier was born on March 7, 2001, in Quebec, QC, CAN (AKA the motherland of hockey). He found a passion, and a love for the sport of hockey mainly from Sidney Crosby. He watched Crosby a lot when he was younger, and Pelletier idolized him. Moreover, Pelletier can board battle with the best of them, and that can be of some benefit for the Flyers in the future. Pelletier waits for the exact right moment to pounce on the puck in the middle of a skirmish, he wins the battle and pots the goal. It’s as “Easy as 1-2-3,” but it’s such an underrated skill to possess at his age, “Sidney Crosby was always a good role model,” Pelletier said. “The fact that he plays hard every night, and is a good leader is a key in hockey. What I like the most is how much he pays attention to the details. I want to be a more complete player next season. A leader who can lead the way to a championship, I am a winner and I want to win. I want to be ready when camp starts in August and to be in shape like never before.”
This 18-year-old young prospect knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him this past season. Pelletier worked very hard in the off-season and was able to improve his game tremendously for the 2018-19 season. In his second season for the Moncton Wildcats, he registered 39 goals, and 50 assists for a total of 89 points in 65 games played. Pelletier blasted his career high in points set in 2017-18 with 61 for the Wildcats. He just looked more at ease, and comfortable in his role this past season.
Pelletier is a natural goal scorer that possesses a quick release. He hits the net accurately, and Pelletier has transformed the Wildcats offense into a legit threat in just his second season for them. His effort and dedication for the sport of hockey have led him to the cusp of being drafted into the NHL. He is currently ranked #31 by Bob McKenzie, so maybe he falls to the Flyers in the second round. Pelletier leaves us with this unique message:
“My family, my brothers, and parents are always watching and supporting me, not only in Moncton but all through my years in hockey. My father always said ‘just be determined, play hard, and enjoy it!,’ since then I always play with that same mindset.”
