FEATURE: Gravel draws from role models

It's hard not to idolize Henrik Lundqvist as a young goalie.
Growing up watching the Vezina-winning, NHL All-Star rule the net for the New York Rangers is enough to make any young hockey player daydream about their own future between the pipes.

For Chicago Blackhawks 2018 pick Alexis Gravel, Lundqvist is a good example to follow.
"I don't want to play as deep as him, but I'm trying to model my game after him," Gravel said.
Taken 162nd overall in the sixth round - 43 spots higher than Lundqvist was drafted in 2000 - Gravel knows it's not about when you were picked, it's about what you do with your opportunity.
"There are some goalies drafted really high and sometimes really low," Gravel said. "It just depends on the year. (Marc-Andre) Fleury and (Carey) Price went really high because they're unreal goalies and then Lundqvist went seventh round. I don't think it matters too much what the number is but just get your ticket to camp and try your best."
The Blackhawks liked enough of Gravel's tools to make him one of their eight selections on draft weekend. The netminder is currently playing for the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL, where he closed out 2017-18 with a 3.38 goals-against average and .890 save percentage in 39 appearances.
Gravel was 20-11-5 in his starts and went 4-4 in eight playoff games for next year's Memorial Cup hosts.

"He's going to have a great situation, said Blackhawks Vice President of Amateur Scouting Mark Kelley. "They're going to host the Memorial Cup next year, so we're expecting a big year out of him. He's been a good goaltender. This year, we saw him play some really good games. He's in a good spot."
When drafting goalies, a difficult position to project, you roll the dice on potential and hope it leads to a big payout - which can take several years.
"With goalies, you have to be patient with them because they take a little longer," said Blackhawks Senior Vice President and General Manager Stan Bowman. "He's got a lot of ability and he's got the size to be an NHL goalie... We were happy he was there and we were able to get him."
Gravel is just one season removed from being named to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team in 2016-17, with his 17 wins ranking second among the league's first-year netminders. He was named by NHL Central Scouting as their third-ranked North American Goalie heading into the draft. He was their top guy during their midterm rankings.
While Lundqvist may be the example he models his game after, Gravel also draws inspiration from his family.
Francois Gravel was also a goaltender, whom the Montreal Canadiens selected 58th overall in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. He represented France at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan and spent many years playing abroad. He is also Alexis' father.
"He coached me when I was younger," said Alexis. "He played pro 12 years overseas and got drafted in the third round by Montreal in '87. He coached me when I was younger, but when I came to the Mooseheads I had my own goalie coach and tried to follow him more. He was a huge influence on me and my family has been great for me."
Following in his father's and Lundqvist's footsteps, Gravel had his name called at the draft. He happened to be in attendance, surrounded by friends and family, which made for a moment he will never forget.
"It's amazing," he said, glowing with happiness. "It's probably the best day of my life. I just looked down and there's a Chicago Blackhawks logo on the jersey. It just feels amazing. It's unreal."