Leaving their mark

BROSSARD - Ryan Poehling knew he'd have to accomplish at least one thing coming into development camp: get noticed.

And if you hear what newly-minted Canadiens director of player personnel Martin Lapointe had to say about him, it sounds like the 18-year-old achieved his goal.
"He's a big guy, able to make hockey plays. He's intelligent, he uses his body to protect the puck," described Lapointe, who knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in the NHL, with 991 games under his belt. "We saw it again today, the little things he was doing in the corners, he made some really nice plays to generate offense."
The Habs' first-round draft pick in 2017, who feels he soaked up a ton of knowledge during the four-day camp, was pleased that his mission for the week had been accomplished.
"It's definitely good. They always preach to the young guys that you only get one chance to make a first impression," shared the St. Cloud State centerman. "I think I did a good job of that and I think the coaching staff appreciated it. Going in, a lot of people didn't think I had the offensive ability I do, and it was good to show that I have it."
Poehling will be returning home to Lakefield, MN to continue his training before heading off to World Junior camp with Team USA at the end of July and then making his way back to college. With development camp behind him, the 6-foot-2, 183-pound forward now has his sights set on donning the Stars and Stripes on Boxing Day.
"I love competing internationally, it's something I've always enjoyed. I went to Hlinka [the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup] before college and then went to the [Under-18] World Championships and won that with Team USA at the end of the year," recounted Poehling, who scored two goals and five points in seven games to help the Americans win gold. "It's always something I appreciate doing, it's just an honor to go out there and compete with those guys."
Looking beyond World Junior competitions, Lapointe is confident that it's not a matter of if, but when Poehling will be playing at an even more elite level.
"From what I've seen this year, Ryan Poehling will definitely be playing in the NHL. It's just a question of timing," acknowledged the former longtime Detroit Red Wing. "We don't know when it will be, but if he keeps developing every year, we're going to have a great hockey player who can skate and make plays. I was very impressed with him."

A bit closer to home, the recently-signed Antoine Waked - who will be spending the summer working out in Brossard - also caught the eye of the Canadiens' development staff.
"On all his shifts, you saw that this is a guy who wants to play hockey, who wants to compete," continued Lapointe. "I can't wait to see him play in Laval."
Waked, who joined the Canadiens organization as an undrafted free agent in April, felt that his hard work paid off and led him to feel satisfied with his showing at camp.
"I took the time to work really hard on several aspects of my game and I proved this week that I've gotten to the right level," described Waked, who scored 39 goals for 80 points in 67 games with the QMJHL's Rouyn-Noranda Huskies last season. "My family was here to support me and I think the guys liked me in the room. We worked hard all week."

Hailing from across the pond, Finnish center Joni Ikonen didn't let jet lag get in the way of a good performance at the Bell Sports Complex. The Espoo native was a force to be reckoned with in the daily intra-squad scrimmages, demonstrating healthy speed and skill.
"Joni is a proud young player. He's a competitor. We saw his level of play and his vision. He shot the puck while skating fast and his hockey sense - we all saw that he's a very good passer," Lapointe said of Ikonen, who scored 22 goals and 41 points in 40 games with Frolunda's Junior squad last season. "He's not afraid of going to the net or of winning his battles."
Lapointe believes Ikonen has proven his worth and could follow a similar path to that of Artturi Lehkonen. With that in mind, he isn't concerned that the young center will be continuing his play back home next season.
"[Playing in Europe] will be really good for his development. In Europe, you play fewer games, so you have more time to work out in the gym," Lapointe concluded. "They do a great job developing their young players."