Q&A with Anthony Beauvillier
NewYorkIslanders.com caught up with 22-year-old winger Anthony Beauvillier about his summer and signing a two-year contract extension.
by New York Islanders NYIslanders / NewYorkIslanders.com
Beau is back on Long Island!
After a packed summer full of training, traveling and hosting his own charity spike ball tournament for Alzheimer's, Anthony Beauvillier is eager for the upcoming season. NewYorkIslanders.com caught up with the 22-year-old winger to talk about his summer, signing a two-year contract extension, Derick Brassard and more.
NewYorkIslanders.com: How was the summer? What did you get up to?
Anthony Beauvillier : I chilled. I went to Florida twice to work out and to hang out there and get some vitamin D. I hung out with family and friends, enjoyed some time off and worked out. It was a busy summer. I was sneaky busy. I went to a Kygo concert and got the chance to meet him. It was a lot of fun meeting him. He's a great guy. He's one of my favorite DJs so that was a great experience.
NYI: How did hosting your second-annual Spike for Alz tournament on July 13 in Montreal go?
AB: Really good. We raised over $28k this year. We raised $11k last year and raised over 28k this year, so I couldn't be happier. The weather was great. Everything was perfect.
NYI: You played in the 3-on-3 Montreal Pro League over the summer, did you get a chance to get to know Derick Brassard during the summer skates?
AB: [Brassard and I] played against each other in the finals. He beat me, but it was fun. That league is a lot of fun. It's gotten a lot bigger in the last three years and has gotten a lot of talent.
NYI: Had you met Brassard prior to him signing as a free agent with the Isles?
AB: It's a funny story actually. My brother was in midget triple A and Brassard was in his second or third year in the NHL and had some time off. He was injured or something and my brother was playing a game… Brassard came to one of his games. I had a chance to sit with [Brassard] during the game and his agent. It was a really cool experience. He remembers it as well. We talked about it. It's crazy where hockey can bring you together. He's living in my place right now until he gets his place. It's crazy, right? As a little kid I think I got a picture with him or asked him to sign something. It's crazy. I'm giving it to him a little bit about it now.
NYI: Samuel Bolduc, the Isles second round (57th overall) pick at this year's draft and fellow Quebec native mentioned he caught up with you this summer at the Montreal Pro League. What was it like meeting Bolduc?
AB: He played one game with us [in the Montreal Pro League]. We were excited for him to play with us. He was a high pick for the Islanders and a great guy. He's a humble kid. He's really good. I was impressed with him on the ice. It was nice to meet him.
NYI: On August 28, as a restricted-free agent you signed a two-year extension contract with the Islanders, how much of a relief was it to have that resolved heading into the season?
AB: It was a relief. We were talking and things got going about two months ago. It makes you nervous a little bit nervous just not knowing really what's going on. Your agent is talking to Lou and he was talking to me. I'm happy it's done. I think my agent and Lou did a great job getting this done before camp. That's what we wanted. That's what I wanted. Some RFA's are still sitting at home. They're not where they should be. I'm happy it's done for me. It was a relief when it got done.
NYI: Following a 28-point (18G, 10A) season and your first taste of the playoffs, what are your goals heading into this season?
AB: I just want to take another step in my game. I feel like I'm ready. I feel like my mind is in the right place. I had a great summer. My body feels great. I'm just ready to go. It's an exciting time of the year come training camp. When you get to New York. I'm really excited to see everyone and join on the ice. It's always fun.