Jake Evans gets it

MONTREAL -- We tend to view most journeys to professional sport as a linear path. And for some, particularly those blessed with an abundance of talent, that's the case.

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But for the vast majority of prospects, it's anything but a predetermined route.
Plans are made and plans are broken. That's the harsh reality of pro sports.
It's not just a matter of being talented, or even having the honor of hearing your name called in the first round of the NHL Draft.
That's simply not enough.
It takes focus. It takes hard work. It takes determination. And most importantly, it takes a realistic approach to your ascension to the best hockey league in the world.
It takes a player like Jake Evans.
Evans is quick to admit that he isn't the fastest player on the ice, nor the most talented, but with the proper organizational support and a patient approach, the 207th pick of the 2014 Draft hasn't just outshone his draft-day projections, he's become the blueprint for the next generation of Canadiens prospects hoping to one day achieve their dreams.

"When I got to the AHL, I was getting burned," said Evans. "I realized I needed to change things up. I'm not some superstar who will always be on the power play. I have to always earn my ice, earn my game. The path I've taken has helped me be ready for the NHL."
But for Evans, the journey started well before he arrived in the AHL. Yes, he improved his hockey skills during his very successful NCAA tenure with Notre Dame, but the most important lesson took place outside of the rink.
With one brutally honest sentence, Evans explains the value of a patient approach.
"I was a mama's boy... a baby," he explains. "I lived the easy life, I needed to grow up. Thankfully, I grew up a lot in college."
But patience isn't enough.
You must be able to check your ego at the door, especially if you're competing with players that have a similar skill set.
"Being accepting of constructive criticism is key," said Evans. "You can't always think your way is the best way. Other people around you will have good advice, and you can follow their lead."

Fortunately for Evans, he had the benefit of learning from one of the most adored players in the hockey world, a player that would serve as the perfect example of what it takes to make it to the NHL.
"Alex Burrows is more than a coach for me," said Evans. "He's a mentor, a good friend. He's always chatting with me and helping me out. There were some times in the AHL when I was pretty frustrated, but he was always the first one to talk to me, to guide me in the right direction. Whenever I was struggling, he was quick to remind me good things will come. There were also times when I was playing really well and I was frustrated that I didn't receive the call-up, and he just kept saying, 'Keep going, your time will come.' He's passionate, he brings a lot of energy.
"He just cares so much about the game and his players too. He's such a great coach to have. All the guys love him and love what he brings to the team."
Much like Burrows, Evans is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Montreal.
It's not entirely due to his play on the ice, either, though most would be quick to point to his intelligence and versatility as reasons why Evans has been a coaching favorite throughout his hockey career.
Simply put, Evans gets it.
He gets that he's among the few that will experience the highs and lows that come with the honor of playing for Les Glorieux.
"Every time I step on the ice, especially with the crowd, it's….just such a cool moment," said Evans. "It's a great organization to be part of, and the city is so passionate about their players and their team. It's such a great privilege and opportunity."

The passion went a step further in the playoffs, where Evans learned the importance of the symbiotic relationship between fans and players.
"It was just...crazy, the whole city was going nuts," said Evans. "You love to see it. It's a really good feeling to know you made a lot of people happy, a lot of people excited, especially during the dark times involved with COVID. Bringing joy to people, to a city, to a province and to a country was as good as it gets."
And while Evans was elated to help bring some life back to the city that runs on joie de vivre, he also drew inspiration from the legions of supportive fans following the illegal check that knocked him out of the playoffs.
In a particularly cruel twist of fate, Evans could hear the excitement following Canadiens wins from his balcony, which was adjacent to the Bell Centre, but was unable to do what he does best; help his team win.
Fortunately, the tremendous support from his girlfriend, Emily, along with the encouragement offered by Canadiens fans worldwide, was enough to power him through his latest challenge.
"I received so many messages," said Evans. "The support I was given by family, friends, teammates and fans, really helped get me through some dark times. We have the best fans in the league because they get hockey. They're passionate. They're not bandwagon fans. They're always there and they always care."