Unknown to many, the Living Sisu hockey league ended in Mount Royal on Tuesday with the presence of four Montreal Canadiens players, including the darling Juraj Slafkovsky.
The Slovak, CH’s first overall pick at the amateur auction, was the focal point of this final won by the squad of Nick Suzuki and Josh Anderson, with a sublime one-handed breakaway goal ahead of Michael McNiven.
Hockey fans flocked to see the 2022 draft child prodigy in action in a cramped, crowded room weeks before training camp, and his attendance helped organizers raise a total of $5,526. $ for the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation of Canada.
One of the promoters of the project, goalkeeper Zachary Fucale, says mission accomplished. Living Sisu, a “sports and well-being platform that offers unlimited all-in-one lifestyle access”, is snowballing by bringing together professional players – including several Quebecers – and thus makes it possible to support a worthy cause.
“We raised $5,500 by playing this summer in a three-on-three league for professionals at Hockey Etcetera. It was a competitive environment and, in addition, we did good by giving back to a good foundation that is close to our hearts.
Good words for Slafkovsky
Slafkovsky was under scrutiny, as fans haven’t seen him play since the Habs made him the first overall pick at auction. Paired with compatriot Filip Mesar
(another first-round selection for the Canadiens), he demonstrated on the small stretch of ice that his mobility and his incredible sense of the game promise great things for years to come.
Fucale had just finished his duel, the stake of which was third place, when he could see the young man being applauded copiously by the crowd at several of his appearances.
“He’s a big guy with a lot (of talent). Everyone can’t wait to see his skills in Montreal.”
New York Rangers forward Julien Gauthier, who has played with Alexis Lafrenière since the Blueshirts made him the very first pick in 2020, was Slafkovsky’s teammate in the KW Sports and Entertainment clan. He agrees with Fucale.
“He is a very good player who is still young. He was super nice to us. He has great skills. Honestly, he will be a very good player for the Canadians.
Fucale on mission to Washington
The 3-on-3 season now over, Fucale will soon have the opportunity to fight for a No. 2 position in the Washington Capitals’ camp for next season. An unexpected scenario, certainly, but the 27-year-old doorman could never have been so close to the goal.
“It’s very exciting for me. Every year is important to me, especially at this stage of my career,” said the former Canadiens prospect.
Photo credit: Martin Chevalier / JdeM
A surprising combination of circumstances meant that Ilya Samsonov did not receive a qualifying offer from Caps and that Vitek Vanecek was sold to the New Jersey Devils over the summer.
The No. 1 goalie tag now belongs to Darcy Kuemper, the Stanley Cup winner recruited from the controversial free agent market in Colorado, and management wanted to add some depth in net by hiring Charlie Lindgren for supporting him.
“For sure there are new faces and (a goaltender who won the) Stanley Cup, but for me it will be very exciting to arrive at camp and I have a great summer. I’m really looking forward to getting started and having another good season to keep climbing.”
Undrafted Clay Stevenson is also part of the equation, but Fucale (1-1-1, one shutout) proved last year that he’s up to the challenge, as demonstrated by his efficiency in .924 in four games.