Pierre-Luc Dubois: a useful separation
So goes Pierre-Luc Dubois, Winnipeg Jets. It’s a statement that fits well with the season the Quebec forward is currently experiencing.
Dubois was exceptional in the first half of the season with 49 points, including 20 goals, in 44 games. It also has a differential of +9.
His contribution put the Winnipeg Jets in first place in the Central Division ahead of the Dallas Stars. The Quebecer could not have asked for a better scenario as he will be looking for a new contract at the end of this campaign.
When we asked him a question, we sensed a certain discomfort in him. This is normal. He doesn’t want his contract situation to bother him during his perfect season.
Watch Pierre-Luc Dubois’ interview with JiC in the video above.
“When a player is 17 years old and he’s in his draft year, we say it’s the biggest season of his life. All chapters are important.
“Whether I have a one-year contract or an eight-year contract, I have one goal, and that is to win a Stanley Cup. It’s like any other season for me.”
stability
Since the beginning of his career, Dubois has been searching for that famously elusive consistency. This season he is on point.
Barring a major injury, he should surpass his season-high 61 points in his second season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. A proper director has higher goals.
“I always want to be a better player,” Dubois said. I know what level I can play and be the player I think I can be.
“I don’t set any limits for myself. My goal is to play 82 games. 82 matches is a long time. It’s not easy to be persistent.
“On the other hand, I took another step in my consistency this season. I try to find a way to help my team win every night, no matter how I feel. At this level, I took a step in the right direction.”
Useful separation
During the Canadian’s visit to Winnipeg last November, head coach Rick Bowness decided to separate Dubois and Kyle Connor.
At the time, Connor was struggling to find the back of the net and Bowness was looking for a way to get him back. You have to believe that the head coach is right. Dubois and Connor are back together and they’re on. Nikolay Elers enriches the duo.
“A center has to be able to help everybody on the ice, whether it’s defensemen or wing players, which I’ve never played with,” Dubois said.
One thing is for sure: if he continues to play the way he has, he will silence the naysayers. The Jets will be chasing big rewards and his next contract will be amazing.
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Although he no longer lives permanently in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Pierre-Luc Dubois is still attached to his part of the country. He proved it on Monday by launching his foundation to help underprivileged youth in his area.
In short, it borrows from the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation, which has raised more than $1 million over the past 20 years. Dubois could have opened in March 2020, but the pandemic hit hard. Donations and sponsors will fund the purchase of hockey equipment that will be loaned to youth in particular need.
“When I lived in Rimouski, I had the chance to participate in Vincent Lecavalier’s tournament. He was one of my favorite players, said Pierre-Luc Dubois. I learned about the tournament as well as how good a person Vincent is and how he’s a good influence. It has helped me throughout my life.”
For foundation president René Gagnon, Dubois was the perfect ambassador.
“He’s a great communicator,” she said. He wants to be involved and keeps up with our events. He always asks what else he can do. This is an example of perseverance that has always worked hard. It is very valuable to have a person of this quality.
find the right way
For several years, Dubois had been looking for a way to give back to his community. He wasn’t sure in what form he could do it.
“Hockey, I know how much it can make kids laugh,” he said. I also know how expensive it can be.
“It can be difficult for disadvantaged youth to play organized hockey.”
He remembers long evenings spent at the outdoor skating rink at Parc Arthur-Buies in Rimouski. He has fond memories of it.
“I spent many evenings in this place. We played for hours. I arrived by bus at 17:00, ate and was on the ice with my friends at 17:30.
“I used to play with underprivileged youths. Some came with old wooden sticks. The moment I liked the most was when all the young people left the square with a smile.
“Hockey can bring a lot of things. The goal of my foundation will be to help as many young people as possible.”
The first activity of the Pierre-Luc Dubois Foundation will be a golf tournament on July 13 at the Club de Golf Bic in Rimouski.
