Thomas Bordeleau kills two birds with one stone by participating in the American League All-Star Game.
First of all, the San Jose Barracuda forward has had the chance to see his family for a rare time this season. Then, he had the opportunity to play at Place Bell for the first time.
“It’s even more fun to play in the all-star game because he is with us, mentions Thomas Bordeleau. It makes my participation even more special.
“Even though I won’t have much rest, I’m happy to have been selected. It’s nice to be rewarded for the season I know, but I have to give credit to my teammates.
His coaches told him the good news hours before a game.
“I didn’t have much reaction, says Bordeleau. I was in my zone and I was focused on my part which was coming. I informed my parents, who were very happy. »
Before arriving in Quebec, Bordeleau had a busy schedule. He played Friday and Saturday games against the Abbotsford Canucks at home. After the second game, he took an overnight flight to Montreal. He arrived in time for the skills competition.
Follow the plan
In his first full season as a professional, Bordeleau is doing very well: he has 29 points in 45 games on the clock with the Barracuda.
Even if the Sharks are having a difficult season in the NHL, the Quebecer has not yet had the right to a recall, a situation that does not frustrate the principal concerned.
“They have a plan for me, underlines the selection of the second round of the Sharks in 2020. I focus on what I have to do on the ice and I try not to think too much about a possible recall.”
It’s the same for William Eklund, the Sharks’ first choice in 2021. He hasn’t had the chance to play an NHL game this season, despite the big club’s setbacks.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, the situation could change for the two young hopefuls. The Sharks could trade some veterans for draft picks, and that could open the door for them. A file to follow…
A taste
At the end of training camp, the 21-year-old took part in the Sharks’ European tour. In the end, he didn’t play a single match. Disappointment? Not really.
“Me and Ekky (Eklund) knew we would be sent to the American League during the trip. In Berlin, we were taken out of the line-up. Same thing in Prague. We knew what was coming.
“We had a discussion with Mike Grier (general manager of the Sharks) in Prague. He wanted us to continue our development in the AHL.
“Being cut at the same time as Eklund helped me a lot. I was able to share this moment with someone else. It helped me decompress.”
