The Montreal Canadiens’ development camp wrapped up on Thursday, and on day three, fans were treated to two mini-games between Team Red and Team White. The competitive level was relatively high, and the first game ended in a 2-2 tie while the second finished 2-1 thanks to a Tyler Thorpe game-winner seconds before the end of the game.
A few players stood out for me, Thorpe being one of them, and not only because he scored a pair of goals, one in each game, but also because of his size. At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, the right winger moves well, and he’s not afraid to use his big frame, all the while showcasing some skills and a scoring touch.
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At the opposite end of the spectrum was LJ Mooney. At 5-foot-7 and 162 pounds, the diminutive winger still managed to stand out. He plays a solid game and isn’t easy to take off the puck; he plays with a lot of heart and determination, a bit like Brendan Gallagher, really, but the skills package he has is even more impressive. On top of shining on the ice, the youngster also went to speak to Francis Bouillon after the game and asked him what he should be doing as a small player. The development coach told him:
You are aware of your strengths and weaknesses. When I was playing, I didn’t want to allow anyone to tell me I wouldn’t play because I’d get beat one-on-one. Just focus on the right things, and work hard. It’s a player who impressed me with his speed, but also with his spirit and energy. He’s not a player who’ll stay on the outside; he goes in, goes to the net, wants to create chances.- Francis Bouillon on LJ Mooney
During the games, he caught my eye as he seemed fearless, fearing no one and nothing.
I was also impressed by Aatos Koivu’s play. While he wants to make his own path and name, in the shootout after the game, he gave everyone who saw his father play an absolute blast from the past, recreating one of Saku’s best moves. His skating and hands were impressive during play, as were his decision-making and reaction time; he seems to have a high hockey IQ. At 6 feet and 163 pounds, he will need to put on some muscle to be able to pull the same kind of moves in the NHL, but the talent is there.
Tel père, tel fils :)
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 3, 2025
Like father, like son#GoHabsGopic.twitter.com/kyVGZhd7EG
Koivu and Mooney are still some time away from turning professional in North America. Still, if they continue to develop in the right way, they will be very entertaining to watch.
Photo credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
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