Alex Belzile, the 34-year-old assistant captain of the Laval Rocket, posted a career-best 62 points, including 29 goals, in 66 games this season. The forward led the North Division's top team in scoring while achieving his best physical testing results in five years with the Montreal Canadiens organization. The Rocket clinched first place in the division for the second straight year and await their playoff opponent.
Belzile expressed no surprise at his performance. “I’m not really surprised,” he said. He credited his ongoing improvement to passion for the game. “Every year so far, the season I’m having is better than the previous one, so I don’t see why that would stop,” the Rivière-du-Loup native stated. He emphasized his love for hockey as key to staying motivated at his age, noting that he loves coming to work every day unlike some peers who slow down with time. This season marked his best physical results compared to prior years in the organization, contributing to his efficiency on the ice. The Rocket finished atop the North Division again under head coach Pascal Vincent, whom Belzile praised highly. “Pascal does an incredible job,” Belzile said. “Last year, the Rocket finished first in the league, and this year we’re once again among the top teams. He deserves a lot of credit for that.” Belzile returned to the Canadiens system ten months ago after two years with the New York Rangers organization. He had previously spent five seasons with Montreal, playing 44 NHL games and captaining the Rocket. The team will start playoffs next week against the winner of the best-of-three series between the Toronto Marlies and Rochester Americans, currently tied 1-1. The decisive game is set for Sunday afternoon. Belzile is excited for postseason play. “I wouldn’t say the real season starts now, but in a way, that’s when real hockey is played,” he said.
