From striker to defender: the crucial choice of Zachary Lessard
Zachary Lessard went from striker to defender in time to say it.
Share June 6, 2020 12:40 p.m. Updated at 1:34 p.m. Share From striker to defender: Zachary Lessard's crucial choice
Jérôme Gaudreau La Tribune Zachary Lessard qualified as a defensive striker upon his arrival in the bantam AAA class. But two years ago, the Phoenix's first selection at the 2020 auction made a critical decision by trying his luck as a defenseman to then break through the Chateauguay Grenadiers roster and finally become a 2nd round pick in the QMJHL.
“In my first year in the AAA bantam, I didn't necessarily have the scorer instinct yet. I had good defensive qualities and that's what allowed me to stand out. So I decided to become a defender. I made my place the following year in the midget AAA by integrating the top 3 with the Grenadiers in defense and today, I am honored to be the first choice of the Phoenix. I'm happy to have been chosen in the second round, but I was especially hoping to find myself in a great organization like the one in Sherbrooke. ”
The 15-year-old right-hander finished his first season with the Grenadiers with 12 points, including 11 assists in 37 season games. The QMJHL recruiting support center ranked him at the end of the 3rd round, in 54th place. Selected in 37th place, he did not have to wait all this time surrounded by his family at the family home.
“It's an incredible day for me. I will remember this all my life. I may not be at the Palais des sports de Sherbrooke as expected, but I am having some wonderful moments with my family right now. I got an interview with the Phoenix and the team seemed to like me and I liked the organization too. I am proud to have made this accomplishment. For me, it's a feat to have been drafted so quickly just two years after becoming a defender, ”continues Zachary Lessard.
The latter considers using his speed and his vision to get out of the game.
“I see the game better as a defender. I don't have a big build, so I have to use my speed. I took good advice from my midget AAA coaches. I had always been a striker, but the transition was natural. I have offensive experience and I sometimes use this aspect to contribute to the attack, but I am above all a defensive defender ”, clarifies Zachary Lessard, happy to be part of an aspiring team for top honors, a once again.
“I know there are positions available on the Phoenix blue line and I want to make the jump to Major Junior as quickly as possible to participate in the success of my new team,” said Lessard.
