Making his case
Islanders captain Pierre-Olivier Joseph looking to earn spot on Team Canada
Pierre-Olivier (P.O.) Joseph has witnessed the excitement of a world junior hockey tournament. Now he wants to experience the heavily followed event first-hand.
The Charlottetown Islanders captain attended the tournament with his parents two years ago to watch his older brother Mathieu play for Canada when the championship was in Toronto. Joseph was able to watch a couple of the early games during the Christmas break before returning to the Islanders.
“It was pretty special, being a fan and cheering for him,” Joseph said.
Now the defenceman has a chance to wear the Maple Leaf at this year’s competition in Vancouver from Dec. 26-Jan. 5.
The trip two years ago has given Joseph a sense of the atmosphere that surrounds the tournament, which has become a family tradition to watch in many households across the country.
“Being in the stands and being on the ice are totally two different things,” Joseph said.
“Just the energy that the crowd was giving (the team), it was just something special and I want to feel that for sure.”
Joseph is one of 34 players from across the country who left Monday for Victoria, B.C., to take part in the Sport Chek selection camp, which runs from Tuesday to Friday.
The roster includes three goalies, 19 forwards and 12 defencemen.
Being invited to the camp is only a step along the journey that Joseph hopes results in the boy born on Canada Day in 1999 playing for his country.
Twelve players will be cut to get down to the final 22-player roster.
“Nothing is done, and I still have a lot to do. I can’t wait to go there and play some hockey,” the personable 19-year-old Chambly, Que., native said Sunday outside the Islanders dressing room. “Obviously, there’s a lot, a lot, a lot of great players out there. That’s why it’s the best under-20 (tournament). It’s going to be a fun battle.”
His brother, in the midst of a strong NHL rookie campaign with the Tampa Bay Lightning after a four-year junior career with the Saint John Sea Dogs, has told him to play his game as it is the only thing he has control over.
“This is exactly what I’m going to do, just go there and prove who I am,” the younger Joseph said.
Joseph is ready to accept whatever tasks the coaching staff, which includes Islanders head coach Jim Hulton as an assistant coach, designs for him.
“I know you’re going to have a different role, seeing all the other great players out there. No matter what your role is, you just have to respect it and play 100 per cent.”
Joseph played in a milestone game Sunday, suiting up for his 200th contest as an Islander in a 2-1 loss to Halifax.
Fans at the Eastlink Centre applauded as the achievement and his Team Canada involvement was announced during the second period of the |game.
“I owe everything to this organization,” Joseph smiled. “I love this place. It’s home now.”
But he also understands the business of the sport and the possibility he could be moved during the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League trade period, which runs from Dec. 16-Jan. 6. Players participating in Hockey Canada events are unable to be moved until after the tournaments.
Joseph is unsure what will happen.
“I’m a player, so I’m not in the conversation at all,” he said.
“I’m just trying to be here and enjoy everything with the guys and (not) think about that. Just go on the ice, compete and if something happens, something happens.”
The Islanders have proven during the past month they can compete
and beat some of the league’s best.
Team officials have said the club would consider both moving players or adding pieces during the trade period but doesn’t have the assets to be overly aggressive like it did two years ago.
Joseph was asked Sunday if he felt the team was capable of winning without adding big pieces for the stretch run.
“I feel like we always surprise everyone, so why not do it once again?” he said.
“The core in this group, the chemistry here is just crazy.”
“I owe everything to this organization,. I love this place. It’s home now.”
Pierre-Olivier Joseph