Qualicum Beach’s Connor LaCouvee has made a solid impression during a brief stay with the Montreal Canadiens organization.
The goaltender, who played in the B.C. Hockey League for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and Cowichan Valley Capitals, recently signed a pro tryout contract with the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket, the top farm club of the Montreal Canadiens.
RELATED: Qualicum Beach goalie LaCouvee joins top farm club of the Montreal Canadiens
On Jan. 5, the 24-year-old backstop picked up this third win in as many starts with the Rocket, making 28 saves in a 2-1 win over the Rochester Americans. Lacouvee was named the game’s first star.
" I'm just having fun right now! " – Connor LaCouvee pic.twitter.com/mZ7t2fXIJr
— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) January 5, 2019
In his three games with Laval, LaCouvee sports a stellar 1.68 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage.
On Jan. 2, he earned the victory, making 19 saves as the Rocket beat the Belleville Senators 4-2.
His first win came Dec. 28, when he made 22 saves in a 4-2 win over the Charlotte Checkers 4-2.
Premiere victoire dans la Ligue Americaine pour Connor LaCouvee! |
First win in @TheAHL for @ConnorLaCouvee pic.twitter.com/bpVnan4tzM
— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) December 29, 2018
LaCouvee was loaned by his ECHL team, the Maine Mariners, to the Rocket just after Christmas when the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens recalled Laval goalie Michael McNiven to replace injured star Carey Price.
His future with the Rocket remains in limbo, given the impending return of usual starter Charlie Lindgren, but LaCouvee has certainly boosted his stock.
🔥🔥🔥 @ConnorLaCouvee pic.twitter.com/v41vBtfIYP
— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) December 29, 2018
This is LaCouvee’s second stint in the AHL this season. In November, he was loaned to the Vancouver Canucks affiliate team, the Utica Comets, Oct. 29, where he played three games, making one start. LaCouvee posted a 2.87 goals-against average and an .877 save percentage.
The ECHL Mariners signed LaCouvee out of Minnesota State-Mankato, where he finished his NCAA career with a 1.80 GAA and a .914 save percentage. He also spent three seasons with Boston University.
— NEWS Staff
