Photo of Logan MaillouxPhoto credit: The Score

TVA Sports journalist, Nicolas Cloutier, revealed several interesting stories in an interview last night regarding Logan Mailloux and Arber Xhekaj.

Regarding the Sheriff, he mentioned that Arber Xhekaj did something incredible for him during an interview:

As for Logan Mailloux, however, it’s a less pleasant story.

Did Laval Rocket veterans cross the line with Logan Mailloux?

As reported by my colleague Cédrick Gervais of Marqueur, Mailloux was practically bullied by some teammates.

In any case, that’s what many consider.

While recounting how Jean-François Houle, the former head coach of the Laval Rocket, was sometimes almost too direct in interviews, Nicolas Cloutier mentioned this:

«He said he was surprised when Houle confessed to him that the veterans had sent a message to Logan Mailloux. They were fed up with seeing their teammate arrive late to practices, so some players on the team allegedly cut the laces of his skates to make him understand that this kind of behavior is unacceptable in the AHL.»

Wow. So, there were indeed actions like this directed at Logan Mailloux.

Here is his exact statement:

«Last year, I really enjoyed covering the Rocket and talking to JF Houle. This might be news to people, but JF Houle was incredibly candid during interviews. So much so that I wondered if it would bother the Montreal Canadiens management.

I remember one time when he told me that the veterans were sending a message to Mailloux because he was arriving late to practices. They were cutting the laces of his skates, etc. I was like, ‘why are you telling me this?’»

– Nicolas Cloutier, TVA Sports

He added that JF Houle was really good with Logan Mailloux and helped make him a true professional.

«The guys went after him a couple of times. I think it wakes you up as a player. […] He learned his lesson.»

– Jean-François Houle

It worked in Mailloux’s case, but let’s say it’s rather questionable and disappointing as a method coming from his teammates.

Hopefully, Logan Mailloux can secure a regular spot with the Montreal Canadiens as early as this season!