Maine Hockey Journal

Gelinas impressed future employer

Lewiston, ME – There is no reason for Eric Gelinas to have his head down. The 18-year old defenseman was just returned to the Maineiacs after having a stellar camp with the New Jersey Devils.

Eric Gelinas “They (New Jersey) told me that I had a good camp and I had to go back to juniors with my head up,” said Eric Gelinas. “He (Devils GM Lou Lamoriello) didn’t say anything specifically to work on; he just wanted me to be the hardest worker on my team, everyday, every practice, and every game.”

While at New Jersey’s camp he learned a new trick to his trade and took advice from two veterans.

“I think how to think before you get the puck and make your decision before you get the puck,” mentioned Gelinas. “Jay Leach who played in the American Hockey League last year and also Colin White were the two defensemen who were talking to me the most.

Gelinas did keep up to date with his teammates in Lewiston while he was practicing with the big boys.

“I got to watch the first game against Chicoutimi,” stated Gelinas. “I was talking to them on how the team was and what needs to be worked on.”

He met up with his teammates in Montreal on Friday to suit up in his first regular season contest of the year. Although recording an assist, he had to get readjusted back to the speed of the QMJHL.

“I don’t think it’s the way we want him to play this year,” said Maineiacs head coach Don MacAdam said after the game on Friday night.

Gelinas believes he will be fine after a game or two.

“I would say nine out of ten players are going to have difficulty with the (QMJHL) speed,” Gelinas said.

“You are use to always having a player on you and making your play really quick. The players are more skilled over there (New Jersey camp) and it’s much easier then the Q.”

Gelinas hasn’t set any personal goals for this season, but wants to the team to have a bounce back year.

“I don’t want to set individual goals. I just want to play my best, work hard, and do whatever I can to help this team to win. We had a losing team last year and I don’t want that to happen again. I will do whatever I can to get some wins.”

Gelinas was one of two Maineiacs to be invited to an NHL camp as Samuel Finn attended the Colorado Avalanche camp.

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