 |
| Yaniv Perets during his midget days with Lac St. Louis (photo by Rob Amyot, The Suburban) |
October has been a very busy month for Quinnipiac hockey not only on the ice with a 5-0 record so far but on the recruiting trail as well with four new verbal commitments picked up in the last month. The most recent of those commitments is Yaniv Perets, a Montreal native playing in the New England region for the Junior Bruins (NCDC). Perets is off to a strong start with a 12-1-0-1 record with a 1.90 goals against average and a .944 save percentage in 14 games played. He is set to enroll at Quinnipiac for the 2020-2021 season. I had a chance to catch up with Yaniv for a Q&A on his recent commitment, his hockey development among other things. Thanks to Yaniv for taking the time out of his busy schedule to do this.
@QHockeyBlog: First off congratulations. What are your emotions like after making this decision to play NCAA Division I hockey at Quinnipiac?
Yaniv Perets: I can't even explain them. I am just happy and fortunate to be going to such a great program like Quinnipiac. It has always been a dream of mine so I am truly excited and just speechless.
@QHockeyBlog: Tell us about your overall recruiting experience? Has Quinnipiac been following you for awhile?
Yaniv Perets: The recruiting process has been over several months, I visited the school over the summer. They have been out to watch several games in person or online as well during that period. It has been a good experience since they have always been honest and respectful.
@QHockeyBlog: What other NCAA schools showed interest in you and what separated Quinnipiac from those other schools?
Yaniv Perets: There were some other schools that had expressed interested, but I believed Quinnipiac was the best fit. After visiting the school during the summer, I just fell in love with the campus and facilities. Quinnipiac also has a rich history of moving on players to the next level and are also a team with a winning culture with great hockey and education combined.
@QHockeyBlog: You are currently with the Jr. Bruins but previously played for Brockvillle in the Central Canadian Hockey League (CCHL) at the beginning of last season. What went into the move to continue playing junior hockey in the United States as opposed to Junior A in Canada?
Yaniv Perets: When I got the opportunity to play with the Junior Bruins I had to take it. My goal was always to play NCAA Division I hockey and the Junior Bruins have a long history of moving players on to that level. I have been extremely happy ever since joining the Bruins.
@QHockeyBlog: Many players from Quebec choose to go the major junior route. You weren't one of them. What were some of the reasons you chose this path towards NCAA hockey instead of the QMJHL?
Yaniv Perets: I was always a believer in the college path over major junior. Often those who go the major junior route are done at the age of 20 years old, while those in college just start their career at 20. The college path provides great education and hockey. If hockey does not end up working out, I have a degree to fall back on. Also, a player has a lot more time to develop their game in college hockey. There are so many more reasons but those are a few that came to mind.
@QHockeyBlog: You see players from other Canadian provinces go to the NCAA route but that number is not as high with Quebec kids. What do you think is the reason for that? Is it the language barrier?
Yaniv Perets: I think the language barrier is definitely one of the reasons. A lot of players who don't speak English very well just don't see themselves studying in an American college.
@QHockeyBlog: You grew up in a suburb of Montreal and I saw a YouTube interview when you were in Brockville that you are a Canadiens fan. Was it a bit weird putting on the Jr. Bruins uniform knowing it’s very similar to the Boston Bruins uniform?
Yaniv Perets: I actually never thought of it that way until you mentioned. I don't believe it's weird at all as when I play for any team, I am proud to wear their jersey no matter where I am from.
@QHockeyBlog: You are teammates with fellow Quinnipiac commit Cam Boudreau. Did he play any factor in your decision to commit to Quinnipiac?
Yaniv Perets: Maybe a little since he has had nothing but great things to say about the program. He is also a fantastic player, which exemplifies the talent the coaching staff is bringing in.
@QHockeyBlog: Tell us about about your overall game in between the pipes. What are some of your strengths and what are areas that you think you can improve upon?
Yaniv Perets: As a goalie I've always believe that there is room for improvement in every aspect of ones game. I believe some of my strengths can include my technique and mental toughness.
@QHockeyBlog: Your set to enroll for the 2020-2021 season. Between now and then what do you want to improve upon prior making the collegiate jump? Would getting stronger be an area you need to work on?
Yaniv Perets: As I said before as a goalie I believe one can improve in every aspect in their game. Getting stronger is definitely an area that I will look to continue to develop along with getting faster and developing my game so I can be an impact player every day.
@QHockeyBlog: Is there a player that you try To model your game after?
Yaniv Perets: I watch a bunch of goalies and try to take bits and pieces of their game that I like. If I had to choose one, I would say Carey Price. Being from Montreal, I grew up watching him. I love how calm and composed he is in his net and how technically sound he is. I look to add some of those characteristics to my game.
@QHockeyBlog: Speaking of Montreal. As I fan of the Boston Bruins, Montreal is obviously our biggest rival. I'm not sure sure there is an atmosphere as good the Bell Centre for a game especially when they play Boston. I have experienced it. Would you agree?
Yaniv Perets: Yes, I would agree. I have been extremely fortunate to go see a couple games when the Bruins have played the Canadiens at the Bell Centre. There is nothing like it, the atmosphere is insane.
@QHockeyBlog: How much have you been able to follow the Canadiens this season? Did you know that former Quinnipiac star Matthew Peca is on the team?
Yaniv Perets: I have been following the Canadiens season very closely. Yes absolutely, I knew about Matthew Peca when he was in Tampa Bay so I was happy to see him join the Canadiens.
@QHockeyBlog: To this point in your life who has been your biggest influence or role model to help you get this opportunity to play Division I NCAA hockey?
Yaniv Perets: I would say my parents. They have always been supportive. Since day one, they have been there through the highs and lows.
@QHockeyBlog: Tell us what type of person the Quinnipiac community will get in Yaniv Perets on and off the ice?
Yaniv Perets: Someone who loves hockey and is ready to show up to the rink every day ready to work and ready to learn. Off the ice , I am a very approachable and sociable guy.
@QHockeyBlog: Off the ice what do you enjoy doing when you are not playing hockey?
Yaniv Perets: I don't really play any other sports besides hockey but I do enjoy watching some movies or television shows. I enjoy hanging out with some friends as well.
You can follow the BobcatsHockeyBlog on Twitter @QHockeyBlog.
No comments:
Post a Comment