JUNIOR"C" is where it all began...
Nadia Roy & Christian Levac - 10/22/2009

- EOJCHL SUCCESS STORY -

 

       EOJCHL alumnus Francis Wathier played his first NHL game with Dallas Stars when they travelled to face-off against Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, October 21. During that game, he had a total of 10 shifts and made 3 shots on goal.

       But it all began when Francis started his junior career playing for our own St-Isidore Eagles! Back then he was a shy 16-year-old, born and raised in St-Isidore, ON. But he worked really hard and was able to make the camp of the Gatineau Olympiques, after being noticed at the EOJCHL All-Star game back in 2000. He made the team as a defenseman, but was quickly transformed into a forward. He went on to have a great junior hockey carreer, winning a couple of league championships along the way. With the Olympiques, Francis played in 253 career games accumulating a total of 91 points.

 

       Francis' great work ethic and determination payed off and were the reason of his success. A first step to his life-long dream became a reality, when he was selected 185th overall by Dallas Stars in the 6th round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. For the last 4 seasons he's been playing in AHL with the Iowa Stars - last season he played 77 games with this club scoring 6 times and earning 10 assists.

 

       Francis has always been a great ambassador for our league. His story shows that sky is the limit when you have a dream, and hard work, courage and determination can get you there. We wish this great young man the best of luck and a career full of excitement! Dreams do come true... 

 

Check out an article on Francis in Le Droit

http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/sports/lnh/200910/20/01-913175-wathier-obtient-sa-chance-dans-la-lnh.php