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Blue Jackets goaltender Pascal Leclaire is participating in his first world championship tournament with Team Canada. He has been rotating starts with Carolina goalie Cam Ward and has posted a 3-0 record with a 1.33 goals against average and a shutout.
He is expected to back up Ward on Wednesday as Team Canada faces Norway in the quarterfinals. Coach Ken Hitchcock said he would probably stick to his rotation, meaning Leclaire might start Friday in the semifinals if Team Canada advances.
Leclaire spoke to Puck-rakers by phone on Tuesday:
Q: What has the world championship experience been like for you?
A: “It’s been a lot of fun. Anytime you get to represent your country it’s a big deal, especially here in Canada. We’re the main event right now with no Canadian team left in the playoffs. The focus of the hockey fans are turned on us. It’s been pretty cool.”
Q:: What has it been like playing the bulk of the tournament in Halifax, where you spent three seasons in junior hockey?
A: “To come back to a place like this has been a lot of fun. I’m very close to my billet (host) family. I’ve talked to them quite a bit and had a few dinners with them. I’ve also hung out with some friends. I like to come back every few years here. The whole set up has been a win-win situation.”
Q: Have your parents, who live in Quebec, been able to see you play?
A: “They saw us play the exhibition games in Quebec City and if everything goes as planned and we win our quarterfinals game (in Halifax) they will join us again in Quebec City.”
Q: Coach Ken Hitchcock said he plans to stick with his goaltender rotation system. That mean you would play in the semifinals if the team advances on Wednesday. Are you excited about that prospect?
A: “Hopefully I will play again, but I haven’t got any scoops for you. All I know is (Cam) Ward is playing (in the quarterfinals.)”
Q: Are you happy with your personal performance?
A: “With each game you become more comfortable. I’m happy with the way I’ve played but we have such a good team that it makes my job a little easier. We play teams with different styles than we’re used to playing in the regular season. The European teams play a trap game all the time, but it still has been fun.”
Q: Is it a different kind of pressure playing for your country as opposed to your club team?
A: “I prepare myself the same way. You grown up watching the world juniors and world championships in Canada so you want to represent your country well. It adds a little pressure, but it’s fun pressure. With all the fans behind us, it’s not hard getting up for the games.”
Q: Your teammate Rick Nash is playing on Canada’s top line with Dany Heatley and Ryan Getzlaf. How do you think they have played?
A: “Rick has been great. That line is producing quite a bit. They are special players who have gotten used to each other really quickly. They have been our go-to line no doubt.”
Q: How about Jason Chimera? He’s on a checking line with Patrick Sharp and Jamal Mayer.
A: “Jason may not be on the score sheet (one assist in six games), but those guys do all the dirty work and kill the penalties. They are a huge part of our team, too.”
Q: Who have you enjoyed getting to meet?
A: “I’ve gotten to know Cam Ward pretty well and he’s really a down-to-earth guy. There are a lot of big names here, but not big egos. Most of the guys are young so we grew up playing together. We’re really in good spirits. Jason is just as loud with this team as he is in Columbus. In that way, it makes it feel like home.”
Q: Is coach Ken Hitchcock any different as coach of Team Canada?
A: “He’s the same as ever. Obviously we’re getting to the more serious part of the tournament so everyone is trying to pick it up. But we’re just as well prepared as always. It’s good to have our coach here.”
Q: Some international teams added NHL players who had been eliminated from the playoffs to their lineups. Team Canada did not do that, Hitchcock said, because you guys made a commitment from the beginning and the coaching staff wanted to honor that commitment. Your thoughts on that decision?
A: “I thought it was the right decision. We continue to grow closer as a team. We’re a tighter team than we were 10 days ago. I think the chemistry has been good from the start, especially knowing this was going to be our team.”