Community Moment | Darveau shares his knowledge with the next generation

Nathan Darveau is one of the top goaltenders in the QMJHL. But he’s also an excellent coach, who has made it his mission to pass along his knowledge to many young hockey players.

Last October, he even acted as a replacement for the goaltending coach at Collège Clarétain, in Victoriaville, when the latter had to undergo surgery.

The 20-year-old netminder was able to coach young Mathéo and Olivier for around ten practice sessions. Overall, Darveau’s experience with the two U12 goaltenders lasted close to one month.

“We had about 15 to 20 minutes to ourselves before the team’s practices to do specific exercises for the goalkeepers,” Darveau recalls.

The Tigres’ goaltender remembers being quickly impressed by the enthusiasm and the strong work ethic of his two protégés.

“We had a lot of fun together! I think they were very happy that I was there with them. I’m very happy to be able to give back to the kids,” says the athlete born in Rouyn-Noranda. “When you’re 11 years old, you’re so happy to have an older goalie come and give you advice and work with you. And since they had come to see several Tigres games, they knew me already. It made that first contact much easier!”

“They’re very interested in the goaltending position and were eager to learn. They are two excellent netminders and two very good people. It was a pleasure for me to teach them everything I had learned since the beginning of my career!”

On the daily menu were skating drills, deflected shots, screened shots and movement in the crease. The experience brought back fond memories of Darveau’s youth, including when he himself had the chance to meet his idol of the time, Samuel Harvey, who was playing for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies back then.

Nathan Darveau is the first to admit that his desire to get involved and give back to his adopted community reflects some of his family values.

“I think it’s very important to get involved in the community. That’s the way my parents raised me, and I know how important it is to have good role models growing up,” he stresses. “When you’re younger, it’s always impressive to meet a major junior player!”

The Tigres goaltender is now a veteran coach, having also shared his knowledge at several hockey schools in his native Abitibi in the past. In fact, he hasn’t rejected the idea of making a career out of it one day.

“It might be a good option for me to stay in hockey after I’ve finished my career. I really enjoy teaching the younger generation of players. The best part is that the kids still have so much to learn,” says the man who was named CHL Goalie of the Year last season.

Darveau makes no secret of the fact that he will always be ready to work with young goalkeepers and offer them his services in the future.

“No doubt! If someone calls me to go and work with kids, I’m always available!” he added with a smile.