Ice hockey – Charles Hudon: « I felt that Lausanne really wanted me »

The Lausanne HC formalized this Friday the engagement of Charles Hudon. As announced since Wednesday morning, the former Montreal Canadiens striker (26 years old, 127 NHL appearances), especially aligned by the Laval Rocket in AHL during the past championship (35 points in 46 matches), signed a contract on binding for a season at the Vaudois club. He gave us his first impressions, before heading to Zug, where he will make his debut in the Lions jersey in the evening.

Charles Hudon, we can imagine you are happy that this transfer carried out in a particular context was successful.

Yes! And it is true that last weekend was eventful. With my family, we flew straight away (editor’s note: in the night from Saturday to Sunday) to avoid the quarantine that came into effect on Monday. There was a risk, since nothing was signed with Lausanne. But in the end, everything is settled and I’m happy to be able to be on the ice with the team.

You signed a one-season contract with no release clause for the NHL. How to interpret it?

My head, today, is in Lausanne. We will see what happens in the future. I always think of the NHL. But I move forward from day to day and here I am concentrating on Lausanne.

When did your first contact with Petr Svoboda date?

We got in touch a little before our arrival in the bubble for the resumption of the NHL championship in July. I had asked to wait until I could see more clearly about my future in North America. But Lausanne is a team that spoke to me from the start. I felt she really wanted me. It did me good to hear that.

Did Mark Barberio play a role in your arrival?

We talked a lot. I had played with him back then in St. John (editor’s note: from 2015 to 2017). It’s fun he’s here. He will be able to help me integrate myself.

Why are you a player who can perform in Europe?

I have already played on rinks of this size when I was a junior in Chicoutimi (editor’s note: from 2010 to 2014). It’s familiar to me. I like having the puck. In power play, I will have more time. Overall there is more space. We will see, from this Friday evening. It may take a while for me to adapt, but I felt good on the ice this week in training (editor’s note: since Tuesday).