Hage, 18, is a prospect on the fringe of the next NHL draft. Expected to be picked in the first round of the upcoming draft, he is known not only for his on-ice achievements but also, and more importantly, for his strength of character, having gone through an extremely challenging year.
Originally from Mississauga, Ontario, the young forward left home at a young age to join the Chicago Steel in the USHL. In addition to living far from his family and excelling, the young man faced a difficult ordeal last July during a day of celebration that ended with the death of his father, Alain, who drowned during a family gathering.
LNH - Repêchage 2024 : De l'adversité à la tonne pour Michael Hage
Despite the terrible tragedy, Hage quickly returned to training, aiming not to forget the event but to regain a sense of normalcy.
Hage has faced adversity throughout his young career. Besides being away from his family and the tragic death of his father, he has also had physical challenges. A shoulder injury forced him to end his camp on the first day of his first season with Chicago. However, he came back stronger in his second year, as his coach Mike Garman mentions.
Hage indeed had a remarkable 2023-2024 season. After being limited to 13 games in his first campaign with Chicago, he finished fifth in the USHL in points this season with 75 points, including 33 goals, in 54 games.
His story has touched many people at the recent combine, including Nashville Predators' Quebec scout Jean-Philippe Glaude. In a recent appearance on BPM Sports, he recounted on air (around 7min30sec in the link below) how the meeting between the Predators and the young man went in Buffalo at the beginning of June.
BPM Sports - Les entrevues du Combine: évaluer l'amour du hockey et le désir de gagner
With his strength, perseverance, and leadership (he is the captain of his team), there is no doubt that the team that picks him will have an exceptional player in their ranks. The Canadiens could indeed have a chance to select him, as many predict he will be chosen in the second half of the first round. Perhaps the Montreal club will be lucky enough to see him slip to the 26th spot...
Credit : HABSolumentFan
Une horrible tragédie a bouleversé la vie de Michael Hage
POLL | ||
JUIN 22 | 608 ANSWERS A terrible tragedy has struck a potential future player of the Canadiens What should Kent Hughes do with the 26th overall pick, in your opinion? | ||
To draft | 80 | 13.2 % |
Trade it for a player | 185 | 30.4 % |
Trade it to move up in the 1st round | 319 | 52.5 % |
Trade it to move down | 24 | 3.9 % |
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