Junior Lessard overcame adversity early in the season. Out of action for a month with a broken collarbone, he said that the time that he sat out has been a blessing in disguise for his professional development.
“Trying to find yourself and develop as a player is very hard when you have a set-back,” Lessard said. “I got away from doing what I was trying to do earlier in the year. It gave me a chance to be successful. I’ve been really keeping it simple.”
As a 25-year old on an Iowa team filled with younger players, Lessard’s age and brief call up to the NHL have made him something of a leader on the Stars squad.
“It is only my second year and I’ve tried to lead by example,” Lessard said. “One thing I’ve learned this season is to be professional. You are not going to feel good every night.”
Lessard continued: “I am more vocal this year. I’ve been helping the younger guys and giving them a little bit of advice when I can.”
Director of Hockey operations for the Iowa Stars, Scott White, said he felt Lessard has really made an effort to improve on defense this season.
“To Junior’s credit, he has done whatever it has taken to understand the defensive zone coverages,” White said.
Lessard agreed.
“My defensive play is obviously something I was able to improve on after I played another year. I worked on my defense by getting the puck out of the zone. I think Dave Allison’s help made me play better at this level… Early in the season, I was kind of trying to find myself, and I came back and set new goals and started to get refocused on getting the puck out of the zone. Coach Allison has put me in critical defensive situations and I’ve responded.”
Lessard credits some of his growing maturity to his increasing understanding of the game.
“Last year (in Houston) was a great learning experience for me,” Lessard said. “I wasn’t sure what the league was like. You learn how to deal with things like traveling. After the second or third straight game, I would feel pretty bad. Maybe it’s a little bit of psychology and experience at this level, but I feel good every night now.”
- Jason Blasco
