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Several people raised their eyebrows when the Montreal Canadiens drafted young LJ Mooney 113th overall in the last NHL Draft.
At 5-foot-7, critics once again thought the Habs had wasted another draft pick on a project. But since then, Mooney has made quite an impression.
He showcased the extent of his talent at the Canadiens' recent development camp and silenced many doubters.
An Unexpected Experience for LJ Mooney
By his own admission, Mooney didn't know what to expect when the Habs called his name at the last NHL Entry Draft.
However, he thoroughly enjoyed his experience at the development camp held in early July.
LJ Mooney on life as a Habs prospect:
"I didn't know what I was getting into before that but after I got drafted there, I was so excited to get up there. Once I got up there, it was awesome. The fans, the staff, everything. I love it there so much."
- LJ Mooney
"I didn't know what I was getting into before that but after I got drafted there, I was so excited to get up there. Once I got up there, it was awesome. The fans, the staff, everything. I love it there so much."
- LJ Mooney
The 18-year-old will play next season with the University of Minnesota in the NCAA after spending the last two seasons with the U.S. National Development Program.
He recorded 23 and 28 points in 32 and 26 games, respectively, over those two seasons.
In recent days, Mooney was invited by Team USA to participate in the Summer Showcase, which is essentially a tournament to prepare for the World Junior Championship.
His coach for the event, Bob Motzko, had nothing but praise for him.
Drawing Inspiration from Lane Hutson
Asked about his small stature, Mooney said he draws inspiration from the skeptics.
His only goal is to prove them wrong.
Mooney also has the best example right in front of him, as he wants to draw inspiration from none other than Lane Hutson.
"Obviously, he's exceptional.
I saw him play with the U.S. National Development Program. I saw the moves he was capable of making.
He didn't change after that.
In college, he dominated and he's still incredible in the NHL."
"It's so great to have been drafted by the same team," the center continued.
"People doubted him [because of his size], just like they did with me, so it's pretty cool to be with him."
- LJ Mooney
I saw him play with the U.S. National Development Program. I saw the moves he was capable of making.
He didn't change after that.
In college, he dominated and he's still incredible in the NHL."
"It's so great to have been drafted by the same team," the center continued.
"People doubted him [because of his size], just like they did with me, so it's pretty cool to be with him."
- LJ Mooney
Having a role model like Hutson in the organization that drafted him will certainly motivate the American even more to silence his critics.
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