The 16-year-old defenceman added muscle over the summer, spending plenty of time in the gym and on the ice as he prepared for his sophomore season with the Petes.
“Lots of training in the gym, five times a week, on the ice, eating a lot of food.”
That added size is something Perreault believes will help him compete at a higher level, while the work he put in on the ice should give him another weapon to bring to the Petes blue line.
“Obviously getting bigger as well. Don’t get pushed around as much. So just adding that size and that speed, that’ll really help me. And honestly, playmaking, helping my teammates and trying to be a leader on and off the ice.”
Perreault finished his rookie season with five goals and 25 assists for 30 points in 65 games, and now he returns with a year of OHL experience under his belt.
That experience has also brought confidence.
“Yeah, I feel very confident. I’m a lot bigger than last year. So yeah, honestly, confidence is key in this league and I feel really confident going into this year.”
He also knows the expectations around this Petes group are high.
The team has added a mix of young players and veteran leadership, and Perreault sees an opportunity to do something special.
“We got a good group here and we’re going to do something special this year.”
And when it comes to what that means, Perreault was clear.
“We expect the championship and nothing less.”
After a summer spent getting bigger, faster and stronger, Perreault heads into Year 2 with confidence and a clear idea of what he wants to help the Petes accomplish.
