Photo credit: Island Images
The 2024 NHL Draft is set to take place on June 28 and 29 at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nev. NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings include 10 players that played in the BCHL last year.
Leading up to the draft, we will share interviews with the prospects about the draft process and a variety of other subjects.
The BCHL’s 2024 NHL Draft coverage is presented by Chevrolet.
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JJ Monteiro entered the BCHL as a 17-year-old last fall and immediately made a positive impact with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
The Hudson, Mass. native put up 19 goals, 14 assists and 33 points in 54 games in the regular season and represented his team at the BCHL All-Star Tournament and Top Prospects Game. He then followed that up with a strong playoff performance with 12 points in 18 contests.
He accomplished all of this while also dealing with the added pressure of it being his draft year as he was included on all three Central Scouting lists this season.
We caught up with Monteiro to discuss his rookie year in the BCHL, his thoughts on the draft and more.
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BCHL: You were able to come into the BCHL as a 17-year-old and have an impact right away. How did you manage to do that?
Monteiro: I just had confidence from good preparation and hard work from the offseason. I think that everything I did this year came from the work and time I put in. The more work and time you put in, you just keep getting better.
BCHL: Your team went on a run to the Interior Conference Final for the second year in a row. What can you say about the group you had this year and postseason you had?
Monteiro: It was an awesome group. All regular season, we were just waiting for the playoffs. We worked really hard all season and battled every week. [In the playoffs], I feel like our team just really bonded. We thought we could get the job done and we came very close. We all really believed in each other and trusted each other. That was the first time in my life where I’ve been on a team that close. It was awesome to be a part of.
BCHL: If you were speaking to an NHL general manager or a scout, how would you describe your game to them?
Monteiro: I would describe myself as a high-energy forward with a good motor. I’m always battling and competing for pucks down low. I stay on the walls for the breakout and I play with pace. I do a good job of finding my teammates as well. I have a nice shot. I’m a good skater. I have a high compete level and play with high energy. I just do what it takes to win.
BCHL: What would it mean to you if you end up getting drafted?
Monteiro: It would be a true honour, especially with the hard work and dedication that I put in over the years. I just hope a team takes a chance on me because I know I won’t disappoint. Hopefully, I make it to the NHL one day.
BCHL: Once your junior career is over, you are committed to play at Providence College. Why was that school the best fit for you?
Monteiro: I think it was just the staff. The coaches have been unbelievable to me and my family. They support me and always push me to be better. They also tell me what I need to work on. Providence has produced so many good players and won national championships, so I thought it was the perfect fit for me.
