Getting to Know Falcons’ Audy-Marchessault

The Springfield Falcons have certainly been a team everyone that follows AHL hockey talks about this season. When the NHL season did not start on time, the Falcons benefited from a few talented players that would have been playing with the Columbus Blue Jackets otherwise. Although the NHL season has picked back up, the Springfield Falcons are still finding success. A big part of that connects back to the season that second year pro, Jonathan Audy-Marchessault, has been having.

Although you won’t be noticing him for his size, you can’t miss the skill that the 22 year old Quebec City native displays on the ice. The puck seems to follow him around the ice and he always seems to know just what to do with it. That is probably a big part of the reason that Audy-Marchessault has found himself on the AHL All-Star roster for both of his professional seasons. JAM, as he’s known in Springfield, answered some questions for us here at The Pink Puck.

Pink Puck: You were named to the AHL All-Star Classic for the second straight year. How does that feel?

Jonathan Audy-Marchessault: Obviously it’s a good feeling. To go to the All-Star the second year in a row, you’re probably doing something good. So I think I’m on a good path and I’m pretty honored to get to go back there. It’s pretty good.

Pink Puck: Having taken part in the All-Star Classic last year as well, are you planning on approaching the weekend any differently?

JAM: Not differently, but I know what to expect and what we’re going to do. So, it’s cool knowing that going in. It’s a fun weekend to get to go there and see some of the other guys from the league.

Pink Puck: Given the choice, would you want to do the same events as last year or switch it up for the Skills Competition?

JAM: I think I did good last year and I was happy with it. Obviously I would like to be shooting the puck. Maybe it would be good to showcase some of my other game as well and try out different events.

Pink Puck: Going back to your time in juniors with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL is there one moment that really stands out?

JAM: Probably my playoff run during the last season. We had a good run and made it to the semi-finals. My last game, we lost and it was sad. But it was a good moment for me and to say goodbye to the fans.

Pink Puck: How did you enjoy playing there overall?

JAM: I grew up in the area, it was my hometown. So I got to live at home still for most of the time. My family was able to at almost every game and that was really special.

Pink Puck: How would you describe your style of play?

JAM: Obviously I’m not a big player, but I think I’m a fast skater and I have a good shot. I’m able to produce offensively and make my teammates better on the ice.

Pink Puck: Who has been your biggest influence in your career?

JAM: Patrick [Roy] was a good coach for me. I played for him for four years with the Remparts and he was a good influence. He was a good winner. He was a really passionate about the game. I think the assistant coach from the Remparts and the assistant coach in first pro year with the Whale helped me really develop my game. They were really there for me and there for my confidence in times I was doing badly as well as times I was doing well. They were good for me.

Pink Puck: Playing in New England, you don’t have a lot of long road trips, but what do you absolutely have to have with you on the road?

JAM: I need my cell phone and iPad the most. I don’t go out at all really, so I stay in the hotel room with those and just relax.

Pink Puck: If you weren’t playing hockey, what would you be doing?

JAM: I think I would be a teacher. I like kids and I always liked physical education in school. When I was young, I liked history and geography a lot too. So maybe I would teach one of those three.

Pink Puck: Last, but not least, everyone in Springfield seems to have taken to abbreviating your name to JAM. Is that something new or has it been following you around?

JAM: It actually started when I was 16 or 17 years old. The radio guy from the Remparts just pulled that name out one game and it really stuck. Last year in Connecticut it started dying a little and nobody really used it. But this year with Springfield, our trainer Ralphie has really been bringing it back and everyone is calling me JAM again.

Make sure you check out the action from the AHL All-Star Classic this weekend if you get a chance. Also, big thanks to Jonathan Audy-Marchessault (@AMarchessault18) for answering our questions.

Photo Credit: Springfield Falcons