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SUMMER SPOTLIGHT: SAM LABERGE

SUMMER SPOTLIGHT: SAM LABERGE

Jul 12, 2024

Sam Laberge, the 27-year-old from the province of Quebec, is known for his formidable work ethic and team-first attitude. The two-time Humanitarian of the Year award winner during his time in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Rimouski Oceanic has played professional hockey since the 2017-18 season, beginning with the Texas Stars of the AHL. Last season, Laberge skated in his 3rd year as a Comets forward, totaling 59 games, six goals, and 13 assists.

Laberge may be best known to Comets fans for his dramatic overtime game winner during the first round of the 2022-23 playoffs against the Laval Rocket after he deflected a pass from defenseman Simon Nemec past goaltender Cayden Primeau to propel the Comets into the second round. With that great moment in his resume, he achieved another goal that is the dream of every single hockey player when they first put on skates— to play in the National Hockey League.

During last season, he got an NHL contract and suited up twice for the New Jersey Devils. It was his life’s work coming to fruition. As Laberge looks to improve on last year’s incredible year, he heads into the summer with the knowledge of what he needs to do to give himself a shot at once again jumping to the NHL.

 

Describe how last season went for the Comets from your perspective. Obviously, the team fell short of its goal and I am sure there was great disappointment in the room.

Laberge: Yeah, we were disappointed that we didn't make the playoffs. It was pretty sad because I think we're all playing for that... we all know that those are the best moments of the year. When you go to the playoffs, it's a different game. It's kind of a new season and we're pretty much playing our whole season to have a chance to get into those playoff and and win the Calder Cup.

 

You signed an NHL contract with the Devils last season and then made your NHL debut. Can you describe for us what it was like to sign the contract and what the experience was like making your debut for the New Jersey Devils?

Laberge: It was amazing, you know, really a dream come true. It was so special that I could experience that with my parents and family... they gave me so much to get where I am today. It was pretty amazing and special to live that dream with them. The solo lap was such a good experience and I'll remember that day for the rest of my life.

 

Last season, you played on a line with Filip Engaras and Nathan Legaré. The three of you were highly effective bringing energy to the team the crowd, scoring, and defending. Can you tell us about the chemistry between the three of you?

Laberge: I think we're role players and we try to bring energy to this team. We play a really simple game, but I think we're efficient.

 

Tell us what you usually do in the summer in order to prepare for the following season. I am sure you have highly competitive skates back home in Quebec. What does the typical training schedule look like for you as you plan your return for next season. 

Laberge: I train four times a week in the gym. We do a lot of work that focuses on our explosiveness— clean, deadlift, squats. In the beginning of the summer, I'm on the ice two times a week and bump that up to three by the end of the summer. When we get close to to [training] camp we have a nice league on Wednesday with a couple of pro guys. It's pretty busy, but it's always fun to skate and train back home. 

 

Lastly, every player needs time away from the rink and the gym in order to recoup and get energized for the following season. What do you do to relax? Do you take any vacations or just hang out at home?

Laberge: We definitely do need some time at the end of a year to relax a little bit both mentally and physically. It's a combination of being at home and spending time with my family and things outdoors like biking and golf.

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