Montreal Canadiens prospect has refused to report to the team, leaving the QMJHL for the BCHL.
Mikus Vecvanags, an 18-year-old Latvian goaltender, appeared to be pursuing a professional hockey career. After a few years of playing in junior levels in his home country and Sweden, he appeared like he might finally get a shot for some upward mobility.
Mikus Vecvanags was drafted from HS Riga in the fifth round (134th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens.
However, before beginning his career in the QMJHL, this young goaltender made a brave decision. Mikus Vecvanags reportedly declined to report to the Titan Acadie-Bathurst. As a result, he was left off their most recent club roster, raising the possibility that he had turned his back on more than just the Montreal Canadiens.
Mikus Vecvanags has not decided to retire from the sport, however. Instead of playing in the QMJHL, he will goal for the Brooks Bandits in the BCHL next season, rather than the Blainville-Boisbriand as originally planned. At 6’3″ in a lower division, he may outperform many of the competitors. Yet, his unavailability to the Montreal Canadiens could prove problematic for his NHL future.
Hopefully, this will not present too mich of a hindrance for all parties involved.
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