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Nonetheless, for the first time in three decades, since his playing days in junior hockey, September has arrived without Bouchard preparing, or participating in, training camp. Perhaps that has created a void, but Bouchard always has been able to adapt and adjust to various situations. This one’s no different.
“There’s not much that fazes me. It’s just the reality. I deal with facts and reality,” he said. “This is what we have to deal with. Let’s make the best of it. I’ve never really been down. This (pandemic) is something incredible that’s happening worldwide. I’ll be ready when things start again.”
But that’s the thing nobody can guarantee with any certainty. While there has been speculation NHL teams will begin training camp in November with the hopes of starting a new season Dec. 1, this is far from etched in stone. While the Canadiens, due to health restrictions, might be able to continue in an all-Canadian division, Laval is one of only four AHL teams in this country, along with Belleville, Toronto and Manitoba.