How Jakub Dobes Earned the Adoration of Laval Rocket Fans

The Montreal Canadiens goaltender prospect set a new team record in his rookie season.

Despite the team failing to clinch a playoff spot, there was a lot of good to take from the Laval Rocket's season. One of the positives came from between the pipes. 

Jakub Dobes spent two seasons with Ohio State University in the NCAA before turning pro and signing a two-year entry level contract with the Montreal Canadiens. In his two years with the Buckeyes, he maintained a 42-28-5 record, 2.29 goals against average, and .926 save percentage in 75 games. 

His pro career was off to a rocky start. After his first 12 American Hockey League (AHL) appearances, he had 3-5-2 record, 4.51 goals against average and .864 save percentage. He had .900 save percentage in four of those appearances. 

The low point came on December 2nd, when was pulled less than four minutes into the game after allowing three goals on four shots against the Abbotsford Canucks. 

Just like a light switch, Dobes completely turned his season around from his next start and finished the year as a key piece in the Rocket's playoff push. In his final 39 games, he won 21 times, and maintained a .900 save percentage in 30 contests. 

"The first month and a half wasn’t really great but I was a rookie on a real young team and it happens. I’m not really disappointed that it happened. I’m proud of it and it was fun for me to learn and going through a struggle. I'm still really young in my career so I feel that was a big key for me to be a better hockey player," Dobes said at the end of year media availability. 

Looking for the Apple Podcasts link? Click here!

"I think it was good that it happened that I needed to struggle and I need to find my feet again. I’m really proud of myself for going through it and being able to be consistent and having a good season. I feel like the season was very beneficial for me to be a better goaltender."

The Canadiens fifth round pick, 136th overall in 2020's NHL entry draft credits hard work that he put in with goalie coach Marco Marciano for the turnaround. 

"Dobes," Jean-Francois Houle quickly answered when asked about which rookie on the team stood out to him. "The way he started, it wasn’t easy and he showed a lot of character to recover. It’s the hardest position of hockey. To do what he did, is something. Going from where he started and that’s credit to Marco Marciano that works with him a lot more than I do. He’s come a long way."

The coach showed confidence in Dobes by giving him the majority of the starts in the final stretch. The 22-year-old finished the season with 2,867 minutes of ice time, which placed him second in the AHL and set a new Rocket record, shattering Cayden Primeau's mark of 2,409 minutes from 2022-23. 

"I have a big summer ahead of me. Next year, I need to be a leader, even more than I was. Maybe, I was the most improved player but now it’s time to go," said Dobes responding to the coach's statement. 

"Next year if I play in Laval, or Montreal or wherever I am, I need to play from game one and make sure the consistency in the team is there. I need to be a big key part of the team. Without good goaltending, you can’t go far. I will have a good summer, come back stronger and be ready from the start."

The fans visiting the Place Bell embraced Dobes for his play on the ice and his personality. After the final horn of the final game of the season, he grabbed the microphone along with captain Gabriel Bourque to thank the fans for their support. 

"I love the fans here so much. I was really upset that we didn’t make the playoffs for many reasons but one reason is that I’m not going to play at home in front of those fans for 3-4 months. That’s the saddest thing. Not seeing all those great fans for months. I’m going to miss it for sure. I’m glad we can get some rest but also I cannot wait to play hockey here at home," expressed Dobes. 

 A hockey-centric fan base like the one of the Montreal Canadiens isn't for everyone. This goalie uses it as motivation. 

"I love the passion from everyone. That’s what makes me wake up every morning and enjoy hockey even more. I love it. In the U.S., hockey is not as big. Here. it’s the only thing they talk about. It just makes me feel real special and I do appreciate it and everything that comes with it. The positive, the negative, I take it," said the Czech Republic native. 

"I’m unbelievably glad that I can be part of Laval and Montreal and I’m just really excited for the future."

Be sure to bookmark THN.com/Montreal for year-round coverage of the Montreal Canadiens, Laval Rocket, and Habs prospects playing in leagues around the world.