Wouter Peeters became the second Belgian to be drafted to the NHL, when the Chicago Blackhawks selected him with the 83rd overall pick in this year's draft. He knew there was a possibility he could get drafted, but didn't expect it so early.
− There were some expectations that I could get drafted in the sixth or seventh round. But not this early, not at all, Peeters said.
He also mentioned some of his other favorite memories in hockey thus far.
− Last year we made a lot of great road trips overseas to the USA and Canada. Another great memory is my first training with the championship A team in Austria.
Peeters participated in the Blackhawks' development camp in July.
− It was really nice. All the players over there were really good, really skilled and fast. Some big names. I got to meet the coaches and staff. I think it was really good for me to go there, so I can make the step to the next level.
He moved to Salzburg at the age of 15 and played with their junior teams for the past three seasons.
− During the first year I improved a lot on technical stuff and skating. The second year I improved my game, started to read the game better and be more square to pucks. Last year I just played a lot of good games.
Peeters sees some differences between the Finnish and Austrian junior hockey in terms of style of play. He says that the Finnish junior league is faster and harder, more physical. The Austrian is softer. But the Austrians are also really skilled, for example in Salzburg.
Moved to Jokerit for this season
Peeters signed a two-year contract with Jokerit in May. He answered in a determined manner when asked about the main reasons behind the decision.
− I want to become a pro, go to the NHL some day. It's my dream. I was getting stuck in Salzburg with the second team. Finland has a very good reputation for goalies. I wanted to get good goalie practice which I get here. And a lot of games if I become the team's first goalie. The move was something I really needed to become better.
Peeters played in four games for Jokerit U20 at the Junior Club World Cup in Russia in August, registering 2.76 goals against average and a .899 save percentage. The team finished fourth, being the second Finnish team to play in medal games in the tournament history.
− We handled it pretty well. It was the first time for many players to play against different teams than in Finland. In my eyes we played pretty good games. We just got a little tired at the end of it.
He also told me about his strengths, as well as areas he wants to work on.
− My strength is I can move well on my feet. I can use my size well. Lately I have started using my hands more, so that's something that's improving. I want to improve on everything. More skating, be faster, direct the pucks better and read the game better.
For goalies, it's always important to play a lot of games, and Peeters knows what he wants to achieve with Jokerit U20 this season.
− My biggest goal is to become the first goalie of this team, which would mean to play many games and get better. Practice well and have good games. If we can become the champions that would be great.
