Bozon drafted by Canadiens

He thought he might be selected earlier in the NHL Draft, but Kamloops Blazers’ forward Tim Bozon was excited about being picked in the third round by the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, June 23. 

Marty Hastings/KTW

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Tim Bozon of the Kamloops Blazers was surprised he didn’t go earlier, but happy to be selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round, 64th overall, at the NHL Draft in Pittsburgh on Saturday, June 23.

“For sure I was expected to be drafted between 25 and 50, so I was a bit disappointed but, when you look at the end, it doesn’t matter,” said Bozon, who will attend a development camp in Montreal this week.

“Montreal is one of the best and [most] popular teams in the world. It’s an amazing feeling to be part of this organization.”

Bozon had a formidable rookie season in the Western Hockey League, finishing the 2011-2012 campaign with 36 goals and 71 points in 71 games.

He led all WHL rookies in goals and was second in points.

Bozon, 18, has a United States passport, having been born in St. Louis during his dad Philippe’s tenure with the Blues.

The Blazers’ forward also has a passport from France — Philippe was born in Chamonix —  and considers himself French.

He speaks four languages: English, French, German and Italian.

Being fluent in the language of love will give him an early leg up with the Francophone Montreal public and media.

“I really like the people in Montreal,” Bozon said.

“They are really nice and have a real passion for hockey.”

Bozon is looking forward to being reunited with his Blazer linemates, Colin Smith, who was drafted in the seventh round by Colorado on Saturday, and JC Lipon.

“I’m looking forward to progressing and [getting] better and stronger, but I’m really looking forward to [winning] the league with Kamloops,” Bozon said.

“We will have a great team with more experience.”