Sky’s the limit for Julien

Jacob Julien couldn’t have scripted a better ending to his junior hockey career.

The 20-year-old Winnipeg Jets prospect played a prominent role in bringing the Memorial Cup back to his hometown, capping off a terrific playoff run by scoring in the winner-take-all game as his London Knights beat the Medicine Hat Tigers earlier this month.

“It’s what you dream of,” Julien told the Free Press on Wednesday in a telephone chat. “You grow up watching London win the Memorial Cup a couple times and then to actually be a part of it and win it yourself with your team, I couldn’t be happier.”

Julien finished the four-team tournament with four points (2G, 2A) in five games after racking up 19 points (6G, 13A) in 17 earlier playoff games as London ultimately claimed the Ontario Hockey League championship. Being a point-per-game player at the most important time of the year would suggest Julien was able to find another gear.

“Playoff time is crucial, so to be able to help any way I could, that’s all I was trying to do,” said Julien, who was also a key part of the leadership group as an alternate captain. “Whether it was offensively or defensively.”

There’s no question Julien is one of the more intriguing players in the Jets pipeline. The left-shooting centre has plenty of size — he’s six-foot-four and 190 pounds — along with some serious skill. After being selected by Winnipeg in the fifth round in 2023, Julien had a monster 2023-24 campaign with 78 points (29G, 49A) in 67 regular-season games.

London is also an NHL development factory, led by veteran head coach Dale Hunter and general manager and owner Mark Hunter. The Knights made it to the Memorial Cup last spring but ultimately fell short. Second time turned out to be the charm.

At first glance, Julien’s stats from this past year might suggest he took a small step backwards, as he had 54 points (11G, 43A) in 65 regular-season games. However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. His role changed on a loaded London team, with less top line and top power-play work. More defensive responsibilities also came his way, which he embraced.

Essentially, Julien became a better two-way player which should help serve him well going forward.

“I think I got off to a bit of a rockier start than what I wanted. To be able to look back and play well throughout the playoffs at the end of the season, I was really happy with how it ended,” he said.

“To be able to look back and play well throughout the playoffs at the end of the season, I was really happy with how it ended.” =Jacob Julien

He was in constant communication with the Jets organization, specifically Jimmy Roy and Mike Keane who work in player development.

“They’re the best development guys in the league,” said Julien. “They were around the rink and texting with me, just making sure I was always doing well and doing what I needed to do.”

Julien also kept in close touch with a pair of fellow Jets prospects competing in the OHL — 19-year-olds Kevin He (Niagara IceDogs) and Kieron Walton (Sudbury Wolves).

“We texted each other quite a bit over the year. Win or lose you gotta always say ‘Hi’ to the other guys,” he said.

Julien admitted there were plenty of emotions on display following the Memorial Cup victory as he said goodbye to his teammates for the final time.

“After the final game everyone was excited but it’s a sad thing, right? To be able to end it on a win was obviously a tremendous opportunity that we had. I couldn’t ask for a better way to go out,” he said.

Now, the focus turns to his pro career. Up first will the Jets development camp at the Hockey For All Centre which is slated for early next month. Then it will be on to training camp in September and likely starting things off with the Manitoba Moose.

“After the final game everyone was excited but it’s a sad thing, right? To be able to end it on a win was obviously a tremendous opportunity that we had. I couldn’t ask for a better way to go out.” =Jacob Julien

“Super excited for the next step. I’m going to be able to develop well wherever I play. I’m ready to go,” said Julien, who signed a three-year, entry-level contract this past March with an average annual value in the NHL of US$925,000.

Obviously the NHL is the main goal, but having the AHL club under the same roof as the big boys is a blessing.

“It creates a great atmosphere all the time. To be able to be around the NHL guys, the veterans and all that,” he said.

Julien hasn’t touched his equipment since capturing the championship, wanting to take a bit of a breather following a gruelling campaign. He’ll get back on the ice soon, with a continued focus on improving his skating and also his defensive zone play.

“I think we played 90 games in total. But with the group we had, everyone worked hard and got it done. It was so exciting and fun to come to the rink. The games kind of flew by,” he said.

“It’s a little bit more condensed of a summer. But we’ll have a good summer and get ready for the season.”

Although he had his own busy schedule to focus on, Julien admitted he was keeping a close eye on what was happening with the Jets this season and was captivated by all that occurred — especially in the playoffs. That only increased his hunger to get to Winnipeg.

“It was electric,” he said. “I was watching when they scored with two seconds left (in Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues) and I almost jumped off my couch. They had a great season, and to be able to come into the organization now, I’m really excited.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg