Isles Assistant Captain Max Jardine Nominated for Humanitarian Player of the Year Trophy
On June 5, at the Le Bonne Entente hotel in Québec City, the QMJHL will present eight more Golden Pucks, the finalists of which are announced today.
Justin Carbonneau (Armada), Caleb Desnoyers (Wildcats) and Jonathan Fauchon (Océanic) are in the running for the Michel-Bière Trophy, given to the most valuable player to his team (MVP).
The trophies and their finalists are listed in alphabetical order:
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Émile-Bouchard Trophy
Defenseman of the Year
- Alexis Bernier, Baie-Comeau
In his third season in Baie-Comeau, the Seattle Kraken’s third-round pick in 2024 collected 14 goals (3rd among defensemen) and 32 assists for 46 points (6th) in 59 games. His +25 differential is also impressive considering that he was constantly facing the opponent’s best elements. His previous personal best was 31 points in a single campaign. - Ty Higgins, Rouyn-Noranda
In his fourth season in the QMJHL, Higgins set career highs with 19 goals, 48 assists and 67 points, in 63 games played. He led all defensemen in points, goals, power-play goals (9), game-winning goals (4) and shots (235), while finishing second in both assists and power-play assists (26). After picking up 156 points (45-111) in 208 games in the QMJHL, the Ontario native will pursue his career in the NCAA, with Bowling Green State University. - Xavier Villeneuve, Blainville-Boisbriand
Villeneuve finished his 17-year-old season second among all QMJHL defensemen with 62 points. He led them with 50 assists and 28 power-play assists and finished third with 176 shots. The creative blueliner, who ended the campaign with a +14 differential, is eligible for the NHL Entry Draft only in 2026.
Humanitarian Player of the Year Trophy
Community Involvement
- Maxwell Jardine, Defenseman, Charlottetown
Jardine has been heavily involved in his community through various initiatives, including Special Olympics PEI, where he launched a major partnership that raised $5,000. At the same time, Jardine participated in several minor hockey practices, offering support to young players and signing autographs. At Andrews Hockey Academy, he helped develop the teenagers’ sport skills and leadership qualities, while supporting the logistics of practices. He has also been involved in causes like Make-A-Wish, helping to promote and reach a goal of $10,000 to grant a sick child’s wish. With Crime Stoppers, he has participated in anti-bullying campaigns in schools. Jardine has also been active at minor hockey jamborees and other community events, where he has distinguished himself through his commitment and generosity. Finally, even in the off-season, he remains involved by supporting children’s hockey and baseball camps, participating in the annual Special Olympics Gala, and supporting the IWK Foundation. - Anthony Lavoie, Defenseman, Baie-Comeau
A finalist for the Humanitarian Player of the Year award in 2023-2024, the Drakkar captain has once again stood out this season. For the past three years, Lavoie has been involved with special education students, with a project he launched in January 2023 that has resulted in the distribution of nearly 30,000 healthy snacks and more than 500 hours of volunteering. His involvement goes far beyond this project: coaching at the Drakkar hockey school; participation in community events (golf tournament, autograph sessions, school activities); involvement in charitable initiatives such as Centraide and the project for young Hugo; mentoring of a group of youngsters with ASD; and making smile cookies. Lavoie has become an inspirational figure in the Baie-Comeau area, embodying the values of the QMJHL in the community. - Jacob Mathieu, Forward, Rimouski
The Océanic captain has stood out for his exceptional community involvement since his arrival in Rimouski at the age of 16. He has distinguished himself in several touching initiatives, notably with the Rimouski Health Foundation, by transforming hospital visits into pet therapy sessions and by launching a drawing contest whose works were worn on the Océanic players’ skates. He also participated in individual meetings with sick children. Mathieu was involved in the distribution of Christmas baskets, providing strong support to families in need during the holidays, and continued a reforestation project near the Colisée Fiancière Sun Life. Mathieu embodies a model of leadership, selflessness and maturity, both on and off the ice, making him an inspiring example for young people and a heartfelt ambassador for the Océanic.
Marcel-Robert Trophy
Student-Athlete of the Year
- Mathieu Cataford, Forward, Rimouski
The 19-year-old is named a finalist for the Marcel-Robert Trophy for the third year in a row! When he arrived in the QMJHL with Halifax, the right-winger chose to take on an additional challenge by continuing his studies in his second language, English. He quickly showed exemplary determination, maintaining an average of more than 95%. He is studying Business Administration at Saint Mary’s University and maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA, semester after semester. Mathieu follows a well-defined plan: after his bachelor’s degree in business administration, he wants to study kinesiology in order to eventually open his own training centre. The Océanic’s assistant captain was drafted in the third round by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. - Riley Mercer, Goaltender, Drummondville
The 20-year-old goaltender has chosen to continue his university career remotely through Memorial University, the institution of his native region of Newfoundland. Despite the demands of high-performance hockey, he maintains an impressive pace of three classes per semester. By the end of the 2025 winter semester, he has completed 18 university courses while maintaining an exceptional GPA of 4.0. Riley is a well-rounded and mature young man who sets clear goals and puts in the effort to achieve them. On top of excelling at school, his brilliance in the net for the Voltigeurs recently earned him a three-year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild. - Brayden Schmitt, Defenseman, Cape Breton
The Eagles’ assistant captain and 20-year-old veteran has had to overcome many personal battles, including a serious car accident at the beginning of the regular season. Rather than letting himself be defeated, he showed remarkable mental strength, getting back on track with determination. Both on the ice and in his studies, Brayden is a hard worker. Despite his forced absence during the first three weeks of the 2024 fall semester, he worked twice as hard and finished his courses at Cape Breton University with an average of nearly 90%. His commitment to school is not new: in 2022, he received the QMJHL’s Sylvain-Simard Award for standing out in his science classes. Schmitt will both study and play at Acadia University next year.
Michael-Bossy Trophy
Top Professional Prospect
- Justin Carbonneau, Forward, Blainville-Boisbriand
Carbonneau improved his personal best by 30 points this season, going from 59 to 89, to finish second in QMJHL scoring. The Armada’s #8 also ranked second in goals (46), power-play goals (16) and shots (326), and 8th with six game-winning goals. Carbonneau ranks 16th among North American prospects, according to the NHL Central Scouting. - Caleb Desnoyers, Forward, Moncton
Desnoyers ranked fifth in QMJHL scoring with 84 points (35-49), despite missing eight games. His average of 1.50 points per game was the second highest in the league. His +51 differential was good for third place, while he led the league with 11 game-winning goals. Excellent in the face-off circle, with a win rate of 63.7%, Desnoyers is ranked seventh among prospects in North America, according to NHL Central Scouting. - Bill Zonnon, Forward, Rouyn-Noranda
Zonnon was the second leading scorer of the Huskies’ powerful offense, with 83 points, good for seventh overall in the QMJHL. His 55 assists ranked him fifth, while his 27 power-play assists were the fourth most. Typically used on the wing before this season, Zonnon spent a lot of time at center in 2024-2025, taking part in 1161 face-offs (8th). He is ranked 31st by NHL Central Scouting among prospects in North America.
Michel-Brière Trophy
Most Valuable Player to his team
- Justin Carbonneau, Forward, Blainville-Boisbriand
Carbonneau improved his personal best by 30 points this season, going from 59 to 89, to finish second in QMJHL scoring. The Armada’s #8 also ranked second in goals (46), power-play goals (16) and shots (326), and 8th with six game-winning goals. Carbonneau ranks 16th among North American prospects, according to the NHL Central Scouting. - Caleb Desnoyers, Forward, Moncton
Desnoyers ranked fifth in QMJHL scoring with 84 points (35-49), despite missing eight games. His average of 1.50 points per game was the second highest in the league. His +51 differential was good for third place, while he led the league with 11 game-winning goals. Excellent in the face-off circle, with a win rate of 63.7%, Desnoyers is ranked seventh among prospects in North America, according to NHL Central Scouting. - Jonathan Fauchon, Forward, Blainville-Boisbriand and Rimouski
Fauchon showed exceptional consistency throughout the season, collecting 50 points in 31 games with the Armada, then 53 points in 33 games with the Océanic, en route to winning the scoring championship with 103 points (46-57). Fauchon became the 18th player in QMJHL history to record 50 points with two different teams in the same season. After racking up 273 points in 259 QMJHL games, the centreman will pursue his career with Providence College, in the NCAA.
Patrick-Roy Trophy
Goaltender of the Year
- Félix Hamel, Shawinigan and Blainville-Boisbriand
In 44 games (9th), Hamel finished with an excellent record of 30-11-1-0, ranking second in the QMJHL in wins. He also finished third with a .914 save percentage and four shutouts, and fourth with a 2.63 goals-against average. Hamel particularly shone with the Armada, with whom he earned a .916 save percentage in 22 games. - Riley Mercer, Drummondville
At 20 years old, Mercer seems to have saved his best campaign for last, finishing with a record of 27-15-2-2 in 46 games (7th) between the Voltigeurs’ pipes. He led the QMJHL with a .925 save percentage and five shutouts, while finishing third with a 2.53 GAA. Mercer recently signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Minnesota Wild. - Jacob Steinman, Moncton and Halifax
Used in 52 games (3rd) this season, Steinman posted a 29-16-4-1 record with Moncton and Halifax, finishing second in the QMJHL in GAA (2.41) and save percentage (.923). Steinman, who had three shutouts (5th), didn’t let his trade to Halifax shake him, as evidenced by his .917 save percentage in 22 games with the Mooseheads, who finished 16th overall. He will continue his career with the NCAA’s Bowling Green State University next year.
Ron-Lapointe Trophy
Head Coach of the Year
- Gilles Bouchard, Sherbrooke
Bouchard did a great job this season, leading the Phoenix to a surprising 5th place in the Western Conference, with a 33-25-2-4 record. It must be understood that the Phoenix did not rely on any stars, as shown by the fact that only two of its players collected more than 43 points. But Bouchard made the Phoenix a hard-working and gritty team, one that finished fourth in the QMJHL with an 81.4% efficiency on the penalty kill. - Sylvain Favreau, Drummondville
The Voltigeurs were expected to lose ground after winning the Gilles-Courteau Trophy in 2024, but it didn’t really happen. Drummondville remained a powerhouse, claiming top spot in the Western Conference with a 40-18-3-3 record for 86 points, third in the overall standings. The Voltigeurs were particularly effective on defence, allowing only 174 goals (second). - Gardiner MacDougall, Moncton
MacDougall led the Wildcats to a franchise record 53 wins and 108 points, collecting 84.4% of the points available this season. No one has done better across Canada! The Wildcats also led the QMJHL in offence (294 goals for) and defence (144 goals against), as well as penalty kill efficiency (86.4%). Coaching a team full of star players requires a special touch, and that’s what MacDougall has provided this season.
Sidney-Crosby Trophy
Rookie of the Year
- Lucas Beckman, Goaltender, Baie-Comeau
Even though he was in his first season, Beckman led all QMJHL goaltenders with 31 wins (31-18-2-0). He also finished third in save percentage (.914) and shutouts (4). His goals-against average of 2.65 was the fifth lowest in the league, and he was the second-most used goaltender with a total ice time of 3058:09. Beckman is ranked second among goaltenders in North America by NHL Central Scouting for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. - Matvei Gridin, Forward, Shawinigan
In his 18-year-old season, Gridin led all QMJHL rookies in virtually every offensive stat, including points (79), goals (36), assists (43), plus/minus (+31), shots (236), game-winning goals (5), power play assists (15) and shorthanded goals (4). He also finished first in scoring for the Cataractes and 12th in the QMJHL. A first-round pick of the Calgary Flames in 2024, Gridin was selected first overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. - William Lacelle, Goaltender, Rimouski
Lacelle posted an impressive 27-5-1-2 record for the Océanic, in addition to winning the Jacques Plante Trophy thanks to his his 2.38 goals-against average. Among rookies, he finished second in save percentage (.909) and third in both games played (36) and wins (27). Lacelle, who helped the Océanic finish second overall in the standings, will be eligible for the NHL Draft only in 2026.
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The presentation of the remaining Golden Pucks will take place early afternoon of June 5 at Le Bonne Entente hotel in Québec. A press release giving further details will be sent to the media a few days prior to the event.