A year of redemption
GATINEAU – After a disappointing start in 2023, the wind has turned in Justin Boisselle’s favor.
After being acquired in a trade last November, the Léry-born forward racked up no less than 43 points (22 goals, 21 assists) in 41 games with the Olympiques.
However, the picture at the start of the season was different.
Relegated to the junior AAA ranks in October 2023, this first-round pick of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada makes no secret of the great disappointment he felt at the time.
“It really wasn’t easy. I was a first-round pick who couldn’t make it on a QMJHL team at 18. I’d played a few games at 16 and 17, and personally I thought I was in the plans. At the time, I was expecting a trade, and unfortunately I had to start the year in junior AAA. It was really disappointing. – explains Boisselle.
“When opposing players nickname you ‘the Boisselle flop’, it hurts, but in the end I used it as motivation.” he points out.
Justin Boisselle finally seized his chance in a transaction with Olympiques de Gatineau on November 17, 2023. After shuttling back and forth between Gatineau and Valleyfield (with the Braves), Boisselle established himself as an important player in the Gatineau line-up after the holidays.
“It’s as if Gatineau were giving me a 2nd chance or redemption. In my head, I just wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to play my style and contribute to the team’s success. The quality minutes I played in Junior AAA really gave me confidence in my abilities in the end.”
And in Gatineau, Justin got plenty of quality minutes. The forward quickly found himself on the 2nd line, having just joined a team in reconstruction.
“With the Armada, I was more of a power forward on the 4th line, which wasn’t my identity. When I was younger, I’d never played a role like that. I was always a player who skated with the puck to create plays, and that’s what the Olympiques gave me as soon as I arrived.”
Now 19, Justin Boisselle feels like a fish in water in the Outaouais. The right-hander hopes to build on his success in the 2024-2025 campaign.
“On a team basis, I think we need to continue to build on our end of season last year. What we accomplished in the second half of the season was completely unbelievable, especially when nobody believed in us. For my part, I want to continue to progress, and at the same time take on a leadership role in our dressing room for the youngsters who will be joining the group,” explains Boisselle.
One thing’s for sure, the forward is very proud to be playing in a market like Gatineau.
“Personally I just have one word to say for the experience I’ve had so far, and it’s SICK.Every time you step on the ice at the Slush Puppie Center it’s loud.The fans are proud of their team. They’re always numerous too.For players like us, there’s nothing better. The motivation comes by itself when thousands of fans come out game after game to cheer us on.We’re so lucky to experience this.”
