Draft Prospects: Bernard, Houde & Mathieu

In today’s QMJHL prospect preview we take a look at Xavier Bernard, Samuel Houde, and Olivier Mathieu. 

#12: Xavier Bernard

The twelfth ranked player on this year’s QMJHL Central Scouting List is fifteen year-old Xavier Bernard. This 6’2 187lb defenceman from Mercier, QC  played this past season with the Châteauguay Grenadiers of the QMAAA, recording 21 points in 46 games played. Noted as a strong skater, he can keep up with the speed of the forwards and is a smart player. As one of five defencemen projected to go in the first round, he is a good two-way defenceman with a good wrist shot and key hockey sense. This year he also participated in many of Hockey Quebec’s events: the U-16 Summer Camp, the Quebec Cup and the Gatorade Challenge.

#13: Sameul Houde

Coming in at number thirteen is Samuel Houde. He is a two-way center who can move the puck quickly and has great speed. This year he was seen playing the point on the power play and had a good faceoff record. Not only is his an asset to a teams offense, he is a smart defensive player and his speed allows him to backcheck and cut off the passing lanes. This season he played 45 games with the Collège Esther-Blondin Phénix in the QMAAA, recording 8 goals and 20 assists for a total of 28 points.

#14: Olivier Mathieu

Olivier Mathieu, known as a strong offensive player he put up some impressive numbers during his season this year with the Magog Cantonniers in the QMAAA. He is able to find the open space in the offensive zone, and with his quick release and accurate shot is an offensive force. He is a strong physical player and can make the key plays that lead to scoring opportunities. During the regular season he led his team in points with 50 in 46 games, while finishing second in the league for points by a rookie and first in goals by a rookie. He was also able to add 14 points in 18 games during the playoffs.