The QMJHL unveils its 2022-23 Defensive Rookie of the Year
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League continued with its 2023 Golden Puck Awards by handing out the Raymond-Lagacé Trophy today.
The award was first presented in 1981 and recognizes the excellence of the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Several notable defensemen and goaltenders have earned this honor over the years, including Philippe Boucher, Samuel Girard and Ondrej Pavelec.
The winner of the Raymond-Lagacé Trophy for the 2022-23 season is Charlottetown Islanders defenseman Marcus Kearsey. The 17-year-old native of Deer Lake, Newfoundland, finished his first season in the QMJHL with six goals and 23 assists in 68 games played.
A second-round pick, 32nd overall, in the most recent QMJHL Entry Draft presented by Fenplast, Kearsey wasted no time in showing his effectiveness in the circuit. Islanders head coach Jim Hulton used his young defenseman frequently, and in all game situations, during his first season.
Despite the fact that the Islanders scored the fewest goals in the league this season, Kearsey’s production still allowed him to finish second in scoring among all Islanders blueliners. He also finished second on the entire team with eight of his assists coming on the power play.
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2022-23 Nominees: Gabriel D’Aigle (Victoriaville Tigres), Jacob Steinman (Moncton Wildcats)
