One last lap for experienced officials
The 2023-2024 season will mark the final season for long-time referees Jean-Philippe Sylvain (Magog, QC) and Kevin Maillé (Laval, QC).
Sylvain, who began his QMJHL journey as a linesman in 2004 and became a referee in 2006, will work his 20th and final season. The Magog native has officiated 657 regular season games, 119 playoff games, and participated in one Memorial Cup tournament (Saskatoon, 2013). He was also selected for the 2015 World Junior Championship in Finland, the 2014 World Hockey Championship in South Korea and the 2013 Continental Cup in France.
Maillé, who was hired in 2016, has completed seven seasons in the League. The Laval native has refereed 167 regular season games, eight playoff games, and worked the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championship in Edmonton, Alberta.
Two linesmen are also set to retire at season’s end. Yannick Gaudreault (Rouyn-Noranda, QC) and Jean-Philippe Michaud (Saint-Pascal, QC) have announced that the 2023-2024 campaign will be their last.
Gaudreault has patrolled the lines for 331 regular season games and seven playoff games, while Michaud has worked 112 regular season games and added two playoff games to his resume.
Dominic Bédard concludes his 18-year career
Finally, referee Dominic Bédard is calling it quits after 18 years.
An experienced and respected referee, Bédard partook in 872 regular season games and an impressive number of playoff games (181). He was selected to officiate in the 2011 Memorial Cup tournament in Mississauga, Ontario.
The entire QMJHL family congratulates Dominic on an incredible career and expresses its gratitude for his outstanding dedication to junior hockey.
