OUR 18 – Gritty Foreurs get ready to roll

The Foreurs shocked the ‘Q’ with a compelling first round playoff upset last year. Now, they aim to build off that experience with a lineup that will consistently entertain the fans in Val-d’Or.

Setting the tone in that regard is Philippe Veilleux, the lone top five scorer in the league from last season to return to QMJHL action in 2026-27. Overager and captain Nathan Brisson is back for a fifth season, the last two being 20-goal campaigns. Benjamin Olivier and Jordan Labelle are among the personnel up front looking to take on increased responsibilities this year. A draft weekend deal with Cape Breton has sent Swiss center Maxime Sauthier to the Golden Valley. Other newcomers to the forward ranks include 19-year-old Will Lutic, fresh of a point-per-game performance with the AJHL’s Canmore Eagles and Czech Josef Holejsovsky, known for his high-energy style of play and a recent bronze medallist at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship.

While there’s a mix of new and old up front, the defense is a decidedly veteran affair. The biggest name on the blue line is 2026 Nashville Predators draftee Benjamin Cossette Ayotte. Also returning are well-respected overagers Anthony Paré and Esteban Cinq-Mars. Jacob Gouchie is ready to deploy his heavy style of play for a third ‘Q’ campaign. A trade with Shawinigan helped bolster this defense corps with the addition of fourth-year veteran Noah McKinnon. On the same day McKinnon changed address, the Foreurs addressed their goaltending situation by picking up 2025 Montreal Canadiens draft pick Arseni Radkov from Saint John.

It’s a lineup with plenty of style, skill and presence from top to bottom. And with a memorable postseason in the rearview mirror, it’s time to see if the lessons of last year will be put to greater use now.

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2025-2026 Stats: