Our 18 | THREE QUESTIONS ON THE BLAINVILLE-BOISBRIAND ARMADA

Our 18 | THREE QUESTIONS ON THE BLAINVILLE-BOISBRIAND ARMADA

• What were the biggest takeaways from last year?

The Armada found itself in a situation many less experienced teams struggle with; being forced into many tight, low scoring games. But first year Head Coach Mathieu Turcotte helped guide this group to a .500 record nonetheless. While a determined defensive game played a pivotal role in those 31 wins, key contributions from veteran Jonathan Fauchon and super sophomore Justin Carbonneau produced key goals at key times; 61 in total between the pair, on a team that had to search particularly hard for offence. Théo Lemieux and fellow two-way threat Emanuelson Charbonneau-Joseph found themselves involved in all situations on the back end, a trend that will continue in front of recently acquired overage netminder Rémi Delafontaine. Expect once again good defensive play from the Armada.

• Is a wide-open Western Conference just what the doctor ordered?

Last year, the projected top teams were literally spread from one end of the league to the other. But with the league powers shifting strongly towards the Eastern Conference in 2024-25, a team like the Armada may be poised to make a substantial climb through the standings, since it plays in the West. As for how this group of largely returning players might fare against those top teams? Last year’s up and coming roster played the league’s top four squads very tight, with 16 of those games decided by two goals or less. It’s safe to assume this group will be a challenge for all comers this season.

• What steps have last year’s impressive rookies taken?

So, what about those returning players? Last season was fantastic for first-year players in the black and white. Vincent Desjardins, in his first full season, provided valuable secondary offensive while Xavier Villeneuve parlayed a 43-point campaign into a Raymond-Lagacé Trophy win as the QMJHL Defensive Rookie of the Year. The third-overall selection at the 2023 QMJHL Draft, Matéo Nobert, jumped into the lineup and put together a strong 16-year-old campaign. With greater responsibilities ahead, this group will be ready to come of age for an Armada squad making its next move back to contender status. For 2025? Maybe? Or 2026? Probably more so.

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2023-2024 Stats: