Our 18 | THREE QUESTIONS ON THE SHAWINIGAN CATARACTES

• They aren’t the hosts but do they have the horses?

This time last year, the Cataractes were chasing the right to host the 2025 Memorial Cup. With that opportunity in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to focus on the merits of the club and the factors that may yet see them in the tournament when it arrives in Rimouski. Eight of the club’s top nine scorers are back in the fold this year, including leaders Vince Elie, Félix Larcerte and defenseman Jordan Tourigny. Czech winger Jiri Klima returns for a second season after being a bright spot in 2023-24, particularly on the power play. Added to the squad on Draft weekend last June are realiable two-way winger Louis-Philippe Fontaine, acquired from the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, and third overall selection Chad Lygitsakos, who enters the league boasting many of the same traits as Fontaine. Collectively, this core aims to find its footing after experiencing offensive difficulties last season. With previous experience in its arsenal however, it stands to reason the puck will find the back of the net easier.

 

• Could there still be a few pleasant surprises for these Cats?

There’s enough at play within the present roster, not to mention a Central Division and Western Conference that’s ripe for the picking, that it will be tempting for the Cataractes to add as they gauge their interest in a full-scale run for a second title in four seasons. Much will depend on player availability, first half performances and how successfully the club can capitalize on the breaks presented, both on the ice and in the standings. But what about the possibility of another addition showing up at some point? The rumours are rampant that 2024 Calgary Flames first rounder Matvei Gridin will perfect his craft on the north shore of the St. Lawrence after a jaw-dropping USHL campaign with the Muskegon Lumberjacks last year. If these stars line up – Gridin is currently the property of the Val-d’Or Foreurs – the smoke to these rumours could lead to the Cataractes catching fire this year.

 

• Should we expect a little healthy competition between the pipes?

After arriving from Chicoutimi last year, Mathys Fernandez put up the best numbers of his QMJHL career. Meanwhile, Félix Hamel impressed many fans in Shawinigan in his first full ‘Q’ campaign. The two 19-year-olds enter the season battling for ice time on a club that should retain its stellar defensive presence. Should they continue to rise to the occasion – and with the aforementioned expected spike in offense, this should be an easier task than before – this may turn out to be one of the best storylines on a club with a number of them. If the competition remains healthy, it could provide the final boost the Cataractes need to vault to the top of the standings.

 

 

_

 

2023-2024 Stats:

Team Record	30-34-3-1 — 64 Pts
Division Ranking	4th Central
Overall Ranking	13th
Goals For	195 (15th)
Goals Against	215 (6th)
PP (Overall)	17.7% (15th)
PK (Overall)	82.6% (1st)
Leading Rookie (PTS)	Klima (18-13-31)
Leading Scorers (PTS)	Elie (22-40-62)
	Lacerte (31-28-59)
	Tourigny (11-35-46)
	Ethier (11-23-34)
	Klima (18-13-31)