Our 20’s – Chicoutimi Saguenéens
Throughout the summer, the QMJHL will summarize the journey of its 20-year-old players. Today, those of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens: Kassim Gaudet, Félix Gagnon and Loïc Usereau.
Kassim Gaudet, right wing
Gaudet will forever be considered a champion, having won the Gilles-Courteau Trophy in 2023 with Québec and in 2024 with Drummondville, in addition to the Memorial Cup in 2023. He began his career with the Remparts, after being drafted 63rd overall in 2020. Then, after winning everything with Québec, Gaudet moved to the Voltigeurs in the middle of the 2023-2024 season, his most productive in junior with 50 points (20-30). This season, he had 43 points (20-23) in 51 games with the Saguenéens, finishing his time in the QMJHL with 119 points (51-68) in 231 games, in addition to 22 points (9-13) in 62 playoff games. Gaudet will continue his studies and play at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) next year.
Félix Gagnon, centre
A machine in the face-off circle, with a 61.9% efficiency, Gagnon finished fourth on the Saguenéens in scoring this season, with 54 points. His 24 goals were a personal best. Gagnon has also always been recognized for his all-round game and won the Guy-Carbonneau Trophy as the QMJHL’s top defensive forward in 2023-2024. A native of Jonquière, he was able to finish his junior career “at home”, after four seasons in Baie-Comeau, who drafted him 24th overall in 2020. Gagnon scored 180 points (77-103) in 280 games in the QMJHL, helped the Drakkar reach the final in 2024 and will continue his career at the University of New Hampshire.
Loïc Usereau, defenceman
Undrafted in the QMJHL, Usereau began his career in Shawinigan before being traded to Chicoutimi in the middle of the 2022-2023 season. He has shown consistency in his two full seasons with the Saguenéens, with 47 and 46 points (tied for 5th in the league among defencemen). His 99 points in total with the Sags rank him 18th in team history among rearguards. Author of 105 points in 190 games in the QMJHL, Usereau will suit up for the University of Maine next year.
Photos: Bruno Girard
