Simon Paquet helps players remain Titans in the classroom
Simon Paquet has dedicated a lifetime to teaching. Instructing students in Mathematics, Computer Programming at Nepisiguit High School, as well as assisting with a university-level Statistics course, it was only natural that Paquet would combine his love of hockey and passion for what he teaches as a Statistician for the Acadie-Bathurst Titan for the past quarter-century.
A new twist has emerged in Paquet’s path through both education and hockey, however. This year, for the first time, he is working with Titan players on an academic level through that aforementioned Statistics course. Though an online course, a number of character traits have become apparent in his first months instructing these athletes.
“Discipline, respect and serious commitment to succeed,” Paquet replies when asked to expand on what has stood out in his experience with players from the region’s highest level hockey club. “The players’ schedules are so packed with practices, travel, and study commitments that they require almost exemplary diligence. It’s important to remember they’re not robots; most of them are still adolescents.”
Paquet has seen a lot over the 31 years he’s spent in classrooms. During that time, he’s picked up on some of the nuances which run true for many of the student-athletes he’s had the pleasure of encountering over the decades.
“In high school, the students who participated in school-level sports generally performed better (academically),” Paquet explains. “(Likewise), the (Titan) players engage in regular practise which, despite occasional fatigue, helps them in their studies. They know how to organize their schedules between studies, sports and leisure.”
The relationship between sporting achievements and scholastic excellence as it pertains to the QMJHL has been a hot button topic for as long as the league has existed. However, the Q has come a very long way over the years, to the point where seasoned educators such as Paquet see a completely different youth in his classes than what some stereotypes might suggest.
“They take their studies seriously,” he insists. “The majority of players will not be drafted to the NHL. By playing in the QMJHL, they realize they are well supported in their studies.”
“And studies come before hockey,” Paquet goes on to implore. “Otherwise, it’s difficult to progress as a player in the QMJHL. I sincerely believe (the athletes) are aware of the opportunity to receive assistance in their studies, which will be beneficial to their future.”
Paquet is also happy to highlight the friendliness and punctuality of his Titan students, not to mention the determination on their part to battle through all game-related challenges to ensure the work required in the classroom does not go neglected.
“(Their progression academically) is much like their progression in the game,” Paquet says. “In short, unless you see it from the inside to understand the efforts of the young players and their lifestyle, it’s challenging for a spectator or any average person to realize the (complexities of the) world of hockey and studies.”
With the aid of teachers like Simon Paquet, the student-athletes maturing throughout the QMJHL are very much in good, not to mention understanding, hands.
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Teacher Appreciation Week is an opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable commitment of teachers who work for the educational success of students while contributing to the development of our society.
The 30th edition of Teacher Appreciation Week runs from February 4 to 10, 2024.
