QMJHL Players of the Month | March 2023
- Forward of the Month
Joshua Roy – Sherbrooke Phoenix – 11GP, 13G, 14A, 27Pts
Joshua Roy was a major factor behind the Sherbrooke Phoenix’s first place finish in the Western Conference. The 19-year-old from Saint-Georges-de-Beauce, Quebec recorded a point in every game during the final month of the regular season, registering multiple point contests on eight occasions. Among the highlights were a three-goal, five-point outing against Val-d’Or on the 18th and a four-point afternoon during the regular season finale in Victoriaville on the 25th. Perhaps the most amazing feat was Roy’s run of four straight game-winning goals to close out the season, allowing his squad to fend off the hard charging Gatineau Olympiques for top spot in the conference.
Last year’s QMJHL scoring title winner, Roy posted 99 points this campaign, including 46 goals. His next goal will be leading the Phoenix to a Gilles-Courteau Trophy win after reaching the league semifinal last year.
Honorable Mention
Jordan Dumais – Halifax Mooseheads – 12GP, 10G, 21A, 31Pts
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- Defenseman of the Month
Tristan Luneau – Gatineau Olympiques – 11GP, 4G, 14A, 18Pts
The Gatineau Olympiques have seemingly done it all since the calendar flipped to 2023, especially winning. Tristan Luneau has been front and center through all of it. The 19-year-old from Victoriaville, Quebec completed his third regular season in the Q with points in 16 of his final 17 games, including multiple points on six occasions in March. Luneau recorded a +/- rating of even or better in 10 of 11 games during the month and an incredible 23 of 24 contests to close out the campaign. All of this played a pivotal role in the Olympiques completing the regular season with points in 24 straight games and the third-best record in the franchise’s storied history.
Luneau, the top selection at the 2020 QMJHL Draft and a second-round selection of the Anaheim Ducks last summer, completes the regular campaign with 63 assists and 83 points, both tops among all QMJHL blueliners.
Honorable Mention
Etienne Morin – Moncton Wildcats – 11GP, 4G, 12A, 16Pts
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- Goaltender of the Month
Riley Mercer – Drummondville Voltigeurs – 4-1-0-0, 1.61 GAA, .948 SV%, 1 SO
Riley Mercer’s third QMJHL campaign didn’t start out on the right foot as an early-season injury kept him out of the lineup for an extended period. However, he’s entering the postseason on a hot streak. The 18-year-old from Bay Roberts, Newfoundland put together three straight wins to close out the campaign, allowing just two goals in the process. His March highlights included a 27-save shutout on the 22nd against the powerful Victoriaville Tigres and a 37-save performance in the regular season finale against the Shawinigan Cataractes on the 24th.
Mercer, who was a free agent invite to NHL training camp with the Montreal Canadiens last fall, completes his latest QMJHL campaign with a 13-7-1-1 record and new career highs in GAA (3.07) and save percentage (.902%).
Honorable Mention
Francesco Lapenna – Gatineau Olympiques – 8-0-0-1, 2.06 GAA, .933 SV%
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- Rookie of the Month
Matyas Melovsky – Baie-Comeau Drakkar – 10GP, 0G, 14A, 14Pts
The roll Matayas Melovsky was on back in February continued right to the end of the regular season, earning him Rookie of the Month honors for the second straight occasion. To say Melovsky is a pass-first type of player would be a definite understatement. Regardless, the Czech freshman knows a thing or two about distributing the puck, as points in 21 of 23 games played since the calendar flipped to 2023 can attest. Melovsky registered multiple points on four occasions in March, including his second four- assist outing of the season against Sherbrooke on the 15th. On the other side of the puck, Melovsky recorded a +2 rating or better in five of nine games down the stretch.
The centerman finishes the campaign second in the league’s rookie scoring derby with 58 points in 59 games. His 52 assists not only lead all Q freshmen, but also set a new Drakkar franchise record.
Honorable Mention
Nicholas Bilodeau – Saint John Sea Dogs – 11GP, 3G, 8A, 11Pts
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