QMJHL Players of the Month | (September and) October 2023
- Forward of the Month
Justin Gill – Baie-Comeau Drakkar – 13GP, 7G, 18A, 25Pts
When the Baie-Comeau Drakkar acquired Justin Gill at the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft, experience and skill were the main reasons behind the move. The 20-year-old from Montreal, Quebec has provided his fair share of both early on for the league-leading Drakkar. Held off the scoresheet just once so far this campaign, Gill has recorded multiple points on nine occasions, much of which has made up an eight-game point streak he holds entering November. In addition, the overager has recorded eight outings with a positive +/- rating and, despite playing center in a limited role, has won nearly 60% of his faceoffs.
A fifth-round selection of the New York Islanders at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Gill is coming off a career year with the Sherbrooke Phoenix, where he posted 93 points in 68 regular season games. He’s just three away from picking up the 200th point in his Q career.
Honorable Mention
Israel Mianscum – Sherbrooke Phoenix – 12GP, 7G, 13A, 20Pts
- Defenseman of the Month
Maveric Lamoureux – Drummondville Voltigeurs – 10GP, 4G, 10A, 14Pts
Last year was tough for Maveric Lamoureux as the hulking defenseman was injured for the first half of the season. Now, he is making up for all that lost time. By turning in nine games with a +/- rating of even or better, five multi-point outings and a career-high four-point game in Moncton on October 12, the fourth-year veteran has hit the ground running since returning from Arizona Coyotes training camp. His play in all three zones has played a key role in the Voltigeurs strong start to the season as they continue to jockey for position among the top clubs in the Western Conference.
Selected 29th overall by the Coyotes at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Lamoureux enters November tied for first in scoring among Q defensemen. Perhaps not surprising, he is well on his way to smashing his previous career bests in goals, points, +/- and powerplay tallies.
Honorable Mention
Jeremy Langlois – Rouyn-Noranda Huskies – 10GP, 3G, 8A, 11Pts
- Goaltender of the Month
Mathis Rousseau – Halifax Mooseheads – 9-1-0-0, 1.80 GAA, .942 SV%, 1 SO
Last year, Mathis Rousseau and the Mooseheads lost a hard-fought championship series for the Gilles-Courteau Trophy. This year, the 19-year-old netminder from Boisbriand, Quebec has redemption on his mind. Reeling off six straight wins to start his season, the third-year veteran has steered aside 30 or more shots on five occasions while allowing two goals or less on seven occasions so far. However, the game that had the hockey world talking came on October 20 against Rouyn-Noranda, when Rousseau steered aside 38 shots in a 6-3 triumph and, to add to the dramatics, became the first goaltender in Mooseheads history to score a goal, firing the puck into a vacated Huskies net.
Invited to NHL training camp with the Arizona Coyotes earlier this year, Rousseau is currently running the table in the Q, leading or sitting tied for the lead in wins, GAA, save percentage, shutouts and, of course, goals!
Honorable Mention
Samuel St-Hilaire – Sherbrooke Phoenix – 6-2-0-1, 1.88 GAA, .932 SV%, 1 SO
- Rookie of the Month
Caleb Desnoyers – Moncton Wildcats – 15GP, 5G, 10A, 15Pts
The Moncton Wildcats conclude the first full month of play in the QMJHL leading the Maritimes Division thanks in large part to a dynamic offensive system. One of those go-to guys is also the youngest player on the roster. Desnoyers has quickly shown everybody why his name was called first at the 2023 QMJHL Draft, posting a pair of four-game point streaks and four multi-point outings. His first career goal, scored in Charlottetown on September 29, was a powerplay tally. He ended the month of October by adding two game-winners in the last three games. And, showcasing all the tools at his disposal, the shifty center has recorded a win percentage of 55% or higher in the faceoff dot on six occasions.
The third member of his family to play for the Cats, following brother Elliot and uncle Simon Laliberte, Desnoyers was a two-way force for his hometown St-Hyacinthe Gaulois last season, leading the club to the Gold Medal Game at the 2023 Men’s U18 National Club Championship.
Honorable Mention
Raoul Boilard – Baie-Comeau Drakkar – 16GP, 7G, 8A, 15Pts
