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CHL unveils 2025-26 All-Star and All-Rookie Teams

kvanstone — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:17:58 +0000

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) today announced its First, Second, and Third All-Star Teams for the 2025-26 season, along with its All-Rookie Team. Media members who regularly cover the CHL and the Member Leagues — the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) — participated in the voting process to determine this year’s CHL All-Star and All-Rookie teams. Ballots were cast based on regular-season performances, with voters selecting the top players from across the CHL’s three leagues to recognize outstanding individual achievements.

CHL First All-Star Team

Goaltender – Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s / OHL): 29-9-2-1 record, 2.07 GAA, .923 SV% & 6 SO in 41 GP during the 2025-26 season; signed by Ottawa as an undrafted free agent last summer, Fetterolf quickly emerged as one of the CHL’s top goaltenders during a historic rookie campaign with the 67’s. The 18-year-old from Sewickley, Pa., led the CHL in both goals-against average and save percentage, while his six shutouts set a new OHL record for the most by a rookie goaltender in a single season. An eligible prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, Fetterolf is ranked No. 11 among North American goaltenders in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings. Named the CHL Goaltender of the Year, Fetterolf became the first Ottawa 67’s player to receive the honour and just the second rookie or first-year CHL goaltender to capture the award, joining Martin Biron of the Beauport Harfangs in 1994-95. Defenceman – Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL): 45G-38A, 83 PTS, +55 in 55 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Montreal Canadiens prospect authored one of the greatest goal-scoring seasons by a defenceman in modern CHL history, scoring 45 goals — the highest single-season total by a CHL blueliner in the 21st century and the most since Greg Hawgood’s 48-goal campaign in 1987-88. The 20-year-old captain from Chauvin, Alta., was the only defenceman to finish among the CHL’s top 10 goal scorers, while his 19 power-play goals and 11 game-winning goals both ranked among the league leaders. Named CHL Defenceman of the Year, Pickford became the second Medicine Hat Tigers player to win the award, joining Kris Russell in 2006-07. Defenceman – Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL): 28G-42A, 70 PTS, +46 in 56 GP during the 2025-26 season; Aitcheson put together a record-setting season in Barrie, leading all OHL defencemen with 70 points while establishing a new Colts franchise record for goals by a defenceman with 28. The New York Islanders prospect and Toronto, Ont., native also finished among the OHL leaders with a +46 rating and six game-winning goals, while his 15 power-play goals led all OHL blueliners. Named the OHL’s Defenceman of the Year, Aitcheson closed out his Colts career as the franchise’s all-time leader in both goals (63) and points (171) by a defenceman. Forward – Sam O’Reilly (Kitchener Rangers / OHL): 29G-42A, 71 PTS, +20 in 56 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect was named the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player after making an immediate impact with the Kitchener Rangers following a mid-season move from the London Knights. The 20-year-old from Toronto recorded 43 points and a +31 rating in 28 games with Kitchener, helping the Rangers finish atop the Western Conference standings for the first time since 2008. O’Reilly also won 58 per cent of his faceoffs and was recognized in the OHL Coaches Poll as the Western Conference’s smartest player, best faceoff man, and best defensive forward. He carried that form into the spring, earning both OHL Playoff MVP and Memorial Cup MVP honours while leading Kitchener to a Memorial Cup title. With that sweep, he became just the fourth player in CHL history to win regular-season, playoff, and Memorial Cup MVP honours in the same season, joining Brad Richards, Corey Perry, and Mitch Marner. The championship also marked his second straight Memorial Cup title after winning with London a year earlier, placing him among a rare group of players to win back-to-back Memorial Cups with different teams. Forward – Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL): 51G-51A, 102 PTS, +62 in 63 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Anaheim Ducks prospect captured the CHL’s David Branch Player of the Year Award after being named the QMJHL’s Most Valuable Player and winning the first scoring title of his QMJHL career. The 20-year-old from Rimouski, Que., finished with 102 points, including 51 goals and 51 assists, to become one of only two CHL players to surpass both the 50-goal and 100-point marks in 2025-26. Massé also tied for the CHL lead in goals, ranked second in the QMJHL with a +62 rating and eight game-winning goals, and helped lead Chicoutimi to its first QMJHL Championship title in 32 years. With his CHL MVP honour, Massé became just the sixth player in CHL history to win both CHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award over his career, joining Sidney Crosby, John Tavares, Alex DeBrincat, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gavin McKenna. Forward – Liam Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL): 45G-59A, 104 PTS, +47 in 68 GP during the 2025-26 season; the 18-year-old from Osoyoos, B.C., finished second in scoring among all WHL and CHL skaters with 104 points in 68 games. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Liam is ranked 20th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings. His 45 goals were tied for second in the WHL, while his 59 assists ranked fifth across the league. One of only four CHL players to reach the 100-point mark in 2025-26, Ruck also tied for third in the CHL with 10 game-winning goals and helped Medicine Hat finish atop the Central Division. Originally selected ninth overall by the Tigers in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Ruck was also a member of Medicine Hat’s 2025 WHL Championship team a year ago.

CHL Second All-Star Team

Goaltender – Rudy Guimond (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL): 40-7-1-2 record, 2.27 GAA, .922 SV% & 3 SO in 50 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Detroit Red Wings prospect captured the QMJHL’s Patrick-Roy Trophy after a dominant season with the Moncton Wildcats. Guimond led all QMJHL goaltenders in wins, goals-against average, save percentage, and minutes played, while his 40 victories also led the CHL. The 20-year-old became the first CHL goaltender to reach the 40-win mark since Dustin Wolf in 2018-19 and just the sixth QMJHL netminder since 2000 to do so. Guimond helped guide Moncton to a second consecutive QMJHL regular-season championship and concluded his QMJHL career with a league-record 2.14 career goals-against average. Defenceman – Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds / OHL): 18G-30A, 48 PTS, +27 in 45 GP during the 2025-26 season; ranked No. 2 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, Reid established himself as the highest-ranked current CHL skater in this year’s draft class. The 18-year-old from Chesterfield, Mich., averaged better than a point per game with the Soo Greyhounds and was one of just six first-year draft-eligible defencemen across the CHL to do so. A finalist for the OHL’s Defenceman of the Year Award, Reid was recognized in four categories in the OHL Coaches Poll, including as the Western Conference’s Best Offensive Defenceman. He was also named the CHL’s Top Draft Prospect for 2025-26, becoming the eighth defenceman to claim the award since it was first presented in 1991. Reid also marked the second straight OHL blueliner to receive the honour, following Erie Otters defenceman Matthew Schaefer, who won the award a year ago before capturing this year’s Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year. Defenceman – Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL): 13G-68A, 81 PTS, +58 in 63 GP during the 2025-26 season; Bleyl delivered a historic rookie campaign from the blue line, setting a new QMJHL record for points by a rookie defenceman with 81 in 63 games. Ranked No. 17 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, he also led the entire QMJHL with 68 assists — the highest single-season total by a CHL rookie defenceman in the 21st century. Bleyl became only the second player in QMJHL history to win both the Émile-Bouchard Trophy as Defenceman of the Year and the Sidney-Crosby Trophy as Rookie of the Year in the same season, joining Dmitry Kulikov. After helping Moncton capture a second consecutive QMJHL regular-season title, he was also named the CHL Rookie of the Year, becoming just the fourth defenceman to win the award after Philippe Boucher, Bryan Berard, and Landon DuPont, as well as the first Wildcats player to receive the honour. Forward – Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL): 37G-60A, 97 PTS, +9 in 67 GP during the 2025-26 season; ranked No. 8 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its Final Rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, Klepov captured the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the OHL’s leading scorer and the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy as the league’s top-scoring right winger after finishing with 97 points in 67 games. The 17-year-old from Deerfield Beach, Fla., became the first rookie in his first two years of OHL eligibility to lead the league in scoring since Jack Valiquette in 1973-74 and the first rookie to lead any CHL Member League in scoring since Patrick Kane in 2006-07. Klepov’s 37 goals tied Cole Perfetti’s Saginaw Spirit rookie record, while his 60 assists and 97 points established new franchise rookie benchmarks. Forward – Markus Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL): 21G-87A, 108 PTS, +45 in 68 GP during the 2025-26 season; Ruck captured the Bob Clarke Trophy and the CHL Top Scorer Award after leading the WHL and the entire CHL with 108 points. Ranked No. 23 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its Final Rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old from Osoyoos, B.C., recorded a CHL-best 87 assists in 68 games, serving as one of the driving forces behind a Medicine Hat team that led the WHL in goals, owned the league’s top power play, and finished atop the Central Division. Ruck’s twin brother, Liam, finished second in both the WHL and CHL scoring races with 104 points, making Markus and Liam the first siblings in CHL history to finish first and second in league scoring in the same season. Forward – Tij Iginla (Kelowna Rockets / WHL): 41G-49A, 90 PTS, +47 in 48 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Utah Mammoth prospect returned from an injury-shortened 2024-25 campaign to produce at one of the highest rates in the CHL. The 19-year-old from Lake Country, B.C., led all WHL skaters and ranked second across the CHL with 1.88 points per game, finishing with 90 points in just 48 contests. Iginla established new career highs in both assists and points, while his 41 goals ranked tied for sixth among WHL skaters. He was also one of just five players across the CHL to top 40 goals and 40 assists in 2025-26. Selected sixth overall by Utah in the 2024 NHL Draft, Iginla has recorded 225 points in 184 career WHL regular-season games.

CHL Third All-Star Team

Goaltender – Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars / WHL): 32-13-0-0 record, 2.51 GAA, .919 SV% & 4 SO in 46 GP during the 2025-26 season; the San Jose Sharks prospect became the first Prince George Cougars goaltender to capture the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy and just the third netminder in franchise history to earn the honour. The 6-foot-6 netminder from North Vancouver, B.C., led the WHL in both wins (32) and save percentage (.919), tied for second in shutouts (4), and ranked fourth in goals-against average (2.51). Ravensbergen helped Prince George record a third consecutive 40-win season, while allowing two goals or fewer in 25 of his 46 appearances. Undrafted into the WHL, he owns 91 career regular-season wins across three seasons with the Cougars. Defenceman – Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL): 18G-55A, 73 PTS, +59 in 63 GP during the 2025-26 season; one year after being named CHL Rookie of the Year, DuPont continued to build on his exceptional start in Everett. The 17-year-old from Calgary, Alta., established career highs across the board with 18 goals, 55 assists, 73 points, and a +59 rating in 63 games. Eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, DuPont finished tied for fourth among all WHL defencemen in points, while his 55 assists were tied for second among league blueliners. The right-shot defenceman also added 28 power-play assists, the second-highest total among all WHL skaters. Defenceman – Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL): 28G-50A, 78 PTS, +32 in 68 GP during the 2025-26 season; Rudolph posted one of the top offensive seasons by a WHL defenceman in his NHL Draft year, leading the Prince Albert Raiders in scoring while helping the club capture the East Division title. Ranked No. 5 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its Final Rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old from Lacombe, Alta., finished third among WHL defencemen in both goals and points, while his 28 goals tied a Raiders franchise record for goals by a defenceman, matching the mark set by Josh Morrissey in 2013-14. Originally selected first overall by Prince Albert in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Rudolph also represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and captained Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game. Forward – Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts / OHL): 33G-56A, 89 PTS, +40 in 54 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Barrie Colts co-captain was named the CHL Sportsman Player of the Year after delivering one of the OHL’s most complete seasons. The Utah Mammoth prospect led Barrie with 89 points in just 54 games while taking only 29 penalty minutes, and his 1.65 points-per-game average ranked second in the OHL. Beaudoin also finished tied for the OHL lead with 10 game-winning goals and won 55 per cent of his faceoffs. In the OHL Coaches Poll, the 20-year-old from Kanata, Ont., led all Eastern Conference players with four first-place finishes — hardest worker, best defensive forward, best on faceoffs, and best penalty killer. Forward – Nathan Aspinall (Flint Firebirds / OHL): 33G-61A, 94 PTS, +21 in 65 GP during the 2025-26 season; the Flint Firebirds captain helped lead his club to the best season in its 10-year history while setting a new franchise record with 61 assists. The 6-foot-7 winger from Markham, Ont., finished with 94 points, a 47-point improvement from the previous season, and placed fifth in the OHL with 250 shots on goal. A fifth-round pick of the New York Rangers in the 2024 NHL Draft, Aspinall also tied for the OHL lead with eight first goals and converted on four of six shootout attempts. His breakout campaign earned him OHL Player of the Month honours in November and recognition in both the hardest shot and best playmaker categories in the Western Conference portion of the OHL Coaches Poll. Forward – JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers / WHL): 42G-55A, 97 PTS, +13 in 68 GP during the 2025-26 season; Hurlbert enjoyed one of the most productive rookie seasons in Kamloops Blazers history, recording 97 points to surpass Scottie Upshall’s previous franchise rookie benchmark of 87. Ranked No. 12 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting heading into the 2026 NHL Draft, the Allen, Texas product led all WHL rookies in scoring and tied Nikita Klepov for the most points by any CHL rookie in 2025-26. Hurlbert became just the third player in Blazers history to win the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as WHL Rookie of the Year, joining Upshall and Ron Shudra. He also ranked among WHL leaders in points, goals, first goals, and assists while serving as an alternate captain in his first WHL season.

CHL All-Rookie Team

Goaltender – Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s / OHL): 29-9-2-1 record, 2.07 GAA, .923 SV% & 6 SO in 41 GP during the 2025-26 season; Fetterolf’s first CHL season produced one of the top rookie goaltending campaigns in recent CHL and OHL history. The 18-year-old from Sewickley, Pa., set an Ottawa 67’s franchise record with a 2.07 goals-against average, while his six shutouts established a new OHL rookie record. Fetterolf also shared the Dave Pinkney Trophy with Jaeden Nelson as the OHL’s lowest goals-against tandem and received the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy as the rookie goaltender with the league’s lowest goals-against average. An eligible prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, Fetterolf is ranked No. 11 among North American goaltenders in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings. Defenceman – Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL): 13G-68A, 81 PTS, +58 in 63 GP during the 2025-26 season; Bleyl finished second among all QMJHL rookies with 81 points, setting a league record for points by a rookie defenceman. His 68 assists led the QMJHL regardless of position and represented the highest single-season total by a CHL rookie defenceman in the 21st century. Ranked 17th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, Bleyl ended the season with three QMJHL trophies — the Sidney-Crosby Trophy, Émile-Bouchard Trophy, and Raymond-Lagacé Trophy — before being named CHL Rookie of the Year. Defenceman – Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit / OHL): 12G-45A, 57 PTS, -3 in 68 GP during the 2025-26 season; Harper made an immediate impact with Saginaw, setting a new Spirit record for points by a rookie defenceman. The 17-year-old from Tampa, Fla., recorded 57 points in 68 games while seeing significant minutes on the Spirit blue line. A 2027 NHL Draft prospect, Harper joined Saginaw after winning gold with the United States at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and later represented his country at the 2026 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship. He also earned the OHL’s Bobby Smith Trophy as Scholastic Player of the Year after posting a 93.2 per cent academic average and graduating a full year early. Forward – Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL): 29G-55A, 84 PTS, +33 in 67 GP during the 2025-26 season; Malhotra emerged as one of the OHL’s most productive rookies in his first season with the Brantford Bulldogs. The 6-foot-2 centre recorded 84 points in 67 games, setting a new franchise record for points by a Bulldogs rookie. Ranked sixth among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, Malhotra also scored eight game-winning goals, produced 30 power-play points, and was a finalist among the Eastern Conference’s top stickhandlers in the OHL Coaches Poll. His strong start included points in 11 of his first 12 games, highlighted by a five-point performance against Sudbury on September 27. Forward – JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers / WHL): 42G-55A, 97 PTS, +13 in 68 GP during the 2025-26 season; Hurlbert’s outstanding rookie season saw him become the highest-scoring first-year player in Kamloops Blazers history. The 6-foot forward led all WHL rookies and tied for the CHL rookie scoring lead with 97 points, while his 42 goals ranked tied for fourth among WHL skaters. The Allen, Texas, native became just the third rookie in Blazers history to score 40 goals in a season, joining Scottie Upshall and Rudolfs Balcers. He was also named to the WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team and finished as the No. 12-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings. Forward – Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL): 37G-60A, 97 PTS, +9 in 67 GP during the 2025-26 season; Klepov became just the third player in OHL history to win both the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy and the Emms Family Award as Rookie of the Year in the same season, joining Jack Valiquette and Patrick Kane. The 17-year-old Saginaw Spirit forward led the OHL with 97 points and became the first rookie to lead any CHL Member League in scoring since Kane did so with London in 2006-07. Ranked No. 8 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its Final Rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, Klepov recorded at least three points in a game 13 times and earned OHL Rookie of the Month honours in October, January, and February.

A new agreement with the Aléo Foundation for the QMJHL

kvanstone — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:13:05 +0000

Following a five-year initiative with the Molson Foundation that provided QMJHL players with personalized career guidance and transition services delivered by the Aléo Foundation, the QMJHL has decided to extend the partnership through a new three-year agreement directly with the Aléo Foundation. Over the past several seasons, after witnessing the significant positive impact these services have had on its athletes, the QMJHL determined it was essential to continue supporting players through the professional services offered by the Aléo Foundation. Led by Sophie Brassard, PhD, Director of Services and Scholarship Programs, the initiative includes:

Personalized follow-up services for all current and former QMJHL players;
Development of an educational plan integrated with each athlete’s sports career plan;
Support for transitions to higher levels of competition or retirement from sport;
Meetings with parents, hockey operations staff, billet families, and academic advisors regarding the services available to players;
Access to academic and career counseling;
Job interview preparation and mock interviews;
Assistance with résumé writing;
University admission support;
Presentations during annual rookie on-boarding days.

These services are available not only to current players, but also to all former QMJHL players throughout every stage of their transition journey. Athletes can benefit from them upon entering the league, throughout their time with their teams, as they move on to the next stages of their careers, and even years later, when transitioning from professional hockey to the workforce. "Player development and support are at the heart of our priorities. In 2024, we announced an increase to our scholarship program, and this partnership with the Aléo Foundation follows the same philosophy: providing our student-athletes with even greater educational and off-ice support."

— Mario Cecchini, QMJHL Commissioner

"For the Aléo Foundation, partnering with the QMJHL is a natural fit. As specialists in athlete transition services, our team, led by Sophie Brassard, is a logical ally in supporting the major transitions faced by these student-athletes. QMJHL players often leave home at a very young age and follow a path that differs greatly from that of their peers. Whatever their academic and athletic choices may be, we have solutions to offer them, a network to open to them, and specialized expertise to support them."

— Patricia Demers, Executive Director, Aléo Foundation

About the Aléo Foundation Founded in 1985, the Aléo Foundation’s mission is to help the greatest possible number of high-performance student-athletes from all backgrounds maximize their full potential and create a meaningful, lasting impact. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $25 million in scholarships to over 5,000 student-athletes across Quebec. In addition to financial support, the Foundation provides lifelong services to all scholarship recipients, both during and after their athletic and academic journeys. Supporting these services is the Aléo Research Chair, which serves as a source of scientific findings and expertise available to the entire sports community. __

The Generations of Impact fundraising campaign aims to raise $6 million over three years to help bring the Foundation closer to its vision: a future in which high-performance student-athletes enrich society through their current and future leadership, both through their exceptional contributions and the inspiring examples they set.

To support : Generations of impact

QMJHL unveils 2026-27 regular season schedule

kvanstone — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:58:32 +0000

Junior hockey fans, mark your calendars! The QMJHL unveiled its 2026-27 regular season schedule today, which will get underway on Friday, September 18, with eight games on the slate.

View the full schedule here

The very first game of the season will feature the Saint John Sea Dogs taking on the Newfoundland Regiment at 7:00 p.m. local time (5:30p.m. ET).

On September 18, fans will also be treated to games in Cape Breton, Charlottetown, Baie-Comeau, Blainville-Boisbriand, Chicoutimi, Sherbrooke and Victoriaville.

The matchup in Boisbriand is expected to mark the QMJHL debut of 2026 first overall pick Thomas Boisvert with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

The game in Chicoutimi will see the Saguenéens raise their 2026 Gilles-Courteau Trophy championship banner to the Centre Georges-Vézina rafters.

Only the Gatineau Olympiques and the Drummondville Voltigeurs will have to wait until Saturday, September 19, to begin their seasons. The Olympiques will host the Huskies, while the Voltigeurs will visit the Sherbrooke Phoenix.

Speaking of the Voltigeurs, they will play their first nine games on the road due to major renovations at Centre Marcel-Dionne. They will not return home until October 16.

The Shawinigan Cataractes, meanwhile, will have to wait until the installation of flexible boards—designed to enhance player safety—is completed at Centre Gervais Auto before playing there. As a result, they will not host a game before October 12.

The QMJHL will take a break for the holidays from December 19 to 27 before resuming play on December 28 with a full slate of nine games.

Fans will have to wait until January 28 to see a rematch of the 2026 Championship Final between the Saguenéens and the Wildcats, which will be played in Moncton.

The final day of the 2026-27 regular season, Saturday, March 20, will also feature a full nine-game schedule. The playoffs are expected to begin the following Thursday or Friday. - As a reminder, the QMJHL announced last week that it will stage eight interleague games with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

2026 CHL Awards | Massé named Player of the Year, Bleyl & Kearsey also honoured

kvanstone — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:56:32 +0000

Chicoutimi Saguenéens forward & Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxim Massé becomes just the sixth player in CHL history to win both CHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award over the course of his career

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to unveil its 2025-26 award winners, headlined by Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxim Massé of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, who was named the CHL David Branch Player of the Year at a ceremony held Monday in downtown Toronto. With the honour, Massé becomes just the sixth player in CHL history to win both CHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award over the course of his career, joining Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), John Tavares (Oshawa Generals / OHL), Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters / OHL), Alexis Lafrenière (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), and Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL). The 19-year-old from Rimouski, Que., previously earned CHL Rookie of the Year honours in 2022-23 before capturing the QMJHL’s Michel-Brière Trophy as league MVP this season. Massé is also the second Chicoutimi Saguenéens player to win the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award, joining Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who earned the honour in 2001-02. He becomes the first QMJHL player to capture the CHL’s top individual award since Lafrenière won it in back-to-back seasons with the Rimouski Océanic in 2018-19 and 2019-20. The Anaheim Ducks prospect finished the 2025-26 campaign with 102 points, including 51 goals and 51 assists, in 63 games, helping lead Chicoutimi to its first QMJHL Championship title in 32 years. Another historic winner was Moncton Wildcats defenceman Tommy Bleyl, who was named CHL Rookie of the Year following a record-setting season in the QMJHL. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect became just the fourth defenceman to earn the honour, joining Philippe Boucher (Granby Bisons / QMJHL, 1990-91), Bryan Berard (Detroit Jr. Red Wings / OHL, 1994-95), and Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL, 2024-25). With Bleyl following DuPont, it also marked the first time in CHL history that defencemen won CHL Rookie of the Year in consecutive seasons. Bleyl set a new QMJHL record for points by a rookie defenceman with 81, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1978. Among other award winners announced on Monday is Charlottetown Islanders captain Marcus Kearsey of the Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL), the CHL Humanitarian of the Year. Kearsey’s honour also continues a remarkable run of community leadership from the Charlottetown Islanders. With his recognition Monday, the Islanders become the first club in CHL history to win the CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award in consecutive seasons, following Maxwell Jardine’s 2024-25 victory. Charlottetown has now produced the QMJHL finalist for the honour in four of the last five seasons — including each of the last three — further underscoring the Islanders’ sustained commitment to making an impact beyond the rink. Presented annually, the CHL Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of players and coaches from across the CHL, with 10 trophies presented based on individual performances, leadership, community impact, academic achievement, and contributions to team success.

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David Branch Player of the Year Award

Winner – Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL) Nominees – Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) & Sam O’Reilly (Kitchener Rangers / OHL) The CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award is given out annually to the player judged to be the most outstanding in the Canadian Hockey League. Formerly known as the CHL Player of the Year Award, the trophy was renamed in 2019-20 in honour of David Branch, who served as OHL Commissioner from 1979-2024 and CHL President from 1996-2019. Maxim Massé of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL) earned the honour after being named the QMJHL’s Most Valuable Player and capturing the first scoring title of his QMJHL career. The Anaheim Ducks prospect recorded 102 points, including 51 goals and 51 assists, in 63 games, finishing six points ahead of Val-d’Or Foreurs forward Philippe Veilleux in the QMJHL scoring race. Massé’s 51 goals also tied for the CHL lead, while he was one of only two players across the CHL to surpass both the 50-goal and 100-point marks in 2025-26. He ranked second in the QMJHL with a plus-62 rating and eight game-winning goals, while his 1.62 points-per-game rate stood as the highest in the CHL among players who appeared in more than 60 games. The third-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in the 2024 NHL Draft becomes just the sixth player in CHL history to win both CHL Rookie of the Year and CHL David Branch Player of the Year over the course of his career, joining Sidney Crosby, John Tavares, Alex DeBrincat, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gavin McKenna.

Rookie of the Year Award

Winner – Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) Nominees – JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers / WHL) & Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) The CHL Rookie of the Year Award is given out annually to the top rookie in the Canadian Hockey League. Tommy Bleyl of the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) earned the honour after a record-setting debut season from the blue line. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect finished second among all QMJHL rookies with 81 points in 63 games, setting a new league record for points by a rookie defenceman. The previous mark of 77 points had stood since 1978 and was held by Gaston Therrien. Bleyl’s 68 assists led the entire QMJHL, regardless of position, and stand as the highest single-season total by a CHL rookie defenceman in the 21st century. Bleyl also became only the second player in QMJHL history to win both the Sidney-Crosby Trophy as Rookie of the Year and the Émile-Bouchard Trophy as Defenceman of the Year in the same season, joining Dmitry Kulikov, who accomplished the feat with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in 2008-09. He also captured the Raymond-Lagacé Trophy as Defensive Rookie of the Year. With the CHL honour, Bleyl becomes just the fourth defenceman to be named CHL Rookie of the Year, joining Philippe Boucher, Bryan Berard, and Landon DuPont, who captured the award last season. He is also the first Moncton Wildcats player to win the award and the sixth American to receive CHL Rookie of the Year honours, joining Patrick Kane of the London Knights (OHL), Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters (OHL), David Legwand of the Plymouth Whalers (OHL), Bryan Berard of the Detroit Jr. Red Wings (OHL), and Patrick O’Sullivan of the Mississauga IceDogs (OHL).

Humanitarian of the Year Award

Winner – Marcus Kearsey (Charlottetown Islanders / QMJHL) Nominees: Shane Smith (Kelowna Rockets / WHL) & Carson Woodall (Windsor Spitfires / OHL) The CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award is presented annually to the CHL player judged to have made the most notable contribution to his community. Marcus Kearsey of the Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) earned the 2026 honour in recognition of his outstanding community involvement, leadership, and excellence on the ice. The Charlottetown captain was named the QMJHL Humanitarian of the Year for the second time in three seasons, having previously received the QMJHL award in 2023-24. Kearsey’s recognition continues a remarkable run for the Islanders. With his CHL honour, Charlottetown becomes the first club in CHL history to win the Humanitarian of the Year Award in consecutive seasons, after Maxwell Jardine captured the award in 2024-25. A Charlottetown Islanders player has now represented the QMJHL as a finalist for the honour in four of the last five seasons, including each of the last three. Over four seasons in Charlottetown, Kearsey became one of the Islanders’ most active community ambassadors. He launched the Kearsey’s Kids program, inviting a child to each regular-season home game as his guest, complete with tickets, a personalized poster, a T-shirt, and a pre-game meet-and-greet. He also served as the Islanders’ Hockey Gives Blood ambassador, helping organize team blood donations and promote fan participation, while supporting Canadian Blood Services through more than 100 donations tied to the program. Kearsey’s impact also extended to several other causes across Prince Edward Island. He served as player ambassador for the Islanders’ One Game One Wish fundraiser in support of Make-A-Wish, helping the club reach its $10,000 goal, delivered an anti-bullying presentation to more than 100 students through PEI Crime Stoppers, and regularly took part in minor hockey practices, jamborees, school visits, autograph sessions, and youth hockey initiatives both during the season and in the offseason. On the ice, Kearsey enjoyed the best offensive season of his QMJHL career, recording a personal-high 55 points, including 15 goals and 40 assists, in 62 games. He finished fifth among QMJHL defencemen in scoring, while his five power-play goals and three game-winning goals both ranked second among league blueliners.

Jim Hulton named 13th head coach in Sea Dogs history

kvanstone — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:09:06 +0000

The Saint John Sea Dogs have named Jim Hulton the 13th head coach in franchise history, the team announced Monday. “We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the Saint John Sea Dogs,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie. “Jim and I entered the QMJHL in the same season, and over the years we’ve had a front-row seat to the work ethic and competitiveness of his teams. Year after year, his teams compete hard and his players exceed expectations. He is demanding and prepares young men for what it takes to play professional hockey through a culture built on accountability." "Beyond his experience, Jim is a true professional and a great person," added Georgie. "He shares our vision for the future of the Sea Dogs, and he wants to win just as badly as all of us do. We’re excited to welcome Jim and his family to Saint John and begin this next chapter together.” Hulton joins the Sea Dogs with more than 30 years of coaching experience, including two seasons as an assistant coach with the NHL’s Florida Panthers from 2008 to 2010. Originally from Kingston, Ont., Hulton spent the last 11 seasons with the Charlottetown Islanders, compiling a 426-356 record. He has coached in the final four three times and in the QMJHL finals once in 2022. A two-time QMJHL coach of the year and recipient of the CHL’s Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award in 2022, Hulton ranks 14th all-time in QMJHL history with 380 regular-season wins. He is the fifth-fastest coach to reach 300 wins in the QMJHL, accomplishing the feat in 513 games. On the international stage, Hulton has been part of Canada’s national junior team coaching staff at three IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships (2004, 2005 and 2019), winning a silver medal in 2004 and a gold medal in 2005.

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QMJHL to play eight interleague games against OHL next season

kvanstone — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:58:32 +0000

The QMJHL will unveil its 2026-2027 schedule in the coming days, and to whet your appetite, it announced today that there will be eight interleague games against the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). That’s double the number from last season, when the Gatineau Olympiques and the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies faced off against the Ottawa 67’s and the Sudbury Wolves, respectively, in a home-and-away series. Those same two matchups will return this season, while the Val-d’Or Foreurs will face the North Bay Battalion, and the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada will go head-to-head with the Kingston Frontenacs, again in home-and-away series. The first interleague games will take place on Sunday, November 1, and the final game, between Sudbury and Rouyn-Noranda, will be played on Sunday, February 21. _ OHL vs QMJHL Interleague Games: Sunday, November 1, 2:00 p.m., Val-d’Or at North Bay Sunday, November 1, 2:05 p.m., Rouyn-Noranda at Sudbury Friday, November 20, 7:00 p.m., Ottawa at Gatineau Sunday, November 22, 2:05 p.m., Blainville-Boisbriand at Kingston Sunday, November 22, 3:00 p.m., Gatineau at Ottawa - Sunday, January 17, 3:00 p.m., Kingston at Blainville-Boisbriand Friday, January 22, 7:00 p.m., North Bay at Val-d'Or - Sunday, February 21, 4:00 p.m., Sudbury at Rouyn-Noranda *all local times

Finalists announced for 2026 CHL Awards

kvanstone — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:55:33 +0000

Nineteen CHL clubs represented among 2026 finalists, led by historic seasons from Bryce Pickford, Tommy Bleyl, Nikita Klepov, and Maxim Massé

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce the finalists for its 10 major awards for the 2025-26 season, with the complete list of finalists available below. Winners will be honoured at the 2026 CHL Awards ceremony, taking place Monday, June 15, in downtown Toronto. The finalists for each CHL award are determined by the winners of the corresponding honours presented by the CHL’s three Member Leagues: the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Across the 30 finalist spots for this year’s 10 CHL awards, 19 different CHL clubs are represented, including seven from the WHL, six from the OHL, and six from the QMJHL — reflecting standout 2025-26 seasons from players, coaches, and organizations across the CHL. Four players enter the 2026 CHL Awards with multiple nominations after seasons that rewrote record books across the CHL. Bryce Pickford of the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) is a finalist for both the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award and CHL Defenceman of the Year Award after scoring 45 goals — the most by a CHL defenceman in nearly 40 years. The Montreal Canadiens prospect is the first defenceman to be named a finalist for the CHL’s top individual honour since Ryan Ellis (Windsor Spitfires / OHL) in 2010-11. If selected, Pickford would become just the fifth defenceman to win the award and the first since Ellis. Tommy Bleyl of the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) is also nominated twice, earning finalist recognition for both CHL Rookie of the Year and CHL Defenceman of the Year after setting a new QMJHL record for points by a rookie defenceman with 81. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect also became just the second player in QMJHL history to win both the league’s Rookie of the Year and Defenceman of the Year honours in the same season, joining Dmitry Kulikov (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL), who accomplished the feat in 2008-09. Should Bleyl capture both CHL awards, he would become the first player in CHL history to win CHL Rookie of the Year and CHL Defenceman of the Year in the same season. Nikita Klepov of the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) and Maxim Massé of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL) round out the group of multi-award finalists. Klepov, a 2026 NHL Draft prospect nominated for both CHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL Top Scorer Award, became the first rookie to lead a CHL Member League in scoring since Patrick Kane did so with the London Knights in 2006-07 — a feat achieved by only one other rookie since 2000, Sidney Crosby with the Rimouski Océanic in 2003-04. Massé, an Anaheim Ducks prospect and finalist for both the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award and CHL Top Scorer Award, captured the QMJHL scoring title with 102 points and was one of only two CHL players to surpass both the 50-goal and 100-point marks this season. Some of the other compelling storylines to watch heading into the 2026 CHL Awards include:

Markus Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers led the entire CHL with 108 points, while his twin brother Liam finished second with 104, making them the first siblings in CHL history to finish first and second in league scoring in the same season.
This year marks the first time in CHL history that all three Member League Rookie of the Year recipients are U.S.-born players, with JP Hurlbert of the Kamloops Blazers (WHL), Klepov (OHL), and Bleyl (QMJHL) all nominated for CHL Rookie of the Year.
Should Bleyl be named CHL Rookie of the Year, he would become just the fourth defenceman to receive the honour, joining Philippe Boucher (Granby Bisons / QMJHL, 1990-91), Bryan Berard (Detroit Jr. Red Wings / OHL, 1994-95), and Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL, 2024-25), who captured the award last season.
Massé, the CHL Rookie of the Year in 2022-23, could become just the sixth player in CHL history to win both CHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award over the course of his career, joining Sidney Crosby, John Tavares, Alex DeBrincat, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gavin McKenna.
Sam O’Reilly of the Kitchener Rangers enters the ceremony as a finalist for the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award following a remarkable campaign in which he was named OHL regular-season MVP, OHL Playoff MVP, and Memorial Cup MVP while leading Kitchener to a Memorial Cup title. Should he win the CHL’s top individual honour, the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect would join Brad Richards and Mitch Marner as the only players to capture CHL Player of the Year after completing that rare MVP sweep in the same season.
Ryder Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s is a finalist for CHL Goaltender of the Year after leading the CHL with a .923 save percentage, posting a CHL-best 2.07 goals-against average, and setting a new OHL rookie record with six shutouts. If selected, the 2026 NHL Draft prospect would become only the second rookie goaltender to win the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award — and the first in 31 years — following Martin Biron of the Beauport Harfangs (QMJHL) in 1994-95.
Steve Hamilton of the Everett Silvertips is nominated for the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award after guiding Everett to a franchise-record 57-win regular season, the first WHL Championship in club history, the Silvertips’ first Memorial Cup appearance, and their first Memorial Cup Final appearance.
Marcus Kearsey of the Charlottetown Islanders could help make CHL history, as an Islanders win would mark the first time a club has captured the CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award in consecutive seasons. With Kearsey earning his second nomination for this CHL honour in the last three seasons, a Charlottetown Islanders player has now represented the QMJHL as a finalist for the award in four of the last five seasons, including each of the last three.

Presented annually, the CHL Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of players from across the CHL, with 10 trophies presented based on individual performances. For more information on each award and its three finalists, please visit chl.ca/tag/chl-awards. David Branch Player of the Year Award Nominees: Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL), Sam O’Reilly (Kitchener Rangers / OHL), Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL) The CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award is given out annually to the player judged to be the most outstanding in the Canadian Hockey League. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy (WHL Player of the Year), the Red Tilson Trophy (OHL Most Outstanding Player), and the Michel-Brière Trophy (QMJHL MVP). The trophy was renamed in 2019-20 in honour of David Branch, who was OHL Commissioner from 1979-2024 and served as CHL President from 1996-2019. Defenceman of the Year Award Nominees: Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL), Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL), Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) The CHL Defenceman of the Year Award is given out annually to the top defenceman in the Canadian Hockey League. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy (WHL Defenceman of the Year), the Max Kaminsky Trophy (OHL Defenceman of the Year), and the Émile-Bouchard Trophy (QMJHL Defenceman of the Year). Goaltender of the Year Award Nominees: Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars / WHL), Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s / OHL), Rudy Guimond (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) The CHL Goaltender of the Year Award is given out annually to the top goaltender in the Canadian Hockey League. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy (WHL Goaltender of the Year), the Jim Rutherford Trophy (OHL Goaltender of the Year), and the Patrick-Roy Trophy (QMJHL Goaltender of the Year). Rookie of the Year Award Nominees: JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers / WHL), Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) The CHL Rookie of the Year Award is given out annually to the top rookie in the Canadian Hockey League. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy (WHL Rookie of the Year), the Emms Family Award (OHL Rookie of the Year), and the Sidney-Crosby Trophy (QMJHL Rookie of the Year). Top Scorer Award Nominees: Markus Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL), Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL) The CHL Top Scorer Award is given out annually to the highest-scoring player in the Canadian Hockey League. It was first awarded in 1994. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Bob Clarke Trophy (WHL Top Scorer), the Eddie Powers Trophy (OHL Top Scorer), and the Jean-Béliveau Trophy (QMJHL Scoring Champion). Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award Nominees: Steve Hamilton (Everett Silvertips / WHL), Dave Cameron (Ottawa 67’s / OHL), Sylvain Favreau (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL) Named in recognition of former Ottawa 67’s head coach and CHL all-time wins leader Brian Kilrea, the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award is presented annually to one of the winners of the CHL’s Member League coaching honours: the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy (WHL Coach of the Year), the Matt Leyden Trophy (OHL Coach of the Year), and the Ron-Lapointe Trophy (QMJHL Coach of the Year). Top Draft Prospect Award Nominees: Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars / WHL), Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Maddox Dagenais (Québec Remparts / QMJHL) The CHL Top Draft Prospect Award is presented annually to the top eligible prospect for the NHL Draft from the Canadian Hockey League. The award was first presented in 1991. Sportsman of the Year Award Nominees: Braeden Cootes (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL), Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts / OHL), Alex Huang (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL) The CHL Sportsman of the Year Award is given out annually to the most sportsmanlike player in the Canadian Hockey League. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy (WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player), the William Hanley Trophy (OHL Most Sportsmanlike Player), and the David-Desharnais Trophy (QMJHL Most Sportsmanlike & Effective Player). Scholastic Player of the Year Award Nominees: Alex Weiermair (Portland Winterhawks / WHL), Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Nathan Brisson (Val-d’Or Foreurs / QMJHL) The CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award is presented annually to a Canadian Hockey League player who is best able to combine success on the ice with success in the classroom. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Daryl K. “Doc” Seaman Memorial Trophy (WHL Scholastic Player of the Year), the Bobby Smith Trophy (OHL Scholastic Player of the Year), and the Marcel-Robert Trophy (QMJHL Scholastic Player of the Year). Humanitarian of the Year Award Nominees: Shane Smith (Kelowna Rockets / WHL), Carson Woodall (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Marcus Kearsey (Charlottetown Islanders / QMJHL) The CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award is presented annually to the CHL player judged to have made the most notable contribution to his community. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy (WHL Humanitarian of the Year), the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy (OHL Humanitarian of the Year), and the QMJHL Humanitarian of the Year Award.

2026 QMJHL Entry Draft: a total of 216 players selected

kvanstone — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 17:18:50 +0000

The 2026 QMJHL Draft, presented by Fenplast, is now in the books, as 216 players were selected yesterday and today at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax. Thomas Boisvert was selected first overall last night by the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. Today, Éliot Faucher was the first player selected, at 19^th overall, as the Shawinigan Cataractes used their pick to acquire the defenseman. Faucher played for Stanstead College this past season. The Cataractes, who selected fourth and sixth overall yesterday, ultimately made five selections among the first 27 picks. Trois-Rivières Estacades forward Émile Guévin, selected 22^nd overall, and Séminaire St-François goaltender Simon-Olivier Guérard, selected 27^th, are also headed to Shawinigan. The host team, the Halifax Mooseheads, also made three second-round selections: Jack Cameron (20^th), Maveric Thisdelle (25^th) and John Queally (33^rd). Most of the drafted prospects were born in 2010 and will now look to earn their spot in the QMJHL at training camps, which will begin in August. View the complete list of draft selections here

QMJHL announces the winners of three administrative trophies

kvanstone — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 13:08:38 +0000

After announcing the finalists on Thursday, the QMJHL today revealed the winners of the Jean-Sawyer, John-Horman and Denis-Arsenault Trophies for the 2025-26 season. Jean-Sawyer Trophy (photo above) Marketing Team of the Year Winners: Chicoutimi Saguenéens Under the banner of their slogan, “Defending Our Colours,” the Saguenéens organization enjoyed a remarkable season both in the front office and on the ice. The team launched several initiatives, including a brand-new visual identity, a podcast, and new fan engagement tools through its mobile app. In addition, the organization added full-time graphic design and video production resources to remain connected with its fan base by sharing stories throughout the season. Finally, the Saguenéens’ marketing investments had a significant impact on sponsorship revenues, attendance figures, webcast quality, as well as ticketing and 50/50 revenues. Finalists: Québec Remparts and Newfoundland Regiment _ John-Horman Trophy Administrator of the Year Winners: Glenn Stanford and Ken O’Leary, Newfoundland Regiment In its inaugural season, the Regiment quickly established itself as one of the league’s model organizations, finishing among the QMJHL’s Top 4 teams in ticket sales, concession revenues, merchandise sales and sponsorship revenues. The Regiment also broke the attendance record for a first-year franchise, previously set in 1969-70, by averaging 5,234 fans per game. President Glenn Stanford and Vice-President of Business Operations Ken O’Leary provided outstanding leadership in the Regiment’s front office. Finalists: Serge Proulx, Chicoutimi Saguenéens, and Tommy Castonguay, Québec Remparts _ Denis-Arsenault Trophy Academic Advisor of the Year Winners: Dominique Bilodeau and Yvan Nolet, Gatineau Olympiques Finalists for a second consecutive year and winners for the first time, Dominique and Yvan provide players with structured, attentive and highly personalized support. Their proactive, solutions-oriented approach is reflected in their strong adaptability and constant willingness to innovate. They maintain solid relationships with educational partners and foster open, constructive communication with all stakeholders. Their professionalism is also evident in their consistent respect for deadlines and established processes. Finalists: Bruce Cluney and Hannah Woodworth, Charlottetown Islanders, and Janique Duval, Val-d’Or Foreurs

2026 QMJHL Draft | Recap of an eventful first round

kvanstone — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 02:50:32 +0000

One of the biggest productions on the QMJHL calendar, the first round of the 2026 QMJHL Draft presented by Fenplast, took place Friday night at Scotiabank Center in Halifax. In addition to the welcoming of 18 new faces to the QMJHL family, several interesting storylines unfolded as the kickoff to the 2026-27 campaign got underway. The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, choosing first overall for the first time in franchise history via acquisition of the pick originally owned by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, kicked things off by selecting Thomas Boisvert from Mount St. Charles Academy. The center from Trois-Rivieres, Quebec stood out at the Rhode Island prep school as a dynamic, well-rounded player who excelled at distributing the puck. Boisvert was considered the top prospect in this year’s draft by QMJHL Central Scouting. The Victoriaville Tigres, choosing second for the first time since 2022, stepped up to the podium next and took defenseman Vincent Boutet. While patrolling the blueline for the Blizzard du Seminaire St-Francois, the 6’1” Boutet brought a physical element while also remaining remarkably composed. The Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Quebec product was identified as the top blueliner available for the 2026 QMJHL Draft. The third overall selection, originally held by the hometown Mooseheads, was dealt to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, causing a dramatic reaction from the many fans in attendance. While the Mooseheads landed star center Mateo Nobert in exchange for goaltender Nicolas Gillham-Cirka and Amelio Santini, the Armada promptly used their newly acquired pick to choose forward Jacob McKinnon who was Boutet’s Blizzard teammate at Seminaire St-Francois last season. One of the top skaters available in the draft, McKinnon combined fantastic shot and pass selection and hockey sense to average well over a point per game in 2025-26. McKinnon will be facing at least one familiar foe from a nearby rival; he is the brother of Shawinigan Cataractes defenseman Noah McKinnon. A name with ties to the hometown team was called out when the Cataractes made the first of what would be two first round picks at number four. Pierre-Alexandre Lemieux spent last season mixing skill, physicality and vision with the Phenix du College Esther-Blondin. He’s also the nephew of former Mooseheads’ forward Alex Lemieux. The Victoriaville Tigres found themselves back at the podium for pick number five after a draft floor deal with the Saint John Sea Dogs that saw picks 14 and 17 head to the Port City. The Tigres proceeded to choose Jakob Royer from the Estacades de Trois-Rivieres. Known as a power forward at the U-18 level, he is the son of former Q defenseman Remi Royer. The Cataractes made Julien Bergeron the sixth pick of the Draft and kept the family connections rolling. Bergeron, a reliable forechecker and consistent offensive threat for the Grenadiers de Chateauguay is the nephew of former QMJHL player and coach Louis Robitaille. The biggest cheer of the night arose with pick number seven. The Mooseheads’ former star defenseman Justin Barron announced the selection of Emrik Menard. One of the most electrifying forwards available, Menard combined vision, instinct and strong work ethic in a successful though injury-shortened ’25-26 campaign. Another player who joins the ‘Q’ family tree, Emrik’s father, Carl, was a mainstay with Granby and St-Hyacinthe in the early 90’s. The eighth pick was part of a carousel of trades. Originally property of the Cape Breton Eagles, it was sent to Chicoutimi as part of a blockbuster that sent recent league champions Lucas Beckman, Liam Lefebvre and Alonso Gosselin to the Cape. The Sagueneens in turn dealt the selection to Rimouski who chose hometown boy Justin Gagnon, a 6’3” power forward who starred with the Albatros du College Notre-Dame last year. The Chateauguay connection continued with pick nine as the Sherbrooke Phoenix welcomed Damien Leduc into the fold. The 6’1” power forward brought a solid combination of physicality and discipline to the ice this past year. It was back to the trade floor at pick number ten. After the Val-d’Or Foreurs sent that pick to Rimouski, the Oceanic stepped up to the podium and selected the first Maritimer of the evening in Fall River, Nova Scotia forward Max Brien. A powerful skater who brings a presence to all three zones, Brien was a point-per-game star with the Dartmouth Steele Subaru last year. The first Newfoundland-born player came off the board with pick number thirteen. Damian Norris of Middle Cove will be going home to suit up with the Newfoundland Regiment after an explosive, high scoring season with Upper Canada College. Norris also enters the ‘Q’ with an NHL connection as the cousin of Buffalo Sabres forward Josh Norris. It was another merry-go-round at pick fourteen. The Saint John Sea Dogs would deal this selection to the Quebec Remparts. After brief stops with Chicoutimi and Baie-Comeau, the selection made its way back to Saint John, who broke the suspense by choosing Pictou Weeks defenseman Lawrence Williams. The top ranked Maritimer by the CSR, the mobile blueliner averaged over a point per game as a rookie at the U-18 level last year. The first goaltender as well as the first member of the current Telus Cup Champions was selected at pick fifteen. Zachary Lainesse used his quick hands and instinctive ability to battle shooters with the Chevaliers de Levis last year. Now, he represents the next big thing between the pipes for Rouyn-Noranda, who used the second of three first rounders on the top ranked netminder. The Huskies would cap off their first-round hat trick with the very next pick, acquiring two-way Magog forward Malik Tremblay at sixteen. Pick seventeen was a combination of championship pedigree and family ties. Enzo Roy, a mobile puck mover on the champion Levis squad was taken by Baie-Comeau, the Drakkar’s second pick of the night. His father is no stranger to the ‘Q’; Jonathan was a star forward with Drummondville and Moncton. Fittingly, one more trade was made to close out the night. Pick number 18 was dealt from Rimouski to Baie-Comeau. The Drakkar then used their third pick of the night to choose goaltender Nathan Boulanger. The rangy six-foot tall netminder also became the second player from College Esther-Blondin to be chosen on the evening. The 2026 QMJHL Entry Draft presented by Fenplast continues tomorrow with rounds 2-12 starting at 9am ET/10am AT, live on Eastlink and the QMJHL’s YouTube channel.