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ROAD TO REDEMPTION – Lucas Beckman relishing second shot at title

Maxime Blouin — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:51:46 +0000

In the Spring of 2024, Lucas Beckman had the best seat in the house for the worst feeling in the rink. He was a 16-year-old, not even technically in his rookie season (he suited up for just seven regular season games) and had just watched his Baie-Comeau Drakkar fall in a four-game sweep to the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the Gilles-Courteau Trophy Final. It’s a feeling that has stayed with him as he first moved up to the starting role in Baie-Comeau, then moved on to Chicoutimi in January. Now with a second shot at a QMJHL playoff title with the Saguenéens, Beckman maintains perspective. “I got to see what it took,” he says of his earlier brush with a potential championship. “Unfortunately, we lost, and there were a lot of guys on that team that, for them, it was their last chance to win, not just as juniors, but in their hockey careers. Seeing that and feeling that and now getting another opportunity, this time playing at 18, is really special. It's not something to take for granted.” The Saguenéens made it plain for all to see; this was the year in Chicoutimi. Five years of building was going to yield results, one way or the other. And when the trade period opened, Beckman was one of many to make his way to the club. Yes, there was quantity. But there was also plenty of quality. “They’ve built a team on leadership and identity.” “The guys that they got, they weren't just superstars. They were also leaders on their teams," Beckman points out. "When I got here, I was really welcomed. I already knew a lot of players on the team as well as the staff and coaches. And I think that helped us all gel really quickly and be able to be in the position we're in right now.” Adding depth up front of bolstering the blue line – two things the Sags did in spades – is one thing. But what about between the pipes? Veteran netminder Raphaël Précourt has put in two and a half solid seasons in the blue and white but hasn’t appeared in a game since March 21. How has the dynamic evolved between two teens used to being the go-to guy? “Since I got here, we've been getting along super well,” Beckman explains. “Basically, he could be the starter right now as well, but it hasn't tarnished our friendship or our relationship at all. We push each other. That's what I said since the first day I got here, that I was going to push him to do better and he was going to push me to do better in games and practices. There's only been positives with that.” Beckman has indeed been the man, crafting an overall 23-2 record entering the Final for a Saguenéens squad that’s been waiting a generation to reach this stage of the postseason. When he picked up the win in Game 2 of the current series versus Moncton, he became the first Sags netminder to earn a victory in the championship round since Éric Fichaud, back in 1994. For a club ripe with history, Beckman takes the historical context of his achievements in stride. “It's special, for sure,” he admits. “We can be proud of what we've accomplished so far, but it's really not done." "We want to go down in history as winners and bring pride to the region of Saguenay.” There’s little doubt the fans who pack the Centre Georges-Vézina are riding a high thanks to Beckman and his teammates. But there’s still work to be done against a Wildcats squad that’s been here before. If a third Gilles-Courteau Trophy banner lands in that rink’s historic rafters, what could wind up being the difference maker? “I think there's two things,” Beckman considers. “There’s our responsibility. I think we have a team that, no matter the score, we always play the same way. We don't cheat. We focus on the defensive end. Also, we play all our players. We roll four lines, which could help avoid injuries for everybody. That could possibly give us the edge in a long series.” But as he learned while being one of the freshest faces in the ’Q’, Beckman isn’t going to worry about win number 16 until the rest are firmly nailed down. “We’re not just satisfied to get to the final,” he said. “We're here to win it.”

Mario Lemieux named No. 1 on CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list

Maxime Blouin — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:43:43 +0000

The Laval Voisins (QMJHL) legend, CHL single-season record holder for goals and points, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, two-time Stanley Cup champion, and Pittsburgh Penguins icon ranks No. 1 on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list; full rankings and player bios are available at chl.ca/chl50.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce that Laval Voisins and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) alumnus Mario Lemieux has been ranked No. 1 on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list, a marquee initiative of the CHL’s 50th anniversary season. Lemieux’s selection completes the countdown, with all 50 players now revealed, and provides a fitting finish at the top of the rankings. A pair of Pittsburgh Penguins cornerstone players, past and present, occupy the first two spots, with Lemieux at No. 1 and Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL) alumnus Sidney Crosby at No. 2. The completed top five also includes Peterborough Petes and Soo Greyhounds (OHL) alumnus Wayne Gretzky at No. 3, Erie Otters (OHL) alumnus Connor McDavid at No. 4, and Laval National (QMJHL) alumnus Mike Bossy at No. 5. The countdown recognizes the greatest players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) since 1975-76, celebrating the stars who have defined major junior hockey over the past five decades. As part of the initiative, a panel of media members first selected the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years. The final ranking order was then determined using a weighted formula that combined media and fan voting to rank the players from No. 1 through No. 50. KEY FACTS & MEDIA NOTES: CHL TOP 50 PLAYERS MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) MARIO LEMIEUX MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) “I'm honored to be chosen among this group of great players. My time at Laval and in the QMJHL played a big role in preparing me for an NHL career,” said Lemieux. “We all appreciate what the CHL has meant to Canadian hockey and the development of our players through the years.” “Mario Lemieux’s dominance with the Laval Voisins remains one of the defining achievements in CHL history,” stated Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “His 1983-84 season set a standard that has stood for more than 40 years, and the career that followed only strengthened his place among the greatest players our game has ever seen. As we complete this countdown, the full Top 50 list is a powerful reminder of the elite talent the CHL has developed across generations, from era-defining stars like Mario to today’s best players. It reflects the role that our Leagues play in developing these young men into not just elite hockey players but also world-class citizens. It reinforces the impact our Clubs have on their communities, and why the CHL continues to be the best development league in the world. On behalf of the CHL, congratulations to Mario and to all 50 players recognized through this anniversary initiative.” Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in hockey history, Lemieux’s rise to stardom began in Laval, where he produced one of the most dominant careers ever seen in the CHL. Selected first overall by the Voisins in the 1981 QMJHL Draft, the Montreal, Que., product recorded 96 points (30 goals and 66 assists) in 64 games during his rookie season in 1981-82, before adding 14 points in 18 playoff contests. Lemieux elevated his production in 1982-83, recording 184 points (84 goals and 100 assists) in 66 regular-season games with Laval. He added 32 points, including 14 goals and 18 assists, in 12 playoff games and was named to the QMJHL Second All-Star Team. His 1983-84 season remains one of the greatest individual campaigns in hockey history. Over 70 regular-season games with Laval, Lemieux set CHL single-season records with 133 goals and 282 points, while adding 149 assists. His remarkable campaign also included a CHL-record 61-game point streak, 21 hat tricks, five games with eight or more points, and a 50-goal mark reached in just 27 games. In his final regular-season game with Laval, Lemieux scored six goals and added five assists in a 16-4 win over Longueuil, finishing the campaign with a CHL-record 133 goals and capturing the QMJHL scoring title by 112 points over linemate Jacques Goyette. Lemieux continued his dominance in the 1984 QMJHL Playoffs, posting 52 points (29 goals and 23 assists) in 14 games as Laval captured the QMJHL championship and advanced to the 1984 Memorial Cup. His 29 playoff goals set a QMJHL record that stood for 14 years. For his historic 1983-84 season, Lemieux was named CHL Player of the Year, QMJHL MVP, QMJHL Top Scorer, QMJHL Top Pro Prospect, and QMJHL Playoff MVP. Across three seasons with Laval, he totalled 562 points — 247 goals and 315 assists — in 200 regular-season games. Lemieux’s legacy in junior hockey has continued to be recognized long after his time with Laval. He was inducted into the QMJHL Hall of Fame in 1999, named the Laval Voisins’ centre on the club’s All-Time Team that same year, and selected as the centre on the CHL All-Time Team alongside goaltender Bernie Parent (Niagara Falls Flyers / OHL), defenceman Bobby Orr (Oshawa Generals / OHL), Denis Potvin (Ottawa 67’s / OHL), Guy Lafleur (Québec Remparts / QMJHL), and Brian Propp (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL). In 2019, he was selected as the No. 2 player in QMJHL history by a panel of distinguished members of the hockey community. Following his CHL career, Lemieux was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1984 NHL Draft. He made an immediate impact in the NHL, scoring on his first shot on his first shift in his debut, and went on to record 100 points (43 goals and 57 assists) as a rookie in 1984-85, earning the Calder Trophy. Lemieux’s NHL career stands among the most decorated in league history. A Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, he won two Stanley Cup championships with Pittsburgh in 1991 and 1992, capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP both years. His NHL résumé also includes three Hart Trophies, four Ted Lindsay Awards — formerly known as the Lester B. Pearson Award — six Art Ross Trophies, three NHL goal-scoring titles, the Bill Masterton Trophy, five NHL First All-Star Team selections, and four NHL Second All-Star Team selections Named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players in 2017, Lemieux retired in 2006 with 690 goals, 1,033 assists, and 1,723 points in 915 regular-season games. Internationally, Lemieux also built an exceptional résumé with Canada. He won bronze at the 1983 IIHF World Junior Championship, helped Canada earn silver at the 1985 IIHF World Championship, played a pivotal role in Canada’s 1987 Canada Cup victory, captained Canada to Olympic gold in 2002, and captained Canada to gold at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2008 and was named to Canada’s IIHF All-Time Team in 2020 as part of the 100th anniversary of the Ice Hockey World Championships. With Lemieux officially revealed at No. 1, all 50 players on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list have now been announced. Full rankings and player bios are available at chl.ca/chl50. _ https://youtu.be/mi2TT6d-kIo?si=GcguoLFYYeXaQAjp

Sidney Crosby named No. 2 on CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list

Maxime Blouin — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:30:36 +0000

The Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL) icon, a record five-time CHL Award winner, three-time Stanley Cup champion, and Pittsburgh Penguins captain ranks No. 2 on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list; full rankings and player bios are available at chl.ca/chl50.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce that Rimouski Océanic and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) alumnus Sidney Crosby has been ranked No. 2 on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list, a marquee initiative of the CHL’s 50th anniversary season. Crosby’s placement at No. 2 makes him the highest-ranking active player on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list. He ranks one spot ahead of Peterborough Petes and Soo Greyhounds (OHL) alumnus Wayne Gretzky, who was named No. 3, and two spots ahead of Erie Otters (OHL) alumnus Connor McDavid, who was ranked No. 4. The countdown recognizes the greatest players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) since 1975-76, celebrating the stars who have defined major junior hockey over the past five decades. As part of the initiative, a panel of media members first selected the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years. The final ranking order was then determined using a weighted formula that combined media and fan voting to rank the players from No. 1 through No. 50. KEY FACTS & MEDIA NOTES: CHL TOP 50 PLAYERS MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) SIDNEY CROSBY MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) “I am honoured to be named to the ‘CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years’ list, especially knowing how many great players have come through the CHL,” said Crosby. “Some of my favourite memories playing hockey came during my time at Rimouski, and those years in the QMJHL helped prepare me for the NHL. I’m incredibly grateful for this acknowledgement, and thankful to all of the players, coaches, trainers and so many people who helped me along the way.” Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, Crosby’s rise to hockey stardom began in Rimouski, where he delivered one of the most dominant two-year runs in CHL history. Selected first overall by the Océanic in the 2003 QMJHL Draft, the Cole Harbour, N.S., product made an immediate impact, recording a hat trick in his first QMJHL game on Sept. 12, 2003. As a 16-year-old rookie in 2003-04, Crosby recorded 135 points (54 goals and 81 assists) in 59 regular-season games, setting a QMJHL record for points by a 16-year-old and surpassing a mark that had stood for 30 years. He added another 16 points, including seven goals and nine assists, in nine playoff contests. That season, Crosby was named CHL Rookie of the Year, CHL Player of the Year, CHL Top Scorer, QMJHL Rookie of the Year, QMJHL MVP, and earned spots on both the CHL and QMJHL First All-Star Teams. In capturing CHL Player of the Year honours in 2003-04, Crosby became the first-ever 16-year-old to win the award — a distinction that helped cement his place as the second-youngest recipient in its history, behind only Oshawa Generals and London Knights (OHL) alumnus John Tavares. Crosby elevated his game again in 2004-05, serving as an alternate captain with Rimouski while recording 168 points (66 goals and 102 assists) in 62 regular-season games. He added 31 points, including 14 goals and 17 assists, in 13 playoff games as he led the Océanic to a QMJHL championship and was named QMJHL Playoff MVP. At the 2005 Memorial Cup, Crosby helped Rimouski reach the final, led the event with 11 points — six goals and five assists — over five games to earn the Ed Chynoweth Trophy as the tournament’s leading scorer, and was named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team. Across two seasons with the Océanic, Crosby totalled 303 points — 120 goals and 183 assists — in 121 regular-season games, along with 47 points (21 goals and 26 assists) in 22 playoff contests. Crosby is the only player in history to earn five CHL Awards, having been named CHL Rookie of the Year, a two-time CHL Player of the Year, and a two-time CHL Top Scorer. He is one of only two players to capture CHL Player of the Year honours twice, alongside Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL) product Alexis Lafrenière, and one of only two players to win the CHL Top Scorer Award in back-to-back seasons, alongside Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) alumnus Conor Garland. He was also a two-time QMJHL MVP, winning the Michel-Brière Trophy in both 2003-04 and 2004-05, and a two-time CHL First All-Star Team and QMJHL First All-Star Team selection. In 2019, as part of the QMJHL’s 50th anniversary season, Crosby was selected as the No. 3 player in league history by a panel of distinguished members of the hockey community. Following his CHL career, Crosby was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2005 NHL Draft. Since then, he has built one of the most decorated careers in modern hockey history, winning three Stanley Cup championships with Pittsburgh in 2009, 2016, and 2017. In 2009, at 21 years, 10 months, and five days old, he became the youngest captain in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup, before later becoming one of only seven players in league history to capture multiple Conn Smythe Trophies after earning back-to-back playoff MVP honours in 2016 and 2017. His NHL résumé also includes two Hart Trophies, two Art Ross Trophies, two Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies, three Ted Lindsay Awards, four NHL First All-Star Team selections, four NHL Second All-Star Team selections, and the Mark Messier Leadership Award. Named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players in 2017, Crosby has continued to build on his legacy as one of nine players in league history to reach 1,700 points, one of only nine with 600-plus goals and 1,000-plus assists, and the NHL record holder for both the most total seasons and most consecutive campaigns averaging at least one point per game, with 21. He is also tied with Peterborough Petes (OHL) alumnus Steve Yzerman as the longest-serving captain in NHL history, at 19 seasons. Internationally, Crosby has become one of Canada’s most accomplished players. He won gold at the 2005 IIHF World Junior Championship, Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014, the 2015 IIHF World Championship, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. With his Stanley Cup, Olympic gold, and World Championship gold, Crosby is a member of the Triple Gold Club. Crosby captained Canada to Olympic gold in 2014, captained Canada to World Championship gold in 2015, and captained Canada at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where he led the tournament in scoring and was named MVP as Canada won gold. He was also named to Canada’s IIHF All-Time Team in 2020 as part of the 100th anniversary of the Ice Hockey World Championships. The No. 1-ranked player on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list will be unveiled tomorrow, with full player bios available at chl.ca/chl50.

CAPABLE CAT – Lounsbury’s all-around game has been key to Moncton’s success

Maxime Blouin — Tue, 12 May 2026 18:16:13 +0000

No matter what rink you step in, there’s always that handful of players you can’t help but cheer for. They may not gain the most notoriety, or lead their team in scoring, but they grab your attention in other ways. Generally, it’s through an honest effort and the ability to succeed in virtually every situation they’re placed in. For the Moncton Wildcats, one of those players in Preston Lounsbury. Now in his fourth full season with the Cats, Lounsbury has played up and down the lineup, seen time in one-goal games and blowouts, served the penalty kill and the power play. And, growing up in nearby Salisbury, New Brunswick, he’s doing it all for the team he grew up cheering for. “Memory-wise, obviously, the Coliseum was a big thing,” Lounsbury says when recalling his days in the stands of the Wildcats former den. “I remember going there to games with my dad or my buddies when I was younger, plus the Timbit Tournament in minor hockey. It was exciting just to say you got to skate on the same ice as the (Wildcats) or doing a little hot lap before a certain game with them. I have pictures with the Saulnier brothers (Alex and Allain). I remember (Conor) Garland and (Ivan) Barbashev when they were here. Now you see them in the NHL but when you look back, as a little kid, going to watch them play and to now have the chance to be a part of that same organization and wear the same jersey that they had on, it's pretty special. And especially, getting to live at home and do it in front of all my family and friends." "I’m one of those lucky junior players that had the opportunity.” You create your own opportunities, more often than not. Lounsbury has done that game after game, year after year. Besides his responsible two-way play and strong hockey sense, he’s no stranger to the front of the net. This year saw Lounsbury earn his first 20-goal campaign. The empty-netter to seal game one of the 2026 Gilles-Courteau Trophy Final was his 200^th career QMJHL point, regular season and playoffs combined. Every assignment he finds himself tasked with is worn like a badge of honor. His Head Coach seems to sense this as well. “Gardiner (MacDougall) calls me a Swiss Army knife,” Lounsbury points out. “It’s kind of a motto we go with. Just to be ready for any situation, and be able to adapt to any kind of situation I'm put in. I'm proud that he can think of me like that. When your teammates and the coaching staff have belief in you to go do anything that's needed within the group, it speaks volumes. I've always had that mindset even away from the rink, too. The people you surround yourself with, the people you try and help, they will always come back to help you. It works anywhere in life. I'm honored to be able to be in any situation possible.” It’s a group that’s responded well to Lounsbury’s capabilities. And everything else over the past two seasons, for that matter. Entering this year’s Final, the Cats’ second consecutive appearance in the championship round, the team has posted a cumulative two-year record of 133-29-4-2, capturing last year’s playoff title and two regular season championships along the way. It’s been a tale of two teams, however. With sizeable turnover tempered by the ability to recruit a greater array of talent thanks to new developments between the NCAA and CHL, the Cats have come back as strong as ever. Lounsbury points to one person who was instrumental in this remarkable run. “It's something special and obviously it's a little different with the rule change,” Lounsbury admits. “But realizing how the foundation of the culture was created last year and within the players and staff that were there last year and the way Gardiner approaches things, plus the fact no one really expected us to be where we are right now and, that's kind of motivation for everybody.” “Gardiner makes a team come together as one,” he goes on to say. “He makes us all want to accomplish the same goal no matter how long the group has been together. How quick he can make teammates gel, it's something special. Every guy on this team this year will probably say the same thing. It's all about the love and the brotherhood. You go to the rink with them every day and you're almost around them more than your family.” As Lounsbury and the group he considers his brothers near the end of another memorable season together, the path that took him from fan to draftee to one of the league’s most versatile competitors is an enjoyable one to recall. “Obviously, you always want to play big minutes and contribute as much as you can,” Lounsbury explains. “I was lucky enough for my first couple of years that (former Wildcats Head Coach) Dan Lacroix gave me tons of opportunities to progress and develop which gave me confidence. There are the personal goals you’ll always have, but the main thing I think is winning and when Gardiner and Taylor came into the group, they shared their approach with things and what they saw in all of us.” Fans of the Wildcats have seen it all over the last four year as well. And it’s with pride that they’ve seen a guy from just down the road play a key role throughout.

Mike Bossy named No. 5 on CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list

Maxime Blouin — Mon, 11 May 2026 13:31:40 +0000

The former Laval National star and CHL’s all-time leading goal scorer — a Hockey Hall of Famer and four-time Stanley Cup champion — ranks No. 5 on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list; full rankings and player bios are available at chl.ca/chl50.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce that Laval National and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) alumnus Mike Bossy has been ranked No. 5 on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list, a marquee initiative of the CHL’s 50th anniversary season. The countdown recognizes the greatest players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) since 1975-76, celebrating the stars who have defined major junior hockey over the past five decades. As part of the initiative, a panel of media members first selected the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years. The final ranking order was then determined using a weighted formula that combined media and fan voting to rank the players from No. 1 through No. 50. KEY FACTS & MEDIA NOTES: CHL TOP 50 PLAYERS MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) MIKE BOSSY MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) Bossy stands as one of the most prolific goal scorers in CHL history, with a legacy built through his record-setting tenure with the QMJHL’s Laval National, a Hall of Fame career in the NHL, and a decorated international résumé with Team Canada. A native of Montreal, Que., Bossy played four full seasons with the Laval National from 1973-77, producing 532 points — 309 goals and 223 assists — over his QMJHL regular-season career. His 309 career goals remain the most by any player in CHL history, while Bossy remains the only CHL skater to have topped 300 career goals in major junior hockey. Bossy’s dominance was immediate. In 1973-74, he recorded 118 points, including 70 goals and 48 assists, before adding 22 points in 11 playoff games. The following season in 1974-75, Bossy delivered a career-best 149 points, highlighted by 84 goals and 65 assists, while adding 38 points in 16 playoff contests and earning QMJHL First All-Star Team honours. He followed that performance with another elite campaign in 1975-76, totaling 136 points with 79 goals and 57 assists, earning QMJHL First All-Star Team recognition for the second straight season. In 1976-77, while serving as captain, Bossy recorded 126 points, including 75 goals and 51 assists, before adding 10 points in seven playoff games. That season, he was named to the QMJHL Second All-Star Team and earned the QMJHL Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year Award. Across his four full QMJHL seasons, Bossy never scored fewer than 70 goals, making him the only player in league history to achieve the feat. His 532 career QMJHL points remain among the highest totals in league history, ranking ninth all-time, while his CHL-record 309 career goals have stood since the end of the 1976-77 season — nearly 50 years. Following his standout QMJHL career, Bossy was selected 15th overall by the New York Islanders in the first round of the 1977 NHL Draft. He went on to spend his entire 10-year NHL career with the Islanders from 1977-87, becoming one of the greatest goal scorers in hockey history and a central figure in one of the NHL’s most successful dynasties. Bossy made an immediate impact in the NHL, scoring 53 goals as a rookie in 1977-78 to set what was then an NHL rookie record, while capturing the Calder Trophy as the league’s top first-year player. From there, he recorded nine consecutive 50-goal seasons — a streak unmatched in NHL history — and led the NHL in goals twice, in 1978-79 and 1980-81. A key piece of the Islanders’ four straight Stanley Cup championships from 1980-83, Bossy won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1982 as the Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He also captured the Lady Byng Trophy three times, was later named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players in 2017, and remains tied for the most 50-goal seasons and 60-goal seasons in NHL history. Internationally, Bossy represented Canada at the 1981 and 1984 Canada Cup tournaments. In 1984, he helped Canada capture gold, highlighted by his overtime-winning goal against the Soviet Union in the semifinals of a 3-2 victory. In recognition of his impact on the QMJHL, the Michael Bossy Trophy was established in 1980-81 and is awarded annually to the league’s top NHL Draft prospect. Bossy was inducted into the QMJHL Hall of Fame in 1998 and was later selected as the Laval National’s right wing on the club’s All-Time Team in 1999. In 2019, he was chosen by a panel of distinguished members of the hockey community as the No. 6 player in QMJHL history. Bossy was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991, while his No. 22 was retired by the New York Islanders. His No. 17 is also retired by the Newfoundland Regiment, the modern incarnation of the former Laval franchise. The remaining players ranked in the Top 10 on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list will be revealed over the coming days, with full player bios available at chl.ca/chl50.

2026 Gilles-Courteau Trophy Final – WILDCATS vs SAGUENÉENS PREVIEW

Maxime Blouin — Fri, 08 May 2026 17:14:34 +0000

They spent six months battling for regular season supremacy. Now, the Moncton Wildcats and Chicoutimi Saguenéens will face off with a league title and Memorial Cup berth on the line. The 2026 Gilles-Courteau Trophy Final is upon us with game one taking place tonight in Moncton. The Wildcats enjoyed their trip to the championship round last year so much that they decided to go back. Their road to round four was a little more perilous this spring, however. After dispatching first the Saint John Sea Dogs, then the Val-d’Or Foreurs in the minimum four games, it took all seven games to defeat the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the Semis. The Cats have looked to the grit, skill and big-body presence of 2024 Utah Mammoth draftee Gabe Smith all postseason. It’s been a recipe for success, as indicated by his league-leading 14 goals and 24 points through three rounds of play. San Jose Sharks draft pick Teddy Mutryn has been a force, particularly with his three-assist night against the Armada in Game 7. Captain and Utah Mammoth prospect Caleb Desnoyers has been his usual reliable self away from the puck while no slouch with it, with 18 points in 15 games. Overall, six players on the club have averaged a point per game to this point in the playoffs. As for players who are expected to hear their names called early this coming June, Tommy Bleyl has provided the lion’s share of offence from the blue line while producing a pair of highlight-reel goals this postseason. This has been countered by the solid two-way play of Adam Fortier-Gendron and vital contributions all over the ice from a pair of trade period pickups, Max Vilen and Evan Dépatie. Behind it all is Rudy Guimond, who finds himself in his usual place; among the league leaders in every major goaltending category entering the final series. The Wildcats, who have reached the Final in back-to-back seasons for the first time, will be gunning for the franchise’s fourth league title and Memorial Cup appearance. It’s been 29 long years but the Saguenéens are back in the QMJHL championship round. Their path to this stage of the postseason included sweeps of the Halifax Mooseheads and Québec Remparts, as well as a six-game Semi-Final triumph over the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. The league’s top offensive and defensive team in 2025-26 used both in equal measure to get to this point. Up front, the depth from top to bottom has been nothing short of special. Led by Anaheim Ducks 2024 selection Maxim Massé, the faceoff abilities of Mavrick Lachance and special teams wizardry from Nathan Lecompte and Emmanuel Vermette, the Sags have proven capable of winning games of all types, be it low scoring or offensive shootout. How spread out has the scoring been this spring? How about points from 20 of 21 players who have suited up, ten players with double digit point totals, and game-winning goals from 11 different players; only defenseman Tomas Lavoie has scored two GWGs! Lavoie is just one of a powerful defense corps that has shut down the opposition at every turn. Fellow mid-season acquisitions Jordan Tourigny and Alexis Bernier have controlled play with precision, while Alex Huang has been a steady puck mover all season long. It’s not just the group of blueliners that are getting the job done, however. This is a true team defense which has limited the opposition to an almost absurd 21 goals against through 14 postseason encounters. The is the sixth trip to the Final for the Saguenéens, the last appearance occurring in 1997. The last time the organization captured a playoff title, its second overall, the year was 1994 and current Head Coach Yanick Jean was one of the team’s veteran defensemen. The franchise has previously appeared in three Memorial Cups. These two clubs faced each other twice in a seven-day span during the regular season. On January 17 in Moncton, the Sags delivered a 7-4 setback to the Cats. Moncton returned the favor on January 24 in Chicoutimi, taking down the Saguenéens 3-2. This will be the fourth postseason meeting between the two teams, the previous three all occurring in the first round. The Wildcats earned victories of six and five games in 1998 and 2015, respectively. The Saguenéens were the most recent winners, sweeping the Wildcats in four straight back in 2024. The winners of this best-of-seven series will punch their ticket to the 2026 Memorial Cup in Kelowna, BC. _ Team Comparison (Reg. Season):

	Moncton	Chicoutimi
Record	50-10-2-2 — 104 Pts	49-10-3-2 — 102 Pts
Conference Rank	1st Eastern	2nd Eastern
League Rank	1st	2nd
GF	302 (2nd)	321 (1st)
GA	164 (2nd)	150 (1st)
PP (Total)	31.8% (2nd)	32.7% (1st)
PK (Total)	82.4% (2nd)	87.2% (1st)
Leading Rookie (PTS)	Bleyl (13-68-81)	Lefebvre (32-27-59)
Leading Scorers (PTS)	Bleyl (13-68-81)	Massé (51-51-102)
	Desnoyers (22-56-78)	Desruisseaux (24-52-76)
	Smith (34-43-77)	Huang (11-59-70)
	Tournas (43-31-74)	Vermette (27-42-69)
	Mutryn (31-37-68)	Guité (32-33-69)

Marcus Kearsey named Humanitarian Player of the Year

Maxime Blouin — Fri, 08 May 2026 14:31:22 +0000

For the second time in three years, Marcus Kearsey has won the QMJHL Humanitarian Player of the Year Award in recognition of his community involvement and excellence on the ice. The captain of the Charlottetown Islanders had also captured the prestigious honour in 2023-24. It marks the third consecutive year that an Islanders player has received the honour, and the fourth time in five years. Maxwell Jardine and Brett Budgell were also recipients, respectively in 2024-2025 and 2022-2023. Kearsey has been recognized over the past four seasons for his consistent commitment towards the community. He stands out through exemplary leadership, both on and off the ice, while actively participating in numerous charitable and social initiatives. Respected for his positive attitude and dedication, he inspires his teammates to get involved as well. Through his sustained commitment, he leaves a lasting impact on both his organization and his community. On the ice, Kearsey recorded a personal-best 55 points (15G-40A) in 62 games, finishing fifth among QMJHL defensemen in scoring. His five power-play goals and three game-winning goals ranked second among league defensemen. Kearsey finished ahead of Benjamin Cossette Ayotte, a defenseman of the Val-d'Or Foreurs, and Xavier Sabourin, a forward of the Victoriaville Tigres forward, in the voting process. _ To learn more about Marcus Kearsey's community involvment, CLICK HERE.

2026 Gilles-Courteau Trophy Final: here are the officials selected

Maxime Blouin — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:06:12 +0000

The QMJHL announced today the referees and linesmen selected to officiate during the Gilles-Courteau Trophy Final, presented by Proxi, which gets underway Friday night in Moncton. “The officials are evaluated throughout the regular season and during the playoffs,” said Director of Officiating Richard Trottier. “The eight referees and eight linesmen selected will experience something unforgettable over the next few days, just like the players. I congratulate them on their work and their selection.”

REFEREES

BERNIER Samuel

GOUIN Olivier

HAMILTON Michael

HOPKINS Jeff

LANGILLE Jonathan

MILLS Brad

ST-JACQUES Pascal

TARTRE Simon

LINESMEN

BOIVIN Nicolas

BURCHELL Justin

DESJARDINS Maxime

DOIRON Jay

HICKS Matt

MARTINEAU Benoit

McCONNELL Matt

PILON Philippe

Finalists for QMJHL Humanitarian Player of the Year Award unveiled

Maxime Blouin — Thu, 07 May 2026 14:01:00 +0000

The QMJHL is proud to announce today the three finalists for the Humanitarian Player of the Year Award, recognizing the player who stands out both for community involvement and on-ice performance. “This is a very prestigious honour,” said Commissioner Mario Cecchini. “The QMJHL is first and foremost about communities. Our 18 teams are deeply rooted and highly involved in their respective markets. Our fans love their teams and often build direct connections with our players. The three finalists have each made a meaningful impact in their communities and in the lives of many people. Congratulations to all!” Here are this year's three finalists: Benjamin Cossette Ayotte, Val-d’Or Foreurs Cossette Ayotte stands out as the most community-involved player on his team. He takes part with enthusiasm and initiative in numerous activities, often going above and beyond expectations while building genuine connections with people. Whether in schools, with seniors, or at community events, he acts as a positive and approachable leader. His sincere and consistent commitment makes him an inspiring ambassador for his team and region. Marcus Kearsey, Charlottetown Islanders The Islanders’ captain has been recognized for four seasons for his consistent commitment to the community. He demonstrates exemplary leadership, both on and off the ice, by actively participating in numerous charitable and social initiatives. Appreciated for his positive attitude and dedication, he inspires his teammates to get involved as well. Through his sustained efforts, he leaves a lasting impact on both his organization and community. Kearsey won this award in 2023-2024. Xavier Sabourin, Victoriaville Tigres Sabourin stands out for his exceptional commitment to the community, with more than 30 hours of volunteer work this season. Always willing to contribute, he participates in numerous activities and serves as a mentor to young people, including sponsoring minor hockey teams. Known for his authenticity and positive impact, he inspires both the community and his teammates. His involvement is driven by a genuine desire to give back and make a tangible difference. - The winner of the Humanitarian Player of the Year Award will be announced tomorrow.

Ray Bourque named No. 9 on CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list

Maxime Blouin — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:42:20 +0000

The Trois-Rivières Draveurs, Sorel/Verdun Blackhawks, and QMJHL alumnus is the highest-ranked defenceman on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list and the only blueliner ranked inside the Top 10; full rankings and player bios are available at chl.ca/chl50.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce that Trois-Rivières Draveurs, Sorel/Verdun Blackhawks, and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) alumnus Ray Bourque has been ranked No. 9 on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list, a marquee initiative of the CHL’s 50th anniversary season. The countdown recognizes the greatest players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and QMJHL since 1975-76, celebrating the stars who have defined major junior hockey over the past five decades. As part of the initiative, a panel of media members first selected the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years. The final ranking order was then determined using a weighted formula that combined media and fan voting to rank the players from No. 1 through No. 50. KEY FACTS & MEDIA NOTES: CHL TOP 50 PLAYERS MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) RAY BOURQUE MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) Bourque stands as the highest-ranked defenceman on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list. One of nine defencemen included among the Top 50, Bourque is also the only blueliner ranked within the Top 10. Selected 22nd overall by the Trois-Rivières Draveurs in the third round of the 1976 QMJHL Draft, Bourque quickly emerged as one of the league’s premier defencemen. Over three QMJHL seasons from 1976-79, the Montréal, Que., native recorded 220 points — 56 goals and 164 assists — in 204 regular-season games. Bourque split his rookie season in 1976-77 between Trois-Rivières and Sorel, combining for 48 points (12 goals and 36 assists) in 69 games. He took another step forward in 1977-78 with Verdun, producing 79 points (22 goals and 57 assists) in 72 games before adding three points in four playoff contests. That season, he earned QMJHL First All-Star Team honours. Serving as Verdun’s captain in 1978-79, Bourque delivered the most productive season of his CHL career, registering 93 points (22 goals and 71 assists) in 63 regular-season games, followed by 19 points (three goals and 16 assists) in 11 playoff games. His standout season earned him QMJHL Defenceman of the Year honours, a second straight QMJHL First All-Star Team selection, and a share of the QMJHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player award alongside Jean-François Sauvé. Following his standout QMJHL career, Bourque was selected eighth overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1979 NHL Draft, making him one of only six defencemen in QMJHL history to be chosen inside the Top 10 of the NHL Draft. Bourque went on to build one of the greatest careers by a defenceman in hockey history. Across 22 NHL seasons with the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche, he recorded 1,579 points — 410 goals and 1,169 assists — in 1,612 regular-season games. He retired as the NHL’s all-time leader among defencemen in goals, assists, and points, and remains the only defenceman in NHL history to score more than 400 career goals. A five-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner as the NHL’s top defenceman, Bourque also captured the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year in 1980. He was named to the NHL First All-Star Team 13 times and the NHL Second All-Star Team six times, and twice finished second in Hart Memorial Trophy voting — a rare achievement for a defenceman. In 2001, Bourque capped his NHL career by winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. Internationally, Bourque represented Canada on multiple occasions. He made his Team Canada debut at the 1981 Canada Cup, helped Canada capture Canada Cup gold in both 1984 and 1987, and represented Canada at the 1998 Winter Olympics, where he led all Canadian defencemen in scoring with three points in six games. Bourque was inducted into the QMJHL Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004. He was also named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players in 2017, and named one of two defencemen on Verdun’s All-Time Team in 1999. The remaining players ranked in the Top 10 on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list will be revealed over the coming days, with full player bios available at chl.ca/chl50.