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Memorial Cup: the Saguenéens start with a loss

Martin Therriault — Sun, 24 May 2026 04:01:20 +0000

Six days after capturing the Gilles-Courteau Trophy, the Chicoutimi Saguenéens opened their Memorial Cup tournament Saturday night with a 5-3 loss to the Everett Silvertips, champions of the Western Hockey League (WHL). The game got off to a rough start for the Saguenéens, as Jesse Heslop gave the Silvertips a 1-0 lead just 74 seconds into the contest. Christophe Berthelot responded eight minutes later, pouncing on a rebound from an Alexis Bernier shot. Then, at 5:39 of the second period, Alex Huang gave the Sags a 2-1 lead with a laser of a shot that beat goaltender Anders Miller over the right shoulder. But just 33 seconds later, Lukas Kaplan tied the game on a shot from the left wing that Lucas Beckman — beaten under the left arm — would likely want back. That goal proved to be the turning point of the game in Everett’s favour. The Silvertips increased the pressure and, at 13:55 and 14:45, scored twice in a span of 50 seconds to take a 4-2 lead. Zackary Shantz and Carter Bear were the goal scorers. The Sags, who had erased a 4-0 deficit in Game 5 of the Gilles-Courteau Trophy Final against Moncton, were unable to complete another comeback against Everett. Maxim Massé gave the Sags a glimmer of hope by making it 4-3 with 28 seconds remaining, after Beckman had gone to the bench, but Matias Vanhanen found the back of the empty net seven seconds later. More details on the game HERE. -- The Saguenéens will play their second game of the Memorial Cup tournament Sunday night at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT) against the host team, the Rockets. Kelowna also dropped its opening game on Friday, falling 5-0 to the Kitchener Rangers.

TRUE BLUE – The Sags’ journey to the 2026 Memorial Cup

Martin Therriault — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:05:18 +0000

With the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota set to kick off on Friday night in Kelowna, British Columbia, the field that began with 61 CHL clubs in September has been whittled down to four. This year’s QMJHL representatives, the 2026 Gilles-Courteau Trophy Champion Chicoutimi Saguenéens, join the OHL Champion Kitchener Rangers, WHL title holder Everett Silvertips and host Kelowna Rockets in a final battle for junior hockey supremacy. The Saguenéens entered the season as strong championship contenders this year as Head Coach and GM Yanick Jean and his staff methodically built a well-balanced nucleus over a five-season span. The first addition to this building process, back in 2021, was current Sags captain Emmanuel Vermette. As the club began its climb up the standings, it also drafted or acquired top-end talent in the form of this season’s League MVP Maxim Massé, two-way forward Christophe Berthelot and, through a trade in the middle of the 2022-23 campaign, offensively gifted center Thomas Desruisseaux. The build went into overdrive at the 2023 QMJHL Draft, with the addition of winger Émile Guité, center Nathan Lacompte and defenseman Alex Huang with picks two, four and five, respectively. The following day, in the Draft’s fifth round, goaltender Raphaël Précourt donned the blue and white for the first of many times. This season, the Saguenéens made it apparent that this was their year. By the time the dust had settled on the trade period, the club had bolstered its lineup at all three positions. Lucas Beckman provided arguably the best goaltending depth in the league while Mavrick Lachance brought his puck skills and leadership to the fold. But it was on the blue line where the Sags went from great to outstanding. Tomas Lavoie, Jordan Tourigny and Alexis Bernier were dropped onto the big ice surface in Chicoutimi and simply shut things down. Just as important as any on-ice accomplishments, all of these skaters acquired mid-season had worn a letter with their previous clubs. Battling the Moncton Wildcats for first place overall throughout the second half, the Saguenéens would fall one point short of the Jean-Rougeau Trophy with an impressive 49-10-3-2 record and 103 points, Chicoutimi’s best regular season result in twenty years and the second-highest point total in the club’s 53-season history. The Sags led the league in goals scored, fewest goals against, power play and penalty killing efficiency during the year, the first club since the 1997 Memorial Cup Champion Hull Olympiques to pull off that feat. All of the Saguenéens’ abilities were on display throughout the 2026 postseason as well. In their first round encounter against the Halifax Mooseheads, only a 2-1 squeaker in Game 2 provided any drama. The Sags outscored the Mooseheads 24-4 en route to a four-game sweep, the first playoff encounter between the two teams since the 1997 Conference Finals, a date which would prove prophetic for this year’s Saguenéens. Round two saw Chicoutimi matched up against one of its chief rivals, the Québec Remparts. An up-and-coming group, the Sags bottled up the Remparts, allowing just two goals in yet another four-game sweep, including back-to-back road shutouts in Games 3 and 4. The first notable test for this versatile group came in the Semi-Finals versus the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. Indeed, the opening game of the series saw the Huskies relinquish home ice advantage from Chicoutimi with a 3-1 triumph. However, the Saguenéens would remain unfazed, capturing four of the next five contests and advancing to the league Final for the first time since that previously noted 1997 campaign. The Gilles-Courteau Trophy Final was a repeat of the clash for the Jean-Rougeau Trophy. The defending champion Wildcats drew first blood with a 5-2 victory in Game 1. The Sags answered back right away, erasing a 1-0 deficit in the second game to earn a 3-2 win. Game 3 in Chicoutimi was a roller coaster of unexpected events; holding a 4-2 lead midway through the third, Moncton found the back of the net twice, including once on a baffling dump-in attempt, to send the game to overtime. Despite two power play opportunities and a number of Grade ‘A’ chances for the Cats, Chicoutimi took a 2-1 series lead on a goal by Desruisseaux which was confirmed upon video review. Moncton would knot the series up again with a hard fought 4-3 victory in Game 4. If Game 3 was the undercard for weird and wild events, Game 5 was the main event. Trailing 4-0 in the second period and forced to deal with a fire alarm during the first intermission, the Sags reeled off six goals in the third period to sound their own alarm at the Avenir Center with a thrilling 7-6 triumph. It was the first time in 45 years a ‘Q’ team erased a four-goal deficit in the Final to earn the win. That momentum propelled the Saguenéens back home where, on Sunday night, a 5-1 triumph delivered a QMJHL title to the organization for the first time in 32 years. The Sags rolled to a 16-4 postseason record by, literally, rolling. Deploying four lines and six defensemen with regularity, the club featured 12 players who reached double-digit points, led my Massé’s 24. An incredible 15 players recorded a point on the power play, while 12 different skaters were credited with a game-winning tally. In net, Beckman took the reins during the postseason, recording three shutouts and leading the league in goals against average. This will be the Saguenéens’ fourth trip to the Memorial Cup. In both 1991 and 1994, the club, as league title holders, reached the tournament Semi-Final. The 1997 tournament saw the club, as the second QMJHL representative, go winless. The four participants at this year’s event have combined for 14 previous tournament appearances; only the Silvertips are making their Memorial Cup debut. The Saguenéens make their debut at the 2026 Memorial Cup Presented by Kubota on Saturday night when they face Everett. This will be followed by clashes on Sunday and Tuesday against Kelowna and Kitchener, respectively. All games get underway at 9pm ET/10pm AT and will be broadcast via TSN and RDS.

2026 Memorial Cup | Meet the Saguenéens’ NHL Prospects

Martin Therriault — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:45:42 +0000

Today marks the official kickoff of activities surrounding the 2026 Memorial Cup tournament presented by Kubota Canada! This year, the QMJHL will be proudly represented by the 2026 Gilles-Courteau Trophy champions, the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. This will be the Sags’ fourth appearance at the national championship, having previously competed in the 1991, 1994 and 1997 tournaments. Led by head coach Yanick Jean, the QMJHL champions rely on an impressive core of seven players who have already been drafted by National Hockey League (NHL) teams. Let’s take a look at the NHL prospects currently playing for the Saguenéens:

Lucas Beckman – Ottawa Senators (4th round, 97th overall | 2025)
Alexis Bernier – Seattle Kraken (3rd round, 73rd overall | 2024)
Émile Guité – Anaheim Ducks (5th round, 159th overall | 2025)
Alex Huang – Nashville Predators (4th round, 122nd overall | 2025)
Tomas Lavoie – Utah Mammoth (3rd round, 89th overall | 2024)
Maxim Massé – Anaheim Ducks (3rd round, 66th overall | 2024)
Maxim Schäfer – Washington Capitals (3rd round, 96th overall | 2025)

In addition to these prospects who were already selected in the NHL Draft, the Saguenéens also have six players on their roster who have participated in professional training camps. Here are the players who gained some invaluable experience during these camps:

Peteris Bulans – Vegas Golden Knights (2025)
Thomas Desruisseaux – Anaheim Ducks (2024)
Mavrick Lachance – Boston Bruins (2025)
Nathan Lecompte – New Jersey Devils (2025)
Jordan Tourigny – Winnipeg Jets (2023) and Minnesota Wild (2024, 2025)
Emmanuel Vermette – Boston Bruins (2025)

The Saguenéens kick off their Memorial Cup preliminary round with a matchup against the Everett Silvertips on Saturday night. They’ll play the Kelowna Rockets the very next day, before facing the Kitchener Rangers on Tuesday. All games are scheduled at 10 p.m. AT and will air live on both TSN and RDS.

2026 Memorial Cup point system and overtime rules

Martin Therriault — Thu, 21 May 2026 13:56:17 +0000

Ahead of the start of the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota in Kelowna, B.C., it's worth a quick reminder of the tournament's point system and overtime rules. Two points are awarded to the winning team in each round-robin game of the Memorial Cup, regardless of whether the team wins in regulation time or overtime, while the losing team will not receive a point in regulation or overtime. Overtime in the round-robin will continue to be played in a 3-on-3 format in 20-minute periods until a winner is decided. The intermissions between the third period and overtime and each additional overtime period are 15 minutes. There are no TV timeouts during overtime although a quick scrape in front of the nets and benches will be done at the first stoppage after the 10-minute mark should the overtime continue. It is worth noting that these overtime rules differentiate slightly for the tie-breaker, semi-final and championship games of the Memorial Cup where overtime is played in a 5-on-5 format in 20-minute periods until a winner is decided. Additionally, the following formula will be used to decide final standings:

If two teams tie for the final playoff position, at the conclusion of the single round robin series of games, a sudden death game between the two tied teams shall be played with the winner to advance to the semi-final game. The home team, in the sudden-death game, shall be the team that won the round robin game between the two teams.
In the event three teams should tie for the final playoff place position at the conclusion of the single round robin series of games, the game each team played against the first-place team shall be removed from their records. The tie breaking formula shall be as follows: Add each team’s goals for with their goals against which sum you divide into such team’s goals for. The team with the highest percentage gains the higher position in the standings and an automatic berth as home team in the semi-final game. The remaining two teams shall play a sudden-death game with the winner to advance to the semi-final game. The home team in the suddendeath game will be the team that won the round robin game between the two teams.
In the event following this mathematical exercise all three teams should remain tied, the game each team played against the first place team shall be added to their records. The same formula from 2 (i) will be applied to finalize the rankings of the three teams. In the event that two teams still remain tied after 2 (ii), the round robin game between the two teams will determine their order of position.
In the event that two teams shall be tied for a playoff position, other than the final playoff spot, the game between the two teams in the round robin shall determine the higher ranked team. In the event three teams should be tied for first place at the conclusion of the single round robin series of games, the game each team played against the fourth place team shall be removed from their records. The tie breaking formula shall be as follows: Add each team’s goals for with their goals against which sum you divide into such team’s goals for. The team with the highest percentage gains the higher ranking in the standings and an automatic berth as the home team in the Memorial Cup Championship game. The remaining two teams shall play in the semi-final game. The home team in the semi-final game will be the team that won the round robin game between the two teams.
In the event following this mathematical exercise, all three teams remain tied for first place, the game that each team played against the fourth placed team shall be added to their records. The same formula from 3 will be applied to finalize the rankings of the three teams. In the event that two teams still remain tied after 3 above, the round robin game between the two teams will determine their order of position.

The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota is scheduled for May 21-31 in Kelowna, B.C. Every game of the 2026 Memorial Cup will air in Canada on TSN and RDS, with live streaming available on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In the United States, fans can watch every game on NHL Network, while viewers outside Canada can stream the tournament live on Victory+.

Chicoutimi wins its third QMJHL title

Martin Therriault — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:56:27 +0000

After a 32-year wait, the Chicoutimi Saguneens are back on top of the QMJHL. The Sags secured the third Gilles-Courteau Trophy in franchise history after a Game 6 win over the Moncton Wildcats. In defeat, Moncton's Gabe Smith (UTA) was awarded the Guy Lafleur Trophy as QMJHL Playoffs MVP after he led the league in both goals (19) and points (33) in the postseason. As for Chicoutimi, regular season MVP Maxim Masse (ANA) led the team in postseason scoring with 24 points. Mavrick Lachance registered one point fewer while Nathan Lecompte tallied 20 points. The club had a pair of players reach double digits in goals in Lachance and captain Emmanuel Vermette. In goal, Lucas Beckman (OTT) was outstanding as he won all 16 postseason games and recorded a 1.98 GAA and .918 save percentage.. As QMJHL champions, the Sags will join the Kelowna Rockets, the WHL's Everett Silvertips and the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers at the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota that will take place May 21 – May 31. The Sagueneens were one of the top clubs in the CHL all-season long; they were ranked all 26 weeks and held the no. 1 spot on three occasions. Their 321 goals for and 150 goals against both led the CHL while their 49 wins were the second most in franchise history. In the first round of the QMJHL Playoffs, the Sagueneens stormed past Halifax in a four-game sweep where they outscored the Mooseheads 24-4. In Round 2, they swept Quebec where they conceded just two goals all series while Beckman posted back-to-back shutouts in Game's 3 and 4. In the third round, they needed six games to eliminate Rouyn-Noranda. After Chicoutimi and Moncton split the first two games of the QMJHL Finals, the Sags jumped ahead 2-1 after Thomas Desruisseaux had the overtime winner in Game 3. After the Wildcats levelled the series in Game 4, the Sags stole Game 5 after a stunning comeback that saw them win 7-6 having once trailed 4-0. In Game 6 Sunday, five different skaters had goals as the Sags won 5-1. Chicoutimi will open its 2026 Memorial Cup campaign on May 23 against Everett before they battle hosts Kelowna a day later. They close out their round-round on May 26 against Kitchener. The 2026 tournament will be Chicoutimi's fourth appearance at a Memorial Cup after 1991, 1994 and 1997. The club have never won a Memorial Cup in franchise history. The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota is scheduled for May 21-31 in Kelowna, B.C. Every game of the 2026 Memorial Cup will air in Canada on TSN and RDS, with live streaming available on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In the United States, fans can watch every game on NHL Network, while viewers outside Canada can stream the tournament live on Victory+. _ 2026 Memorial Cup schedule: May 22 – Game 1: Kitchener vs. Kelowna — 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT May 23 – Game 2: Everett vs. Chicoutimi — 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT May 24 – Game 3: Kelowna vs. Chicoutimi — 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT May 25 – Game 4: Everett vs. Kitchener — 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT May 26 – Game 5: Chicoutimi vs. Kitchener — 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT May 27 – Game 6: Kelowna vs. Everett — 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT May 28 – Tie-breaker (if necessary) — 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT May 29 – Semi-final — 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT May 31 – Final — 7:00pm ET / 4:00pm PT (Photo credit: Vincent Ethier) https://youtu.be/jYySs3Gff9c?si=-yCDg7nm37Ib2rZO

Tournament field set for 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota

Martin Therriault — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:54:26 +0000

All games from the 106th edition of the Memorial Cup in Kelowna, B.C., will air live in Canada on TSN and RDS, in the United States on NHL Network, and stream on Victory+ outside of Canada.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is excited to announce the field for the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, which will take place May 21-31 in Kelowna, British Columbia. In addition to the host Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL), the 106th edition of the Memorial Cup will feature the WHL champion Everett Silvertips, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) champion Kitchener Rangers, and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) champion Chicoutimi Saguenéens. The three league champions secured their spots by capturing their respective titles, with Everett winning its first-ever Ed Chynoweth Cup, Kitchener claiming its fifth J. Ross Robertson Cup, and Chicoutimi earning its third Gilles-Courteau Trophy — and first in 32 years. The opening game of the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota is scheduled for Friday, May 22 at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET, when the host Rockets face the OHL champion Rangers. The complete tournament schedule can be found below. This year’s 106th edition of the Memorial Cup marks the return of the CHL’s championship event to the Okanagan for the first time since 2004. Held over 11 days, the tournament will see the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL champions join the host Rockets in a four-team round-robin tournament to determine the 2026 CHL champion. Every game of the 2026 Memorial Cup will air in Canada on TSN and RDS, with live streaming available on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In the United States, fans can watch every game on NHL Network, while viewers outside Canada can stream the tournament live on Victory+. Host – Kelowna Rockets (sixth Memorial Cup appearance – 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2015, 2026; one Memorial Cup title – 2004) The Kelowna Rockets are set to make their sixth Memorial Cup appearance as hosts of the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, bringing the tournament back to Kelowna for the first time since 2004. Kelowna’s six Memorial Cup appearances since 2000 are the second-most of any club across the CHL over that span, underscoring the Rockets’ sustained place among junior hockey’s premier programs. Led by General Manager Bruce Hamilton and Head Coach Derrick Martin, the Rockets enter the tournament after finishing the regular season with a 38-21-6-3 record before sweeping longtime B.C. Division rival Kamloops in the opening round of the 2026 WHL Playoffs. Kelowna then pushed WHL regular-season champion Everett in the second round, falling in five games to the eventual Ed Chynoweth Cup-winning Silvertips. Now back on home ice at the Memorial Cup, the Rockets will look to capture the franchise’s second Memorial Cup title — and first since winning it all as hosts in 2004. Kelowna is led by Utah Mammoth prospect Tij Iginla, who posted a team-leading 90 points (41G-49A) in 48 regular-season games while ranking second across the CHL in scoring rate at 1.88 points per game — the highest mark by a WHL skater in 2025-26. San Jose Sharks prospect and captain Carson Wetsch also turned in a career year with 72 points (22G-50A) before signing his entry-level contract ahead of the Memorial Cup, while Los Angeles Kings prospect Vojtech Cihar, the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship MVP, made an immediate impact after joining Kelowna and led the club with 13 points (6G-7A) in nine playoff games. In goal, 2026 NHL Draft-eligible netminder Harrison Boettiger gives Kelowna a steady presence, highlighted by a strong first-round performance against Kamloops. With NHL-drafted talent throughout the lineup — including Iginla, Wetsch, Nashville Predators prospect Hiroki Gojsic, New York Islanders prospect Tomas Poletin, Cihar, Montreal Canadiens prospect Hayden Paupanekis, Vancouver Canucks prospect Parker Alcos, and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Peyton Kettles — along with a key draft-eligible player in Boettiger, the Rockets bring high-end skill, depth, and a familiar championship stage to their pursuit of another historic Memorial Cup run in Kelowna. WHL Champions – Everett Silvertips (making their first-ever Memorial Cup appearance in 2026) The Everett Silvertips are set to make their first-ever Memorial Cup appearance after capturing the franchise’s first Ed Chynoweth Cup with a 4-1 series win over the Prince Albert Raiders in the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien. Since joining the WHL in 2003-04, Everett had twice reached the league final — in its inaugural season in 2004 and again in 2018 — but had never broken through. Guided by WHL Coach of the Year Steve Hamilton, who earned his first WHL title as a head coach, the Silvertips delivered a dominant 16-2 playoff run, sweeping Portland and Penticton, defeating Memorial Cup-host Kelowna in five games, and clinching the championship with a 7-2 win over Prince Albert in Game 5. Everett’s breakthrough followed one of the strongest regular seasons in modern WHL history, as the Silvertips captured a second straight Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy with a franchise-best 57-8-2-1 record. Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen led the way offensively with 27 points (14G-13A) in 18 playoff games on his way to WHL Playoffs MVP honours, becoming just the second European player to win the award after Leon Draisaitl with Kelowna in 2015, and the fifth European player across the CHL to be named MVP of his league’s playoffs. Miettinen’s line with Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear and 2026 NHL Draft prospect Matias Vanhanen was central to Everett’s attack, with Bear recording 22 points (7G-15A) and Vanhanen adding 24 (12G-12A). On the blueline, 16-year-old and top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Landon DuPont elevated his game in the absence of injured captain Tarin Smith, posting 23 points (5G-18A) in 18 playoff contests. Florida Panthers prospect Shea Busch delivered a hat trick in the Game 5 clincher, while midseason acquisition Anders Miller was the goalie of record in all 18 playoff games, finishing 16-2. Built by General Manager Mike Fraser, Everett’s roster features five NHL-drafted prospects — Miettinen, Bear, Busch, Philadelphia Flyers prospect Luke Vlooswyk, and Smith — along with notable NHL Draft prospects Vanhanen, DuPont, and Brek Liske. Now, after finally breaking through as WHL Champions, the Silvertips head to Kelowna looking to complete the greatest season in franchise history by capturing their first Memorial Cup title. OHL Champions – Kitchener Rangers (seventh Memorial Cup appearance – 1981, 1982, 1984, 1990, 2003, 2008 & 2026; two Memorial Cup titles – 1982 & 2003) The Kitchener Rangers are set to make their seventh Memorial Cup appearance — tied for the second-most since the tournament adopted its round-robin format in 1972 — after capturing the franchise’s fifth J. Ross Robertson Cup with a sweep of the Barrie Colts in the 2026 OHL Championship Series presented by Nissan. Kitchener sealed its first OHL title since 2008 with a 4-2 win in Game 4 at Sadlon Arena, as Christian Humphreys tipped home the eventual game-winner midway through the third period before Sam O’Reilly added an empty-netter to secure the championship. Built by General Manager Mike McKenzie and guided by Head Coach Jussi Ahokas, the Rangers finished the postseason with a dominant 16-2 record, sweeping Saginaw in the opening round, defeating the Soo Greyhounds and Windsor Spitfires in five games apiece, and closing out Barrie in four straight to return to the Memorial Cup for the first time in 18 years. Kitchener’s championship run was powered by one of the deepest lineups in the CHL, featuring 12 NHL-drafted players and high-end talent throughout the roster. Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Sam O’Reilly led the way with 28 points (17G-11A) in 18 playoff games on his way to Wayne Gretzky “99” Award honours as OHL Playoff MVP, capping a standout season in which he also captured the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player. In doing so, O’Reilly became just the seventh player in OHL history to win the Red Tilson Trophy and the Wayne Gretzky “99” Trophy in the same season. By winning the J. Ross Robertson Cup, O’Reilly and Los Angeles Kings prospect Jared Woolley became just the second and third players in OHL history since 1980 to win three consecutive OHL championships, joining Scott Timmins (2008-10) as the only players to achieve the feat. Colorado Avalanche prospect Christian Humphreys was a key offensive driver and delivered the championship-clinching goal, while Nashville Predators first-round pick and captain Cameron Reid anchored the Rangers from the back end before accepting the J. Ross Robertson Cup. Kitchener also received major contributions from Chicago Blackhawks prospect Jack Pridham, New York Islanders prospect Luca Romano, Ottawa Senators prospect Luke Ellinas, Vancouver Canucks prospect Gabriel Chiarot, and a deep drafted group that included Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Matthew Hlacar, Montreal Canadiens prospect Andrew MacNiel, San Jose Sharks prospect Christian Kirsch, and Ottawa Senators prospect Matthew Andonovski. Now, the Rangers head to Kelowna looking to add a third Memorial Cup championship to one of the OHL’s most decorated résumés. QMJHL Champions – Chicoutimi Saguenéens (fourth Memorial Cup appearance – 1991, 1994, 1997 & 2026) The Chicoutimi Saguenéens are set to make their fourth Memorial Cup appearance — and first in nearly 30 years — after capturing the franchise’s third Gilles-Courteau Trophy with a six-game victory over the Moncton Wildcats in the 2026 QMJHL Championship Series. The title marked Chicoutimi’s first QMJHL championship in 32 years, dating back to 1994, and capped a dominant playoff run that saw the Saguenéens sweep Halifax and Québec, defeat Rouyn-Noranda in six games, and outlast Moncton in the final. Built and guided by Head Coach and General Manager Yanick Jean, the QMJHL’s all-time winningest head coach and the 2025-26 Maurice-Filion Trophy recipient as General Manager of the Year, Chicoutimi turned one of the most complete seasons in franchise history into its long-awaited return to the Memorial Cup. The Saguenéens’ championship followed a standout regular season in which they finished just one point shy of first overall in the QMJHL while leading the QMJHL in both goals for and goals against. Chicoutimi captured the Luc-Robitaille Trophy as the QMJHL’s top offensive team with 321 goals and the Robert-Lebel Trophy as the league’s top defensive club after allowing just 150, while its 49 wins ranked second in franchise history. Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxim Massé led the way after a career-defining campaign in which he won the Michel-Brière Trophy as QMJHL MVP and the Jean-Béliveau Trophy as the league’s top scorer with 102 points, including a CHL co-leading 51 goals. Massé continued to drive the offence in the postseason, leading Chicoutimi with 24 points (6G-18A), while Mavrick Lachance, Nathan Lecompte, captain Emmanuel Vermette, Anaheim Ducks prospect Émile Guité, Washington Capitals prospect Maxim Schäfer, and 2026 NHL Draft prospect Liam Lefebvre helped give the Sags scoring depth throughout the lineup. Ranked No. 38 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Lefebvre finished the postseason with 12 points, including points in seven of his final 10 outings. On the back end, Nashville Predators prospect Alex Huang anchored a blue line strengthened by Utah Mammoth prospect Tomas Lavoie, Seattle Kraken prospect Alexis Bernier, and veteran Jordan Tourigny, while Ottawa Senators prospect Lucas Beckman was outstanding in goal, winning all 16 of Chicoutimi’s playoff victories with a 1.98 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. With seven NHL prospects across the roster and elite talent in every position group, the Saguenéens head to Kelowna looking to complete their first Memorial Cup championship run in franchise history. _ SCHEDULE Round-Robin – Game 1 – Friday, May 22 – Kitchener vs. Kelowna (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) Round-Robin – Game 2 – Saturday, May 23 – Everett vs. Chicoutimi (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) Round-Robin – Game 3 – Sunday, May 24 – Kelowna vs. Chicoutimi (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) Round-Robin – Game 4 – Monday, May 25 – Everett vs. Kitchener (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) Round-Robin – Game 5 – Tuesday, May 26 – Chicoutimi vs. Kitchener (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) Round-Robin – Game 6 – Wednesday, May 27 – Kelowna vs. Everett (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) Tie-Breaker (*if necessary) – Thursday, May 28 (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) Semi-Final – Friday, May 29 (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) Championship Final – Sunday, May 31 (7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT)

Important QMJHL Entry Draft Ticket Information

Martin Therriault — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:52:31 +0000

HALIFAX, NS, May 19, 2026 - Hockey fans from across Atlantic Canada and beyond will descend on Halifax this June as the city hosts the 2026 QMJHL Draft, presented by Fenplast, for the first time ever. The two-day event will take place June 5–6, 2026 at the iconic Scotiabank Centre, marking an historic milestone in the Halifax Mooseheads franchise’s 32-year history. Click Here for Event Info "We are so excited to bring the QMJHL draft to Halifax. This has been one of the goals since our ownership began, and these few days will truly showcase the city at its finest,” said Sam Simon – Chairman/Owner and Peter Simon – President of Simon Sports. "An event of this magnitude is only possible through the tireless dedication of our local organizing committee. We extend our sincerest gratitude to every member for their efforts in bringing this vision to life. Most importantly, we look forward to demonstrating why Halifax is home to the best fanbase in the world. Our fans' unmatched passion is the heartbeat of this team and will undoubtedly make this a historic and unforgettable draft weekend for Moose Country." The annual draft serves as the league’s premier selection event for players aged 15-17, and will bring together all 18 QMJHL teams, draft-eligible players and their families, league officials, partners, media, and fans from across Atlantic Canada, Québec, and the United States. Attendance is expected to reach approximately 10,000 throughout the weekend, with most participants travelling from outside Nova Scotia. The 12-round process begins with the first round on Friday evening at 7:30pm (doors at 6pm) for the selection of the top 18 prospects. The Halifax Mooseheads hold 14 picks in the Draft, including third and seventh overall picks in the first round, plus four second-round selections. The second round begins on Saturday, June 6, at 10am (doors at 9am). Each day of the Draft is free to attend; with General Admission tickets becoming available for fans at 10am AT on Thursday, May 28^th at Ticketmaster.ca. Fans are invited to enjoy an outdoor DJ party taking place at the Duke and Carmichael Street entrances from 6–7pm on Friday evening, kicking off a celebration of hockey and community in downtown Halifax. “Halifax is incredibly proud to host the QMJHL Entry Draft for the very first time. There’s a real energy that comes with moments like this — and there’s no better place to celebrate the next generation of hockey talent than here in Halifax, a region where our connection to hockey runs deep We’re excited to welcome players, families, fans, and teams to our community and showcase the passion, hospitality, and spirit that make this region such a special place.” — Mayor Andy Fillmore, Halifax Regional Municipality. The Draft is expected to generate significant economic and tourism benefits for the region while further strengthening Halifax’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events. Both days of the Draft can be watched live on Eastlink Community TV and streamed live via FloHockey, with highlights on the official QMJHL YouTube Channel. Follow the Halifax Mooseheads on Instagram, Facebook and X for exclusive interviews and information. Additional event details will be announced closer to the event date. View the final list of prospects here. View the complete Draft Order here.

The QMJHL pays tribute to Robert K. Irving, Owner of the Moncton Wildcats

Martin Therriault — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:03:20 +0000

It is with great sadness that the QMJHL learned this morning the passing of Robert K. Irving, owner of the Moncton Wildcats and a foundational builder of the renowned organization, only two days after the conclusion of the 2026 Gilles-Courteau Trophy Final. "The departure of Robert Irving is extremely sad. He was a pillar and a builder within the QMJHL. There are so many moments to remember from his career. What I remember above all is his passion for the players and his team. He took incredible care of them, encouraging and supporting them to make their years in Moncton nothing short of memorable. He could always be counted on for all the discussions at the league level, and always with a clear position. Thank you Robert", said QMJHL Commissioner Mario Cecchini. Mr. Irving’s career was nothing short of remarkable. He was recognized as a pillar of his community in countless ways, particularly through hockey and numerous philanthropic activities. Robert K. Irving, co-CEO of J.D. Irving and president of Cavendish Farms, is first and foremost known to the QMJHL family as the visionary owner of the Wildcats since 1996. Under his leadership, the team became one of the most popular and successful franchises in the QMJHL. Mr. Irving invested heavily in the development of the franchise, but especially in the player experience while also supporting numerous community initiatives connected to hockey. His countless philanthropic contributions to the region (hospitals, youth initiatives, etc.) have been significant. In 1996, Robert Irving purchased the Moncton Alpines franchise (founded in 1995) and renamed the team the “Wildcats.” From that point on, he became the team’s president and quickly transformed the organization into a true local institution. His initial investments included improvements to the team (new uniforms, logo and recruitment efforts), as well as a lasting partnership with the City of Moncton. That support continued with the move in 2018 to the new Avenir Centre in Moncton (8,800 seats), built in collaboration with the City and which became the Wildcats’ new home. During his tenure, Moncton won three QMJHL championships (2006, 2010 and 2025), while also reaching the league finals in 2004 and 2026. The team captured its first title in 2006. The Wildcats also reached the Memorial Cup championship final that same year as the team hosted the prestigious tournament. The most recent championship, in 2025, followed a historic regular season (53 wins), and confirmed the extent of the organization’s drive to win under Robert Irving. Over the years, the Wildcats earned a reputation as one of the QMJHL’s most successful and dynamic franchises. His role went far beyond ownership: Mr. Irving was actively involved in major hockey decisions, including the hiring of general managers and head coaches, most recently Taylor MacDougall and Gardiner MacDougall (2024). The Wildcats place a strong emphasis on player development and community engagement. Each season, the organization hosts summer camps and hockey clinics for young players. It established youth programs such as Wild Willie’s Kids Club, which hosts kids at games and gives them an opportunity to meet the players. Mr. Irving and his group fund hockey scholarships and support regional minor hockey leagues. For example, J.D. Irving and the Wildcats have donated nearly $1 million to various youth hockey programs since 2011 (foundations, tournaments, equipment, etc.). This ongoing commitment is reflected through the club’s participation in charity tournaments and school activities where players regularly visit schools and hospitals. Thanks to these initiatives, the team boasts a stellar reputation and a growing base of young fans. Mr. Irving also supported initiatives aimed at making games accessible to families. His implicit motto was to “bring the community closer” to junior hockey, ensuring the players enjoyed tremendous fan support. He turned every victory into a celebration. The importance of the team to Moncton was evident in 2006, when under his leadership, the city hosted the Memorial Cup, where the Wildcats eventually fell to Québec in the final. The 2006 Memorial Cup tournament put Moncton on the national hockey map and generated tremendous community pride. Mr. Irving served as chair of fundraising campaigns for the Moncton Hospital (Healthy Returns, Extraordinary Care, etc.) and made significant donations (for example, $1 million to the Moncton Food Bank). All of this strengthened the Wildcats’ role as a force within the community. In addition to his three championships and a multitude of winning seasons, Mr. Irving supported the development of star players such as Brad Marchand, Keith Yandle, Corey Crawford, Phillip Danault, David Savard, François Beauchemin, Johnny Oduya, Ivan Barbashev and Conor Garland, all of whom were or are active NHL players. Mr. Irving was often referred to as “the boss,” the man who kept the franchise thriving by attracting top talent. Outside of hockey, Robert Irving held senior leadership roles within the Irving empire. Since 1992, he served as co-CEO of J.D. Irving Limited, overseeing divisions including transportation (Midland Transport, Midland Courier), pulp and paper, and consumer products. He was also President of Cavendish Farms. He received numerous recognitions for his work: Member of the Order of New Brunswick (2024), inducted into the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame (2014), recipient of the Rotary Paul Harris Award (2014, 2020), and recipient of the Youth Promotion Award (2011). These distinctions underline his stature as a community leader. The QMJHL offers its sincere condolences to Mr. Irving's family and all the Moncton Wildcats' family.

ROAD TO REDEMPTION – Lucas Beckman relishing second shot at title

Martin Therriault — 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

Martin Therriault — 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