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FloHockey Team of the Week | Week 1, 2026-27

David Brien — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:49:48 +0000

Here are the players who made it onto the FloHockey Team of the Week for the period ranging from September 18 to 20. Representing a starting lineup of three forwards, two defensemen and one goaltender, these players have been selected based on their performances over the past week. _ FORWARDS:

Philippe VEILLEUX | Val-d’Or Foreurs | 2GP-3G-4A, +1
Quinn KENNEDY | Halifax Mooseheads | 2GP-3G-5A, +3
Liam KILFOIL | Moncton Wildcats | 2GP-2G-3A, +3

DEFENSEMEN:

Filip KOVALCIK | Drummondville Voltigeurs | 2GP-2G-3A, +2
Kurt BECK | Sherbrooke Phoenix | 2GP-0G-4A, +3

GOALTENDER:

Danai SHAIIKOV | Gatineau Olympiques | 2-0-0-0, .943%, 1.50

_ 2026-27 FloHockey Team of the Week: TOTW Week 1

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ECHO named exclusive outdoor power equipment sponsor of the QMJHL

David Brien — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:30:17 +0000

New partnership will connect ECHO with QMJHL fans, families and communities across Canada

The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) is proud to announce a new partnership with ECHO Power Equipment Canada, naming ECHO the league’s exclusive outdoor power equipment sponsor. ECHO has established direct partnerships with each of the Canadian Hockey League’s Member Leagues — the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Each agreement will feature league-specific campaigns and activations designed to connect ECHO with hockey fans and communities throughout the 2026–27 season. “Partnering with the QMJHLrepresents an exciting step forward for ECHO in Canada,” said Amy Carter, National Marketing Manager, ECHO Power Equipment Canada. “The WHL, OHL, and QMJHL are deeply rooted in the communities they represent, and those same communities are at the heart of our dealer network and brand. We look forward to engaging fans throughout the season and introducing even more Canadians to ECHO.” “ECHO is a brand built on the same foundation as our league — hardworking people in hometowns across our footprint,” said Karl Jahnke, Chief Marketing Officer of the QMJHL. “Our clubs and ECHO’s dealers are woven into the same communities, and this partnership gives us a natural way to celebrate that connection with our fans throughout the 2026-27 season.” ECHO Hat Trick Giveaway to Celebrate QMJHL Fans To celebrate its partnership with the QMJHL, ECHO will introduce the ECHO Hat Trick Giveaway. As part of the promotion, QMJHL fans will have the opportunity to win one of three major prize packages being awarded across the WHL, OHL and QMJHL. One winner from the QMJHL contest will receive an ECHO outdoor power equipment prize package valued at approximately $1,690 CAD at MSRP. The package will include an ECHO battery self-propelled lawn mower with two 5.0 Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger; an ECHO DPB-2500 handheld blower; a DSRM-2100 trimmer combo kit with a 2.5 Ah battery and charger; ECHO anti-vibration landscaping gloves; ECHO safety glasses; an ECHO hoodie; and a 30 oz. RTIC tumbler. The QMJHL contest is expected to take place from September 16 through October 4, with complete prize details, eligibility requirements here. The giveaway will be one of several initiatives supporting ECHO’s partnership with the QMJHL. ECHO will also receive prominent exposure across the league’s digital platforms and marketing channels, with the partnership supported by seasonal advertising, digital content, fan engagement initiatives and promotional activations. About ECHO Power Equipment Canada For more than 50 years, ECHO has been a trusted name in professional-grade outdoor power equipment. ECHO offers a comprehensive range of gas- and battery-powered products, including chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, lawn mowers and other equipment for professional users and homeowners. ECHO products are available throughout Canada through a nationwide network of independent authorized dealers committed to providing expert product knowledge, professional service and ongoing support. To learn more about ECHO and find an authorized dealer, visit echo.ca.

Videotron Player of the Week | Quinn Kennedy

David Brien — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:20:47 +0000

The first Videotron Player of the Week for the 2026-27 QMJHL season is Halifax Mooseheads forward Quinn Kennedy. In a pair of games, the 20-year-old from Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia scored three goals and added five assists as the Mooseheads earned three of four points to start the season. On Friday night in Sydney, Kennedy opened the scoring on the Mooseheads’ campaign, chipped in with three more assists in regulation, then capped the night off with a goal in the shootout as Halifax spoiled the home opener of their provincial rivals with a 5-4 triumph over the Cape Breton Eagles. For his efforts, the fifth-year veteran was named the second star of the game. On Saturday night, the Mooseheads celebrated their 33^rd home opener and Kennedy put on a show for his hometown crowd, scoring twice and adding a pair of assists. In the end, it would play a major part in the team claiming another point in the standings as the Moncton Wildcats emerged with a 6-5 overtime victory. Despite the loss, Kennedy would take home first star honors for the contest. Kennedy is gunning for a fourth straight 20-goal season after potting a career-best 31 in 2025-26. Acquired by the Mooseheads from the Rimouski Oceanic partway through the 2024-25 campaign, Kennedy enters the second week of action with 161 regular season points in 218 career games. https://youtu.be/C6F0veA-eu4 _ 2026-27 Videotron Player of the Week Week 1 | Quinn Kennedy, Halifax Mooseheads

OUR 18 – Tigres set to claw up the standings

David Brien — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:50:06 +0000

It’s always exciting to watch teams find their way out of rebuilding stages and enter windows of contention. With that in mind, the explosive offering in Victoriaville should be climbing the standings in plenty of style this year. Of the top ten scorers in the QMJHL last year, only three are back in the league this year. Two of them spent much of last season on the same line in Victoriaville. 2026 Colorado Avalanche second rounder Egor Shlov and fellow Russian Alexey Vlasov are back to do more damage on opposing nets around the league. Arriving to lend a hand in that regard is off-season acquisition Thomas Desruisseaux, fresh off a Gilles-Courteau Trophy title with Chicoutimi. Third-year winger Enzo Lottin will be looking to build off a breakout season in 2025-26. Another potential breakout player up front is 2025 QMJHL first rounder Loïk Gariépy. Providing a strong secondary option up front is Xavier Lebel, picked up on draft weekend from Québec. Jakob Royer, son of former Tigres star Rémi Royer, begins his own ‘Q’ journey after being selected fifth overall at the 2026 QMJHL Draft. Zack Miller, picked up from Baie-Comeau, has built some hype after an impressive training camp. Defensively, last season’s Tigres were very much learning on the fly with a number of first-year talents frequently inserted in the lineup. Everyone is a year older now, including the veteran, two-way leader of this group, Mathéo Lepage. Nathan Nadeau, a pickup from Gatineau last season, prepares to step into a larger role, as do sophomores Dominik Necak and Maxime Dodier. Vincent Boutet, selected second overall at last June’s draft, is ready for his first taste of major junior action. The pair between the pipes is expected to come up big – literally. 6’4” Andrei Nikolayev, a 2026 CHL Import Draft selection fresh from the USHL ranks, combines size with remarkable athleticism. Back for another season is 6’7” Anthony Catanzariti, who, needless to say, covers a lot of net. Just ask all 14 skaters who faced him in shootout action last year; all were denied. Simply put, as the Tigres embark on their 40^th anniversary season, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. Exciting players from all positions and of all ages should add up to a memorable time this winter and, perhaps, well into the spring. _ 2025-2026 Stats:

Team Record	23-36-5-0 (51 points)
Conference Ranking	7^th West
Overall Ranking	T-14^th
Goals For	200 (14^th)
Goals Against	269 (13^th)
PP (Overall)	23.6% (7^th)
PK (Overall)	75.0% (13^th)
Leading Rookie (PTS)	Shilov (32-50-82)
Leading Scorers (PTS)	Shilov (32-50-82)
	Vlasov (44-36-80)
	Bourque (21-21-42)
	Lottin (17-25-42)
	Paquet (15-27-42)

QMJHL Prospects Game: Here are the First Six Selected Players

David Brien — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:04:12 +0000

The QMJHL is proud to announce the first six players selected by the NHL Central Scouting to participate in the QMJHL Prospects Game, presented by BFL Canada, on October 28 at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau. The forwards are Alexis Joseph and Jamie Glance, of the Saint John Sea Dogs, and Carter Meyer, of the Québec Remparts; the defencemen are Malik L’Italien, of the Halifax Mooseheads, and Vladimir Shtyrkhunov, of the Shawinigan Cataractes; and the goaltender is Patrick Déniger, also of the Remparts. “Alexis, Jamie, Carter, Malik, Vladimir and Patrick have very bright futures ahead of them, and on October 28, they will have the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of approximately 100 National Hockey League scouts and executives,” said QMJHL Vice-president of Hockey Operations, Éric Chouinard. -- Alexis Joseph, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound left-shooting centre, was one of the QMJHL’s top rookies last season, recording 60 points in 56 games. He also represented Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Many project him as a potential Top 5 pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. Jamie Glance is a 5-foot-11, 195-pound right winger who recently joined Joseph in Saint John. He played for the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2025-2026. Carter Meyer is another former USNTDP player who has decided to pursue his career in the QMJHL, with the Remparts. He is a 6-foot-1, 178-pound left-shooting centre. Malik L’Italien, a 6-foot-4, 197-pound left-shot defenceman, was selected third overall in the 2025 QMJHL Draft. As a rookie last season, he recorded 24 points in 64 games and performed very well with Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Vladimir Shtyrkhunov was selected 35^th overall by the Cataractes in the 2026 CHL Import Draft. The 6-foot-1, 168-pound right-shot defenceman played in both Russia and the United States before choosing the QMJHL. Patrick Déniger had an excellent rookie season between the pipes for the Remparts in 2025-2026, posting a 2.33 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage in 30 games. He will be their undisputed No. 1 goaltender this season. -- Inaugurated last year in Sherbrooke, the QMJHL Prospects Game presented by BFL Canada brings together the 40 top prospects from the league eligible for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft. The other 34 players selected by the NHL Central Scouting will be announced over the coming weeks. CLICK HERE for tickets.

OUR 18 – Gritty Foreurs get ready to roll

David Brien — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:33:22 +0000

The Foreurs shocked the ‘Q’ with a compelling first round playoff upset last year. Now, they aim to build off that experience with a lineup that will consistently entertain the fans in Val-d’Or. Setting the tone in that regard is Philippe Veilleux, the lone top five scorer in the league from last season to return to QMJHL action in 2026-27. Overager and captain Nathan Brisson is back for a fifth season, the last two being 20-goal campaigns. Benjamin Olivier and Jordan Labelle are among the personnel up front looking to take on increased responsibilities this year. A draft weekend deal with Cape Breton has sent Swiss center Maxime Sauthier to the Golden Valley. Other newcomers to the forward ranks include 19-year-old Will Lutic, fresh of a point-per-game performance with the AJHL’s Canmore Eagles and Czech Josef Holejsovsky, known for his high-energy style of play and a recent bronze medallist at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship. While there’s a mix of new and old up front, the defense is a decidedly veteran affair. The biggest name on the blue line is 2026 Nashville Predators draftee Benjamin Cossette Ayotte. Also returning are well-respected overagers Anthony Paré and Esteban Cinq-Mars. Jacob Gouchie is ready to deploy his heavy style of play for a third ‘Q’ campaign. A trade with Shawinigan helped bolster this defense corps with the addition of fourth-year veteran Noah McKinnon. On the same day McKinnon changed address, the Foreurs addressed their goaltending situation by picking up 2025 Montreal Canadiens draft pick Arseni Radkov from Saint John. It’s a lineup with plenty of style, skill and presence from top to bottom. And with a memorable postseason in the rearview mirror, it’s time to see if the lessons of last year will be put to greater use now. _ 2025-2026 Stats:

Record	26-31-4-3 (59 points)
Conference Ranking	6^th West
Overall Ranking	13^th
Goals For	215 (10^th)
Goals Against	250 (13^th)
PP (Overall)	20.3% (11^th)
PK (Overall)	78.3% (8^th)
Leading Rookie (PTS)	Demers (9-10-19)
Leading Scorers (PTS)	Veilleux (43-53-96)
	Coursol (25-44-69)
	Brisson (20-44-64)
	Cossette Ayotte (4-34-38)
	Plourde (13-22-35)

Audette, Beauregard, Fleury, Richard and Tanguay officially immortalized

David Brien — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 02:38:50 +0000

It’s official: Donald Audette, David-Alexandre Beauregard, Marc-André Fleury, Jean-Marc Richard and Jacques Tanguay have officially been inducted into the QMJHL Hall of Fame, presented by Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, during an evening held at Théâtre Le Capitole in Québec City. Beauregard was the first inductee of the evening. His former head coach, Lucien Deblois, took the stage to pay tribute to him, after which his former teammate Éric Landry honoured him in a video message. Despite losing an eye in 1994, Beauregard enjoyed an exceptional junior career and went on to play more than 1,000 professional games in several leagues. Jean-Marc Richard was then honoured with tributes from Marc Fortier and Rénald Nepton. Humble as always, he notably thanked his father for convincing him to accept an invitation to attend the Chicoutimi Saguenéens’ training camp. A junior career of more than 300 points followed... as a defenceman! Patrice Brisebois delivered a touching tribute to his great friend Donald Audette, whose son, Daniel, also honoured him through a video message. Audette is one of just 18 players in QMJHL history to record 300 points in the QMJHL and 500 in the NHL. And he accomplished it at just 5-foot-8, at a time when smaller players were a rarity. Jacques Tanguay was the owner or president of the Québec Remparts for nearly 30 years. “He has done so much for junior hockey and for young people,” said his longtime partner in Québec, Nicole Bouchard. Patrick Roy also shared a heartfelt tribute expressing his great admiration for Tanguay. Marc-André Fleury got a good laugh during Maxime Talbot’s speech... a poem that only Talbot could come up with! Sidney Crosby also took the time to send his regards from Pittsburgh. “When I was drafted by Cape Breton, I didn’t even know where it was,” admitted the former goaltender, who undoubtedly helped put Cape Breton on the hockey map. He was then a first overall pick in the NHL and went on to win three Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The QMJHL would like to congratulate the five inductees on this special evening. Thank you for your contribution to the development of the league and for making it shine. _ Pictured (Vincent Ethier): Jean-Marc Richard, Marc-André Fleury, Jacques Tanguay, David-Alexandre Beauregard & Donald Audette

2026-27 CHL Top-10 Rankings: Preseason Edition

David Brien — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:21:05 +0000

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) today unveiled the preseason edition of the CHL Top-10 Rankings for 2026-27, led by the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The Cape Breton Eagles of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League (WHL) complete the top three. Compiled with input from NHL Central Scouting, the rankings arrive ahead of tomorrow’s season opener and a campaign expected to feature more than 125 NHL-drafted prospects across the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL. The OHL opens tomorrow when the Peterborough Petes host the Kingston Frontenacs at 7:05 p.m. ET / 4:05 p.m. PT (on FloHockey). Friday’s 21-game slate is highlighted by two championship banner ceremonies. The defending CHL champion Kitchener Rangers will raise their Memorial Cup and J. Ross Robertson Cup banners before hosting the Owen Sound Attack at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, while the Chicoutimi Saguenéens will unveil their Gilles-Courteau Trophy banner before facing the Shawinigan Cataractes at the same time. Guelph opens at home against the Erie Otters at 7:07 p.m. ET / 4:07 p.m. PT. In the WHL, the No. 10-ranked Brandon Wheat Kings host the Saskatoon Blades at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT before the No. 6-ranked Medicine Hat Tigers visit the Lethbridge Hurricanes at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. FloHockey will stream OHL and QMJHL games throughout 2026-27, while WHL regular-season games will stream free on YouTube. The season will culminate in Guelph during the city’s bicentennial year, when the Storm host the 107th Memorial Cup presented by Kubota from May 21–30, 2027. It will be the first Memorial Cup in Guelph since 2002, when the Kootenay Ice defeated the Victoriaville Tigres in the final. _ CHL Top-10 Rankings – Preseason 1. Guelph Storm (OHL): The 2027 Memorial Cup hosts did not stand pat this offseason, adding high-end forwards Owen Griffin (25G-42A in 66 GP in 2025-26) and Ethan Czata (25G-28A in 63 GP), goaltender Ben Hrebik—who posted a .920 save percentage in each of the past two seasons—New York Islanders fifth-rounder Vladimir Dravecky (9G-19A in 58 GP) and Czech forward Adrien Bartovič. They join a core led by Toronto Maple Leafs third-rounder Tyler Hopkins (25G-25A in 56 GP) and Chicago Blackhawks second-rounder Ryan Roobroeck (30G-28A in 49 GP). St. Louis Blues prospect Carter Stevens (20G-16A in 53 GP), 2026 CHL Import Draft fourth-overall pick Timothy Kazda and 2027 NHL Draft prospect Jaakko Wycisk (17G-26A in 60 GP) deepen the attack. Anaheim Ducks fifth-rounder Eric Frossard (5G-9A in 51 GP), Tampa Bay Lightning seventh-rounder Grant Spada (6G-15A in 61 GP) and Seattle Kraken seventh-rounder Rylan Singh (4G-19A in 52 GP) headline the blue line. The offseason overhaul gives Guelph 10 NHL prospects in all, underscoring the depth of a roster built to contend immediately. General manager George Burnett and head coach Cory Stillman will now look to guide the reshaped roster to Guelph’s first J. Ross Robertson Cup since 2019 and the franchise’s first Memorial Cup title. 2. Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL): Cape Breton has assembled a legitimate contender, although a deep Eastern Conference featuring Québec, Saint John, Halifax and Moncton will offer little margin for error. An aggressive offseason brought Ottawa Senators prospect Lucas Beckman (2.60 GAA & .917 SV% in 38 GP between Baie-Comeau and Chicoutimi in 2025-26), Los Angeles Kings second-rounder Liam Lefebvre (32G-27A in 59 GP), Washington Capitals third-rounder Maxim Schäfer (21G-28A in 53 GP) and fellow German forward Elias Schneider (23G-30A in 53 GP). They join 2024 fourth-overall QMJHL pick Romain L’Italien (17G-30A in 52 GP), his older brother Eliot L’Italien (16G-18A in 49 GP), Reece Peitzsche (26G-21A in 64 GP) and Boston Bruins prospect Cole Chandler (20G-32A in 62 GP), formerly of Shawinigan, in a deep forward group. On defense, newcomer Alonso Gosselin (7G-21A in 64 GP) adds offense alongside Detroit Red Wings sixth-rounder Will Murphy (4G-4A in 38 GP) and overager Noah Jettelson (4G-22A in 64 GP), who added seven points in six playoff games. With Beckman behind that group, the Eagles have strength at every position. Games this week: vs. Halifax (Sept. 18), vs. Charlottetown (Sept. 20) 3. Victoria Royals (WHL): After finishing two points short of qualifying for a playoff tiebreaker last season, Victoria enters 2026-27 with a win-now roster. The blockbuster addition of Dallas Stars prospect Cameron Schmidt—who tied for the CHL lead with 51 goals and finished with 100 points in 72 games—transforms the attack. The Royals offered an early glimpse of their upside by scoring 10 goals while splitting two preseason games against London. Returning standouts Nolan Stewart (16G-34A in 65 GP) and Hayden Moore (18G-30A in 62 GP) are joined by former Tri-City scoring leader Savin Virk (27G-38A in 66 GP). Captain Miles Cooper (10G-27A in 50 GP), Caleb Matthews (15G-21A in 65 GP), Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Filip Novak and 2026 first-round CHL Import Draft pick Marek Peroutka add further scoring options. On defense, offseason acquisition Nate Yellowaga (7G-20A in 67 GP) joins 2027 NHL Draft prospect Odin Vauhkonen (3G-20A in 65 GP). Victoria has moved quickly from narrowly missing the postseason to looking capable of a deep run in 2026-27. 4. London Knights (OHL): After winning consecutive J. Ross Robertson Cups, London’s bid for a third straight title ended with a first-round loss to the Soo Greyhounds. The Knights nevertheless return as contenders in 2026-27, led up front by Ottawa Senators first-rounder Jaxon Cover (20G-32A in 67 GP) and Dallas Stars fifth-rounder Ryan Brown (22G-41A in 67 GP). Anaheim Ducks first-rounder Marcus Nordmark, top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Luca Santala, newcomers Kane Barch and Carson Harmer (18G-26A in 66 GP), overager Thomas Zocco and veterans Evan Van Gorp (12G-27A in 66 GP) and Cohen Bidgood (14G-25A in 51 GP) give London its depth. The 6-foot-8 Maksim Sokolovskii, selected in the first round by Philadelphia, anchors a defense that also includes Caleb Mitchell (5G-23A in 57 GP) and 6-foot-6 Boston Bruins fifth-rounder Jacob Vandeven. A return by Los Angeles Kings first-rounder Henry Brzustewicz would make that group even stronger. Vancouver Canucks second-rounder Aleksei Medvedev is in line for the lead role in goal after sharing the crease with Sebastian Gatto last season. Young players such as Ryan Beaulieu, Cooper McAslan and Alex Campeau give an already-deep lineup additional upside. 5. Saginaw Spirit (OHL): Saginaw hopes a blend of NHL-drafted talent and emerging players can produce its second Memorial Cup title in four seasons. First-year head coach Brendan Taylor inherits a dynamic forward in Dima Zhilkin (36G-39A in 59 GP), a potential top-10 pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Cloutier (22G-25A in 64 GP) and Toronto Maple Leafs sixth-rounder Brody Pepoy (16G-13A in 67 GP) also return, while the acquisition of Braidy Wassilyn (19G-27A in 62 GP) gives the young group another proven scorer. Recent first-round OHL picks Ryan Hanrahan (4G-8A in 46 GP) and Drew Bate provide further upside. On defense, 2027 NHL Draft prospect Levi Harper (12G-45A in 68 GP) leads a group that includes Russian blueliner Gordei Khotkov and draft-eligibles Drew Roscoe (2G-1A in 30 GP), Tyler Martyniuk and Kade Meyer. San Jose Sharks fourth-rounder Brady Knowling and Tampa Bay Lightning sixth-rounder Stepan Shurygin give Saginaw two NHL-drafted goaltenders. The biggest swing factor is reigning OHL scoring champion Nikita Klepov (37G-60A in 67 GP): a return from the Anaheim Ducks would materially raise Saginaw’s ceiling. 6. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL): After reaching the 2025 Memorial Cup final, Medicine Hat followed with another deep playoff run last season and remains built to contend. Pittsburgh Penguins prospects Liam Ruck (45G-59A in 68 GP) and Markus Ruck (21G-87A in 68 GP) drive one of the CHL’s most dangerous attacks. Potential 2027 NHL Draft first-rounders Noah Davidson (30G-22A in 67 GP) and Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll (12G-25A in 41 GP) add more high-end talent, while Luke Cozens (25G-36A in 69 GP), Yaroslav Bryzgalov (13G-42A in 64 GP) and Kadon McCann (21G-22A in 68 GP) supply proven depth. Offseason addition Josh Evaschesen (33G-40A in 67 GP) and 2026 CHL Import Draft pick Arvid Drott, a Florida Panthers sixth-rounder, make the forward group even deeper. On defense, overager Dayton Reschny (11G-16A in 54 GP), Calgary Flames third-rounder Mace’o Phillips and 6-foot-7 Russian Denis Pasler bring size and experience. The Tigers’ youth creates some questions going into 2026-27, but few teams can match their scoring ceiling. 7. Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL): Saint John’s playoff-series drought dates back to its 2017 QMJHL championship run, though the club captured the Memorial Cup as host in 2022. With an experienced core and a busy offseason, the Sea Dogs appear poised not only to end that drought, but to challenge for their first QMJHL title in a decade. Top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Alexis Joseph (24G-36A in 54 GP) leads an attack reinforced by former U.S. National Team Development Program forward Jamie Glance and CHL Import Draft picks Matyas Cancik and Oliver Ozogany. The club’s top-three scorers from last season—Joseph, Alexander Donovan (25G-28A in 63 GP) and Olivier Groulx (20G-46A in 64 GP)—all return, while former eighth-overall QMJHL pick Dylan Rozzi (20G-25A in 64 GP) is another breakout candidate. The Sea Dogs rebuilt their defense by adding former fourth-overall pick Thomas Charbonneau (2G-9A in 48 GP), Brandon Delarosbil (8G-14A in 60 GP) and veteran Julien Lanthier (3G-12A in 43 GP) to a group led by Olivier Duhamel (5G-21A in 58 GP). Buffalo Sabres fourth-rounder Samuel Meloche gives that revamped blue line an established goaltender behind it. Games this week: @ Newfoundland (Sept. 18), @ Newfoundland (Sept. 19) 8. Québec Remparts (QMJHL): Four seasons after winning both the Gilles-Courteau Trophy and Memorial Cup, Québec again has the high-end talent to contend. St. Louis Blues first-rounder Maddox Dagenais (30G-32A in 62 GP), Philadelphia Flyers prospect and returning scoring leader Nathan Quinn (34G-39A in 58 GP) and top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Carter Meyer give the Remparts a formidable top line. The supporting cast includes 2025 first-round import pick Nikita Ovcharov (17G-27A in 64 GP), 2026 first-round import pick Samuel Sramaty and 2025 ninth-overall QMJHL pick James Scantlebury, with Sramaty and Scantlebury set to make their league debuts. On defense, Winnipeg Jets fifth-rounder Alexandre Taillefer (2G-15A in 28 GP) and offseason acquisition Maddox Labre (1G-19A in 59 GP) will be counted on to stabilize the group in front of draft-eligible goaltender Patrick Déniger. The ceiling is high; the question is whether Québec’s depth can hold up in a strong Eastern Conference. Games this week: @ Sherbrooke (Sept. 18), @ Chicoutimi (Sept. 20) 9. Ottawa 67’s (OHL): Ottawa followed a 100-point regular season with a playoff loss to Barrie, who later fell to Kitchener in the OHL Championship Series. Although several veterans have departed, the 67’s return 2027 NHL Draft prospect Kohyn Eshkawkogan and three of their top five postseason scorers as they pursue their first OHL title since 2001. Carolina Hurricanes seventh-rounder Filip Ekberg (24G-22A in 59 GP), New York Rangers fourth-rounder Spencer Bowes (23G-19A in 67 GP) and Nic Whitehead (25G-38A in 64 GP) are the top returning regular-season scorers. 2027 NHL Draft prospect Brock Chitaroni (10G-14A in 60 GP) will look to build on a productive rookie season. On defense, Eshkawkogan, 6-foot-6 Buffalo Sabres third-rounder David Bedkowski (5G-24A in 68 GP) and Colorado Avalanche seventh-rounder Ondrej Ruml (10G-18A in 66 GP) bring both puck movement and size. Jaeden Nelson—who posted a 2.33 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 29 games—returns as half of Ottawa’s 2026 Dave Pinkney Trophy-winning tandem. 10. Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): Brandon lost five of its top seven scorers from an 82-point season, but the returning core has enough firepower to keep the Wheat Kings in the early contender conversation. Brandon native and top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Jaxon Jacobson (25G-60A in 63 GP) and 40-goal scorer Joby Baumuller lead the attack. Anaheim Ducks seventh-rounder Brady Turko (18G-18A in 66 GP) provides experience, while draft-eligible forwards Chase Surkan (20G-18A in 45 GP) and Prabh Bhathal (8G-23A in 63 GP) are candidates for larger roles. First-round CHL Draft Import pick Kris Muissu and 2025 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft first-overall pick Levi Ellingsen (0G-1A in 5 GP) could add needed depth. With Giorgos Pantelas and Grayson Burzynski gone, the defense will have a new look. Cameron Allard (7G-12A in 62 GP) is the top returning scorer on the blue line, while 2027 NHL Draft prospect Nigel Boehm (2G-14A in 63 GP) and 2025 first-round WHL pick Cruz Jim (0G-1A in 4 GP) should receive larger opportunities. Minnesota Wild fifth-rounder Filip Ruzicka (.906 SV% in 42 GP; .936 in four playoff games) gives the young defense stability behind it.

QMJHL 2026-27: Faces in different places

David Brien — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:53:05 +0000

Photo credit: JaimeLee Gouthro After a 32-year wait, the Chicoutimi Sagueneens finally broke through again in 2026 as they claimed the Gilles-Courteau Trophy. And while the Cape Breton Eagles were the biggest beneficiaries of that this offseason, a number of other Atlantic Canada squads have been fine-tuning their roster ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Lucas Beckman / Liam Lefebvre / Maxim Schafer (Chicoutimi → Cape Breton The trio of Lucas Beckman (OTT), Liam Lefebvre (LA) and Maxim Schafer (WSH) are all going to have a legitimate chance at a back-to-back QMJHL title. Through a number of moves, the trio wound up in Cape Breton where they will look to lead the Eagles to a first Q title. After he began the season in Rouyn-Noranda – where he won 31 games in 2024-25 – Beckman was sensational for Chicoutimi January onwards. He won 13 of his 15 starts, owned a .940 save percentage and a 1.52 GAA. In the postseason, he backstopped the Sags to a title with a .918 save percentage and 1.98 GAA. Beckman is also a two-time gold medallist with Canada having won the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and 2025 U18 World Championships. Another trade deadline acquisition, Lefebvre had 30 points (17 goals) in 25 regular season contests and added 12 postseason points en route to a QMJHL title. His rookie season began in Rimouski where he 29 points in 34 games. Schafer’s rookie season saw him record 21 goals and 49 points in Chicoutimi although injury limited him to eight postseason appearances. Schafer has also twice represented Germany at the World Juniors. The trio - who helped the Sags to a semi-final berth at the 2026 Memorial Cup - are part of an Eagles roster that has set high expectations and includes other NHL Drafted talent in Cole Chandler (BOS) and Will Murphy (DET). Mateo Nobert (Blainville-Boisbriand → Halifax) After three seasons with the Armada, it’s a fresh start for Mateo Nobert (VGK) in 2026-27. His 171 career points are the 10th most in Armada franchise history, as are his 70 goals. He joins the Mooseheads on the heels of his best season where he set career highs in goals (30), assists (48) and points (78). In Halifax, he’ll join an offence that includes NHL prospects Shawn Carrier (COL) and Oleg Kulebiakin (TB) alongside Paul Sintschni, the second overall pick in the 2026 CHL Import Draft. Samuel Meloche (Rouyn-Noranda → Saint John) After winning a combined 66 games over the past two seasons, Samuel Meloche (BUF) will have a fresh start in Saint John this season. A year ago he made 50 appearances for the Huskies, won 33 games and recorded a 2.75 GAA. He then backstopped the side to the third round of the QMJHL playoffs. Meloche was one of many offseason additions in Saint John alongside Jamie Glance and Olivier Lemieux as well as CHL Import Draft selections Matyas Cancík and Oliver Ozogany. Of course, the club’s offence will run through 2027 NHL Draft prospect Alexis Joseph. Carter Meyer / James Scantlebury (USNTDP → Quebec) The additions of both 2027 NHL Draft prospects Carter Meyer and James Scantebury were massive coups for the Remparts. Meyer is a consensus Top 10 selection in preseason rankings thus far where last season he had 37 points in 42 games for the USNTDP. As for Scantlebury, he put up 39 points as a rookie in the USHL with the Chicago Steel. They will join an offence that is led by Maddox Dagenais (STL) alongside the club’s other NHL prospect in Alexandre Taillefer (WPG).

OUR 18 – The Phoenix should rise to the challenge again in Sherbrooke

David Brien — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:45:29 +0000

Even in down years, the Sherbrooke Phoenix has earned a reputation in recent seasons for being a tough opponent. They’ll still be tough this year. They’ll also be talented. For the past two seasons, the Phoenix has been the definition of a balanced attack – 411 goals scored, 415 allowed. Much of the top offense group is back again, another year older and stronger. This includes 2024 QMJHL first-rounder Thomas Rousseau, sophomore Russian talent Ilya Kolmakov, two-way winger Jayden Plouffe and 2026 Utah Mammoth draft choice Florent Houle. Overager Chad Bellemare will be a pivotal factor both with and without the puck. Olivier Lampron and Samuel Rochon return following 2025-26 campaigns reduced significantly due to injury. Ilya Kuzminykh arrives in town following explosive offensive seasons at the Russian U16 and U17 levels. For as many returnees there are up front, turnover is the story of the backend. Louis-Alex Tremblay, last year’s top scorer in Sherbrooke, is back for his fourth season in the blue and white. Other returning veterans include overager Sydney Gagnon and Vincent Croteau, picked up during training camp from Saint John. Rookie Daniyar Aibatov earned a reputation as a steady, two-way presence on Russian blue lines, reaching the U17 finals with Kazan last season. The rest of the defense is a collection of US-born talent in Kurt Beck, Noah Mazzola and Kaiden Donia. Netminder Kyan Labbé is back following a very impressive, 27-win sophomore campaign. It’s been a slow rise back to the top in Sherbrooke. This season could be a turning point, however. A team known over the years for playing to its strengths should be stronger, especially on offense. As usual, there are no easy nights in the foreseeable future against the Phoenix. _ 2025-2026 Stats:

Record	33-26-5-0 (71 points)
Conference Ranking	5^th West
Overall Ranking	9^th
Goals For	210 (12^th)
Goals Against	214 (T-10^th)
PP (Overall)	24.6% (6^th)
PK (Overall)	78.9% (7^th)
Leading Rookie (PTS)	Kolmakov (13-35-48)
Leading Scorers (PTS)	Tremblay (14-45-59)
	Rousseau (22-30-52)
	Kolmakov (13-35-48)
	Plouffe (17-25-42)
	Houle (19-22-41)