Two new awards will be given this year at the Golden Pucks Gala

By admin March 24, 2005

BOUCHERVILLE, Thursday, March 24, 2005 (QMJHL) The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League will be giving two new awards during the Golden Pucks Gala to be held on April 6th. They are the Guy Carbonneau trophy and the Kevin Lowe trophy.

The Guy Carbonneau trophy will be awarded to the most defensive forward (centre or winger) of the year. The winner will be determined by the number of face-offs, the differential «plus-minus», the player’s role within the team and the number of opportunities to score.

«It’s quite an honour to learn that a trophy will bear your name. Having played with the QMJHL is in itself an honour for me. I realize that I made my mark and I can’t help feeling flattered,» said Guy Carbonneau when he heard the news. He always cared about being a complete player, and now he is really pleased to see that forwards with a defensive disposition are now recognized. «In the past, this was not an aspect of the play to which people really paid attention. All the players are important in a team, and it is essential that each one be recognized!»

As for the Kevin Lowe trophy, it will crown the most defensive defenseman of the year. The winner will be determined by the bodychecks, the differential «plus-minus», the player’s role within the team and the number of opportunities to score.

Kevin Lowe was obviously very happy. «In fact, I have a huge smile now on my face», he said with a cheerful voice. «I am really honoured to learn there will be a trophy named after me. I will always remember the games we played against the Draveurs de Trois-Rivières. They had a strong attack, and we had to give all we had. Being a defensive defenseman certainly gave a hand to our team, the Remparts de Québec!»

The QMJHL Commissioner is, for his part, honoured to present those two new trophies this year. « Guy Carbonneau and Kevin Lowe have been first-rate players in the QMJHL and in the NHL. They brought a lot to our sport and, furthermore, they are true gentlemen. They certainly deserve this tribute.»

Messrs. Carbonneau and Lowe will assist to the Golden Pucks Gala, and they will each give away their respective trophy.

It is to be noted that on April 6th, there will also be, apart from the Golden Pucks Gala, the Hall of Fame induction of Guy Chouinard (builder), Claude Lemieux, André Savard and Claude Verret.