QMJHL unveils 2021-2022 Raymond-Lagacé Trophy finalists

The Raymond-Lagacé Trophy finalists were announced earlier today by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The honour rewards the Defensive Rookie of the Year. It was first awarded in 1981 and has recognized many all-star defensemen and goaltenders over the years, such as Philippe Boucher, Samuel Girard and Ondrej Pavelec.

This year’s nominees are Nathan Darveau of the Victoriaville Tigres, Niks Fenenko of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar and David Spacek of the Sherbrooke Phœnix.

In this rebuilding season, Nathan Darveau really impressed in front of the Victoriaville Tigres’ net. The Rouyn-Noranda native posted 14 wins, kept a 3.11 goals against average and maintained a 0.917% save percentage. He also added two shutouts and was named the QMJHL Player of the Week on one occasion.

Drafted first overall by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar at the 2021 CHL Import Draft, Niks Fenenko lived up to expectations this season. The Riga, Latvia native scored on six occasions and added 34 assists in 62 regular season games. He finished just behind David Spacek for the most points among rookie defensemen.

As for David Spacek, the second round selection by the Sherbrooke Phœnix in 2021 didn’t disappoint his Head Coach and GM, Stéphane Julien. The 6’0” and 180 lbs defenseman scored 12 goals, including eight on the power play, while adding 38 helpers in 57 regular season games. He also maintained a stunning +21 plus/minus ratio.