Neutral Zone – Men's
In-Depth Amateur Scouting Coverage and Rankings

Login/Logout

QMJHL: Acadie-Bathurst at Sherbrooke

Game played on 11/21/2024.

General Game Notes: Neutral Zone evaluated the 2004 players from each team in this QMJHL game between Acadie-Bathhurst and Sherbrooke. Grades are for this game only and relative to other players in the contest.

Joshua Fleming (G, L, 6’1″, 186, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, 11/10/2004)

Grade: B-

Comments: 2004 has been trending the last few years, and the QMJHL season has been playing well, landing in the top 10 in goaltending stats for this season. This game, he gave up five goals. Two were on breakaways; one was a quick low shot where the shooter used the AB defenseman as a screen, and the last was up top again. However, he made several excellent stops in the first, stopping two clear chances in tight nby being aggressive and attacking the puck. He is listed as 6’2′ but did not look that tall. He held his post well and could pass the puck up ice where he looked sure one his skates. He seemed to go down a bit early at times but quick in tight with snappy pads and the strength to fight through contact. This was not the best game to evaluate his abilities, but overall, he showed some positives on a tough night. Grade is for this game only.

Francois-James Buteau (D, L, 6’3″, 205, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, 04/28/2004)

Grade: A-

Comments: He played the role of a big body as he pushed forwards off the puck and smothered opponents on the rush. He used his long frame and strong core to pin forwards on the wall, often taking possession and starting breakouts. Francois-James could pass or carry the puck from his end and used his center well. Buteau played on the penalty kill and used his reach to clog lanes, collect pucks, and make strong clears. One area he can improve is his shot-blocking, as he could block a few shots and did not have a plan, instead making himself a large screen. However, he anticipated and read plays well in his end. He jumped puck carriers with bouncing pucks or their eyes down on the penalty kill and showed lateral mobility to stop the rush with a long stick, often riding opponents off the puck with power. He made a smart play on a 2v1 deep in the zone, allowing the puck carrier to slip too low to shoot and taking away the net front pass. Twice in this game, he was caught flat-footed, which is another area he can improve. Buteau bumped passes after stopping the rush and had slick hands. He carried the puck consistently, creating zone exits and entries with his skates. On rush, he held the puck, shielding it from defenders, and waited for a play to develop, ending with a sharp pass on the tape. He played to start a 5v3 penalty kill and was factor all game. His size, ability to defend, speed and strength, and puck play will translate to NCAA hockey. We liked him here.

Colby Huggan (LW, L, 5’11”, 145, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, 06/29/2004)

Grade: B+

Comments: Huggan led the team at the start of this game with just under a point per game. He worked the ‘C’ for Acadie-Bathurst. Colby used quick hands to make plays off the wall and attack the goal. He looked quick and fast and made plays at top speed. He slipped a slick backhand, no-look, bump pass off the wall to start a transition in the neutral zone. Huggan pushed opponents into bad gaps as they had to respect his pace. He looked to pick and go and that worked a few times as he read plays and created turnovers to head back at Sherbrooke. He transitioned well and moved to open ice without the puck. He looked bigger than listed and used athletic edgework to shift to space from low in the zone. He played penalty kill and moved to correct spots with a well-positioned stick. He was quick and attentive in his zone—an important player for AB, who was used in all situations.

Hugo Primeau (C, L, 5’11”, 180, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 02/06/2004)

Grade: B

Comments: The Assistant Captain was on a point-per-game pace headed into the contest with Acadie-Bathurst, leading the Phoenix in scoring. Hugo ripped a goal on the power play on the left dot as a left shot. It was an elite shot that went into the top of the net. He could shoot while in motion and hold the puck to change his release point. He was influential in carrying the puck up ice and used the high cycle to get loose down Broadway. He showed puck poise and a clever element near the net. Twice, he made passes back behind the net, against the grain, for chances for his teammates. Hugo used his body well to protect possession and was tough to play against. He killed penalties decently as he moved well but his stick was not in excellent spots. He looked above average on faceoffs and presented well for passes on the breakout and in transition. His touches were soft, and he skated well but could tweak his stride and pace. He moved well on the rush and the puck did not slow him. Primeau was a factor all game and seemed to get under opponents’ skin. Hugo looked like a scorer who was bigger than listed and could play anywhere up and down a roster at the NCAA level.

Charles-Antoine Beauregard (LW, L, 5’10”, 185, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 05/10/2004)

Grade: Limited Viewing

Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

Post navigation
Scroll to top