Played on Dec 28, 2025
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League
Game Played in Palais des Sports Léopold-Drolet
General Game Notes: This low scoring game was defined by strong defensive play rather than offensive firepower. With one goal scored early and the other coming late, the outcome came down to which team could limit mistakes. It was a departure from the typically fast paced, offense heavy style seen in the QMJHL, but it allowed a different group of players to stand out.
Samuel Caulfield (G, L, 6’0″, 186, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, 08/29/2006, Colgate)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Despite getting the loss tonight, Caulfield definitely deserves his flowers. He played a strong game that kept his team in the trenches as long as he could, it is hard to win when the players in front of you do not score any goals. Where Caulfield was very strong tonight was how hard he battled for second chance pucks. He uses his mobility to pop back up when he is down and dives for pucks laying in his crease. Both goals scored back door goals that started from odd man rushes to begin with, hard to make those stops as it is.
Mattias Gilbert (D, R, 6’5″, 219, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, 01/31/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Gibert’s playing style is characterized by his ability to move the puck effectively and create space for his teammates. He excels at pushing the pace and using speed to disrupt opponents’ sets, making it challenging for them to establish a forecheck. While he often takes risks by attempting to make plays alone, this can sometimes leave him vulnerable. However, Gibert’s agility and mobility along the blue line allow him to quickly change direction and stay in position.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gilbert was able to show that he is a towering defenseman who consistently uses his size to his advantage. He can overpower opponents for pucks and takes up significant space in his own zone. Was also able to show that he is also an excellent skater for his size, making him a major asset in transition by facilitating clean zone exits and entries. His mobility allows him to confidently join the rush and contribute offensively without sacrificing defensive stability. He has a long reach and uses it both offensively and defensively where he can force opponents to make a decision quicker than they want to.
Shawn Pearson (LW, L, 5’10”, 175, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, 01/30/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Pearson showcases a solid goal-scoring ability, often capitalizing on chances created by teammates’ efforts. Their timing in the slot allows them to capitalize on loose pucks, making them a threat in front of the net. In their own zone, they demonstrate a defensive mindset, occasionally jumping into pressure an attacker but often choosing not to pursue a puck with no chance of contact.
1 Viewing
Comments: Pearson was able to show tonight that he is an undersized forward who compensates with speed and a higher hockey IQ. While he can be outmuscled at times, he never gives up on a puck and consistently competes through contact. He is an aggressive offensive threat who is relentless when opportunities present themselves. Defensively, his size can be a limitation, but his quickness, and nonstop motor make him an asset. He uses his burst and awareness to disrupt plays early, close gaps, and take away passing lanes. Never really tonight was more than a step behind the puck in his own zone.
Miller Kay (F, R, 5’10”, 172, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, 06/20/2006)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Kay is not really a strong skater and lacks the puck skills and offensive instincts to consistently create plays. At his best, his offensive contribution comes from doing the dirty work, battling in front of the net, winning space in the corners, and retrieving dumps for more skilled line mates. His true value comes from his physical edge. He thrives on contact, delivers hits, and plays with an energy level that can spark a fatigued lineup. However, his lack of speed limits his effectiveness on the forecheck and on the back check.
Alexis Michaud (RW, R, 6’0″, 180, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, 01/26/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Michaud is a physical forward with strong skating ability, showcasing his capability to create entries and breakouts independently. His agility allows him to swiftly move the puck up the ice and provide opportunities for his teammates. One notable aspect of his game is his resilience when hit by opponents, as he effectively recovers the puck and makes quick decisions under pressure. DEFENSEWISE, Michaud demonstrates a keen sense of awareness, constantly scanning the zone for potential threats. His stick coverage allows him to fill in gaps left by his physical presence, making it difficult for attackers to find open spaces. By utilizing his size and reach, he effectively defends in his own end with an active and engaged stick position.
1 Viewing
Comments: Michaud is always able to show that he can be exceptionally quick, with elite offensive instincts and a lethal shot. While his size can be a limitation for the power he wants to bring, his skating ability allows him to create plenty of separation, giving him the time and space to both generate chances and set up teammates. He is a true play driver who consistently pushes the offense. Defensively, the work he puts in the other zone fatigues him and his effectiveness in physical battles and prolonged puck pressure is limited, but his intelligence and speed help him stay in the right positions and make a positive impact away from the puck.
Kyan Labbe (G, L, 5’8″, 158, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 07/13/2007, Union)
Game Rating
A
Labbe’s ability to read the game and react quickly is notable, particularly when faced with adversity. They demonstrate a willingness to challenge shooters and make aggressive plays, which can be effective in creating scoring opportunities for their team. However, there are moments where they appear hesitant or unsure of their positioning, leading to occasional missteps. When forced to push off, they sometimes struggle to maintain balance and appear less agile than necessary. As the game progresses, this player’s composure and decision-making improve, showcasing a solid mental approach to the position. They also show an ability to get out of their crease and play the puck effectively, highlighting potential for future growth and development.
1 Viewing
Comments: Labbe was able to show that he is able to swallow first chances at the net and did a good job at limiting second chances. One of the better aspects of his game is how quick he is to react to pucks that find there way to the top of the crease. He battles hard for his visible lanes, popping up and down and getting his head around screens. Could get out of his net a couple more times to stop rims from getting all the way around the yellow. He may be on the smaller side for a goaltender, but his athleticism allows him to overcome those limitations and remain effective in the crease. He was able to show this with a couple lateral goal saving saves.
Brogan McNeil (F, R, 6’3″, 190, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 09/04/2006, Alaska Fairbanks)
Game Rating
B-
Brogan McNeil is a skilled forward who possesses a versatile skill set that sets him apart from other players on the Spruce Kings. One notable aspect of his game is his exceptional defense, where he exudes composure and makes the game appear effortless. His natural size and strength enable him to maintain a smooth stride, while his quick feet allow him to navigate the ice with ease. McNeil’s awareness of both puck and body positioning is sharp, demonstrating his maturity as a player. He consistently makes high-percentage decisions, both with and without the puck, showcasing his exceptional decision-making skills. Overall, McNeil’s fluid movement, composure, and smart decision-making make him a formidable force on the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: McNeil was able to show that he has solid strength and adequate size, but lacks the skating speed and playmaking ability to consistently drive offense on his line. Defensively, however, he remains a reliable presence. He is a conscientious two way winger who back checks hard, plays with physical edge, and for sure is not afraid to use his body. His strong defensive stick and willingness to engage make him dependable in his own end.
Olivier Dubois (LW, L, 5’8″, 155, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 02/15/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Despite being a bit undersized, it did not stop Dubois from producing quality offensive chances. His shot is his most dangerous offensive weapon, but he is far from a one dimensional triggerman. He is a strong, shifty skater who can create separation with the puck, draw defenders toward him, and open up space for teammates. His speed makes him difficult to contain and allows him to exploit slower defenders. Defensively, his lack of size can be a challenge, and that area of his game still needs refinement.
Florent Houle (RW, R, 6’0″, 193, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 08/04/2007)
Game Rating
A-
Houle’s performance was marked by a strong ability to create offense and generate momentum for his team. His first goal of the night showcased his accuracy, as he released the puck quickly with a swift shot over the goalie’s glove. Houle demonstrated agility with the puck, effectively evading stick checks with minimal area plays. While his playstyle includes some risk, he was able to capitalize on this in tonight’s game.
1 Viewing
Comments: Houle is an offensive catalyst for his team. Scored both goals for his team in a two goal shutout. He opened the scoring two minutes in to the game with a nice give and go feed that started by him in the neutral zone after creating a turnover. He was able to read the defense quickly with fast puck movement, attack open ice, then get the puck back with an empty net. Houle was a difference maker tonight in all three zones of the ice. Not only did he have both goals, but he was able to prevent a couple with tight coverage, great stick, and a willingness to get the puck when it was loose.
Ilya Kolmakov (F, L, 5’11”, 163, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 09/30/2008)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Kolmakov grabbed both assists on the goals tonight and one of them came from a great defensive play in his own end. With the extra effort, Kolmakov got great stick on a loose puck that set two of his teammates free on a two on one. The youngster plays with confidence and sees the ice well, both assists were great examples of this. As offensively gifted that Kolmakov is, he did a good job tonight showing that he can play a two way game. He works hard to set gaps, and when he does feel himself beat, he makes sure the effort is put into another stride. In order to keep a zero on the board, smart play has to be done in your own zone and Kolmakov showed that tonight.
Jean-Felix Lapointe (D, L, 6’6″, 205, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 07/11/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Lapointe’s skating ability is average for a defensemen of his size, which can be beneficial in terms of his team’s transition game. While his shot and puck skills are not particularly strong, he has decent offense considering his profile. His defensive play is a mixed bag, with natural advantages in the physical areas of the ice due to his size.
1 Viewing
Comments: Lapointe was able to show that he provides a valuable physical presence and contributes offensively that starts from his own zone. While his physical game still adds value, he is not a true shutdown defender in coverage. That said, he blocks shots effectively and has a strong understanding of defensive positioning, consistently putting himself in the right spots to keep pucks out of danger. He is also a good skater and an asset in transition, helping facilitate clean zone exits and occasionally supporting zone entries. The heavy minutes he logs put him in frequent offensive situations, and his versatility makes him a reliable, steady option in a variety of roles.
Thomas Rousseau (RW, R, 5’10”, 174, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 02/12/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Rousseau demonstrated solid skills on the ice, particularly in his ability to create scoring chances. He is adept at beating defenders to open up space for himself and his teammates, often using speed to get into position. His goal-scoring instincts are also well-developed, as evidenced by his successful net-front play during a face-off win. Rousseau’s physicality adds depth to his game, as he is capable of delivering big hits that can create turnovers or energize his team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Rousseau was able to show tonight how dynamic he is. The puck is constantly on his stick, and the offense runs through him whenever he is on the ice. He is a dual threat who can beat goalies with his shot or slip precision passes through tight seams to set up teammates. While his game is driven almost entirely by offense, his defense is not really a glaring weakness, he can handle himself in moderate pressure situations but he is not someone you should rely on in a shutdown or penalty killing role.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images