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QMJHL Playoffs: Val-d’Or (2) at Shawinigan (5)

Played on Mar 29, 2025

Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League

Game Played in Centre Gervais Auto

Game Sheet

Chad Lygitsakos (LW, L, 5’8″, 168, Shawnigan Cataractes, 01/21/2008)

Game Rating

C+

1 Viewing

Comments: Chad is a forward who plays with a surprising level of aggression despite his smaller stature, consistently getting involved in physical battles and bringing an effective pest-like presence to the ice. He thrives on disrupting opponents and making life uncomfortable for the opposition, especially along the boards and in scrums. Defensively, Chad shows a willingness to support deep in his own zone, though he occasionally drops a bit too low, which can momentarily take him out of position. That said, he demonstrates good awareness by making clean one-touch passes to help exit the zone under pressure. He also does an excellent job of jumping into passing lanes and anticipating plays defensively, although at times he shies away from contact, opting to leave loose pucks for defensemen rather than battling for them himself. Offensively, when Chad slows the game down and takes a more patient approach, his vision and hockey sense shine through—he consistently makes smart, calculated decisions with the puck and shows the ability to read the ice well.

Reece Peitzsche (LW, L, 6’0″, 195, Shawnigan Cataractes, 12/08/2006)

Game Rating

B-

Reece Peitzsche showcases a dynamic combination of physicality and playmaking ability on the ice. He consistently demonstrates strong offensive instincts, creating scoring chances for himself and his teammates through clever passes and quick moves. His speed allows him to navigate through defenders and set up opportunities in the offensive zone. However, Reece’s struggles in tight spaces can be evident at times, as he sometimes gets pushed off pucks. Additionally, he needs to work on decision-making in high-pressure situations, as a recent sequence showed. Despite these limitations, Reece’s overall skillset makes him a valuable asset on the team. With continued improvement in areas such as skating mechanics and puck control, he has the potential to become an even more effective contributor.

1 Viewing

Comments: Reece is a forward with strong skating mechanics and intelligent positioning, making him a reliable presence in all three zones. He shows impressive quickness off the draw, using a good initial jump to get to loose pucks early and establish possession. His quick crossovers and tight turns allow him to stay close to his check on the forecheck, applying consistent pressure and limiting time and space for opposing defensemen. One standout play saw him draw a defender away from the front of the net, creating open ice for his centerman to capitalize on a rebound—highlighting his awareness and ability to create opportunities off the puck. Defensively, Reece does a solid job maintaining his position and staying within his lane, effectively tracking his man. However, he would benefit from engaging more assertively in defensive situations, as giving puck carriers too much time can lead to breakdowns. With continued growth in physical assertiveness, Reece’s speed, positioning, and hockey IQ make him a dependable two-way contributor.

Cole Chandler (C, L, 6’2″, 176, Shawnigan Cataractes, 05/01/2007)

Game Rating

B+

Cole Chandler is a well-rounded forward who excels in various aspects of the game. He possesses strong presence in the faceoff circle, winning draws cleanly on his forehand, and recovers quickly after losing possession. His size and stride make him effective on the backcheck, allowing him to disrupt opposing plays. Cole’s playmaking ability is notable, as he consistently delivers accurate passes and maintains a strong offensive flow. He showcases his skill with clever puck handling, using off-foot moves to create space and set up scoring chances. His combination of size, skating, and playmaking ability makes him a valuable asset on the ice.

1 Viewing

Comments: Cole is a big-bodied forward with noticeable offensive upside and strong instincts in key moments. While his straight-line acceleration needs development—often taking him a few extra strides to reach top speed, which can allow defenders to create separation—he makes up for it with excellent puck skills and vision. One standout play saw him receive a pass in stride, execute a slick move around a defender on the entry, and finish with an impressive backhand chance, showcasing his creativity and poise under pressure. Cole is an excellent puck mover, using his long reach to protect the puck and deliver crisp, hard passes at full speed to his teammates. In the offensive zone, he’s tenacious on the forecheck and shows strong stickwork, managing to strip defenders and keep plays alive deep in the zone. However, he can be a bit timid in high-contact areas, as seen behind the net where he avoided a physical engagement, leading to a puck turnover and subsequent goal against. Defensively, Cole shows promise—he delivered solid contact in the corner to knock a player off the puck and create a turnover, and his work on the penalty kill was particularly effective, pressuring puck carriers into mistakes and helping to clear the zone. With continued development in his skating and physical engagement, Cole has the tools to be a reliable and impactful two-way forward.

Emile Beaunoyer (G, L, 5’11”, 195, Val d’Or Foreurs, 10/11/2006)

Game Rating

C+

1 Viewing

Comments: Emile is a poised and technically sound goaltender who displays a calm presence in the crease and solid foundational habits. He does a great job tracking pucks, maintaining his positioning under pressure, and staying square to shooters. Emile excels at addressing the initial shot and directing rebounds to low-danger areas, though he would benefit from absorbing more pucks when possible—particularly on quick-release snap shots where his glove hand is otherwise sharp and reactive. He occasionally crouches too low in his stance, which can limit his mobility, but his quick glove and blocker help him recover. Emile made an excellent quick pad save on a low, hard shot, though the rebound landed in a dangerous area. Laterally, he moves well and shows strong post play, often shutting down backdoor threats with sharp reads and explosive side-to-side pushes. However, he was caught opening up unnecessarily while moving across the crease on a point shot, allowing a soft goal that should have been stopped. A misread on his net positioning led to a puck going off the post and, after he lost track of it, resulted in an easy tap-in for the opposition. While Emile shows decent ability to play the puck, he held onto it too long under pressure, which could lead to costly turnovers against faster forecheckers. Overall, Emile shows strong raw tools—quick hands, lateral mobility, and composure—but needs to fine-tune his rebound control, net awareness, and puck-handling decision-making to take the next step in his development.

Jacob Gouchie (D, R, 6’1″, 215, Val d’Or Foreurs, 03/20/2008)

Game Rating

B-

Jacob Gouchie is a physically gifted defenseman with solid mobility and edgework skills. He demonstrates great awareness, often recognizing opponents’ positions and adjusting his play accordingly. His confidence with the puck is improving, allowing him to make effective passes and control the tempo of the game. In defensive situations, he excels in the corners, using his size to neutralize opponents. Gouchie’s skating ability remains strong, enabling him to quickly pivot and keep pace with attackers. He shows good puck management skills, often choosing to pass instead of pushing the puck for speed. His agility is evident as he effectively uses his body positioning to keep opponents at bay. With continued development in puck handling and decision-making, Gouchie has the potential to become a reliable two-way defenseman.

1 Viewing

Comments: Jacob is a physically imposing defenseman who uses his size effectively to win battles along the boards and establish control in tight areas. His body contact is a clear asset, often overpowering opponents to separate them from the puck. However, his play in front of the net and in open-ice coverage requires improvement. He was caught turned around on one sequence, losing track of his man and allowing a rebound goal, and later hesitated on a puck decision, leading to a scramble and turnover. Jacob can struggle with quick lateral movements, as seen when he fell while trying to stay in front of an attacker, leaving a shooting lane exposed. While he shows promise with his puck movement at the offensive blue line, his passes could benefit from added strength to be more effective under pressure. In front of the net, his positioning can be inconsistent—he tends to allow opponents to get behind him rather than maintaining inside body position, which has led to breakdowns. With refinement in positioning, quicker decision-making, and continued development of his skating, Jacob has the tools to grow into a reliable shutdown presence on the back end.

Benjamin Cossette-Ayotte (D, R, 6’0″, 174, Val d’Or Foreurs, 01/03/2008)

Game Rating

B

1 Viewing

Comments: Benjamin is a defenseman with a strong physical presence and flashes of smart positional play, but his game remains a work in progress in key areas. In the defensive zone, he was stripped of the puck too easily under pressure, resulting in a dangerous opportunity for the opposition. He often fired pucks into covered areas instead of taking a moment to assess better outlets, suggesting a need for improved poise and puck decision-making. While he uses his body effectively to shield the puck, his feet need to be quicker to help him escape pressure and create separation. He struggled in net-front scrambles, failing to react quickly enough—on one occasion allowing his man to collect a loose puck and score. Offensively, Benjamin showed promise, settling a bouncing puck at the blue line and firing a crisp wrist shot that led to a deflection goal. However, his shooting consistency remains an area of concern; he flubbed a well-set one-timer with a weak effort on net. On the defensive side, he had some strong moments, including a well-timed stick check on a quicker forward cutting to the slot and a patient sequence where he used his reach and a poke check to neutralize a rush wide. Off the puck, Benjamin positions himself well to recover loose pucks and often leans on his size to his advantage. He also shows a strong work ethic when plays break down, hustling to recover and make up for his lack of top-end speed. With more development in foot speed, puck management, and shot consistency, Benjamin has the tools to become a reliable presence on the blue line.

Mathias Bourque (LW, L, 5’11”, 165, Val d’Or Foreurs, 02/05/2007)

Game Rating

B-

1 Viewing

Comments: Mathias is a forward who thrives in a physical, defensive-minded role. He loves playing the body and is always willing to stick up for his teammates in scrums, although he sometimes goes overboard, as evidenced by an instance where he was laid out despite being the one delivering the hit. His relentless work ethic is evident in his defensive play, as he constantly moves to fill lanes, hunts for loose pucks, and does not give his point man any time or space. Mathias has excellent reaction time, frequently stripping the puck from opponents and quickly transitioning play the other way. One area for improvement is his shift management, as he tends to stay on the ice for too long and doesn’t take advantage of opportunities to change. Defensively, he is very strong on faceoffs in his own zone, tying up his man effectively when he does lose possession. However, his aggressive nature can occasionally lead to penalties, as he can get carried away in physical confrontations. While Mathias’s physical play and defensive instincts are commendable, reigning in his aggression and improving his shift management would make him an even more effective player.

Benjamin Olivier (C, L, 5’8″, 162, Val d’Or Foreurs, 06/26/2008)

Game Rating

C+

1 Viewing

Comments: Benjamin is a smart, team-oriented forward who plays with purpose and awareness at both ends of the ice. Offensively, he shows a strong understanding of how to impact the game without the puck, consistently going to the net with his stick on the ice to create traffic and make life difficult for opposing goaltenders. He displayed good vision and timing with a well-executed cross-ice pass that facilitated a clean zone entry, showing his ability to support transition play. On the power play, he was effective working the give-and-go on PP2, helping to keep defenders in motion and opening up shooting and passing lanes through quick, purposeful puck movement. Defensively, Benjamin is committed in his own zone and does a solid job of staying with his man, showing awareness and effort. However, his lack of size becomes a limiting factor in net-front battles, where he can struggle to assert physical control. Despite this, his hockey sense, positioning, and willingness to engage make him a reliable presence who contributes in all three zones.

Jordan Labelle (LW, L, 6’4″, 193, Val d’Or Foreurs, 05/07/2007)

Game Rating

B

Jordan Labelle is a physically gifted forward who utilizes his strength and size to outmuscle opponents in tight areas. He excels at battling for pucks along the boards and creating turnovers behind the net. His ability to maintain possession of the puck, even with physical contact, is a notable aspect of his game. While he may struggle with quick starts due to his foot speed, Labelle compensates with his power and physical presence. As a left winger, Jordan plays a tenacious forecheck, using his size and reach to regain possession. He consistently lays big hits, forcing defenders to rush their decisions, and establishes a strong presence in front of the net. His combination of size, strength, and determination makes him a formidable opponent for opposing players.

1 Viewing

Comments: Jordan is a physically dominant forward who uses his size and strength to make a significant impact in the offensive zone. Though he can lose the puck in his feet at times, he compensates with strong puck protection and a relentless physical presence. Off the puck, he drives hard to the net, creating chaos for defenders and goaltenders alike, and consistently battles to establish position in front. His net-front presence was a constant factor, as he showed excellent timing and awareness—getting his stick on pucks to create rebounds and following up with a powerful backhand that forced a tough save. Jordan excels in board battles, using his frame to win possession and kick pucks out to his teammates. He’s a physical force who’s difficult to knock off the puck, with opponents often bouncing off him throughout the game. His gritty, hard-nosed style and willingness to compete in tough areas make him a handful for defenders and a valuable asset in creating second-chance opportunities and sustained offensive pressure.

Philippe Veilleux (LW, L, 5’9″, 170, Val d’Or Foreurs, 03/26/2007)

Game Rating

A-

Philippe Veilleux is a skilled and dynamic left winger who consistently creates scoring opportunities with his exceptional vision and passing ability. He excels at reading the play, identifying open areas in prime scoring locations, and threading precise passes through tight spaces. His stickhandling skills are elite, allowing him to beat defenders and generate high-quality chances. While Philippe can be prone to getting overly fancy with his passing, his playmaking instincts remain a major asset. He works hard on the backcheck, but lacks high-end speed, which can hinder his defensive recovery. To reach his full potential, Philippe will need to simplify his game in certain situations and maintain awareness.

1 Viewing

Comments: Philippe is a highly intelligent and offensively gifted forward who consistently demonstrates elite hockey sense and creativity with the puck. He made a smart read behind the opponent’s net to intercept a pass and quickly dished it into the slot, creating a high-quality scoring chance. His ability to handle the puck in tight areas stands out, often threading beautiful, well-timed passes through traffic. He’s especially shifty, using quick stops and starts to shake defenders and open up passing lanes, though at times he attempts passes that aren’t quite there. Philippe is constantly reading the play and reacting—on one sequence, he recognized his teammate winning a puck battle and exploded into the slot, releasing a hard one-timer while tightly covered that gave the goaltender trouble. His quickness and puck skills allow him to create his own scoring chances, often getting a step on his man with a sudden burst of speed. He uses his body well to protect the puck, doesn’t shy away from battles with similarly sized players, and holds up under contact without breaking stride. He showed great awareness and manipulation of pace, drawing a penalty by changing speeds while carrying the puck. Behind the net, his creativity shines—he delivered a slick backhand pass that led to a prime scoring opportunity, then immediately opened himself up for the rebound and fired a quick snap shot on net. Philippe’s combination of vision, shiftiness, and offensive awareness make him a dynamic playmaker and a constant threat in the offensive zone.

Eduard Bondar (D, L, 6’4″, 190, Val d’Or Foreurs, 01/31/2007)

Game Rating

B-

Eduard is a physically imposing defenseman with impressive lateral movement for his size. He effectively uses his strength and reach to disrupt opponents and maintain possession of the puck. While he occasionally struggles with quick decisions, Eduard has potential to be a dominant presence on the blue line when he improves his reaction time. Eduard displays exceptional agility, physicality, and passing ability, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the ice. He excels at closing off opponents along the boards and in tight spaces, using quick changes of direction to separate them from the puck. However, he occasionally tries to get too fancy with the puck in tight situations. Eduard’s discipline is an area for improvement, as he has taken penalties due to stick infractions and made a costly delay-of-game error. Despite this, his physicality, reach, and ability to disrupt plays make him a formidable presence on the ice.

1 Viewing

Comments: Eduard is a physically strong defenseman who can be tough to play against when engaged, but he currently struggles with decision-making under pressure. When moving the puck, he is prone to making risky or ill-advised passes—most notably a dangerous behind-the-back pass behind his own net that put his defensive partner in a difficult position. At times, his outlet passes miss the intended target or lack the urgency needed to relieve pressure, as seen in two consecutive soft clears that allowed Shawinigan to sustain zone time and eventually score off a scramble. Despite these puck management issues, Eduard is difficult to dispossess once he has control, showing excellent strength on the puck and the ability to hold off attackers when contact is initiated. Defensively, his physicality stands out—he did a strong job tying up his man in front to prevent a scoring chance on a loose puck. However, he made a costly error by dumping an opponent onto his own goaltender, which prevented the goalie from covering the puck and directly led to a goal. He also has a tendency to focus on blocking shots rather than engaging the puck carrier, which can leave opponents with too much time and space. While Eduard has the size and physical tools to be effective, improving his puck decisions and situational awareness will be key to his development as a reliable blueliner.

Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

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