The commissioner of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ), Gilles Courteau, will step down in 2024, ending a reign that began in 1986.
• Read also: The QMJHL draft returns to face-to-face
• Read also: Following the Hockey Canada scandal: clear and strict sanctions unveiled
• Read also: Patrick Roy and the QMJHL: “We had good exchanges”
This was reported Thursday by the daily “Le Soleil”, adding that the big boss of the league will set in motion a process of selection of his successor, whom he will guide until the moment of his retirement. However, the information remains to be confirmed by the circuit.
Courteau became interim, then permanent, president of the QMJHL at the age of 29. Having already worked as a sports journalist when he was younger, he had acted as general manager of the Quebec Remparts before becoming the league’s main decision-maker. Under the leadership of the Trifluvien, the total number of teams has increased from 10 to 18, with some ending up in the Maritimes. Also, hitherto unexplored regions, such as Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Côte-Nord, were granted concessions.
With Courteau in charge, the QMJHL has won the Memorial Cup 11 times. Recent years have been more difficult financially for the organization, which has received assistance from the provincial government to reduce the financial effects of the pandemic.