Drummondville Voltigeurs general manager Philippe Boucher has resigned from his position “for personal reasons”.
The formation of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ) made the announcement in a press release on Wednesday afternoon. Boucher, who had served since the 2019-20 season, announced his decision to the organization on Tuesday evening.
“After careful consideration, I am stepping down for personal reasons. In addition, my health has been fragile for a few weeks and I had to make this decision, ”explains the main interested party in the said press release.
I leave the organization, but I firmly believe in the people in place. Despite the more difficult last months, I have full confidence in the group of coaches and players for the future.
Excerpt from Philippe Boucher’s press release
The former NHL defender had however signed a five-year contract extension in May 2021. This took him until the end of the 2025-2026 season.
The Voltigeurs are indeed having a difficult season, currently occupying 13e rank in the general classification. In November, they fired their head coach of the past six years, Steve Hartley. He was replaced by Éric Bélanger.
“I accepted Philippe’s resignation and I understand the reasons for his departure. I wish him the best of success in his future projects”, supports the president of the Voltigeurs, Éric Verrier.
The vice-president of hockey, Stephan Leblanc, will act in the interim with the support of assistant general manager Steve Ahern and head scout, Jean-Sébastien Perron.
“Thereafter, we will have to set up a strong and competent committee in order to orient our choice towards the best possible candidate, adds Mr. Verrier. This candidate will have to ensure the excellence of our hockey department for the present and a solid foundation for the future. »