Jonathan Fauchon, recently traded to Rimouski Océanic and leading scorer in the QMJHL, is considering a future in NCAA hockey. With 50 points from 31 games, he aims to excel in the upcoming Memorial Cup. New regulations allow Canadian players to extend their junior careers, giving Fauchon and peers like Emanuelson Charbonneau more flexibility in pursuing collegiate opportunities before entering the NHL. Despite his success, Fauchon remains focused on continuous improvement.
Jonathan Fauchon Sets Sights on NCAA After Trade to Rimouski Océanic
Recently traded to the Rimouski Océanic, Jonathan Fauchon, a standout from Quebec and the leading scorer in the QMJHL this season, is contemplating a future in collegiate hockey in the NCAA.
Fauchon, who has previously envisioned signing with an NHL team, acknowledges that the newly implemented NCAA regulations have significantly changed his prospects. He has engaged in meaningful conversations with Providence College in Rhode Island, viewing it as a fantastic avenue for further development. “It’s a great option to continue developing,” Fauchon expressed.
Exciting Opportunities Ahead
With an impressive record of 50 points, including 25 goals, from 31 games with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada prior to the Christmas break, Fauchon is poised to finish the season with the Océanic. As the host team for the upcoming Memorial Cup from May 22 to June 1, this presents an excellent opportunity for him to shine. Unless circumstances change, his journey will likely take him to the collegiate level in the United States after this season.
The new regulations now enable Canadian players to spend a few additional years in junior leagues like the QMJHL before transitioning to the NCAA. This shift allows athletes to avoid making early decisions between the CHL and the NCAA, providing them with greater flexibility.
For players like Fauchon, who is 20 years old, this new reality opens doors to extend their opportunity to catch the eye of NHL scouts. “With the NCAA option, you can take your time to develop, become physically stronger, and become a better hockey player before moving to the pros,” he stated. “I never thought I could go to the NCAA before the new regulations; it’s really cool.”
Fauchon recognizes that this option is generating buzz among fellow players in similar situations. “We talk about it a bit,” he said, highlighting discussions with his former Armada teammate Emanuelson Charbonneau. “We are all really excited about it.”
Charbonneau, who has also contemplated joining the NCAA, debuted in the QMJHL this season with the Armada after previously playing in the BCHL. Like Fauchon, he hopes to leverage this new opportunity to attract the attention of NHL teams in his early twenties.
Learning from Experience
Although he has not yet been drafted by an NHL team, Fauchon has participated in various rookie camps with the Philadelphia Flyers. This experience has given him valuable insight into the demands of professional hockey. “You can’t cheat in the pros; you don’t have much time to react when you get the puck. It’s fast, and the players are bigger,” he noted, reflecting on his time with the Flyers.
Despite his dominance in the QMJHL this season and becoming the all-time leading scorer for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada with 220 points in 226 games, Fauchon remains humble. “Of course, I’m happy with my start to the season, but I’m never 100% satisfied. There are always details to improve and things to perfect,” he concluded.