SHERBROOKE | First choice of the QMJHL draft, held today at the Palais des sports in Sherbrooke, Caleb Desnoyers will find himself on familiar ground because his brother Elliot and his uncle Simon Laliberté have already worn the colors of the Moncton Wildcats.
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Identified as the most promising prospect in the latest Recruitment Support Center (CSR) ranking, the Saint-Hyacinthe Gaulois forward was not surprised by his selection, but he was very happy to be in Moncton.
“My brother and my uncle have spoken highly of the organization, calling it very professional,” said the 6-foot-1, 163-pound forward. I am very happy. I know the city for having been there a few times. I am blessed to find myself in such a good organization.”
“I expected it, but I’m really proud, added Desnoyers. In the last few days, I tried to stay as calm as possible and enjoy every moment.
His brother Elliot was also selected in the first round by the Wildcats in 2018. He left in the 18the rank.
Desnoyers has big goals. “I want to bring some cuts to Moncton and I’m very confident that we are able to do so,” said the author of 23 goals and 30 assists in 42 games in his last season with the Gauls. The team wants to win next season.”
Emile Guité in Chicoutimi
In second place, the Chicoutimi Saguenéens selected winger Émile Guité, Desnoyers’ teammate with the Gauls. It is a first in history that two teammates come out at the top two levels in the same year.
“We are happy for each other,” said Desnoyers.
“It’s incredible that we came out first and second,” added Guité, who was named M18AAA national championship MVP. We’ve known each other since we played pee-wee AAA together. There is a very good chemistry between the two of us.”
Mateo with the Armada
Ranked at 4e rank by the CSR, center Mateo Nobert found himself with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in 3e position. “It was a little stressful when I arrived at the arena this morning, but I’m happy to stay home. There is renewal with the Armada and I am very happy to join them. I am a player who does well both ways of the ice.
Major transaction
Eager to compete with the best teams over the next two seasons, the Drummondville Voltigeurs have taken an important step in this regard by obtaining the services of Ethan Gauthier from the Sherbrooke Phœnix. They gave away picks of 1D round in 2023, 2024 and 2025; two choices of 2e round in 2024 and a selection of 3e turn in 2025. In Drummondville, Gauthier will reunite with his father, Denis, who holds the position of assistant coach.
“The price paid is a bit high, but Ethan is one of the best if not the best player in his age group,” explained new general manager Yanick Lemay. He will be with us for two years. Ethan is an intense, complete player who is not shy to go in traffic and take hits in addition to being talented.
Lemay hasn’t had a chance to speak to Gauthier because he’s in Buffalo at NHL tryout camp. “Denis told us that his son is really happy. I will talk to him very soon.”
Zachary Morin selected
CSR’s third-best prospect, forward Zachary Morin warned everyone that he was going to continue his career in the USHL after a season with the Little Caesars U-15 in Detroit.
With their 3e selection in the first round, the Armada however decided to take the risk with the 19e choice. “It’s a good bet, illustrated co-owner Joël Bouchard. We all know his desire to play in the United States, but we have to draft our best elements if we want them to play in the QMJHL.
Bouchard evolved with the father Nathan Morin. “I don’t think friendship will make a difference, but I spoke to Nathan after his son was selected. I can’t wait to meet him.”
The Cataractes did the same with another recalcitrant by selecting Sacha Boisvert in 5e round.