Lukas Cormier, Miguël Tourigny and William Villeneuve are the finalists for the Émile-Bouchard trophy awarded annually to the QMJHL defenseman par excellence, the Courteau circuit announced on Wednesday morning.
Posted at 11:45 a.m.
Cormier stood out with the Charlottetown Islanders this season, dominating QMJHL defensemen in goals (33) and points (81). The Vegas Golden Knights’ 2020 third-round pick, 68and overall, also maintained an excellent plus-40 differential during the 2021-22 season.
For his part, Tourigny finished second in scoring among defenders on the Courteau circuit, just one point behind Cormier. The Victoriavillois, who was traded from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada to the Acadie-Bathurst Titan during the holiday trading period, has 31 goals and 49 assists. He also finished the 2021-22 season with a plus-16 differential.
For his part, Villeneuve has been a key element in the success of the Saint-Jean Sea Dogs. The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect had eight goals and 48 assists in 64 games last season, in addition to posting a plus-60 rating.
This award is named in honor of former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Émile “Butch” Bouchard, who won four Stanley Cups in the NHL between 1941 and 1956. Former recipients of this title include Quebecers Kristopher Letang, Samuel Girard and Thomas Chabot.