As a former player in the Mini-Carabins program and player at CEPSUM during his high school career, Xavier Thibaudeau will feel right at home in the Dunsmore Cup.
In high school, the Rouge et Or defensive back from Laval University participated in the Mini-Carabins program. He also spent five years wearing the colors of the Aigles de Jean-Eudes, a team with which he won the Juvenile Bol d’Or Division 1 in 2018.
“It’s special to play the Dunsmore Cup at CEPSUM,” said the Rouge et Or defender from Laval University. It’s a special environment and I feel at home. The crowd won’t be on my side anymore, but I like the energy that comes from the stadium. After a year in the Mini Carabins program, I could have returned, but I wanted to attend other camps. I did the Alouettes and Bishop’s.”
He just needs to take the right path when he takes the field. “During the regular season game in Montreal, I went through the exit reserved for the local club because I didn’t know any other way.”
Has he considered joining the Carabins after his college career with the Champlain College Cougars? “At first I thought I would work in Ontario or out west,” said the business student, who was born on Montreal’s south shore. Laval spoke to me first and I didn’t want to go anywhere else after my visit. I listened to my heart.”
Primarily used on special teams, Thibaudeau earned a spot in the lineup from the first game of the season. “It was my ambition, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy because the competition was strong. I had a good mentor in Félix Petit, and Vincent Delisle also helped me.”
Thibaudeau will be the 6th defensive back (nickel) in the collegiate ranks and will train at the Marauder position behind Petit, who will most likely leave the team at the end of this season. “As long as I’m on the field, I’ll play Marc’s position [Fortier] will decide.”