Baie-Comeau Drakkar announced on Saturday that defender Émile Chouinard was suffering from Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.
Chouinard spent his four seasons in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Drakkar, scoring 12 goals and 46 assists for 58 points in 198 games.
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“Our Chouine is a big brother in our locker room,” explained the team’s general manager and head coach, Jean-François Grégoire, whose comments were published in a Drakkar press release. Since he joined the team at the age of 17, it has been his personal qualities that have shaped us within the team. His presence on the ice is always very noticeable due to his desire to excel.
For his part, Chouinard assured that he would remain connected to his club in the coming months.
“I don’t know my treatment plan yet, so I’m still hoping to return to the playoffs,” said the 20-year-old. I also want to continue playing while I wait for my treatments to begin. Whatever happens, I will be a proud Drakkar and remain committed to the team in the coming months. Despite this ordeal, I am confident about the future.”
The Quebec native was selected by the Drakkar in the 8th round of the 2019 QMJHL Draft.