Because the Midget AAA circuit only had eight teams in the early 1980s, a draft was conducted for players residing in open territories. The governors of Sainte-Foy who will take office in 2000e Matches throughout their history on Friday nights have often been lucky enough to add to their already formidable lineup.
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“Bob [Robert Chevalier] “I had a good connection with a Montreal Canadiens recruiter who knew the best candidates very well,” says head coach Jean-Louis Létourneau, who led the Governors from 1982 to 1992.
Joé Juneau's center player Pierre Sabourin is one of those who shined. In the 1984–85 season he scored 109 points (51–58), setting a team record that still stands today. “I have unforgettable memories of those years,” emphasizes the center, a native of Rouyn-Noranda, who, like several of his teammates, chose the AAA collegiate circuit, including Juneau, who wore the colors of the Faucons de Lévis-Lauzon. It was a school of life and I didn't have time to be bored even when I was far from home. I owe my success to my teammates. »
Sabourin was used to being surrounded by top teammates. In the lower ranks he played alongside Pierre Turgeon, Éric Desjardins, Stéphane Matteau and André Raciot, all of whom reached the NHL. They won the provincial atomic BB championship.
At the governors, Sabourin, who was a year younger than his fellow citizens, faced his friend Turgeon, who wore the colors of Montreal-Bourassa.
“It was special to face Pierre, who was very talented and a true gentleman. »
After one season at AAA collegiate Victoriaville, Sabourin focused on his studies in the health field.
Benoît Groulx stays with the boss
Benoît Groulx also had a big influence when he was on board with big boss Bob Chevalier. In two seasons with the Governors, the Outaouais native collected a team-high 194 career points, including 108 the same year Sabourin collected 109 points to finish second in the scoring standings.
“Benoît didn’t like school, but he loved hockey,” summarizes his coach Jean-Louis Létourneau. Bob had already told me during Benoît's years with the Governors that he would one day coach in the NHL. He wasn't far away. »