The comments of Zachary Bolduc, one of the five players axed from Team Canada Junior, echoed at the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League police station.
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Quebec forward Remparts believes Quebec players don’t have the same chances of breaking formation as players from other provinces and will leave Hockey Canada training camp with “two hits.”
Gilles Courteau, who was asked about the issue on Friday’s Mario Dumont’s show on the LCN, said he “didn’t agree at all” with Patrick Roy’s protégé’s allegation.
According to the commissioner, a process has been put in place over the past decade to nurture the experience of Bell Province athletes.
“When a QMJHL coach was appointed to the Junior Team Canada coaching staff a dozen years ago, he was there primarily to help French-speaking players who might have trouble understanding the guidelines during practice.
“Things have come a long way since that time and our coaches are doing an exceptional job as hockey coaches. There are many things that are already being done in English, such as the fact that Quebecers play with teams from the Maritime Provinces.
Mr. Courteau also wanted to provide an important clarification regarding the mandates of the instructors contracted by Hockey Canada in the only officially French-speaking province.
“When a coach is appointed by the youth national team, he is appointed based on the quality of the coach and not solely on the fact that he speaks French to help the players,” he said.
“Unfortunately, unacceptable, inappropriate”
Mr Courteau was also brought up on the recent allegations of gang rape, of which ex-player Noah Corson is due to appear next summer. He thinks it’s “regrettable” that another incident has rocked the circuit he rules.
“Unfortunately, unacceptable, inappropriate,” he exclaimed. It is unfortunate that such situations have arisen. This is the second improper act in Drummondville for which charges will be filed and for which (Noah) Corson will appear in court in June. There were the Victoriaville Tigres players who were suspended.
“In the meantime, there have been some allegations and there have been no charges whatsoever.
“So I don’t think we should generalize about the two cases that we had and trivialize everything that’s good in the Quebec Major Junior League. On the other hand. It’s a good sign for us that we’re on the up.”
Education: the key for Courteau
Whether he believes that the QMJHL’s image has been tarnished by these incidents or whether the measures taken are not having the desired effect, the commissioner is committed to investigating.
“I want to tell you that I believe in the actions we have taken and the programs we have, the educational component that is available to our players and we will continue in this direction. Also this year there will be webinars for our players to remind them of the different rules and guidelines to answer their questions.
“I have high hopes for education. I’m not saying nothing will ever happen again, but I have hope (to the players).
As for the financial health of the teams, Mr. Courteau believes the year will be better than it looks.
“Yes, no doubt. I think what we have experienced with the pandemic is why I have agreed to extend the contract with the owners by two years. So that the teams can get back on a solid footing, says the future pensioner.
“We have good hopes that visitor numbers will pick up once the holidays return and will do well by the end of the year. We have good teams with a tight ranking to attract a lot of fans.
See Gilles Courteau’s interview with Mario Dumont at LCN above.