With the Chicoutimi Saguenéens' victory over the Victoriaville Tigres on Friday, Yanick Jean passed his former mentor Richard Martel to record the most wins in his career as a head coach in the Maritimes Quebec Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
The 48-year-old scored his 590th win, edging Martel, who held the record since 2010. In the 2004-2005 season he was also his assistant at the “Sags” after serving as head coach the previous year.
• Also read: Slap Shot: The Hanson Brothers on tour in Shawinigan
• Also read: The QMJHL is reducing the number of its games to 64… and is not ruling out further reductions in the future
Martel was also present at the presentation of the game at the Center Georges-Vézina and took the opportunity to congratulate his former partner.
“Photo Agency QMI, Roger Gagnon”
Jean spent two seasons with the Prince Edward Island Rocket (68 wins) and then moved to the Tigres between 2007 and 2014 (229). In 2015 he returned to Chicoutimi and has been the Saguenéens' confidant ever since (293).
“Longevity is a sign of competence and adaptation,” QMJHL Commissioner Mario Cecchini said in a press release. In 22 years, Yanick has had to adapt to all types of players and teams and he has managed to persevere and accumulate victories. The best thing is that he could continue to improve his record since he is still young and the Saguenéens will be keeping an eye on him in the coming years. On behalf of myself and the QMJHL, I would like to congratulate Yanick Jean on his work and commitment.”
The local favorite gave the Tigers no chance with a 5-0 win, securing their ninth win in a row. Maxime Massé and Alexis Morin scored twice, with the former scoring four points.
Goaltender Raphaël Précourt posted a 34-save shutout.