We knew that Quebec’s 2005 vintage was not exceptional and the selection of players for the U18 World Cup is proof of that. Only one Quebecer will be present at the competition: Victoriaville Tigres goalkeeper Gabriel D’Aigle.
D’Aigle was also born in 2006 and will not be drafted in the NHL until 2025. This means that no Quebec player who qualifies for the next NHL draft will participate in the tournament.
It should be noted, however, that the three top-ranked Quebecers are still active in the QMJHL playoffs: Ethan Gauthier (Sherbrooke), Mathieu Cataford (Halifax) and Étienne Morin (Moncton).
British Columbia native Macklin Celebrini is one of the selected players. The 16-year-old forward, who spent last season with Chicago Steel in the USHL, is viewed by many as a potential first overall winner of 2024 in the NHL.
The U18 World Championship will take place in Switzerland from April 20th to 30th.