RIMOUSKI | Signed as a free agent at the start of the week from the Powell River Kings in the BCHL, 18-year-old forward Thomas Belzil will play his first game with the Océanic this Friday evening while Joël Perrault’s squad will visit the Tigres in Victoriaville.
Belzil has never been drafted in the QMJHL since he has already signed his letter of intent to join the University of Massachusetts in 2026-2027. He was one of the most coveted players since the adoption of the new regulations giving access to the NCAA to Canadian Hockey League players.
“I’m really looking forward to playing my first match. I was very well received by the staff and the players. I chose the Océanic because it is a good team that will participate in the Memorial Cup and also because I know Dany Dupont (the general manager),” mentioned the one who had a record of 17 points in as many games this season in the BCHL.
With Mathieu and St-Denis
Head coach Joël Perrault confirmed that Belzile would be used with veterans Jacob Mathieu and Maël St-Denis against the Tigres. “We want to put him in a comfortable position to see what he can do with two veterans. He showed some great things this week in training. He is fast and he has great offensive skills.”
“I am very happy to play with two veterans, including Jacob, the captain, who was the first to welcome me,” commented the man who played his minor hockey with Saint-Joseph Seminary and who was part of the Denis Francoeur Hockey Academy.
An emotional match for Pier-Olivier Roy
Friday’s match will be very emotional for 20-year-old defender Pier-Olivier Roy who will reconnect with his former supporters from Victoriaville where he played four seasons and won a championship.
Pierre-Olivier Roy will reconnect with his former supporters from Victoriaville where he played four seasons and won a championship.
Photo Alexandre D’Astous
“We want to play a good match for PO. It was already emotional for him last Sunday against the Tigres in Rimouski. It will be even more so in the arena where he played four years,” declared the coach.
Roy has been playing his best hockey for two weeks. He forms a very reliable pair with the Swiss Basile Sensonnens.
In brief
The Océanic will be without the services of Maxim Coursol and Olivier Théberge due to injuries. William Lacelle will be the starting goalie against the Tigres while 20-year veteran Samuel St-Hilaire will face his former team on Saturday in Sherbrooke, having had his best start of the season on Wednesday in a 2-1 win against the Armada. Before Friday’s game, the Océanic had won its last six games.
