QMJHL Cup 2023 Notes

Posted on April 29, 2023

Some takes from the first 2 days of QMJHL Cup ’23 action – for more stats, standings and the like, click right here

*** The fact that Mateo Norbert never made Team Quebec for the Canada Winter Games just goes to show how strong the Belle Province is when you crunch it down to one team. Norbert was very dangerous in today’s game vs Team Crosby at the Challenge, showing not only speed and intelligence but some silky mitts as well.

*** Team Crosby defenceman Will Reynolds looks very comfortable playing at this level. The Fredericton, NB native is poised with the puck and puts it on your blade. Every forwards dream!

*** After day 2 of the Challenge, no one is confused about the identity of Bay Roberts, NL native (Team MacKinnon) Jabez Seymour. One can pencil ‘power forward’ next to this players name on your scouting sheets.

*** Team Lafleur forward Jordan Labelle is a tank on skates, with a very shiny silver helmet on.

*** Neither one of these guys are very big, but Defenceman Xavier Villeneuve and Alex Huang are very shifty/agile. Now you see them, now you do not. Villeneuve distributes the puck so well on the PP; it is pretty to watch.

*** Team Crosby goaltenders have given their team a fighting chance to win every night. The battery of Cohen Stoddard and Carter Arnold have played well for the blueshirts, but do not have any wins to show for it… yet.

*** Team Crosby forward Noah Boland has elevated his game at the bigger events – the NL native scored in the Monctonian Prospects Game back in November, scored yesterday and had a couple of good looks today.

*** Congratulations to the Moncton Wildcats on locking down the first overall selection in the upcoming QMJHL Draft! Moncton won the right to select first overall in June; top-5 draft order here.

*** Kensington Wild defenceman Will Murphy hit a guy in the first shift of the late game, and it was one of the biggest open-ice hits that I have seen all season. Credit to the Team Bossy player for springing up and getting back into the play.

*** One Maritime team is going to come away with at least one win at the Challenge, as the two square off at noon eastern time. Check out all the details here .