Lou-Félix Denis is signing his first professional contract after three seasons of junior hockey in Quebec.
When assembling a roster, coaches and general managers look for smart, physical and versatile hockey players who can be inserted anywhere they are needed.
Lou-Félix Denis fits that description, which is why the Reading Royals signed the 21-year-old right-shooting forward from Farnham, Quebec for the 2024-25 season.
It's Denis's first pro contract following three seasons of junior hockey in the QMJHL Shawinigan Cataractes and Halifax Mooseheads.
Between both clubs last season, the 5-10, 172-pound Denis recorded 28 goals and 34 assists for 62 points, and accumulated 82 penalty minutes over 65 games.
In 197 QMJHL games over his career, Denis tallied 113 points (47-66-113), 182 penalty minutes and a -24 rating. He added eight points (4-4-8) and 25 penalty minutes in 25 QMJHL playoff contests, and hoisted the President's Cup (now the Gilles-Courteau Trophy) with Shawinigan in 2022.
"I heard Royals fans are the best in the league," Denis stated following his announced signing. "I can't wait to see them in October."
Denis also played parts of three seasons in the Quebec M18 AAA Developmental League (QMAAA) for the Magog Cantonniers. He was named an alternate captain for Magog for the 2020-21 season and scored 21 points (6-15-21) and 28 penalty minutes for a +2 rating over 40 games.
"Lou's versatility is what drew me to him and the assets he provides on the ice, being able to play in any position, is where he's going to be utilized," Royals head coach and general manager Jason Binkley said. "For us, it's going to be a matter of teaching him the pro game and helping him get adjusted to the pro level. Thankfully, we have (Yvan) Mongo, Todd (Skirving) and a couple other French players as well to help provide that. I am excited to see what he can do joining us in Reading."
The Royals' 2024-25 roster has 14 players signed as of August 23 including 10 forwards, 3 defensemen and one goalie. Keep checking back with The Hockey News as more signings are announced.