This week of QMJHL action begins with a double-header at 7 PM EST.
The No. 6 Shawinigan Cataractes, led by Calgary Flames prospect Matvei Gridin, will take on the No. 8 Sherbrooke Phoenix, who boasts Latvian cult star goaltender Linards Feldbergs.
Both of these teams are fringe contenders, who will look to prove in the second half of the season that they can go toe-to-toe with any team in the league.
Sherbrooke had Shawinigan's number at the beginning of the season, beating them in the two teams' first two appearances -- however the tides have shifted and Shawinigan has evened the score.
With Shawinigan on a four game win streak, and their roster now featuring star forward Yoan Loshing (formerly of the Moncton Wildcats), it's very likely the Cataractes come out on top.
Simultaneously, the Halifax Mooseheads head to Rimouski, to take on the Océanic.
The No. 16 Mooseheads started the season above the Memorial Cup hosts Océanic, however their play had caught up to them and the team sold off most of its star talent at the deadline.
On the other hand, the Océanic were ferocious buyers, sacrificing futures at a whim as the team is already guaranteed to make the Memorial Cup.
With the No. 3 Océanic having five skaters with more points than the Mooseheads' point leader, 2025 NHL draft eligible Liam Kilfoil, including overager Jonathan Fauchon who has over twice as many points, this should be no contest for the 'Nics.