
Week 23 of the 2025-26 QMJHL season began with a busy Thursday, seeing six games across the league. Some favourites won, including a big one for the Saguenéens.
Rouyn-Noranda's Samuel Beauchemin lines up for a draw against Chicoutimi's Liam Lefebvre, who had a goal and an assist in his team's win Thursday. (Photo: Bruno Girard)The Chicoutimi Saguenéens have already locked up a playoff spot, but are trying to keep pace with Moncton for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
This is proving to be a tough task, as it seems like the Wildcats just don't lose games. Luckily for them, the Sags also haven't lost much this year, with performances like their showing against Rouyn-Noranda Thursday showing why.
The game started off hot for German import and Washington Capitals prospect Maxim Schafer, who scored his 16th and 17th goals of the season early in the first.
Niko El Khouri got one back on the power play, but was answered by Chicoutimi's top scorer Maxim Masse, who sent the hosts to the dressing room up 3-1 after one, holding a 17-3 advantage in shots.
The Huskies power play got to work again in the second, with Benjamin Brunelle once again cutting the lead to one. After that, Chicoutimi took over, with Mavrick Lachance and Jordan Tourigny goals leaving the score at 5-2 heading into the third.
Liam Lefebvre sealed the win early in the final frame, and Chicoutimi coasted to another victory, dismantling one of the top teams in the West.
The shots ended a decisive 40-18 in favour of the Saguenéens, so Raphael Precourt didn't have too much to do in goal, but he picked up the win turning aside 16 of those Rouyn-Noranda shots.
Other Scores
Saint John (2) - Shawinigan (6)
Quebec (6) - Baie-Comeau (1)
Val-d'Or (4) - Sherbrooke (1)
Rimouski (1) - Blainville-Boisbriand (6)
Halifax (5) - Gatineau (6) (SO)
Player of the Night
Philippe Veilleux (VDO) - 2 goals, 1 assist
Cape Breton at Newfoundland - 5:30 PM EST
Moncton at Charlottetown - 6 PM EST
Rimouski at Victoriaville - 7 PM EST
Halifax at Drummondville - 7 PM EST
Gatineau at Blainville-Boisbriand - 7 PM EST
Quebec at Baie-Comeau - 7 PM EST
Saint John at Sherbrooke - 7 PM EST
Rouyn-Noranda at Chicoutimi - 7 PM EST
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