Big names in the QMJHL call for more fights

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Big names in the QMJHL call for more fights
Credit: Getty Images

In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to compete in the QMJHL. You knew that.

Of course, it's not a rule that everyone's happy with. After all, being ejected and potentially suspended is a game-changer for players who fight.

Many people don't like it, for the good of the league and its players.

Of course, preventing minors and young adults from fighting in “arranged battles” is a good thing. But of course, this rule prevents certain players from making their mark in a context more conducive to bickering.

That's hockey in 2026.

On this subject, Mikaël Lalancette (Le Soleil) has written an article saying that a dozen QMJHL GMs, including Simon Gagné in Quebec City, want to see the rule relaxed.

We don't want to go back to the way things were before,” says Gagné, “but we do want to see a little more flexibility from the heads of the circuit's teams.

They want to compete on a level playing field with the other Canadian leagues. And they want players to be able to show their character to their teammates (by standing up for them)… but also to NHL scouts.

That's a real phenomenon.

When a player doesn't stand up for a teammate, NHL scouts take a dim view of him. – Kevin Cloutier, GM, Victoriaville Tigers

Some NHL teams are less interested in the QMJHL because the rules don't bring out the physical element enough from guys who play in a league with a reputation for being soft.

Scouts have a hard time identifying the “sandpaper” element in Quebec. According to Eagles GM Sylvain Couturier, this contributes to the fact that Quebec produces fewer players than it used to.

Will changes be made? Who knows. But with NHL scouts saying it's hurting youngsters' chances of breaking through, it's only natural to see QMJHL GMs standing up publicly.

Finally, this news comes at a time when things are going badly for the CAQ. Let's not forget that the CAQ government was a key player in the new regulations governing fights in junior hockey.


overtime

– Speaking of hockey.

– As for the Americans, they'll have no shortage of grit at the Olympics. But maybe they'll be kicking themselves for leaving so much talent at home…

– Interesting.

– Wow.

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