Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
Wikipedia - Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies are a Canadian junior ice hockey team in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League based in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. The team plays its home games at the Aréna Glencore. The Huskies finished first overall in the QMJHL, during the 2007–08, 2015–16 and 2018–19 seasons, winning the Jean Rougeau Trophy. The team has won two President's Cups, and represented the QMJHL at the 2016 Memorial Cup, and as the 2019 Memorial Cup winners.
History
The Rouyn-Noranda franchise started out as the Montreal Junior Canadiens. While in Montreal, the team won three Memorial Cups in 1950, 1969 and 1970. The team has since played in Verdun and Saint-Hyacinthe.
On April 25, 1996, Sylvain Danis and Dave Morin, then owners of the Saint-Hyacinthe Laser, decided to transfer the team to Rouyn-Noranda. Aware that the "National Capital of Copper" is a city which breathes hockey, they were confident that it was the best decision for the franchise. Former NHL Hall of Famers from the area include Dave Keon and Jacques Laperrière.
The Huskies name was chosen to represent the tough and determined nature of the local citizens and mining community. The team is currently owned entirely by local interests and all the decisions of the sixteen shareholders are made in the interest of the team and the city which it represents.
Since 1996, the Huskies have won five regular season division titles, in 1998, 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2016. Rouyn-Noranda finished first overall in the QMJHL in 2007–08 winning its first Jean Rougeau Trophy, posting 97 points in the regular season. The 2015-16 season marked the team's 20th anniversary and they posted their best record in franchise history finishing first in the QMJHL with a franchise record 113 points. The team won its first President's Cup since relocating to Rouyn-Noranda in 2016.
The team won its second President's Cup in the 2018-19 season, and went on to win the 2019 Memorial Cup. Mario Pouliot retired from his positions for health reasons on May 25, 2021. In three seasons with the Huskies, he led the team to 113 victories combined in the regular seasons and playoffs.
Coaches
- Charles Thiffault (1996–1997)
- Jean Pronovost (1997–2001)
- Bob Mongrain (2001–2003)
- André Tourigny (2003–2013)
- Gilles Bouchard (2013–2018)
- Mario Pouliot (2018–2021)
- Brad Yetman (2021–2023)
- Martin Dagenais (2023–2024)
- Steve Hartley (2024–present)
Awards
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George Parsons Trophy
Jean Béliveau Trophy
RDS Cup
Michel Bergeron Trophy
Paul Dumont Trophy
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Telus Cup – Offensive
Telus Cup – Defensive
Marcel Robert Trophy
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The Huskies have a strong fan base and play their home games at the Iamgold Arena, where they showcase their fast-paced and exciting style of play. The team has a rich history of success, with multiple division championships and a Memorial Cup victory in 2016.
The players on the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies roster are dedicated and talented athletes who strive for excellence both on and off the ice. They embody the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship, making them a formidable opponent for any team they face. Fans of the Huskies can always expect an exciting and entertaining game when they watch their favorite team take the ice.