QUEBEC CITY — Saturday afternoon in the quiet lobby of the team hotel, a few hours before Newfoundland’s second game of a back-to-back against the Quebec Remparts, Justin Larose looked calm, focused, and entirely in control. Later that night, he would once again deliver on the ice.

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The 20-year-old left winger — the QMJHL’s leading scorer with 36 points (13G, 23A) in 24 games — is playing the best hockey of his junior career. Now just six goals away from reaching 100 in the league, the former 38th overall pick of the Victoriaville Tigres in 2020 has become the heartbeat of a brand-new franchise exceeding expectations.

How Justin Larose Prepared For HIs Breakout Season

“In the summer, I take everything really seriously,” Larose said. “Gym, off-ice work, nutrition… I even met with a nutritionist. I want to outwork everyone because my goal is the NHL.”

On the ice, Larose focused on two pillars: speed and shooting.

 “Those are two things you need if you want to go far,” he said. “And I also worked on the small details: puck retrievals, separating from defenders… all the little things that elevate your game.”

That attention to detail is obvious. His first steps are sharper, his edges more explosive, and his release noticeably heavier.

Why The Newfoundland Regiment Are Exceeding Expectations

Newfoundland’s first-year franchise has embraced its identity quickly, and Larose credits both the locker room and the coaching staff — led by former NHLer Gordie Dwyer — for that progress.

“The fans are amazing. We hear great comments everywhere we go,” Larose said. “And the staff has so much experience. It helps me a lot.”

The team faces more air travel than any other in the QMJHL due to geography, but Larose sees it as something they’re already adapting to.

“Recovery is huge. Hydration, stretching, sleep… you have to be disciplined,” he said. “But I don’t think it’s a real issue for us. Eventually we get used to it.”

He even believes other teams may struggle more when visiting them — a subtle advantage in the long run.

Preseason projections didn’t have Newfoundland ranked very high. The players took note.

 “From the moment we arrived, the message was clear: we’re pushing to go far, maybe even compete for a championship,” Larose said.

The target is clear: a top-3 or top-4 finish — and they don’t shy away from ambition.

Asked which team impressed him most so far, Larose pointed to Blainville-Boisbriand.

 “The Armada… everyone says they’re the team to beat. They surprised me the most.”

Ending His QMJHL Career On A High Note And Putting Scouts On Notice

This is Larose’s last year in the Q. He attended the Montreal Canadiens’ 2024 rookie camp, and he hasn’t forgotten why that matters.

 “At 20, I want to prove I can play at that level — and stay there,” he said.

He also set a personal benchmark: a 100-point season.

High-motor, disciplined, mature, and producing at an elite clip, Justin Larose isn’t just having a breakout — he’s building a résumé.

If his goal is truly the NHL, he’s playing like someone intent on forcing that conversation.

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