QUEBEC CITY — On Friday night at the Videotron Centre, the Quebec Remparts and the Rimouski Océanic shared the same ice with the same immediate objective — winning a hockey game — but driven by two very different realities. One team arrived with momentum and growing confidence. The other continues to navigate a transition with its eyes firmly set on the future.

The Remparts opened 2026 on a strong note. With five points collected out of a possible six to begin the year — including back-to-back wins against the Drummondville Voltigeurs,  Quebec continues to solidify its position in the standings.

• Click Here For More Info on How To Watch The QMJHL
• QMJHL Trade Period: Chicoutimi And Blainville Go All In
• Article en français

Sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with 41 points, the Remparts entered this matchup as the first leg of an important back-to-back, which continues Saturday in Rimouski. While their power play remains a work in progress — 16th in the league at 16 percent, compared to Rimouski, who sit last — Quebec arrives with clear momentum, both collectively and in execution.

That upward momentum was reinforced by the return of forward Andreas Straka, who rejoined the lineup after competing at the IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota. Representing Slovakia, Straka recorded three points during the tournament and returned with valuable international experience that extends beyond production.

His presence adds depth and maturity to a group already playing with pace and structure, while also providing a subtle boost in leadership and composure.

For Straka, the transition back into the Remparts’ lineup felt seamless.

“Great experience to see all the boys again — we’ve known each other since we were 12,” Straka said. “The physicality and the style of play is the same as when I left, and hopefully we can go as far as possible in the playoffs.”

The familiarity and competitive edge he referenced has been evident in Quebec’s recent play, as the Remparts continue to show a growing comfort in their identity and their belief that they are trending in the right direction as the season enters its critical stretch.

One ice, two tales

Across the ice, the Océanic continue to embrace a different phase of their season. Rimouski enters the game eighth in the Eastern Conference with 35 points and just two wins in its last ten outings, a stretch that has coincided with a series of significant roster moves.

At the trade deadline, the organization opted to move several key pieces, including forward Liam Lefebvre, who was dealt to the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. Lefebvre had been a major offensive contributor, posting 29 points in 34 games, and his departure was immediately felt within the lineup.

The most notable transaction, however, involved goaltender William Lacelle, whose season numbers were among the best in franchise history. Lacelle recorded 47 wins, 14 losses and four overtime defeats, along with a .911 save percentage — the highest ever by an Océanic goaltender with more than 15 games played. The move underscored the organization’s willingness to sacrifice short-term results in exchange for long-term assets.

Rather than downplay the shift, Rimouski has leaned into it. The focus has turned toward maintaining internal standards, keeping players engaged, and accelerating the development of younger talent expected to form the foundation moving forward.

“We told our players that we don’t have the right to be the team that works the least hard every night,” Perreault said. “If that happens, we have no chance to win".

With 27 games remaining, the objective is no longer just about the standings, but about building habits and preparing a young roster for what lies ahead.

“We want to make the playoffs and give our players that experience, because there is a big difference between the regular season and the playoffs,” Perreault added. “And we won’t allow our young players to take their foot off the gas — tonight was a good example of that.”

The transition has been further complicated by the loss of veteran defenseman Jack Martin, who will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after requiring shoulder surgery. A steady presence on the blue line and an important voice in the room, Martin’s absence removes both experience and leadership from an already evolving roster.

At the same time, his injury creates opportunity. Increased minutes and responsibilities are now available for younger defensemen, forcing accelerated growth in situations that would normally be earned gradually over time.

“We found out only a few hours before the game,” Perreault said. “Jack left a real mark on this organization — he was one of the main reasons we reached the Final last year. It’s a big loss, both on the ice and in the room.”

The Océanic will look to lean on returning defenseman Olivier Théberge to help stabilize the back end, though expectations remain realistic given the magnitude of Martin’s absence.

“Fortunately, we’ll have Olivier Théberge back. He’s very well respected within the organization,” Perreault added. “We’re not expecting him to fill Jack Martin’s skates — we just want him to be himself.”

In that sense, this game served as a snapshot of where both organizations currently stand. The Remparts are focused on building consistency and strengthening their position in the Eastern Conference race. The Océanic are laying groundwork, evaluating progress, and shaping the next iteration of their team.

At this point in the season, the scoreboard tells only part of the story. Friday’s matchup illustrated that clearly — two teams, one game, and two very different timelines unfolding at the same moment.

NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey

The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.

Join The Hockey Conversation On FloHockey Social

• Follow us on Twitter @FloHockey
• Follow us on Instagram @flohockey
• Follow us on TikTok @flohockeytv
• Watch us on YouTube
• Like us on Facebook