Seen as the team to beat in the QMJHL at the start of the season, the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada had to deal with its share of adversity over the months, notably due to numerous injuries. Among those affected, Xavier Villeneuve had been sidelined since January 4.

• Watch the QMJHL Playoffs on FloHockey
• FloHockey's 2026 NHL Draft Coverage
• What To Know About The QMJHL Playoffs' First Round
• Article en français

With the playoffs just around the corner, the defenceman was finally set to return to action. “It wasn’t always easy — some mornings were tougher than others — but when I saw my return getting closer, it put a smile back on my face,” he said. Villeneuve made his return Friday night in the Armada’s second-to-last game of the regular season, and he is already feeling a boost of energy. “I try to bring positive energy every day and be someone people enjoy being around,” he added.

An undersized transitional defenceman and true power-play quarterback, Villeneuve shows certain traits reminiscent of Lane Hutson’s style of play. “I find the comparison flattering. Lane is a guy who’s performing in the NHL, but I mainly want to bring my own style. I watch all defencemen under six feet, especially without the puck, but Lane is definitely the best example,” he explained. This season, he has focused on improving specific areas of his game: “I’ve made big progress on what I wanted to improve, especially defensively. My goal is to prove that I can be a complete player.”

Injuries limited Villeneuve to 37 of the team’s 64 games, slowing his momentum ahead of the draft. “Scouts have already seen what they needed from me, and now they’ll get the chance to see what I can bring in the playoffs,” he noted.

Despite those setbacks, the Armada maintained a high level of team performance. They finished third in the league in goals scored (270), goals against (176), and goal differential (+94). They also stood out on the power play (26.7%, 3rd) and were solid on the penalty kill (79.1%, 5th).

Villeneuve highlighted the group’s resilience: “I truly believe we have the talent and everything it takes to win. Internally, there has never been any doubt.” The team’s identity has also evolved throughout the season, something the defenceman acknowledges heading into the playoffs: “We know the playoffs are a different game. The closer it gets, the realest it becomes.”

The arrival of goaltender William Lacelle has been a key factor down the stretch. “He’s incredible, both on the ice and with us. He’s an exceptional person, close with his teammates and brings a lot of fun into the locker room,” Villeneuve said. On Lacelle’s impact in goal: “I’m convinced he’s the best goalie in the league. If I make a mistake, I know he’s there to back me up, and I’m not the only one who feels that way on the team.”

As the playoffs approach, the atmosphere in the locker room is very positive. “We’re ready. There’s no tension — we’re really tight as a group,” he said. As for the team’s ambitions, he was clear: “We’re aiming for the championship. We all believe in it and we’re convinced we have what it takes to reach our goals.”

The Armada ultimately finished second in the Western Conference, just one point off the top spot. “It was really important to win our last two games to head into the playoffs with good momentum. No matter where you finish, everything resets now, and we’re ready to face anyone,” Villeneuve added.

Finally, last year’s playoff experience — a five-game elimination at the hands of the Sherbrooke Phoenix — is a lesson the group has taken to heart. “We’ve all matured since then. It’s not something that scares us, and it doesn’t stress us out at all,” he concluded.

Watch the AHL, ECHL, OHL, QMJHL, USHL And More On FloHockey

FloHockey is the streaming home to some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule to watch more hockey.

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