Like a Rock

The Chicoutimi Sagueneens were not expected to make much news this season so instead, they worked hard to lay the foundation of a typical Chicoutimi team - one that is hard working, physical and intense. GM and coach Richard Martel chose to play many youngsters and gave them prominent roles in the hope that this team will contend in the upcoming years. McKeen's correspondent Rick Springhetti reports on some of the youngsters playing for Chicoutimi this past season.

Rock Regimbald (2010), C, Chicoutimi

Fluid skater with decent speed .. turns are crisp and controlled .. strong lower-body permits him to have a good jump on his first few strides .. doesn't quit on plays .. battles through hard hits or slashes .. usually takes on the opponents' top line .. will take a hit to make a play .. doesn't have very good peripheral vision or imagination but manages to get the puck on the stick of the teammate closest to him .. shot is a little erratic, as he tends to rush his release when he has a scoring chance .. doesn't possess the instincts in the offensive zone to get himself open quickly .. defensively, he makes an effort .. tries to play a positional game, but he can be a little too conservative at times in his own zone and doesn't always take advantage of the opportunity to get the puck away from opposition.

Gabriel Vermette (2010), D, Chicoutimi

Hard-nosed defenseman who takes care of things in his own zone while bringing a element of toughness from the backend .. calm under pressure .. good gap control generally but has a little bit of trouble handling quick opponents .. laterally, he moves fairly well but needs to improve his speed when skating backwards .. consistently clears the front of his own net with authority .. will defend a teammate against all comers, although he is not really imposing himself .. doesn't skate the puck up the ice very much, as it is not a strong point but he does make an effective first pass .. has a hard shot that he keeps low .. he could do more offensively but chooses to focus on his defensive responsibilities .. named assistant captain before even turning 18.

Robin Gusse (2011), G, Chicoutimi

Born in France, Gusse has been thrust into the fire with a rebuilding Chicoutimi team .. did such a commendable job that he was awarded the QMJHL defensive rookie of the year award .. undersized, he tries to rely on his reflexes .. extends his legs quickly on shots .. goes down too quickly at times for a 5-foot-9 goaltender .. controls his rebounds fairly well .. not very adept at handling the puck .. needs to get back into position quicker than he does, as he seems to lose track of where he is when he comes out of his net to challenge the shooter .. strong mental makeup, although he does have moments in a game where he seems to lose focus.. will battle when his team needs him to .. overall, very impressive first season.

Alexandre Lavoie (2011), C, Chicoutimi

Pretty good stickhandler .. can move in and out of traffic quickly while still holding on to the puck .. not imaginative with his passing game but is able to get it to a close teammate quickly and effectively .. not very big but can take a hard hit well .. will dart in an out of the crease area .. very quick to pounce on a loose puck .. doesn't initiate contact too much but won't avoid it either .. holds on to the puck a little too long in the offensive zone .. tightens up a little in the slot, which has an effect on his release .. understands when to play the angles and when to play the puck aggressively in his own zone .. improved steadily as the season progressed.

Steve Lebel (2010), LW, Chicoutimi

Quick hands when it comes to handling the puck but his release could be quicker .. helps his team out with his hustle in all three zones .. a willing shot blocker .. generally plays the puck instead of the man .. backchecks diligently and doesn't cheat when doing so .. willing to battle for the puck and although he does not always come out on top, he competes hard .. fluid skater who picks up speed quickly .... plays a little too conservatively when there are scoring opportunities possible in the offensive zone .. would help his cause by going to the net more aggressively .. has started shooting the puck more at the net with the goal of creating chances .. there could be some untapped offensive skills that could come out once he gains confidence.

Alexandre Roy (2011), LW, Chicoutimi

Played hockey at Notre-Dame school in Saskatchewan .. initially, seemed overwhelmed by his opponents at first but quickly settled down .. steadily improved his defense to the point where he was one of the more effective players in his own zone .. can angle opposing forwards along the wall but he stops moving his feet when he is unsure of what to do next .. shows some pretty good passing ability that should improve as he gains the experience to read the play better .. not very physical but will play the body .. doesn't need too many strides to hit his maximum speed .. turns and pivots could be sharper .. overall effort is consistent .. keeps his stick down and ready to shoot when he is in the slot .. not sure how much offensive upside he has, but his defensive play is mature.