QMJHL Report: Drummondville Voltigeurs

The Drummondville Voltigeurs knew that there was a possibility that Sean Couturier would not be back this season, but were hoping their remaining veterans would be able to help bring along the teams youngsters. Although the team is struggling, McKeens's correspondent Rick Springhetti looks at some of their younger players that are doing quite well for them.

Charles-David Beaudoin (2012), D, Drummondville

Second year defenseman has become a real leader being named assistant-captain for road games as a 17-year old .. plays an intelligent and disciplined game in terms of body and stick positioning .. angles opponents well keeping them on the outside .. has improved his skating when going backwards since last year .. his pivots are adequate and combined with his good stick work, he is able to cut down passing lanes quickly, especially on the PK .. not the biggest player so he has trouble during one-on-one battles .. doesn't supply a great deal of offense from the backend due to his conservative style .. will quickly get the puck out of his zone using the boards or the closest teammate, instead of attempting to generate opportunities .. has a decent wristshot that he doesn't use very much .. great work ethic .. has a good deal of stamina and is able to handle a lot of hard minutes .. manages to play a reasonably aggressive game while avoiding the penalty box.

Olivier Caouette (2012), LW, Drummondville

Big forward who is effective in defensive situations .. shows a good understanding of defensive play .. plays the angles well and doesn't over commit .. willing to block shots .. works very hard in the corners when battling for the puck .. will not quit on a play .. brings virtually no offense to his game .. not very capable of doing much with the puck and will simply safely get rid of it when he has possession of it .. very average skater .. first few steps are difficult and he doesn't get much speed after that .. he does move his feet at all times though .. work ethic is respectable

Nikolas Brouillard (2013), D, Drummondville

Younger brother of teammate Marc-Olivier .. was not expected to make the team at the start of the season but impressed at camp .. small defenseman who compensates rather well with his skating and positioning .. can move forward at a good speed .. pivots and backward skating has to be worked on .. passes the puck quickly .. he may want to consider shortening his stick, as it seems long for him especially affecting his puckhandling and his ability to get a shot off quickly .. has the confidence to carry the puck up the ice if he sees an opportunity .. he can be beat easily in one-on-one situations.. mature understanding of gap control .. has a lot of trouble recovering when play breaks down in front of him and can start chasing opponents.

Domenic Graham (2013), G, Drummondville

Decent-sized goaltender with very impressive athletic ability .. quick lower body going down and getting back up in position .. still learning to control his rebounds .. a little raw in terms of anticipation, he still relies on his reflexes .. will come out and challenge the shooter every chance he has .. manages to keep his head up and eyes focused on the puck even when he's in movement .. good puckhandler who can really pass the puck to his teammates efficiently if given a chance .. effective blocker and glove hand .. has to face a lot of good scoring opportunities with a rebuilding Drummondville team and does it very well.