Saguenéens defeat Wildcats to become QMJHL champions

Chicoutimi Saguenéens Celebrate

SAGUENAY -- The Chicoutimi Saguenéens are champions of the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and will compete in the Canadian Hockey League’s Memorial Cup for the fourth time in their history.

Lucas Beckman made 23 saves as the Saguenéens defeated the Moncton Wildcats 5-1 on Sunday to win the LHJMQ finals in six games.

Alexis Toussaint, Liam Lefebvre, Emmanuel Vermette, Christophe Berthelot, and Mavrick Lachance scored in the win.

Caleb Desnoyers replied for the Maritimes team, and Rudy Guimond allowed three goals on 26 shots.

The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean club has competed in the tournament crowning Canada’s top junior team in 1991, 1994, and 1997, but never won the championship.

The Kelowna Rockets, as the host team, the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League (WHL), and the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) will all be in the mix.

The Saguenéens will play the Silvertips on Saturday, the Rockets on Sunday, and the Rangers on May 26.

- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 18, 2026.