As the start of the 2026-27 season approaches, the Trois-Rivières Lions (affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens) met with members of the media to discuss expectations for the upcoming season, the composition of the team and the group’s goals.

Media representatives met with Lions players and hockey staff at Club de golf Godefroy in Bécancour, just hours before the team’s annual golf tournament. A total of 21 foursomes teed off on October 2.

Lions president Alex Cousineau, general manager and head coach Ron Choules, as well as players Anthony Beauregard, Zachary Massicotte, Hunter Jones and Théo Gueurif spoke with the media.

After missing the playoffs last season, the message is clear: the Lions want to get back into the postseason. The organization also believes it has the tools to do so, including an experienced defensive corps, plenty of depth up front and a group of players who want to play in Trois-Rivières.

Here is a selection of quotes from the various media availabilities:

Alex Cousineau on the team’s goals for the 2026-27 season:

“Actually, it was a long offseason for us, and it’s definitely something we don’t want to go through again here. For us, the season we had last year, missing the playoffs, was unacceptable. I think it’s pretty simple. We want to make sure we finish in the top four of our division to secure a playoff spot, and after that, anything is possible.”

Alex Cousineau on the Lions’ roster:

“I think it’s a team that will be exciting to watch. In my opinion, we have one of the top five defensive groups in the ECHL with the guys we have. When Zach joins our lineup, we could potentially have one of the top three defensive groups in the league.

“Offensively, what makes our group so strong is that we have a lot of depth. That’s extremely important in our league, where guys get called up or injured. We’re able to have that ‘next man up’ mentality. I think that will help us tremendously.”

Ron Choules on the Lions’ defensive corps:

“I think, on paper, we have the fifth-best defensive group in the league. You can really feel that with Zach Massicotte. I think that even when Massicotte arrives, we believe we’re going to be very, very good.

“With goaltenders Jones, Lapenna and St-Hilaire, I think that will be another strength. Up front, we may not have the natural scorer we were looking for, but I really like the depth of our group.”

Zachary Massicotte on his decision to return to the region:

“I think about the evolution of the organization since the beginning. We’ve taken big steps forward. Winning the championship two years ago, the group of guys that seems really close, with a few new players this summer… It was very tempting to come here. That’s why I made the decision, and I’m really happy about it.”

Anthony Beauregard on returning for a fifth season with the Lions:

“I had some time to think about what I wanted to do with my family. After some great discussions, I think last season was a little disappointing in terms of the team. I don’t think we finished where we wanted to.

“I saw what the coaching staff and the organization did to bring players in, and I said, ‘Why not another year?’ That’s how I made my decision. It’s going to be one year at a time, but I’m really happy to be here.”

Anthony Beauregard on his role in the locker room:

“I’m going to remain the same type of player, the same type of person in the room. I’ve been here for a long time, I know pretty much everyone, but that will be a decision for the organization.

“Like I said, I’m going to remain the same person whether I have an A, a C or no letter. I’m going to remain the same person.”

Hunter Jones on his connection to the Lions:

“I love playing for this organization. I say it all the time in Laval and Montreal: wearing these colours, being a Canadien and being so close to where I grew up, it’s special to me.

“It’s so exciting to watch the Canadiens play and to be part of this organization. It’s special for me to be here. When I got the offer from Laval, I didn’t want to wait for a contract. I love being here.

“If I can continue to move forward and climb the ladder, and one day I can wear a Canadiens jersey for the first time in a game, it would bring tears to my eyes. That’s my motivation every day when I come to the arena.”

Théo Gueurif on his experience playing in Quebec:

“It’s true that it’s going to be more fun. The game is going to be faster, there will be more physical play, and it’s going to be interesting.”

Alex Cousineau on the collaboration with the Laval Rocket:

“Of course, we always want to improve our communication. I think every year, the communication has gotten better. We’ve already seen that with head coach Daniel Jacob, who is here. He’s someone I know very well and someone I’ve worked with in the past.

“He’s a guy for whom communication is A1. He wants the communication between our two organizations to be better. We’ve already felt that during last week’s camp. He’s an organized guy who wants that.

“Yes, this is the final year, but I don’t think it’s something that concerns us. We’re going to work on it with Ron and with the Canadiens’ management team so that we can continue this great affiliation.”

Ron Choules on the relationship with the Laval Rocket:

“We had a very good discussion with Daniel Jacob, the best discussion we’ve had in three or four years. Communication is absolutely essential for us and Laval.

“I don’t think it was at that level over the last two seasons. But with Daniel, so far, things have been going well. It’s one week at a time, we’ll see how it goes, but we’re aware, and he is too, that he doesn’t control a lot of things with Montreal.

“We just want to know what’s going on. And he was open to that. I think, so far, it’s off to a good start.”