Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Map
For many ice hockey fans south of the border, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) might not be a household name. However, this Canadian junior league has produced some of the biggest names in the NHL, including Sidney Crosby, Patrick Roy, and Martin Brodeur. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the QMJHL map and give you a comprehensive guide to understanding this exciting league.
What is the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League?
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is one of the three major junior leagues in Canada, along with the Western Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey League. It is the only one of the three located entirely in eastern Canada, with teams in Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. The league was founded in 1969 and has since become a breeding ground for young talent, with many players going on to have successful careers in the NHL.
Teams in the QMJHL Map
There are currently 18 teams in the QMJHL, divided into two conferences and three divisions. The Eastern Conference includes the Maritimes Division and the East Division, while the Western Conference includes the Central Division. Here is a comprehensive list of the teams and their locations:
Maritimes Division
- Acadie-Bathurst Titan - Bathurst, New Brunswick
- Cape Breton Eagles - Sydney, Nova Scotia
- Charlottetown Islanders - Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Halifax Mooseheads - Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Moncton Wildcats - Moncton, New Brunswick
- Saint John Sea Dogs - Saint John, New Brunswick
East Division
- Baie-Comeau Drakkar - Baie-Comeau, Quebec
- Chicoutimi Saguenéens - Chicoutimi, Quebec
- Quebec Remparts - Quebec City, Quebec
- Rimouski Océanic - Rimouski, Quebec
- Rouyn-Noranda Huskies - Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec
- Shawinigan Cataractes - Shawinigan, Quebec
- Victoriaville Tigres - Victoriaville, Quebec
Central Division
- Blainville-Boisbriand Armada - Boisbriand, Quebec
- Drummondville Voltigeurs - Drummondville, Quebec
- Gatineau Olympiques - Gatineau, Quebec
- Sherbrooke Phoenix - Sherbrooke, Quebec
- Val-d'Or Foreurs - Val-d'Or, Quebec
- Victoriaville Tigres - Victoriaville, Quebec
- Québec Remparts - Quebec City, Quebec
How the QMJHL Works
The QMJHL season runs from September to May, with each team playing a total of 68 games. The top 16 teams make it to the playoffs, which are divided into four rounds of best-of-seven series. The winner of the QMJHL playoffs earns the President's Cup and goes on to compete in the Memorial Cup against the champions of the Western Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey League.
The QMJHL is also known for its annual Entry Draft, which is held every June. This draft allows the league's teams to select the best young talent from across North America and Europe. Many of these players go on to have successful careers in the NHL, making the QMJHL an important proving ground for young hockey talent.
Why the QMJHL is Worth Watching
While the QMJHL might not have the same level of recognition as the NHL, it is still an exciting and competitive league with plenty of talented players. Watching QMJHL games is a great way to get a glimpse of some of the NHL's future stars and to witness the development of young talent in action.
Additionally, the QMJHL offers a unique opportunity to see hockey played in a different style and with a different cultural influence. The league's teams are mostly located in francophone areas, which can add an interesting element of culture and language to the game. If you're looking to expand your hockey horizons, the QMJHL is definitely worth checking out.
Conclusion
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League might not have the same level of mainstream recognition as the NHL, but it is still an exciting and competitive league with plenty of talented players. By understanding the QMJHL map and how the league works, United States fans can get a better appreciation for this important breeding ground for young hockey talent. So why not tune in to a QMJHL game and see the future of the NHL in action?
