A trio of talented forwards with connections to the Bay of Quinte region have earned invitations to attend Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence Summer Camps. From July 18th to 24th, Maddox Dagenais, Maxim Dubé, and Jean-Christoph Lemieux will have the opportunity to showcase their skills at the National Under-17 Development Camp in Oakville.
The camp is only the first step in the process of player selection for the 2024 U17 World Challenge, which will take place in Sarnia, starting on November 1st and concluding on the 9th.
Following the camp, all participants will be evaluated through the start of the 2024-25 season as the final roster selections are made.
Maddox Dagenais made headlines as the first overall pick in the QMJHL Entry Draft by the Quebec Remparts. His father, Pierre, was taken first overall by the Moncton Alpines in 1995.
The selection marks a significant moment in the history of the CHL as it marked the first time a father and son tandem has taken the coveted first overall draft status.
Pierre enjoyed a notable career, including stints in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, and Montreal Canadiens. Now ready to make the move to the junior ranks, Maddox is set to follow in his father's footsteps.
Maddox trains at the World Elite Academy, where Pierre is an instructor. World Elite is the only hockey program in the region that includes fitness and conditioning, on ice as well as a fully accredited educational training.
This past season, Maddox showcased his dynamic offensive skills with the U16 Red Devils, scoring 42 goals and adding 39 assists in 35 games. His efforts earned him the OMHA East Player of the Year honors. In the postseason, he continued to excel, amassing 17 points in ten games.
His first overall selection also makes him the highest major junior drafted player in Red Devils history. Previously Ethan Miedema taken fourth overall by the OHL Windsor Spitfires set the mark for Red Devils alumni.
Dagenais was not the only player with local ties who enjoyed considerable success in the QMJHL Entry Draft. Maxim Dubé was taken with the 12th overall pick by the Gatineau Olympiques.
Dubé had a dominant season in New York last year with the Long Island Gulls, recording 34 goals and 90 points in 68 games.
A student at L’Envol Catholique in Trenton, Maxim played his U14 hockey with the Red Devils in the 2021-22 season. Although he was born in Fort Coulonge, Quebec, Maxim has spent a considerable part of his youth in the Quinte region and currently resides in Belleville.
Jean-Christoph Lemieux also made his initial move to major junior ranks with distinction as he was chosen 22nd overall by the Windsor Spitfires in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.
The Belleville resident displayed his offensive prowess throughout last season with the U16 Quinte Red Devils. He recorded an impressive 24 goals and 36 assists in 35 games. In the playoffs, he notched five goals and 14 assists in nine appearances.
The participation of Maddox Dagenais, Maxim Dubé, and Jean-Christoph Lemieux in Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence Summer Camp only furthers to emphasizes the amount of talent in the Bay of Quinte region.
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