EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – The Edmundston Blizzard made a big move by acquiring forward Olivier Coulombe whose Junior A hockey rights belonged to the South Shore Lumberjacks. Edmundston also got an 8th round pick in the 2024 MHL Draft. In return, the Blizzard gave up a 7th round pick in the 2023 MHL Draft, a conditional 2nd round pick in the 2023 Draft, a 4th round conditional pick in the 2024 draft as well as future considerations.
Olivier Coulombe is a 20-year-old player from Montmagny, Quebec. He played all his junior hockey in the QMJHL appearing in 154 games. Since the 2018-2019 season, he has worn the colors respectively of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, the Victoriaville Tigers, and the Québec Remparts with whom he won the President Cup in 2021. He had his best campaign in 2021-2022 with 9 goals and 18 assists in 67 games.
Blizzard head coach Simon Olivier is very happy that Olivier Coulombe has chosen to pursue his junior career in Edmundston.
“Olivier is a player who will bring a lot of seriousness and leadership to our team,” said the head coach. He is a very mature 20-year-old player. He is coming to Edmundston for two reasons: he would like to continue his studies at the Université de Moncton and he is coming to try to win. So that fits in with our philosophy.”
“Olivier is a player who is very committed. He’s a team guy and a major offensive addition. His wrist shot is of NHL caliber. We expect him to have a big season. »
Simon Olivier and Olivier Coulombe know each other well. The two teamed up when Coulombe lined up with the Pointe-Lévy Corsairs in Bantam AAA. Simon Olivier was then his coach.
“I’ve never had a favorite as a coach. But there are players with whom the current flows more naturally. And Oli is a guy like that. There is mutual respect. When he had something to tell me, he would tell me. And in return, he was able to accept the comments of the coach and want to improve.”
Blizzard General Manager Steve MacPherson is also very proud of this trade. “This is a major addition to the Blizzard line up this year. Olivier will be a top player in the league, and we are super excited for him to join the team. We have had a lot of change lately, but our team continues to get better and this is just a piece.”
Simon Olivier corroborates MacPherson’s remarks but not jumping to conclusions too quickly. “Hockey is played on the ice with a lot of imponderables. If Olivier Coulombe stays healthy, the team wins regularly and he is well supported offensively by his teammates, yes he could display excellent statistics on offense.
– 30 –
Photo
Olivier Coulombe. Photo courtesy Jonathan Roy
– 30 –
Contact: Hugues Chiasson, Edmundston Blizzard vice-president communications; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone