EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – Fans of the Edmundston Blizzard will be pleased to learn that Philippe Collette has been named the team’s new captain for the 2024-2025 season.
Upon their return from the Maritime Hockey League (MHL) draft in Truro, Blizzard management met with Philippe Collette at a Moncton hotel this morning to present him with his official captain’s jersey.
This is excellent news for fans of the Edmundston-based team, as it guarantees Collette’s presence for his final two junior seasons. Last season, he was the only Blizzard to play in all 52 of the team’s games. He finished seventh in the league and second on the Blizzard in points (76).
The 19-year-old forward from Saint-Antoine embodies everything a team needs in a captain. He said he was approached to see if he’d be interested in wearing the C.
“Head coach Simon Olivier contacted me two weeks ago to let me know about this offer and whether I was planning to return to the Blizzard. I told him my decision a few days ago. It wasn’t easy. But I decided I wanted to finish my career in Edmundston. The fans, the coaching staff, my billet family are fantastic, and Junior A hockey is a very good caliber,” explained Philippe Collette.
But what kind of captain will he be? “I want to be a leader on and off the ice. I want to set an example for the younger players on the team. I also want to continue my involvement with the community and children.”
The word “kids” came up often in Collette’s mouth, as he’s already experienced all the excitement that Blizzard brings to the community. “The success we’ve had with Blizzlecture and skating sessions with children is something to behold,” he said.
The former peewee AA and AAA captain of the West Kent Aces and Kent South Flames is looking forward to the Blizzard’s upcoming season. “The coaches believe we’ll have a very good year in 2024-2025. We have good veterans coming back and we’ll be a competitive team. I’m confident that the Blizzard can win the league championship,” said Philippe Collette in a very optimistic tone.
With his talent and consistency, Philippe Collette could certainly have been a top player for any QMJHL team. The fact that he has chosen to stay with the Blizzard is an important vote of confidence in the team and the Maritime Junior Hockey League. His assistants will be announced at a later date.
Philippe Collette was the second overall pick in the 2021 MHL draft. He was selected by the Campbellton Tigres. The Blizzard obtained the services of Collette and defenseman Jean-Philip Boudreau on August 26, 2022, in a trade that sent Frédéryck Janvier to the Tigres. Certainly a great deal by Blizzard general manager Steve MacPherson.
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Photo
Head coach Simon Olivier, Philippe Collette, general manager Steve MacPherson and president André Lebel. The photo was taken this morning in a Moncton hotel. Photo Martin Perron
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone