After evolving over the past two seasons in the westernmost city of Rouen-Noranda, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s (LHJMQ) is now in the easternmost city, Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Jordan Cote will continue. Traveling with the Cape Breton Eagles this year.

The Huskies traded the striker from the municipality of Ireland to teammate Samuel Johnson in early July in exchange for a draft pick. The 19-year-old hockey player was hoping for this trade, and he was not at all satisfied with the 2021-2022 season, especially because of the limited ice time. Switching teams turned out to be the best solution for the Abitibi team and him.

“I believe I was not properly supervised and it was detrimental to my development. Before the season, we changed coaches in the middle of the year [Mario Pouliot avait dû quitter son poste pour des raisons de santé] He was replaced by an assistant [Brad Yetman]. I was not very close with him and the team leader. There was no fight, I’m not the type of player to complain, but it just didn’t click between us and he wasn’t using me much. I was not able to develop myself as I wanted. Despite my limited ice time I was still able to do good things,” explained the man who had six goals and six assists in 60 games last season.

So thanks to this fresh start, Jordan Cote approaches this next season with optimism. According to him, Eagles managers expect him to work hard, harass the opposing team and give his best in every appearance on the ice. He believes he will have a real chance to grow in Cape Breton. “I’m going back to zero. This is the last year I can prove myself if I want to play in the league at 20. Hit or miss. »

In addition to having a good season both offensively and on the ice, the third-year player looks to set an example for younger players with his work ethic.

The Eagles aren’t considered one of the top teams in the QMJHL, but Jordan believes the Nova Scotian formation could surprise. “We have a good team and that will be underestimated. I think we can finish above the middle of the pack in sixth and seventh. »

Finally, he hopes the season can go on without a hitch as it has for the past two years, with fans in the stands for every game. “We feel when they’re there, it’s not the same without them,” he said.