The Drummondville Voltigeurs were one of two teams to miss the QMJHL playoffs last season. The only thing they won in the spring was the draft lottery, but the first overall pick had already been traded away to the Saint John Sea Dogs. Now, nine games into the season, the Voltigeurs find themselves ranked 10th in the CHL Top 10 Rankings. They’re one of four QMJHL teams in the top 10, joined by the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (2), Shawinigan Cataractes (5) and Rimouski Oceanic (7).
Leading the charge for Drummondville is sophomore Alex Barré-Boulet, who quietly had a respectable 23-goal rookie season on a bad team last year. In net, September QMJHL Goaltender of the Month Nicolas Lachance has five wins with a 3.08 goals-against average and .886 save percentage. The Voltigeurs have a record of 7-2-0-0.
The top dogs in the Q, the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, are second in the rankings and up five spots from last week. They have a shot at staying in the top 10 picture all season with Boston Bruins prospect Jérémy Lauzon anchoring the blueline and a top six dominated by NHL prospects, including rookie Martins Dzierkals (2015, Toronto Maple Leafs, 68th overall).
The Shawinigan Cataractes, who are President Cup contenders, fell two spots to fifth in the rankings. The defending Q Champs, the Rimouski Océanic, make their top 10 debut in the seventh slot.
Here’s the CHL Top 10 ranking for this week along with the previous week’s ranking:
1. Erie Otters (8)
2. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (7)
3. Calgary Hitmen (4)
4. Brandon Wheat Kings (1)
5. Shawinigan Cataractes (2)
6. Barrie Colts (3)
7. Rimouski Océanic (NR)
8. London Knights (6)
9. Red Deer Rebels (9)
10. Drummondville Voltigeurs (NR)
Honourable mentions: Victoria Royals, Prince Albert Raiders, Windsor Spitfires.