A New Chapter

Dieppe New Brunswick’s Cole Cormier has experienced a lot in his short time in the QMJHL.

From making the Rimouski Oceanic out of camp last season to being sent back to Midget, to finally realizing his dream to play in the Q.

The highly skilled 17-year-old forward was eager to write the next chapter in his hockey career and prove he could be an impact player in the QMJHL.

Everything was going to plan. Everything looked to be falling into place.

Nevertheless, the start of his career rivals that of a Hollywood drama. Cormier was finally hitting his stride with the Océanic when the business side of the game temporarily interrupted his progress.

Cormier would find out he was being traded to the Quebec Remparts.

“Playing in Rimouski was an unbelievable experience,” Cormier said proudly.

“I loved it there.”

“I have so many good memories from my time in Rimouski.”

“I had good people surrounding me, from the coaching staff, my teamates and everyone involved.”

“They made it a very fun place to play,” confessed Cormier.

Sometimes the business side of the game is off side, but Cormier certainly doesn’t see it that way.

“I was in shock and I was a bit disappointed.”

In his short time in the Q, Cormier proved he could be an effective top six forward in the league, now it was time to show people he could be a critical piece to build a team around.

The mature soft spoken kid from Dieppe, handled the shock of being traded and early minor set backs or growing pains like a true pro.

“When I got traded I think Serge was obviously upset it wasn’t part of the plan, but he had to make moves to build a winning team.”

“It’s a part of the business,” Cormier said.

“Like I said I was a bit disappointed, but after that my mindset changed, I felt very fortunate to be apart the Remparts.”

It’s difficult at any time to be traded especially when you’re seventeen and just getting settled into a new city and creating deep friendships with your teammates and billet family’s.”

“I was very close with a lot of players, but Colten Ellis and I really grew a big friendship over time.”

“I saw him as very professional and a great role model.”

“It’s definitely tough leaving that friendship and Rimouski,” Cormier said.

The trade to a rebuilding team also meant a new opportunity.

Cole Cormier was taught at a very young age to confront adversity head on and to always stay positive.

“I was ready to start a new chapter with another first class organization,” Cormier said.

“Quebec City has been great so far. Obviously it’s a big city with a lot of fans, it’s been a blast.”

What about playing for Patrick Roy?

“Patrick is a great coach, but most of all he’s a great guy.”

“Patrick cares a lot about the process and the development of the players and I really respect the way he does things,” Cormier said.

The one constant in all of this has been Cormier’s relentless pursuit of his dream and willingness to improve.

“I always try to improve on every asset of my game, but my speed is definitely something I try to work on everyday along with my strength and physical play,” Cormier said.

Cormier was born to play the game, and is driven to do whatever it takes to get to the next level. 

Hard work, dedication, persistence, skill and perseverance that’s Cole Cormier and that’s why his draft stock continues to soar. 

Cormier was left off of NHL Central Scouting’s Players to Watch List, but made their 2nd list released in January where he was ranked 115th overall amongst North American Skaters.

“It’s fun to see your name on the Central Scouting list, but I try to stay away from those things and try to focus on my journey and take it day by day,” explained Cormier.

What would it mean to hear his name called in June at the NHL Entry Draft.

“It would really be unbelievable.”

“All the work I’ve put in to hockey, it would be a day to remember forever and the first step of my dream.”

Cole Cormier’s story is far from over. The newest chapter has yet to be written.