The Rockland Nationals Junior A Hockey Club had a lot to celebrate when the 2025-2026 Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) came to end.
Not only did they capture another Yzerman Division title and a second straight regular season crown, the team’s head coach and players from their leadership group received recognition from the league.
Justin Pereira, the head coach of the reigning Bogart Cup Champions, has once again captured the CCHL’s coach of the year title. his is his third year behind the bench for the Nats, and second straight coach of the year award.
The Nats finished the regular season with just three losses in 55 games played.
“It is a huge honour,” said Pereira after being named the league’s best coach. “We have so many great coaches in this league and I am very fortunate to be part of the Nationals organization and coach some really great young men.”
In his third year as the Nats head coach, they have made the postseason and led the team to its first Bogart championship since 1976. The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) named the Nationals the number one junior team in the country at season’s end.
“We have become one of top programs in Canada, and the players have bought in to what we have been trying to accomplish,” said Pereira. “It started three years ago and just trickles down.”
Le Houiller named MVP
In his last year as a junior hockey league player, Nats forward Gabriel Le Houillier is having a season to remember.
The Lorraine, Quebec native was named the league’s most valuable player (MVP) after capturing the league’s scoring title, finishing with 120 points. He also led the league with 59 goals in 52 games played.
“My goal was to be the best player I can be, and I think this shows that my hard work in has paid off,” said Le Houillier. “I appreciate the recognition. It’s definitely fun and it feels good…but now I am focused on helping the Nats win.”
After winning the Bogart Cup championship last season, Le Houillier would like another chance to not only compete for the league’s ultimate prize, but play in the Centennial Cup for another shot at being crowned the country’s best junior hockey team.
“We have a special group, and I want to win with these guys,” said the league MVP and scoring champ. “I can’t say enough good things about everyone…from the owners to our coaches.”
Laurent named best defenseman
The Laurent family has another top defenseman.
Like his older brother, Xavier, did in his graduating season, Mathys Laurent was named the CCHL’s top defenseman this year. In a season where he wore the ‘C’ for the Nations, Laurent, who is among the several graduating players from the junior hockey league program, led all defensemen in scoring with 54 points in 51 games played.
“We have so many great players in this league, anyone could have won this award,” said Laurent. “It definitely is an honour, but this doesn’t happen without my teammates. This is a great team, we are like a family, and we look out for each other. It’s a really special group.
