Rockland Nationals captain Xavier Laurent has been named top defenseman for the 2023-2024 Central Canadian Hockey League (CCHL) season.
Laurent finished the season with 14 goals, which ranked second amongst CCHL defenders, and 43 points, which led all blueliners during the 2023-2024 season which saw the Nats make the playoffs for the first time in four years.
“I didn’t really anticipate something like this,” said the Nats captain, who is playing his final year of junior hockey with Rockland. “But it feels good to receive this recognition and it brings me a lot of pride because when I step on the ice, I think that in my head, I am the best at what I do and this year really showed that.”
Nats governor Luc Lavictoire called Laurent a terrific leader and ambassador for the program both on and off the ice.
Laurent represented the Nats at the Eastern Canada Cup and the CCHL all-star game this season.
“Not only is he a fierce defender, Xavier is one of the best offensive producing defensemen in the league,” said Lavictoire in a statement posted on the team’s website. “Xavier has also been a great mentor and leader for all his teammates, he leads through his actions with his dedication, discipline and passion for the game. The Rockland Nationals are really proud of all of Xavier’s achievements and he will go down as one of the top players in our team’s history.”
Nats head coach Justin Pereira called Laurent the best defenseman in the league.
“This honour for Xavier is 100 per cent well-deserved,” said Rockland’s bench boss. “He has great leadership and he shows it on and off the ice. The younger guys on the team have a really great role model in Xavier.”
