Quinte Red Devils graduate Maddox Dagenais could join his father in history.
The 16-year-old, who attends Ecole Elementaire Catholique L’Envol in Trenton, has been ranked as the highest prospect for next months Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Draft (LHJMQ of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL)). Dagenais is on the ice every day in Belleville, as part of the World Elite Academy, where his father is also an instructor.
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In 1995 Pierre Dagenais was selected 1st over by Moncton (Photo: QMJHL)
If he is selected 1st overall, Maddox and Pierre Dagenais would become the first father/son duo to ever be selected first. Pierre was chosen 1st in the 1995 draft by the Moncton Aplines (now Moncton Wildcats). Quite fitting is that this years draft is taking place in Moncton (June 8th).
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Quinte News asked Dagenais if there was a benefit to having a parent go through the same experience.
“I don’t think so, I think you have to do your own thing and you will achieve it.”
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Maddox Dagenais toured many NCAA schools in the United States, including Boston University (Photo: Pierre Dagenais)
In less than two years, Dagenais has grown, a lot! He has jumped up several inches and gained about 40 pounds. The 16-year-old is now 6’3/185. He says physicality/strength/size is an important part of today’s game.
“I think it’s important. I think you have to work down low, (as) a 200-foot player. You have to do to play at the next level and the physical aspect is very important in your game, to win battle(s), everything like that.”
Dagenais has some options this year. In this months 2024 USHL (United States junior hockey league) Dagenais was the 25th player drafted, going to the Sioux City Musketeers. He has also attended tours at several schools across post-secondary hockey in the United States (NCAA).
He adds that when you are 16 you are drafted into junior hockey and the next years, the NHL is looking at you. He says it can be nervewracking.
“I think a little bit. It’s quick. It’s two years. You play your second year (age 17) and you’re going to get drafted this year (age 16). You need to do good and work out every day.”
The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles have the 1st overall pick in this years Quebec draft, however it will not be known until June 8th if Dagenais is heading to Nova Scotia or not.
