LNAH Opening Weekend: 3 Games to Watch

The LNAH has completed its draft and released its schedule. With the season fast approaching, the only thing that fans are waiting for are the new subscription options. Looking ahead, a subscription of some kind will be necessary when the regular season kicks off on October 2nd. The league opens with a rare Thursday night game, setting the stage for a three night opening weekend. Each night offers a high profile game, and some of those games could have long-term implications for the teams involved. Fans looking for some intrigue could start with the following trio of games on the first weekend in October.

Thursday October 2nd, Saint-Hyacinthe. Weeknight games are a rarity in this league, but Saint-Hyacinthe versus Laval is a necessary game regardless of when it’s played. The match up has become a backyard brawl between two heavyweights. Fans will always be treated to an emotionally charged, highly competitive game when these two teams meet. No one will be mailing their performance on the ice, and no one will be yawning in the stands. The league made a wise move by showcasing these two teams to kick off the season. 

For Saint-Hyacinthe, this also has the potential to be an indicator of the future. As an expansion team last season, they had an impressive first year. The team was competitive out of the gate, the game night atmosphere was exciting, the webcasts offered top-notch clarity, and ownership put in the necessary work off the ice to make the team relevant in the community. For all their hard work, the fans responded; night after night, there was a great turnout at Stade LP Gaucher. 

Now comes year two. With the honeymoon season over, the Battalion’s biggest opponent might be history. Since the departure of the QMJHL’s Lazer in 1996, Saint-Hyacinthe has struggled with stability. Teams, owners and title sponsors have come and gone, including 4 in the LNAH between 2005 and 2009. Fortunately, the Battalion have shown no signs of resting on their laurels. The team re-signed key players from last season including the ever-popular Zach Gravel and made high profile acquisitions of Francis Beauvillier and league scoring champion Maxime St-Cyr. The ownership kept its foot on the gas all Summer and is clearly in it for the long haul. Opening night will be an indicator of how the fans feel in return. A packed house or a mediocre mid-week crowd could be the tell-tale sign of what to expect for the team’s longevity in the Maskoutains. 

Friday October 3rd, Sorel-Tracy. It’ll be a banner raising night at the Eperviers home opener versus Thetford. This will be Sorel-Tracy’s 3^rd championship banner and first since 2019. Expect a packed house at Colisee Cardin as well as plenty of eyes from around the league watching on line. The game itself will be a high-caliber matchup between the champions from the last two seasons. The Eperviers lineup is mostly intact from May’s championship and the Assurancia have maintained a good portion of the core that’s only a year removed from theirs. Settle in for a great night of hockey, and all the fanfare of a championship celebration. 

Saturday October 4th, Quebec. Opening night could be a defining moment for the National when they host Riviere du Loup. To say that last year got off to a rocky start would be putting it mildly. Following a late off-season start, the team struggled mightily on and off the ice. Wins were almost non-existent, fan turnout was dreadful, and majority owner Jimmy Gagne expressed difficulty in the Soleil about convincing sponsors that the league was no longer just about fighting. 

Fortunately, things began to turn around in the second half of the year, then gelled in the playoffs with an opening round win over Saint-Georges. Based on the playoff wins and crowd sizes, it was difficult to imagine the team had worked through such difficulties during the previous 6 months. 

With the playoff magic over, the team is starting out on level footing for what could be a make or break year. A full year of preparation, a solid arena lease, and a big name coaching adjustment to former NHLer Alexandre Picard have all the makings of a competitive team. What’s left to determine is the fan response. Will that response be dictated by the memory of early season struggles, or the late season greatness? The Remparts won't be playing across town that night and the PWHL has officially passed on the city, so there will be no conflicts for fans on opening night. The home opener will be a chance for the second year team to shine. All eyes will be on the National, and the stands at Complexe Sportif Bonair. 

The league has done its homework to get the season started with a bang. The 3-day weekend will see all 8 teams will play at least once, and only Jonquiere will not have a home game. Fans will be treated to high profile names, highly talented lineups and emotional rivalries. The only question left for fans will be about the steaming packages.  Whatever the options, fans will have plenty of great hockey to choose from starting October 2nd.