Alexis Cournoyer Drafted by the Canadiens: From Obscurity to a Dream Realized
So here’s something absolutely wild and inspiring—Alexis Cournoyer, a name that a few months ago barely registered on anyone’s radar, has just been drafted by the Montreal Canadiens. Yeah, you heard that right. A kid from Trois-Rivières, who once played in relative anonymity, is now officially part of the most storied franchise in NHL history. Chosen 145th overall in the fifth round, Cournoyer wasn’t just a lucky pick. His journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Let’s rewind. Just a few years ago, Alexis was considered too small, too light, and quite frankly, not good enough for the big leagues. At 5'9" and 140 pounds, he was picked in the 13th round by the Shawinigan Cataractes but was eventually cut. Most players at that point would’ve packed it in. Dream over. But not this guy. Instead, he grinded it out—first in the Maritime Junior A League with Truro, then bouncing around with the Laflèche Dragons. Still no spotlight. Still no promises.
Then everything changed.
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Cournoyer got a shot with the Cape Breton Eagles in the QMJHL—an opportunity born out of someone else’s absence. He took it and ran. In just a handful of games, he put up jaw-dropping stats: two shutouts, a 1.62 goals-against average, and a .946 save percentage. Suddenly, this so-called longshot wasn’t a secret anymore.
Fast forward to the NHL Draft in Los Angeles. At that moment, Alexis was literally about to head to the airport for the Nashville Predators’ development camp. He’d accepted their invitation, not expecting to be drafted. His bag was packed. But then—boom—his name is called by the Montreal Canadiens. He cancels his flight on the spot. "I’ll drive to Brossard instead," he jokes. You can feel the joy in his voice. And let’s be honest, you can’t write this stuff.
Cournoyer even said he has the Canadiens "tattooed on his heart." That’s not just figurative—his room is decorated in full Habs gear. For him, this isn’t just a career move; it’s a childhood dream turned reality. And for those who doubted him, for every scout that passed, every coach who said he wasn't ready—he just gave them all a masterclass in patience, perseverance, and self-belief.
But beyond the personal win for Alexis, this pick sends a bigger message from Jeff Gorton and the Canadiens. It’s not about pleasing the media or drafting someone just because they’re local. It’s about identifying real, gritty talent—wherever it hides. Gorton didn’t flinch when criticized for passing on other Quebec-born players earlier in the draft. He waited. Watched. Then made his move.
Now Cournoyer gets his shot, not as a token pick, but as someone who earned it against all odds. He didn’t come through the front door; he kicked it down. This story isn’t just about making it to the NHL—it’s about the road less traveled and how belief, even when no one’s watching, can change everything.
And honestly? This might just be the beginning.
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