Halifax’s Laaouan makes Q-league history
Islanders’ star becomes all-time leader in plus-minus for defencemen
Noah Laaouan made history on Sunday.
The Charlottetown Islanders assistant captain became the all-time leader in plusminus for defencemen in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Laaouan, from Halifax, played 284 regular-season games over five years with a plus-126 rating, two better than previous record-holders Nathan Beaulieu and Kevin Gagné.
Laaouan secured the record with a plus-4 rating in the Islanders’ season-ending 10-2 victory over the Acadiebathurst Titan before over 3,400 fans at Eastlink Centre on Sunday.
“I didn’t realize I was that close at all,” Laaouan told the Saltwire Network. “It’s kind of a cool feat to have.”
In his final season as one of the Islanders’ three 20-yearolds, along with captain Brett Budgell and Xavier Simoneau, the six-foot, 184-pound Laaouan posted career highs in goals (12), assists (48), points (60), power-play goals (7), plus-minus (plus-39) and shots on goal (195).
“It’s hard to sum up what Noah brings in just a few words because his contributions, on and off the ice, have been enormous,” said Islanders general manager and head coach Jim Hulton. “He’s a pleasure to coach because he’s one of those kids who comes every day with energy and a smile.”
Hulton said Laaouan logs a heavy workload, plays with grit, toughness and in all situations. Hulton went on to praise Laaouan’s leadership ability, adding he is one of the best teammates he’s had walk through the doors of the Islanders’ dressing room.
“To me, he’s the best allaround defenceman in this league, and has been for a couple of years,” added Hulton.
FIRST-ROUND PICK
The right-handed-shooting Laaouan began his QMJHL career with the Cape Breton Eagles as a 16-year-old during the 2017-18 season. Cape Breton drafted Laaouan in the first round, 14th overall, in 2017.
The Islanders acquired Laaouan in the Derek Gentile trade on Dec. 16, 2018.
Laaouan feels his game improved every season, and that was evident by a constant increase in points.
“For me coming in, it was focusing on improving defensively, being the best I can be there and the offence will come,” said Laaouan. “Over the years, I slowly started to incorporate more and more offence into my game, all while remaining solid defensively.”
Asked if there are any specific keys to putting up strong plus-minus numbers, Laaouan answered being aware on the ice at all time with a defensive-first focus. Laaouan added that if he’s going to take a risk, he wants to make sure it’s a calculated one.
Islanders goaltender Franky Lapenna described Laaouan as the best defensive, sturdy and reliable defenceman he has had play in front of him during his career.
“He has the best plus-minus for a good reason; it’s because he’s doing the right things on the offensive and defensive sides of the puck,” said Lapenna. “Just having him there is a great sense of comfort and reliability.”
Laaouan admitted he is still processing what it means to know his name is the QMJHL record book. He said however long the record lasts, it is a special accomplishment to be part of.
“I look at some of the names on that list, Frankie Bouillon, Nathan Beaulieu, Mackenzie Weegar, all guys who went on to the NHL,” said Laaouan, who is undrafted and was invited to the Arizona Coyotes’ development camp in 2021. “Just part of being on that list with them is super special.”
Hulton said he doesn’t really look at and pay attention to individual numbers, but acknowledged Laaouan’s statistics speak volumes.
“All of a sudden you get that information put in front of you, it’s such a bold statement of what a terrific career he’s had,” said Hulton. “You knew he had already been a good player, but to put it in context of the history of the league, it’s a pretty bold statement.”