The former head coach of Estacades de Trois-Rivières at the M18 AAA level was parachuted into the new position. In fact, he was hired just days before the team’s training camp began. However, that didn’t stop him from fitting in well with the coaching staff of Carl Mallett, Mike McClure and Marco Raimondo.

“I feel very good and very satisfied with my new tasks. The family is doing well too, although I have to travel. Defenders is what I know. I also do everything bit by bit. In fact, everyone does a little bit of everything. We work together a lot, the coaching group. The chemistry is great too and we keep building it.

The latter currently has the opportunity to act as interim head coach due to Mallet’s absence. The team captain leads one of two national teams participating in the 2023 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, which takes place November 2-11 in Charlottetown and Summerside, PEI. Prince Edward.

“There’s a lot of pressure coming, but we’re doing everything as a team, so I’m not too worried. It’s a big challenge that all of us coaches will take on together.

An unfinished story

This is his third job in the Felins organization. The last one dates back to the 2016-2017 season as an assistant coach. The other was from 1994-1995, but as a player when Royer wore the black and yellow uniform on the ice. He was also selected 3rd overall in the 1994 QMJHL draft.

His adventure with Tigres ended in the off season during his second campaign when he was traded to Laser de Saint-Hyacinthe. Almost 20 years later, the main party is still thinking about that deal.

“It was a big surprise to me that I was traded. I had a good season and it was my draft year in the National Hockey League (NHL). We also had a good team and won games. I was shocked and it still does something to me when I think about it today.

So the 45-year-old hockey player is hoping that this third round will allow him to pass and provide stability in Victorville.

“I have a sense of unfinished business. I’ve done two short stints so I really want this one to be longer. My plan is to stay here for a long time. I like the organisation, the managers, the facilities and the players. In short, it’s a great place to play junior hockey.

Royer would also like to win a championship while in Victorville. Its goal could be achieved this campaign as the Tigers are one of the teams aiming for major honours. After a fair start, the Centricois have recently found their way and are among the top teams on the circuit.

“We are a mature team, even if we are not very old. We have several players with good experience and last year’s core is virtually intact. Drafting Noah Warren is a big deal. He is capable of taking a lot of quality minutes. He’s a great athlete who adds a lot to our defense, which was already good. Our offense is also doing a very good job, so we are on the right track. We really have a great group. We work hard while having fun. “