Charles Lavigne has been named as the new General Manager of the Rockland Nationals – becoming only the second GM in the team’s history. Lavigne is replacing Dan Sauvé who is stepping down to concentrate on his teaching career and spending more time with his growing family.
The 33-year-old native of St-Bernardin has been with the Nationals organization for the last five seasons, occupying roles as Goaltending Coach, Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach.
As a goaltender, Charles was part of the 2006-07 Bogart Cup champion Hawkesbury Hawks. I was a big fan of the Hawks back when he was playing and went to every game. He then spent the next three seasons in the CHL, playing with the Kitchener Rangers, Moncton Wildcats and Québec Remparts. Afterwards, Lavigne played the next five seasons at the U-SPORTS level, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, a Masters in Business Administration and winning a CIS National Championship with the University of New Brunswick in 2012-13
After graduating, Charles had the opportunity to join the Syracuse Crunch (AHL) for the remainder of the 2013-14 season. He then finished his playing career overseas in the Ligue Magnus (France), winning a French Championship in 2014-2015.
Charles will remain in his role as Director of Goaltending and Goaltending Coach for the Nationals and has already assumed General Manager responsibilities.
Tampa Bay’s experience an asset in Stanley Cup finals
The National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup finals begin on Wednesday night, in what has the makings of a great series between a veteran team looking to create a dynasty and a young team looking to break through. Both the Tampa Bay Lightning – seeking their third cup in a row – and the Colorado Avalanche are very deserving of their spots in the finals and it promises to be a barn burner.
I’ve been going back and forth on this one. Originally, I was leaning towards the Avalanche, because they have been so dominant in these playoffs. I like MacKinnon and Makar and think they will both have another great series – and they deserve to win it!
But the Lightning did not win two cups in a row by rolling over and they have consistently shown throughout these playoffs that there is no match for experience. They’ve been calm and cool in the face of adversity and keep finding the answer. Having one of the greatest clutch goaltenders in NHL history isn’t hurting Tampa Bay any either.
Here is another thing to consider: Two Stanley Cups in a row means you are a great team, but three is a dynasty. No one has won more than two cups in a row in the salary cap era and the last team to do it was the early 1980s New York Islanders. The Lightning know that and they are just one series win away from history. That’s a lot of motivation and is why I am going with….
Tampa Bay in 6
Glengarry Pipers add former Cougar Chaumont through EOSHL draft
The Glengarry Pipers added some key pieces to bolster their roster for the upcoming season at last week’s Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League (EOSHL) draft.
In the first round, with the fifth pick of the draft, the Pipers selected 6’2, 205 lbs forward Kyle Challis. Challis is an offensive forward who played in the Pacific Coast Junior Hockey League, where he totalled 87 points and 201 penalty minutes in just 72 games.
In the second round, the Pipers drafted a local talent from the Vankleek Cougars, Justin Chaumont, who scored 22 goals and 45 points in 21 games for the Cougars during the 2021-2022 season. Standing 6’1” and weighing 175 pounds winger, Justin will be looking adjust his game to make the step up to the EOSHL.
Big week for Canadian golf
It was a big week in golf for Canadians, with Rory McIlroy putting on a performance for the ages to win the RBC Canadian Open and then Canada’s own Brooke Henderson coming back to win her 11th tournament on the LPGA tour.
Henderson, from Smiths Falls, Ontario, eagled the Par 5 18th hole to defeat Lindsay Weaver-Wright and win the playoff at the ShopRite LPGA Classic in Galloway, New Jersey. The win was Henderson’s 11th on the LPGA tour, extending her record as the winningest professional golfer in Canadian history.
Starting the day well back in ninth place Henderson struck with three birdies and an eagle on the front nine and then rolled in two more birdies on the back nine, for a bogey-free 7-under scorecard.
At the RBC Canadian Open McIlroy rolled in a four-foot putt on the final hole to take a two-stroke victory over Tony Finau. It was McIlroy’s 21st win on the PGA Tour.
