Caribous Corner: Caribous lure Quebec winger

Three strong lines is the key to success in the West Coast Senior Hockey league. Thats the assessment from Clarenville Caribous Media relations/league liaison Todd Brett.

"To be successful in this league you have to roll three lines and to do that you must have depth."

The Caribous latest acquisition is another piece in building that depth.

Last week the Caribous recruited Maxim Chamberland, a 20-year old, six foot tall, 200 pound native of Ville LaSalle, Quebec.

Drafted to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in 2003 by the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Chamberland has also played for the Chicoutimi Sagueneens of the "Q" and the Kahnawake Condors of the QJAHL where he was team captain. He recorded his best season with the Condors collecting 92 points in 36 games.

He was leading the QJAHL in scoring when he was acquired by the St. Johns Fog Devils for the last 22 games of last season leading the team in scoring during those games with 18 points.

"Maxim is the type of player we are looking for," says Brett.

"He is a highly skilled power forward with great hands that doesnt mind the rough stuff and will grind it out in the corners.

"He collected 92 points in 36 games (with the Condors) and still managed 105 penalty minutes. Not only can this guy put the puck in the net but he is a hard-nosed gritty player. And he was team captain so he has leadership qualities as well.

"We feel he could bring a lot and balance out the team," says Brett. "Being able to spread the scoring out over three lines will be key to our success in the future."

Chamberland is currently enrolled at MUN in a Bachelor of Physical Education program to begin this fall.

When asked how the Caribous attracted Chamberland Brett says, "He actually approached us."

Brett says Chamberland is currently training for the start of the regular season in October, playing hockey twice a week and hitting the gym two hours each day.

The Caribous have two training camps planned for early October in St. Johns followed by two more in Clarenville. After that, coach Randy Pearcey will begin putting together the final roster for the start of the regular season.

In the meantime team officials continue their recruiting efforts to further bolster the Caribous lineup in the quest for the Herder.