The story of Rimouski’s beloved L’Océanic

Rédaction

Jennifer Doré Dallas, is a travel writer, coach, consultant, guidebook and book author, and shares her travel tips on Moi, mes souliers and Chasing Poutine.

When I think of Rimouski, a few things immediately come to mind: the sun setting over the St. Lawrence River, the salty wind in my hair… and L’Océanic, of course. This junior hockey team isn’t just a source of pride, it’s a full-on regional icon.

As the only QMJHL team representing the vast Bas-Saint-Laurent region, L’Océanic holds a special place in local hearts. Whether you grew up cheering in the stands of the Colisée Financière Sun Life or you’re just a hockey fan passing through, chances are you’ve felt the energy.

But how well do you know the story behind L’Océanic de Rimouski?

A Big-League beginning

It all began on April 4, 1995, when a group of passionate hockey lovers and local development advocates, including the now-legendary Maurice Tanguay, set their sights on relocating the Saint-Jean Lynx.

After a few key meetings with Rimouski’s business community, a partnership with the Tanguay Group sealed the deal: Rimouski would finally get the franchise it had long hoped for.

By the end of April, a lease was signed, and on May 9, the QMJHL unanimously approved the team’s relocation from Saint-Jean to Rimouski.

But what to name this new team? A local CBC Radio-Canada contest gave us the answer. A young Rimouski resident submitted the winning suggestion: L’Océanic. And just like that, a legend was born!

From its very first home game on September 15, 1995, L’Océanic made waves: sold-out games, records being shattered, a blue jersey that became a symbol of local pride in both arenas and schoolyards…

Within months, the team had become a regional phenomenon!

A sea of talent (and a few legends)

You can’t mention L’Océanic without name-dropping a few hockey stars. Let’s get the obvious one out of the way: yes, Sidney Crosby wore the team’s colours. From 2003 to 2005, “Sid the Kid” brought a surge of energy to Rimouski, leading the team to the Memorial Cup final in his last year.

Crosby wasn’t the first superstar to leave his mark on the region, however. Before he came along, Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards were already laying the groundwork, helping establish Rimouski as a serious incubator of hockey talent.

Many others have worn the jersey before making their way to the NHL; think Michael Frolík, Jean-Sébastien Giguère, Alexis Loiseau, or Francis Beauchemin. Every year, a fresh wave of young hopefuls comes aboard, dreaming of charting their own path to greatness.

The story goes on

Nearly 30 years later, L’Océanic is as beloved as ever in Rimouski and across the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. This year is set to be one for the books: from May 22 to June 1, 2025, Rimouski will proudly host the Memorial Cup, one of the highest honours in junior hockey.

It’s a perfect way to celebrate everything this team represents: passion, perseverance, and the beautiful madness of devoted fans in a true Land of Champions.

Whether you live for hockey or you’re simply curious to experience an unforgettable atmosphere, make your way to the Colisée. Who knows?

You just might witness the rise of the next national star.