The Blainville‑Boisbriand Armada — long a focal point for hockey fans across the city and surrounding Laurentides communities — will begin the 2026‑27 season in a markedly different posture after an "all‑in" campaign last year that exhausted draft capital and future assets.
From deep playoff run to reset
Last season the Armada pushed their post‑season push deep, taking the Moncton Wildcats to game seven of the semifinal series. The run showcased a core that included Justin Carbonneau, Xavier Villeneuve, Bill Zonnon, Spencer Gill, Mateo Nobert and William Lacelle, but injuries and attrition prevented the club from capturing a championship.
"The Armada took the Moncton Wildcats to game seven of their semifinal series,"
That push, however, came at a cost. Management moved significant assets into the 2025‑26 chase and now the organization is prioritizing accumulation of pieces and player development over immediate results. The consequence for Blainville supporters will likely be a season where growth and retooling are the primary objectives.
Key departures and destinations
Several important players from last season will not be on the Armada roster in 2026‑27. Some are advancing in their hockey careers while others were moved in trades as part of the reset.
- Justin Carbonneau and Bill Zonnon will be turning professional this fall.
- William Lacelle and Xavier Villeneuve are heading to the NCAA to play collegiately.
- Mateo Nobert was dealt to the Halifax Mooseheads; Olivier Lemieux was traded to the Saint John Sea Dogs.
Those moves remove veteran and high‑upside contributors from Blainville's immediate plans, but they also create openings for younger players and allow the Armada to stockpile future options.
Arrivals and roster construction
The Armada have brought in experienced, low‑cost players and a few younger prospects who may take on increased responsibilities. Among the additions are veteran goaltender Nick Cirka and forwards Logan Brennan and Benjamin Lalievre, acquired from a Quebec Remparts club that had been adding depth elsewhere.
Perhaps the most notable arrival for development is Camden Jackson, obtained from the Moncton Wildcats. In Blainville he is expected to have a clearer path to regular minutes and a larger role than he had previously.
| Category | Notable names |
|---|---|
| Turning pro | Justin Carbonneau, Bill Zonnon |
| Heading to NCAA | William Lacelle, Xavier Villeneuve |
| Traded away | Mateo Nobert (Halifax), Olivier Lemieux (Saint John) |
| Newcomers | Nick Cirka, Logan Brennan, Benjamin Lalievre, Camden Jackson |
What Blainville fans should expect
Management has been explicit in its approach: after committing resources to a strong playoff push, the club needs to rebuild the stock of prospects and future assets. Realistically, that means the Armada may not be a front‑runner in the standings this season. But the move also signals the beginning of a deliberate process to assemble the next competitive window.
For the local hockey community, the shift will bring mixed emotions. The loss of popular players who helped reach a seven‑game semifinal will be felt at the Centre, but the prospect of young players stepping into meaningful roles offers a new narrative for supporters to follow. The roster changes also give the Armada flexibility to pursue longer‑term gains through development and future drafts.
In short, Blainville’s club is trading short‑term hopes for the groundwork of its next challenge: rebuilding now so the Armada can contend again when timing and assets align.
The coming months will show how quickly the new pieces gel and whether the Armada’s gamble on youth and depth accelerates a return to contention or produces a patient rebuild over multiple seasons.
