The RSEQ (Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec), in collaboration with the participating universities, is proud to announce the return of a Quebec Division 1 men's university hockey league beginning with the 2027-28 season.
This new league will bring together Concordia University, École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), McGill University, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) and Université de Sherbrooke.
The future league will build on the experience of the UQTR, McGill and Concordia programs, which currently compete in Ontario University Athletics (OUA), while welcoming UQAC, ÉTS and Université de Sherbrooke.
The Division 1 university league strengthens the vertical development of men's hockey within the RSEQ by completing a pathway that extends from secondary school to college and then university. This continuity will allow student-athletes to pursue their academic and athletic goals simultaneously in a structured and stimulating environment suited to their ambitions. It directly supports the RSEQ's mission of promoting educational perseverance and academic success through sport.
"At the RSEQ, we firmly believe that sport is a powerful driver of educational perseverance and academic success. The return of this league will allow student-athletes to pursue a university education while continuing their athletic development. We want to help them succeed on the ice, but more importantly, build their future through a pathway that places education at the heart of their development," said Gustave Roel, Chief Executive Officer of the RSEQ.
By providing a competitive pathway in Quebec, the league will allow student-athletes to continue their development in an environment that supports the pursuit of both academic and athletic goals. The guidance and resources offered by the participating institutions will also contribute to their overall development academically, athletically and personally.
The project is taking shape within a North American hockey landscape that is constantly evolving and undergoing significant change. In this context, the participating universities aim to strengthen Quebec's hockey offering by positioning university hockey as a leading option for student-athletes aged 19 to 25.
"This comeback illustrates what our universities can achieve when they join forces. By working together to build this league, our institutions offer their athletes the chance to aim high - both on the ice and in their studies - without leaving Québec. This is the university network at its best," says Christian Blanchette, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire (BCI)
"We are very pleased with the creation of this league, which represents an important step forward for hockey in Quebec. It will strengthen our development structure and allow more players to compete at a high level while continuing their studies here in Quebec. It will also provide greater continuity throughout our hockey players' development pathways," said Jocelyn Thibault, Excellence Programs Development Consultant at Hockey Québec.
In addition to supporting academic success, the return of a provincial league will help create new rivalries, engage university communities and increase the visibility of university hockey among students, fans, media and partners.
Over the coming months, the RSEQ and the participating universities will continue working on the implementation of the league. Details regarding its operations, competition format, schedule and student-athlete recruitment will be announced progressively ahead of the inaugural 2027-28 season.
For more information
4545, avenue Pierre-De Coubertin
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www.rseq.ca
