Alexandre Gagnon and his brother Mathieu, both raised in Gatineau, Quebec, have taken a decisive step in their hockey careers by signing professional contracts with Nice, a club competing in France’s Ligue Magnus. They become the third and fourth members of McGill’s 2024‑25 roster to turn pro this off‑season, joining a growing line of Redmen alumni making the jump to European leagues.
A Quebec‑born Duo in the French Riviera
Nice, based on the Mediterranean coast in the Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur region, finished sixth in the 12‑team Ligue Magnus last season with a 22‑22 record. The city, France’s fifth‑largest, provides a vibrant backdrop for the brothers as they embark on their first overseas professional experience.
Alexandre’s six‑year tenure at McGill saw him captain the team and earn the Dr. Randy Gregg Award, while Mathieu, in four seasons, collected Academic All‑Canadian honors and the Jean Béliveau Athletic Award. Both also contributed to a bronze‑medal performance for McGill at the 2024 U SPORTS University Cup, with Mathieu having previously skated in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
A Trend Across the Border
Their signings reflect a broader pattern of McGill graduates seeking competitive opportunities beyond North America, a pathway that has already seen several alumni secure contracts in Europe and beyond.
The Gagnon brothers will train together in Nice, aiming to help the club climb higher in the Ligue Magnus standings. Their move also underscores the university’s growing influence on the international hockey stage, a development that could inspire future recruits to view McGill as a launchpad for global careers.