The Trois‑Rivières Lions, the ECHL farm team of the Montréal Canadiens, have secured the services of goaltender Samuel St‑Hilaire for the upcoming 2026‑27 campaign.
A Quebec‑born netminder
Born in Saint‑Elzéar‑de‑Beauce, a small community in the Beauce region of Quebec, St‑Hilaire grew up watching the province’s rich hockey tradition and dreamed of wearing the Lions’ colors.
A season in the LNAH
During the 2024‑25 season he backstopped the Québec National, appearing in 18 games and posting an 18‑12‑1 record with a 2.40 goals‑against average and five shutouts, helping the club remain competitive in the league.
International experience
St‑Hilaire represented Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2023‑24, adding a global stage to his résumé and gaining exposure that culminated in a nomination for the Patrick Roy Trophy, awarded to the QMJHL’s top goaltender.
NHL camp pedigree
His development has been complemented by invitations to NHL rookie camps with the Boston Bruins, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Los Angeles Kings, where he trained alongside elite prospects and caught the eye of management.
Across 81 junior appearances for the Sherbrooke Phoenix and the Rimouski Océanic, he compiled a 48‑24‑3 record, a 2.56 goals‑against average and a .904 save percentage, numbers that underscore his reliability between the pipes.
The Lions’ general manager said the signing adds depth and a proven pedigree to a roster that aims to contend for a playoff berth, and the organization looks forward to seeing how St‑Hilaire will integrate into the team’s defensive scheme.