Saguenéens de Chicoutimi lose season opener 5-2

The Saguenéens de Chicoutimi lost their season opener 5-2 against the Cataractes de Shawinigan at the Centre Georges-Vézina. The match began with a pre-game ceremony celebrating the team's recent Gilles-Courteau Trophy championship, including a banner raising and the presentation of players.

Nathan Lecompte opened the scoring for the Saguenéens in the first period following a faceoff win by Émile Ricard. However, the Cataractes responded with three goals before the end of the first period. Mathis Dufour scored for Chicoutimi in the third period during a power play, but the team was unable to close the gap, even after head coach Yanick Jean pulled the goaltender late in the game.

Coach Yanick Jean attributed the loss to defensive errors and the natural mistakes that occur early in a season. The Saguenéens, who underwent significant roster changes following the previous season, are scheduled to face the Remparts de Québec this Sunday.