QMJHL (Canada) 2026/27

The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League is one of the three constituent leagues of the Canadian Hockey League, representing the top tier of amateur major junior hockey in Canada for players aged 16–20. Originally founded as the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 1969 by Robert Lebel, the competition was formed by the merger of the Quebec Junior Hockey League and the Metropolitan Montreal Junior Hockey League. In December 2023, the league officially changed its name to reflect its six franchises in the Maritime provinces.

The QMJHL operates as a closed franchise system rather than a promotion/relegation pyramid. The league currently consists of 18 teams, divided into Eastern and Western conferences, with a 64-game regular season. The playoff structure involves the top 16 teams, with crossover rules allowing the highest-ranked non-qualifier from one conference to replace the lowest qualifier in the other. The champion wins the Gilles-Courteau Trophy and automatically qualifies for the Memorial Cup, the CHL national championship, unless they are the host team, in which case the runner-up takes their competitive spot.

Historically, the league is known for its offensive style of play and has produced numerous NHL stars, including Mario Lemieux, Guy Lafleur, and Connor Bedard. The most successful franchises are the Quebec Remparts and the Gatineau Olympiques, each with six President’s Cup titles. The Moncton Wildcats are the reigning champions as of the 2024–25 season. Players receive a monthly stipend and education benefits, maintaining amateur status under CHL rules, although recent NCAA rule changes allow CHL players to compete in US college hockey.