The Cowichan Valley Capitals have added a pair of veteran skaters from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to their roster for the 2014/15 season.
Forward Thomas Gobeil comes to Cowichan with 155 major junior games under his belt, while defenceman Julien Lepage has played 202 games. Both are entering their final year of junior eligibility.
Gobeil split last season between the Chicoutimi Saguenéens and Val-d'Or Foreurs, scoring eight times and adding 10 assists in 32 contests. Over his four-year career with Chicoutimi, Val-d'Or and the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, Gobeil has compiled 22 goals, 28 assists, 50 points and 167 penalty minutes.
Checking in at 6-2 and 215 pounds, Gobeil attended the Anaheim Ducks' prospect camp in 2013.
"Thomas is a true power forward who has the full package," Caps scouting director Lou Gravel said. "He is a blood and guts type of guy, and has pro qualities. He shoots like a pro, and has a pro attitude."
Lepage split last season between Baie-Comeau and Chicoutimi, putting up two goals and nine assists for 11 points and 24 penalty minutes in 54 games. Over his four-year QMJHL career, the 5-11, 175-pound blueliner has six goals and 36 assists for 42 points and 85 penalty minutes in 202 games.
"Lepage is an excellent skating, speedy defenceman," Gravel said. "He is a character guy with a great first pass and will be a rock on our defence this season. He has the ability to be an excellent offensive defenceman in the BCHL."