Star shining bright: Renard’s Samuel Maitre continues to dominate Winnipeg high school hockey league
Léo Rémillard’s captain sits atop division league leaders with 13 goals
They say the only guarantees in life are death and taxes.
But Léo Rémillard Renards captain Samuel Maitre celebrating a goal scored by him and his linemates every game could be added to that list of life's unavoidables.
The 17-year-old centreman for the Renards has become practically a shoo-in to produce in each game he plays in the second highest division of the Winnipeg High School Hockey League.
In 20 games this season, the senior at Centre scolaire Léo-Rémillard has racked up 13 goals in 10 games this year, while also adding seven assists for a total of 20 points.
“I’ve been able to execute on lots more opportunities this season,” said Maitre. “At the end of the day, it’s my job to produce — so that's what I try to do every game.”
Maitre also has five power-play goals under his belt this year, which leads the entire division in that regard.
“Things have just gone my way so far,” said Maitre. “I’m confident in my abilities on the ice, but I’ve also had some good linemates to support me.”
Maitre, who’s now playing in his second year of high school hockey, isn’t exactly a stranger to the big production numbers, though.
Last season with Léo-Rémillard, Maitre chalked 20 goals and 20 assists for 40 points in just 24 games. As it stands, he’s currently on pace to break last season’s numbers.
He said it feels good to produce, but that he’s more focused on the success of the team.
“All I want is to win,” Maitre said. “I don’t go into the game thinking, ‘Hey, I’m going to score three goals tonight.’ I just want to win.”
Despite his on-ice dominance, the Renards have struggled, placing near the bottom of the standings with a 4-6 record.
“I don’t think the guys have fully meshed together yet,” Renards head coach and team manager Justin Maitre said before their Nov. 21 game against the Sanford Sabres. “Our inconsistencies have certainly played a major part in our losses — we’ve got to clean that part of our game up.”
Maitre and his Renards squad are now in the thick of December's calendar, facing off against Jeanne-Sauve’s Olympiens on Dec. 10 next week.