by Brian Rappleyea
In his second season with the Ottawa Junior Senators, forward Xavier Guillemette has seen an increase in playing time in the regular season, going from 37 games played to 44. Along with eight playoff appearances in last year’s playoffs on the way to the Junior Senators’ Bogart Cup victory, the 5-11, 175-pound forward gained valuable experience as he looks to contribute to another Bogart Cup this Spring.
“I bring speed when I’m out there, a lot of energy too, and I like to be the first forward in the offensive zone. I also use my vision to help my teammates whether it be getting in a good position to receive the puck, or finding them for a pass,” the left-handed shooter said of his game.
On display over the course of the season was that vision, with Guillemette tripling his assist tally this time around, notching 12 assists compared to the four he generated last season. In total, that uptick in assists more than doubled the lefty shooter’s points tally this season compared to last, from seven to 15.
“This year, I became more comfortable with the puck,” he explained. “Last season not only was I obviously younger, but it was also my first season in the league. For this year I wanted to take a step forward and have a bigger impact because I’ve learned a lot here in Ottawa and want to build on last year, which was a great experience.”
A 2005 birth year and introduced to the game when he was three or four by his father Serge, Guillemette is still growing his game, a game which for the whole of his life has been at forward, excluding a brief foray at defense in youth hockey before a return back up front where he has remained since.
Junior Senators Head Coach Kyle Makaric on Guillemette:
“Xavier can get from point A to point B in no time, he’s a guy that can forecheck really well, and has been a great penalty killer for us this year. He’s a guy that when called upon, is going to have to play an important depth role for us in the playoffs. He’s an exceptional teammate, plays hard in practice, and works hard in his role. He’s a guy that you need to win. He’s always got a smile on his face, brings a positive attitude, and is a great kid to have around.”
In addition to playing for the Junior Senators, Guillemette is an avid biker and enjoys riding around the city, going to movies, likes lacrosse, and soccer, and attends school locally.
The Junior Senators are heading into the second round of the Bogart Cup playoffs, following their opening-round series clinching win over the Cornwall Colts on April 3. Guillemette contributed an assist in the 5-2 victory.
