The McGill Redmen are having an impressive season, and sophomore goaltender Jacob Gervais-Chouinard is a major reason behind this success. His outstanding save percentage of .944-per cent tops the CIS rankings. In the classroom, Gervais-Chouinard is a hard-working student majoring in Economics and minoring in Finance. At the moment, he’s not quite sure what to do after he graduates.
“Consultancy would be an ideal career but I am still weighing my options,” he said.
Gervais-Chouinard got into hockey thanks to his older brother, who is currently playing as a defenceman in the AHL for the Toledo Walleyes. The Redmen netminder had a stint in the AHL as well, lining up with the Hamilton Bulldogs. During this time, he had the opportunity to play against his brother, and doesn’t like to be reminded of the goals he conceded to his sibling over that season.
The Redmen have a solid core of veterans on the team such as Jonathan Bonneau, Guillaume Langelier-Parent, and Cedric McNicoll, which makes life a little bit easier for Gervais-Chouinard and other younger players. Gervais-Chouinard praised the older players, who he said have helped the rookies and sophomores manage their time between schoolwork and sports.
“[Our team] has good depth and chemistry among the players,” he said. “[We are] better than what is presented on paper.”
Along with his teammates, Gervais-Chouinard credits Head Coach Kelly Nobes’ framework and coaching philosophy for the team’s success this season.
“The free-flowing system he has [instilled] has allowed the team to flourish,” he said.
The freedom of play has had Gervais-Chouinard and the Redmen excelling thus far, and he said he thinks the team has the potential to win the CIS Championship this season.
Reflecting on his young but already impressive career, Gervais-Chouinard named his semifinal performance against the Alberta Golden Bears, where he made 55 saves out of 60 shots, as his highlight. Despite resulting in a loss, that performance earned him a mention on the All-tournament team during last year’s CIS Championships. Gervais-Chouinard is no stranger to the spotlight, having played for the Bulldogs and for the Sherbrooke Phoenix in the QMJHL, but he admitted to being a bit starstruck when he had the chance two weeks ago to practice with the Montreal Canadiens. He says he’ll never forget robbing P.K. Subban.
“I was making saves against Habs players such as Subban, and the Canadiens’ Coach [Michel Therrien] said I did a good job,” Gervais-Chouinard said.
The team will have to weather the loss of several veterans due to graduation next year, but Gervais-Chouinard is optimistic about their future.
“We have a very strong recruitment team, and there are a lot of players that are set to make an impact,” he said.
There is plenty to be excited about when it comes to the Redmen hockey team in the near future. In Gervais-Chouinard, the Redmen have a cornerstone player in net who should be a major component of this team’s success over the next two years.
McGill Tribune (MT): What is your favourite food?
Jacob Gervais-Chouinard (JGC): Poutine.
MT: Who is your favorite NHL Player?
JGC: Carey Price
MT: What is your favorite band?
JGC: Above and Beyond
MT: What is your hidden talent?
JGC: I play acoustic guitar
MT: If you could play another Varsity Sport what would it be?
JGC: Soccer
