As we approach the midway point of the 67th SMJHL season, it's high time to take a closer look at this year's breakaway phenoms. Currently sitting perched atop the leaderboards is the Citadelles' top line of veteran owls: Portgas D. Ace, Sophie Bordeleau, and Tam Cove. This trio stepped seamlessly into their leadership roles both on and off the ice; something utterly critical in the face of a roster now overflowing with new faces after many of last season's core members made the leap to the SHL. Bordeleau was named alternate captain as the pre-season came to a close, Ace became the unofficial rookie wrangler (they tend to wander, after all), and Tam Cove continues to bring his unflappable, infectious determination to help steer the team through any and every storm they face.

It really should come as no surprise whatsoever that these three have kept the entire league chasing after them in production. Sophie Bordeleau has been an absolute firecracker in the scoring race, taking a very early lead in both goals and points with no sign that she will be taking her foot off the gas anytime soon. Not even halfway through the season, she has already taken the franchise lead in points, and is poised to at the very least cement her place in the top three of every scoring category, if not blast right through to number one. Through it all she has remained focused on the team rather than her accomplishments as an individual, especially with QCC's recent struggles of late. The fact that no matter what is on the scoreboard, the locker room is still largely full to the brim with optimism and plain old enjoyment of the game is a testament to the calibre of the team's leadership group, of which Bordeleau's line are key pieces.

On either side of the star center are two stars in their own right. Portgas D. Ace is Quebec's most experienced player, and a literal, physical force on the left wing. He is right there at the top in scoring with linemate Bordeleau, and as of this writing, holding the league lead in assists. It's hard to tell sometimes where Portgas ends and Sophie begins, with how fluid and effortless their play together looks from the outside. Though not originally drafted by the Citadelles, Ace has cemented himself as a 'dark horse' fan favourite in and around the Videotron Center. Some might argue that he owes much of his success to Bordeleau, but it's an underestimation in which he seems to thrive. With the spotlight following Sophie wherever she goes, Portgas takes full advantage by always being exactly where the puck is headed, and parlaying that time and time again into effortless scoring opportunities for his league-leading linemate. It's impossible for this writer to say if there is any envy or jealousy here on Ace's part, but clearly it has little bearing on his performance either way. His teammates adore him, and the fans even more so with every famous bone-crushing hit he lands.

And finally, quietly dominating on the right wing is Tam Kove. Though forever tied to a growing family legacy, Tam stands out very easily on his own. Admittedly, he is the least flashy of QCC's first line, but the bar is also unusually high in that regard. His dominance shows in subtler, but equally impactful ways. So far this season, Kove handily leads the Citadelles in plus/minus, and is also one of the top league leaders in the category. Critics will immediately point out that the tenacious winger is also currently among the league leaders in penalty minutes, but watch a few games and anyone paying attention will soon come to understand why everyone on the bench looks to Tam Kove when things get tough. He has a skill that can't be taught: Tam sets the tone. Fiercely protective of his teammates, and especially pesky on the forecheck, opposing teams have had to learn not to hand the Citadelles a rallying point through Kove by letting him get under their skin. His discipline could admittedly use some work, if only for the sake of future coaches' hairlines, but it's hard not to love the guy...as long as he's on your side.

All in all, Quebec City is having a successful, if not very consistent, season so far. With these three making goalies cry everywhere they go, the hope is that the Citadelles can build on that and make another deep run in the playoffs. Regardless, they are all putting on a hell of a show for their fans this year, and it continues to be a pleasure to watch this group flourish.

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Viktor Hargreeves ° C ° QCC ° SFP
BOOP

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