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In the spotlight tonight: the Winnipeg Aurora is fighting to avoid elimination as they trail three games to none against the powerful San Francisco Pride!

With a loss, Montreal’s own Bastien Primeau, who announced this would be his final season, would retire.

FIRST PERIOD

Things get off to a rough start for Winnipeg as the home team strikes first, capitalizing on a power play following a hooking penalty on Biscuit. Dominic Winters scores just 1 minute and 11 seconds into the game, putting the season leaders in front. San Francisco doubles their lead at 8:09 with a rocket shot from Levin Shattenaxt, assisted by Winters and Shaw.

BUT! Primeau reignites hope for Winnipeg, assisting on both of the Aurora’s goals! The first, from JR Frankenstero at 12:31, and then Bastien feeds Oles Kobliska at 16:08 to tie the game late in the first period. Hope is still very much alive for Bastien and the Aurora!

SECOND PERIOD

The Pride roars back in the second period, with Edzus Ozolins, assisted by Raymond and Iskandrov, putting San Francisco up 3-2 at 3:55. But Winnipeg answers back about two minutes later, with Mads McBride, aided by VINSen and Laroux, evening the score at 6:15. Those are the only goals of the period, keeping the suspense high.

THIRD PERIOD

The Aurora keeps believing as, at 3:40, Hardison-Laurent puts Winnipeg in the lead, 4-3, with help from Tymer and Biscuit. They hold that lead for about ten minutes until Logan Webb ties things up again at 13:43 on a power play, unfortunately with Primeau in the box after a slashing penalty. The third period ends without a winner, setting the stage for a decisive overtime. Will the Aurora extend their season, or will the Pride finish off their prey?

SHL ANNOUNCER – Who’s going to win in overtime, folks? The Pride now enters the Winnipeg zone, Nyckel passes to Winters, who lobs it to Scholz... WHO SCORES!!! OSKAR SCHOLZ SENDS THE WINNIPEG AURORA HOME, AND THE SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE SWEEPS THE SERIES!

Not the final game Bastien Primeau hoped for, not only as a member of the Winnipeg Aurora, but as an active player in the Simulated Hockey League. Now, let’s dive into the impressive career of Bastien Primeau, a seasoned veteran in the Simulated Hockey League with a legacy stretching from his days in the SMJHL to his contributions on the international stage.

Starting in the SMJHL, Bastien Primeau was selected 22nd overall in the second round by the Detroit Falcons during Season 67. He went on to play five seasons with Detroit, totaling 267 games. During that time, he recorded 128 goals and 195 assists, contributing to an impressive 323 points and boasting a +97 +/- rating. In playoff appearances, Primeau was a key player for Detroit, participating in four playoff runs. He clinched the Four Star Cup with Detroit in Season 68, earned a spot on the Second All-Star Team in Season 69, and received the Esa Anrikkanen Award in Season 67. He also made the Rookie All-Star Team in Season 67. Across 54 playoff games, he notched 16 goals and 24 assists for a total of 40 points, with a +1 +/- rating.

Moving on to his SHL career, Primeau was drafted 25th overall in the second round by the Minnesota Monarchs during Season 68, following in the footsteps of his father Sebastien who also played for the Monarchs as well as the Falcons. Over the course of nine seasons in the SHL, he played 594 games through six seasons with Minnesota, two with Montreal, and one with Winnipeg. Primeau racked up 170 goals and 289 assists, resulting in a 459-point total, though he closed with a -145 +/- rating. In the playoffs, Primeau has five playoff appearances, with four for Minnesota and one for Winnipeg. In his 26 playoff games, he scored 8 goals and provided 16 assists, totaling 24 points with a -12 +/- rating.

Primeau’s accomplishments extend to the international level with Team Canada. He earned a bronze medal in the World Junior Championship with Équipe Canada Junior in Season 68. Competing in the IIHF, Primeau claimed a silver medal in Season 75 and brought home gold medals in both Seasons 76 and 78.

Here is an exclusive Interview following Bastien's last match.

Reporter: Tonight marks the end of an incredible journey. Looking back, how do you feel about your career in the SHL and beyond?

Bastien Primeau: You know, it’s a mix of emotions tonight. It sucks because my penalty is what led to the tying goal that got us to lose in Overtime, so that one stings en tabarnak. But, I feel immense gratitude more than anything. I’ve had the privilege of a long career, and looking back, I can’t help but feel thankful for every team and every player who’s been part of it. From my early days with the Detroit Falcons in the SMJHL to the years I spent with Minnesota, Montreal, and finally here with Winnipeg—it’s been an incredible journey.

Reporter: You certainly made your mark on every team you played for. Is there any moment that stands out to you most?

Bastien Primeau: Winning the Four Star Cup with Detroit in Season 68 was unforgettable. The bond we had on that team was like nothing else. I was a rookie then, finding my footing, and to be part of something that special was huge. But each team, each season, had its highlights, from the Esa Anrikkanen Award to those hard-fought playoff runs with Minnesota. I’m proud of it all, even the challenges. They shaped me into the player I am today. Both Gold medal runs with Team Canada are also seasons and moments I will never forget, forging bonds and friendships that will last until I die.

Reporter: And now, as you hang up your skates, we hear your son Joe is just starting his own journey. How do you feel about that?

Bastien Primeau: Yeah, I’m thrilled for him. Joe’s always had the fire in him. I see a lot of myself in him, but he’s his own player with his own dreams, and I can’t wait to watch him develop as he enters junior in Season 80. I’m just a proud dad now, ready to support him in every way I can.

Reporter: Do you expect him to want to play with both Detroit and Minnesota?

Bastien Primeau: You will have to ask him that question.

Reporter: With such an impressive career behind you, what do you hope Joe will take from your legacy as he begins his career?

Bastien Primeau: I just hope he sees how much heart you have to put into this game. The wins, the losses, the grind—it’s all worth it if you love what you’re doing. I hope he values every opportunity, just like I did. I want him to remember to lift up his teammates and always respect the journey. He’s got an exciting road ahead, and I couldn’t be prouder to see where it leads him.

Reporter: Bastien, the SHL community will surely miss you. Any final words to the fans and teams who’ve supported you?

Bastien Primeau: To the fans, my teammates, and the organizations that took a chance on me—thank you. You all kept me going. I gave everything I had, and I hope I made a difference. Now, I’m passing the torch to the next generation, and I’ll be there in the stands, watching with all the pride in the world. Merci beaucoup!

With a career spanning both national and international competitions, Bastien Primeau leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and dedication that’s sure to be remembered in the SHL and beyond.

Total word count: 1,289

Say his name and he appears! 
Believe In the Whalers!
Believe In WJC Team Canada 
Believe In the Specters
Croyons en Équipe Québec
Believe In/Croyons en Joe Primeau!

Such a quiet force of nature that Primeau. Xavier Beausoleil had the pleasure of sharing the ice with him during his stint in MTL. This guy was the embodiment of "quality over quantity" in the LR. He didn't talk much but, whenever he did, it was well worth paying attention.

If his son Joe is anything like him, he'll do great in this league. Big shoes to fill.

Congratz on a great career. Enjoy retirement and come say hi next time you're in MTL! :-)

Xavier Beausoleil

Position RW
Height : 6.5ft
Weight : 236lbs

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Bastien was such a beast for Detroit and a great player throughout his career. Good luck with Joe!