LHJMQ Playoff Shakeup: What the New Format Means for Teams and Fans
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ) is poised for a significant shift in its playoff structure starting with the 2025-2026 season. Commissioner Mario Cecchini confirmed the changes, aiming to inject more excitement and competitive balance into the postseason. While the initial rounds will maintain the familiar divisional matchups, a radical change is coming in Round 2 – league-wide play based solely on regular season standings.
The Current System: A Regional Approach
Currently, the LHJMQ playoffs operate on a conference-based system. The top eight teams in each of the Eastern and Western Associations compete in the first two rounds, with matchups determined by seed (1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, etc.). A ‘crossover’ rule exists where the ninth-place team in one association can displace the eighth-place team in the other if they have a better regular season record. This system prioritizes regional rivalries and ensures a degree of geographic consistency in the early stages of the playoffs.
However, this system has faced criticism for potentially limiting the chances of the truly top teams meeting until the semi-finals. A dominant team in one association might not face a serious challenge until much later in the playoffs, potentially diminishing the overall drama.
The 2025-2026 Format: A League-Wide Battle
The key change arrives in Round 2. Instead of continuing within the associations, teams will be re-seeded based on their overall regular season record, regardless of conference affiliation. This means the top team in the league will face the eighth-best team, the second will face the seventh, and so on. This creates the potential for earlier, more compelling matchups between the league’s elite.
This shift mirrors changes seen in other major junior leagues, like the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), which adopted a similar format several years ago. The OHL’s experience suggests that this system can lead to increased viewership and media attention, as fans are more likely to tune in to see the best teams compete against each other earlier in the playoffs. A 2022 study by the OHL found a 15% increase in television viewership during the second round after implementing the league-wide seeding.
What This Means for Team Strategy
With 16 of 18 teams qualifying for the playoffs, regular season positioning becomes paramount. Teams will need to prioritize not just making the playoffs, but securing a high seed to avoid tough matchups in Round 2. This could lead to more aggressive trading at the deadline and a greater emphasis on consistent performance throughout the season.
The crossover rule also adds an interesting dynamic. Teams on the bubble will be keenly aware of their potential to jump into a more favorable association, potentially avoiding a stronger opponent. For example, the Rimouski Océanic, currently positioned to cross over, could significantly impact the Western Association bracket.
Current Playoff Picture: A Glimpse of What’s to Come
As of today, the Moncton Wildcats and Chicoutimi Saguenéens are leading the Eastern Association, while the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada top the Western Association. However, the standings are tight, particularly in the middle of the pack. Teams like Gatineau, Rimouski, and Saint John are battling for the final playoff spots, highlighting the importance of every game.
Here’s a snapshot of potential first-round matchups if the playoffs started today:
Association de l’Est
- (1) Wildcats de Moncton vs. (8) Sea Dogs de Saint John
- (2) Saguenéens de Chicoutimi vs. (7) Mooseheads d’Halifax
- (3) Eagles du Cap-Breton vs. (6) Remparts de Québec
- (4) Regiment de Terre-Neuve vs. (5) Islanders de Charlottetown
Association de l’Ouest
- (1) Armada de Blainville-Boisbriand vs. (8) Océanic de Rimouski
- (2) Voltigeurs de Drummondville vs. (7) Tigres de Victoriaville
- (3) Cataractes de Shawinigan vs. (6) Phoenix de Sherbrooke
- (4) Huskies de Rouyn-Noranda vs. (5) Foreurs de Val-d’Or
Did you know? The LHJMQ is the only Canadian major junior hockey league to feature a crossover rule, adding a unique element to its playoff qualification process.
Looking Ahead: Potential Impacts and Fan Engagement
The new playoff format has the potential to significantly alter the landscape of LHJMQ playoffs. It could lead to more unpredictable outcomes, increased fan engagement, and a greater emphasis on regular season performance. The league is betting that this change will elevate the overall excitement and competitiveness of the postseason.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on teams near the crossover threshold. Their performance in the final weeks of the season could have a ripple effect on the entire playoff bracket.
FAQ
- When does the new playoff format take effect? The new format will be implemented starting with the 2025-2026 season.
- What is the crossover rule? The crossover rule allows the ninth-place team in one association to potentially displace the eighth-place team in the other association based on regular season points.
- How will teams be seeded in Round 2? Teams will be re-seeded based on their overall regular season record, regardless of conference affiliation.
- Will this change make the playoffs more competitive? The league believes this change will lead to more competitive matchups and increased fan engagement.
What playoff matchup are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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