Rapid City Rush forward Cedric Montminy began playing hockey at the age of four and credits his love of the game from his father, Andre Gaudette, who played professional hockey for seven years split between the American Hockey League and Quebec Nordiques of the World Hockey Association.  Having a great mentor and teacher helped Cedric achieve his dream of playing professional hockey, which now fuels his passion to pay it forward and help develop the next generation of players. 

Montminy recently launched his own hockey school, PHCM Hockey in his hometown of Sherbrooke, Quebec, and has enlisted the help of the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) and their Grow with the Pros! Mentor Program to provide a one-of-a-kind hockey experience for his students which will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

The 2018-19 season was Montminy’s first in the ECHL where he finished with 20 goals and 18 assists including 117 penalty minutes in 60 games with the Rush.  However, the 24-year old took a somewhat non-traditional path to get to where he is today.  

Montminy played three seasons of collegiate hockey in Quebec for Sherbrooke College and later Saint Jerome, while making a brief appearance in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Drummondville Voltiguers during the 2014-15 season.

“I was called up to Drummondville half way through the season. I loved playing in the QMHJL. For most young players in the area it’s a dream to make it to that league. It was a goal for me since I was a young kid. However, in the end I decided to go back to college, finish my business degree, and compete for a championship with my teammates.”

Following his collegiate career, Montminy desired to play professional hockey in Europe. After a successful year in France’s Division 3 league, he played in Germany the following season. In his 61 games overseas, Montminy totalled 97 points. He credits his development as a player and as a person to his experience in Europe.

“I had wanted to play overseas since I was 14. My dad actually suggested it.  Travel and see the world while playing professionally. I gave it a try and really enjoyed it. I loved Germany and the Alps. I also used the opportunity to develop into a stronger player before returning to North America.”

Montminy had no intentions of returning to North America so soon, but unforeseen circumstances forced his hand.

“The team in Germany I was playing for suddenly went bankrupt, so I was stuck looking for a contract in June. With limited time and options, I contacted some people to see if they could help me find a team for the upcoming season.”

Montminy heard back from his former coach, Pascal Rheaume, who informed him that Rapid City was interested in bringing him to their Training Camp.

“Rapid City has an interesting situation as they have no AHL affiliate. I went to their camp and eventually made the team. It all worked out and I have loved it ever since. I look forward to potentially going back next season.”

Coming off a successful season, Montminy is striving to advance to the next level of the sport.  “Another goal of mine would be getting an opportunity to attend an AHL camp. Taking that next step in my career and understanding where I can compete is vital for me. I believe that playing in Europe is no longer an option for me anymore, especially with PHCM Hockey growing the way it is.”

Montminy has always enjoyed working with youth hockey players.  For the past two years he has coached a minor hockey team during the off-season which sparked his desire to build his own hockey school.  “This is something I have wanted to do for a while and figured it was best to start sooner rather than later and let it grow as I continue my playing career.”

PHCM Hockey will run two development camps for players aged 10 – 16 throughout July and offers exceptional training from players who have played at the professional level.

“Some of my friends that play professionally come for a couple days and help train specific skills. Hugo Roy (Milwaukee Admirals), Cedric Lacroix (Wheeling Nailers), and Anthony Nellis (Fort Wayne Komets) all help, and I am very grateful for that. Another local coach that I know very well, Mickael Fillion, comes out and brings a coaching dynamic to the camp.  I believe that the 10 to 16 year old age group is mature enough to truly understand the level of effort needed to succeed.  There is no skill restriction required.  No matter where you play, we can work with you.”

When Montminy learned about the PHPA’s Grow with the Pros! Mentor Program, he immediately contacted the PHPA to see if they would consider bringing the program to Sherbrooke to be part of his school.  Although the PHPA has typically executed the program with players in various AHL markets with the support of their team, this will mark the first occasion the PHPA is hosting the program at a player’s hockey school.

“The PHPA is a great organization that does a lot for the players and the hockey community. They have never held their Grow with the Pros program in Quebec or worked with a player’s hockey school, so we are all really excited about developing this into a truly special event.”

The PHPA – Meridian Grow with the Pros! Mentor Program debuted in 2016 as a community outreach program where three PHPA Members in various markets run a one-hour practice for a team(s) of minor hockey players, followed by an interactive Question and Answer discussion, providing mentorship and skill development both on and off the ice.  The event concludes with each participant receiving the opportunity to sit across the table from the Player Mentors for an official contract signing.

“The Grow with the Pros Mentor Program is a great event in helping youth players understand the perspective of playing professionally. Learning from professional players, signing their contracts for the day, it really helps the students get motivated and more invested in the camp.”

When he isn’t training for the upcoming season, Montminy devotes his time to carefully planning and building every detail of his hockey school, ensuring that he can one day successfully transition into it full-time once his playing career is over.

“Starting this camp now can allow it to grow through the years and allow myself to fully commit once my playing career is over. It is comforting to know that I have something to fall back on, so I am not struggling to develop a career.”

The PHPA – Meridian Grow with the Pros! Mentor Program will be part of the PHCM Hockey School on July 3^rd.  For more information please visit phcm.ca.