PHPA Player Rep Spotlight: Joel Chouinard

PHPA.com | May 2nd, 2019

PHPA Player Rep Spotlight: Joel Chouinard (Allen Americans)

 

Joel Chouinard is the PHPA Player Representative for the Allen Americans of the ECHL. The 28-year-old defensemen played four seasons for the Victoriaville Tigres of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).  In 2008, Chouinard was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 6th round 167th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Since 2010, the Sherbrooke, QC native has played over 200 AHL and 250 ECHL games between 9 different teams. In 2017, Chouinard was named captain of Allen.

 

 

 

How did you become a PHPA Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

 

I was assistant to Riley Gill my first couple years in Allen. I previously hadn’t really been involved before, but Riley was a really good rep he took me under his wing and showed me how everything works.  I started really getting involved during the last ECHL CBA negotiations by jumping on some phone calls with him and thought it was something really cool to be a part of. This past year when Giller officially retired I jumped in and took over as the full-time Player Rep. 

 

How did you enjoy playing hockey in the QMJHL for Victoriaville and how do you think that experience helped your development?

 

I think the Canadian Hockey League as a whole is a great league for developing talent. You start out playing there when you’re 16 or 17 and it really helps you turn into an adult. Juggling your school and hockey really teaches you responsibility. Also, for me I played 68 games a season in the Q and that really shows you how hard a hockey season can be. I think it really helped my development and I credit playing there with being able to jump right into playing professional hockey at 20 years old.

 

You made your professional debut in 2010 with the Lake Erie Monsters. Were you more excited or nervous? Is there one memory that stands out from that game?

 

I remember actually getting hurt in practice at the very beginning of the season. So, I actually missed the first 2-3 weeks of the season which just added to the excitement and nervousness. But, I do remember when the coach gave me the nod and told me I’d be in I was just very excited and then leading up to the game some nerves kicked in. Overall, the game went really well.

 

You have played in Allen for three seasons now. What are some of your favourite things about playing and living there?

 

One of my favourite things about playing here has to be the crowd at our games. When we are playing well and winning, the crowd and fans are unbelievable. Even if it’s not necessarily sold out, I have never seen a crowd more into a hockey game than here. They are definitely the best fans I have played in front of. They are so passionate and definitely want to win just as much as the players do.

 

In 2017, you were named captain of Allen. How would you describe yourself as a leader and what are some things you do to help mentor some of the younger guys on the team?

 

I wouldn’t say I’m the loudest guy that will give motivational speeches and just go and fight the toughest guy on the other team or anything. I just try to work really hard, do my job and lead by example. When it comes to helping some of the guys individually, I would just talk to guys on the side and ask how they were doing and kind of try and act as a liaison with the coach and the players.

 

You and your wife Courtney just welcomed a new member to your family, baby boy Julien. How has fatherhood changed you? And what’s your favourite part about being a dad? 

 

Fatherhood has changed me in a sense that now it’s not just me and my wife anymore. You’re now responsible for another human who is completely dependent on you. It’s a lot of responsibility I didn’t have before and has been eye opening, but its been absolutely great. Seeing him grow up and develop into a young boy is the best thing ever. My favourite part is seeing him grow up and accomplish things like crawling for the first time, as a father you’re so proud.

 

Who was your favourite hockey player growing up and why?

 

Mario Lemieux. I though his hockey sense was out of this world and just the way he saw the game was unbelievable.

 

If you could be a professional athlete in any sport other than hockey. Which sport would it be?

 

Probably soccer. It was the other sport I played competitively growing up.

 

What’s one hidden talent or interest that most people would not know about you?

 

I’d say I’m a pretty good cook. It’s something I picked up early when I was a teenager and I would cook for my parents. Living in Texas has been great, I’ve picked up some skills like smoking meat that we don’t really use up north where I’m from.

 

What’s your favourite social media account(s) to follow and why?

 

I love the Barstool accounts. My favourite would have to be their I can’t even instagram account with all the puppies.

 

What’s the best concert you have ever attended?

 

Brett Eldredge and Luke Bryan two summers ago here in Dallas. I really love Brett Aldridge, I think he’s one of the most talented artists out there.

 

Tell us a question we should have asked you (and provide a response).              

 

If you could sit down and have dinner with anyone in the world who it be?

 

Elon Musk or Carles Puyol. The story behind choosing Puyol is I read a really great book called Captains Class by Sam Walker, which examined some of the best captains in history, in any sport, and it had a chapter on him. He was the captain back when the FC Barcelona soccer team was ridiculously good and seems like someone who would be a really good mentor for leadership.

 

Editor’s note- This was Joel’s last season playing for Allen as he has decided to retire from professional hockey and pursue a career in the financial services industry. We would like to wish Joel all the best in the next phase of his life and thank him for everything he’s done for his team, community, and the PHPA.