One of Canada’s most beloved trophies made a stop in Barrie on Saturday as Philippe Daoust brought the Memorial Cup home.
Daoust and his Saint John Sea Dogs won the franchise’s second Memorial Cup on June 29 by defeating the Hamilton Bulldogs 6-3 and, making it sweeter, they did on home ice.
Daoust played a major role with six points in the tournament, including an assist and first star of the game in the tournament opener.
Daoust, who grew up in Barrie and Innisfil, brought the cup to the region on Saturday to celebrate with friends and family.
BarrieToday spoke to Daoust at the Mind to Muscle training facility, located at 500 Huronia Rd., and asked what it was like to win the most coveted trophy in the Canadian Hockey League.
“It was amazing to be one of 22 players in the whole country to be able to raise the trophy,” said Daoust. “What made it better was that it was on home ice and I happen to have a lot of family living near there. It was emotional, for sure.”
Daoust’s roots started locally as he played minor hockey for both the North Central Predators in Orillia and the Barrie Colts AAA hockey associations.
Daoust was born in Barrie and lived in Innisfil for a few years ago, attending Frère-André Catholic Elementary School and École secondaire catholique Nouvelle-Alliance.
“I think growing up and playing hockey in this region, there is so much competition that it makes you resilient,” said Daoust. “If you play in Innisfil, Barrie or Orillia, you know you have to work hard, take no days off and perfect what you do because someone else is always doing just that.”
He started the season with the Belleville Senators and his Quebec Major Junior Hockey League rights were acquired from Moncton by the Sea Dogs at the trade deadline. Daoust signed with the Ottawa Senators after the NHL club selected him in the 2020 Draft (sixth round, 158th overall).
Isaiah Moriera, manager of hockey training at Mind to Muscle, said the business was thrilled to see all of Daoust’s success and he echoed the player’s sentiment on how hard Daoust works, saying in a statement, “Phillippe continues to be a very dedicated athlete and has seen significant physical development in our M2M program strength and conditioning program.”
Daoust’s mom, Carole Quevillon, said as proud as she was, the win brought a flood of memories.
“I went on the ice after the win and hugged his neck so hard. I had to step on tippytoes, but I got that hug,” said Quevillon. “It made me think of all the drives to and from games and practice. I never roll my eyes at those early and long days. I miss them. I miss the talks during the drives because look at him now. He’s grown, he’s succeeding and I’m just so very proud.”
Daoust is the last player on the team to get his day with the cup. Being one of the senior players, he got two days.
Daoust’s aunt said her nephew “slept with it last night,” and when asked what he planned on doing with the historic Memorial Cup on Saturday, he smiled about the plans.
“We’re going golfing. It’s a beautiful day and we’re hitting the golf course,” said Daoust. “I had great fun with family and friends yesterday who got to get a pic with it. Some people have eaten poutine out of it. I may fill it with cereal before my workout.”
