Chapter 7: Justin Perreault

To no surprise, he was named to the league's first all-star team, was the goaltender of the year, and the league's most valuable player. Justin's .934 save percentage was the 17th best in the league dating back decades. His 1.65 goals-against average is also the 17th best dating back decades.

His goals-against average was better than Edmonton Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard, who had a 1.91 goals-against average in the 2007-08 season with the Wild.

His save percentage was better than Reid Dyck's .931 with the Pembina Valley Hawks in the 2019-20 season. Dyck is now playing NCAA Division 1 with Colgate University, after four full seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Swift Current Broncos.

"It felt great. That's what I expected going through the year being a third-year guy, I had the experience, and I wanted to dominate," continued Perreault. "I wanted what happened, so it feels great to achieve my goal."

In the playoffs, Justin carried over his great play with a 2.38 goals-against average and .915 save percentage. He went 8-2 with one shutout as the Wild cruised past their competition. In the championship final, they swept the Wheat Kings. Just like that, Justin was a provincial champion.

"It was such a great feeling and result," he offered. "I couldn't do it in my first two years. So to be able to achieve it in my last year of AAA, it's a great feeling."

Justin began this season with the Winkler Flyers. He went through training camp, but his time with the Flyers was short-lived.

The Dauphin Kings acquired the all-star goalie, and he was on the bench as the team opened the regular season on September 19 in Swan River.

"I'm happy to be here, I just wanted to play hockey," continued Perreault. "It obviously didn't work out in Winkler. The guys were super welcoming here. I want to keep battling, and hopefully, we can achieve something special."

Justin made his Kings debut on September 27 against the Neepawa Titans, and what a performance he had. He turned away 30 of the 31 shots he faced. He made several saves that could have resulted in a different outcome had he not made them.

Justin turned away 13 shots in his second game and recorded his first shutout on October 18 when he made 22 saves in a victory against the Monarchs. His nicest save of the night was with less than three seconds left when he made a great pad save to preserve the shutout. He made 23 saves on Tuesday in a 5-2 win against the Northern Manitoba Blizzard.

4-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and .957 save percentage. Justin Perreault is in the MJHL, and he knows what he's doing.

"I've started pretty strong, and I hope to keep it going," commented Perreault. "As a backup, you don't play as often. So I have to make a statement when I get to start."

Very proud of his accomplishments and rightfully so, Justin isn't the only Perreault shining bright in the hockey world. His younger brother, Ludovic, has three goals and six points in the Western Hockey League with the Victoria Royals. He's only played 11 games and is 16 years old; talk about a remarkable start.

Last year, Ludovic had 86 regular-season points and 22 in the playoffs with the Wild as the two brothers pushed Winnipeg to a provincial title.

His older brother, Elliot, is in his second season with the Nanaimo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League. After posting 14 points last year, Elliot has broken out this year, averaging nearly a point per game with six goals and 10 points in 11 games.

One sensational goalie, and two all-star forwards. The Perreault brothers are a tremendous trio, and the future is shining brighter than ever.

"When we were growing up, we were always super competitive with each other," continued Perreault. "Especially my younger brother, who is 16. He always thought he could compete with me and Elliot. We always pushed him, and now, he's caught up to us. We have a great relationship. It's tough being away from them, but that's a part of the process of being a junior hockey player."