St Malo celebrates CRJHL’s newest all-time leader

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This article was published 11/11/2024 (577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Even as Ashton Dubois was being honoured for becoming the Capital Region Junior Hockey League’s all-time leading scorer, he was focused on the future.

The 2004-born Dubois became the league’s new highest point-scorer after notching an assist against Selkirk during a 6-2 win Oct. 25 and was honoured before the start of a game against Arborg in St Malo Nov. 1.

It’s a special record to hold for a player who has watched St Malo Warriors hockey from the time he could walk.

“Growing up watching those guys play every night, they were a huge inspiration in my hockey career,” Dubois said.

“If I can do anything like that to these kids here, I’m happy. That means the world to me.”

The team held a ceremony for the record-holder before a Nov. 1 game against Arborg, presenting Dubois with a custom stick noting his accomplishment on it. Dubois picked up right back where he left off pre-record breaking, scoring a goal on the powerplay to give the Warriors an early 2-0 lead in front of a solid St Malo crowd.

The team had tried to keep Dubois in the dark about how close he was to breaking the record, but after he tied the record, they gave him the puck from the tying goal and let him know he was a point away from history.

“I didn’t really let it change the way I played,” Dubois said.

The record-breaking point came in similar way to how a lot of Dubois’ recent production has come — playing the point on the powerplay. Dubois moved from the half-wall to the point during the playoffs last season, and has thrived in the newer position.

Dubois slipped the puck to Logan Fillion, who beat the Selkirk goalie and helped Dubois make a little history.

“I have a really good understanding of where people are and who is going to be where at what time,” Dubois said after a 9-1 victory over Arborg.

The CRJHL is a new league, only established in 2018 when five teams, including St Malo, split off from the Keystone Junior Hockey League.

The previous record of 130 points was set by Selkirk’s Reece Tessier.

In 91 games with the Warriors, Dubios has notched 57 goals and 79 assists, with his totals hurt by the shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before joining the Warriors, Dubios played high school hockey with the Morris Mavericks. Dubois also serves as the team’s captain.

“He’s one of those kids that just lowers his head and works hard,” St Malo head coach and general manager Ralph Collette said.

“He’s a quiet leader, he leads by example and that’s what you want in a captain.”

In terms of what skills have allowed Dubois to become the league’s leading scorer, Collette noted the forward is strong on the puck and does a great job of disguising his shot.

“(Dubois) is not a guy that’s going to really wow you, take off from one end of the ice to the other,” Collette said.

“He’s just one of those guys that knows where to go.”

Dubios has been playing with linemates Brady Gregoire and Jeremie Collette since 2022, and the trio has thrived together ever since. Jeremie and Ashton both joined St Malo in 2020

“Those three players just compliment each other really, really well,” coach Collette said.

St Malo has always had a strong hockey presence, with the junior team well-supported by plenty of talented local players who want to stay and play for their hometown team.

“I grew up playing with some of these guys my entire life, from when I started learning how to skate to now,” Dubois said.

“I think that’s almost where we have an advantage over every other team… When it comes to winning an important game, chemistry beats anything.”

There’s still more for Dubois to do in the league, and it’s not about raising the all-time record as high as he can in his final 50 games in the league.

The Warriors are looking to defend their championship win from last season, and have gotten off to a strong start, notching a 7-2 record, although both losses came at the hands of Beausejour, last year’s runners-up.

“The team is amazing right now, it’s the best team I’ve played on by far,” Dubois said, noting last year’s successful playoff run, including coming back from down 2-0 in the championship series has provided valuable experience.

“We’re rolling. Our goal is the championship.”

Dubois and the Warriors will be back in action at home Nov. 15, when they host the La Broquerie Habs for the first time in the CRJHL.