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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Sports Desk • Hockey

Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League

The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) is one of the three major junior ice hockey leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) is one of three major junior hockey leagues in Canada's Canadian Hockey League. Founded in 1969, it includes 18 teams across Quebec and the Maritime provinces.

What it is

The QMJHL is a major junior ice hockey league operating in Quebec and the Maritime provinces of Canada. It is part of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and was originally founded in 1969 as the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. In 2023, it was renamed to reflect the inclusion of teams from the Maritimes.

Key details

The league has 18 teams spread across Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The season consists of a regular schedule followed by playoffs. The playoff champion earns the Gilles-Courteau Trophy and advances to compete for the Memorial Cup against winners of the OHL and WHL.

Why it matters

The QMJHL serves as a key development route for young hockey players, with NHL scouts regularly tracking its top prospects. It is an important part of Canada's junior sports culture and player development system, sending numerous players to professional careers in North America and Europe.

In short

  • One of three major junior leagues in the Canadian Hockey League.
  • 18 teams in Quebec and the Maritime provinces.
  • Renamed to Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League in 2023.
  • Champion wins the Gilles-Courteau Trophy and goes to the Memorial Cup.
Canadian angle

The QMJHL is a Canadian junior hockey league with teams in Quebec and Atlantic Canada, making it an important part of the country’s player-development system and junior sports culture.

Quick questions

What does QMJHL stand for?
QMJHL stands for Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
How many teams are in the QMJHL?
The QMJHL has 18 teams.
Who wins the QMJHL championship?
The playoff champion receives the Gilles-Courteau Trophy.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_Maritimes_Junior_Hockey_League
    Supports: League name, former name, CHL membership, geographic footprint, and championship trophy.
  2. CBC Sports — https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/qmjhl-name-change-maritimes-1.7059793
    Supports: 2023 name change to Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
  3. Canadian Hockey League — https://chl.ca/lhjmq-eagles/article/qmjhl-renamed-the-quebec-maritimes-junior-hockey-league/
    Supports: Official resolution changing the league name.
  4. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligue_de_hockey_junior_Maritimes_Québec
    Supports: Founded in 1969, 18 teams, provinces represented, and former U.S. teams.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Hockey_League
    Supports: QMJHL as one of the three CHL leagues and Memorial Cup context.