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Official website
History & Records section - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League
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In collaboration with
Daniel Sprong
Islanders Charlottetown
Franchise
MONTRÉAL - 1999

History

The franchise took off in the Maurice-Richard Arena in Montreal

The Rocket, before the Islanders

Serge Savard, along with his sons, Serge Jr and Marc, were the team's leading figures in their early days.

In 1999, the QMJHL awarded a new franchise to a group of Montreal business people led by Serge Savard, former general manager of the Montreal Canadiens. The team name was chosen as "Rocket". This name was given in honour of Maurice "Rocket" Richard, whose nickname is associated with the famous number 9, who had a brilliant professional career with the Canadiens during the 1940s and 1950s. Maurice Richard attended the franchise's inaugural game, which was played at the Maurice Richard Arena, on the 9th day of the 9th month of the year 1999.

The Rocket, Maurice Richard, a strong symbol for Montrealers...
The Rocket, Maurice Richard, a strong symbol for Montrealers...
Pascal Leclaire - he was acquired from the Halifax Mooseheads in 2001, almost at the same time that he was going to be chosen in the 1st round by Columbus in the NHL draft. He would only play the 2001-02 season with the Rocket.
Pascal Leclaire - he was acquired from the Halifax Mooseheads in 2001, almost at the same time that he was going to be chosen in the 1st round by Columbus in the NHL draft. He would only play the 2001-02 season with the Rocket.

Despite the best efforts of senior management, the Rocket was forced to move the franchise to Charlottetown (PEI), largely due to low attendance. However, the team's nickname and colours remain the same.

One of the first players to inscribe his name in the franchise record book was Pierre-André Bureau, thanks in part to a cumulative 346 games played and 239 points with the organization from 2000-01 to 2004-05

Ben Duffy (PEI | 2008=2013) - In addition to playing 295 games in a row, the 2nd longest streak in QMJHL history, he also finished 1st in QMJHL scoring with 110 points in 2012-13. His teammate, captain Josh Currie, had 104 points during that memorable 2012-13 campaign.
Ben Duffy (PEI | 2008=2013) - In addition to playing 295 games in a row, the 2nd longest streak in QMJHL history, he also finished 1st in QMJHL scoring with 110 points in 2012-13. His teammate, captain Josh Currie, had 104 points during that memorable 2012-13 campaign.
Pierre-André Bureau (Rocket | 2000=>2005) - his 346 regular season games in the QMJHL, places him 3rd all-time, behind record holder Eric Bétournay (352) and Sébastien Laprise (347).
Pierre-André Bureau (Rocket | 2000=>2005) - his 346 regular season games in the QMJHL, places him 3rd all-time, behind record holder Eric Bétournay (352) and Sébastien Laprise (347).
2003-04 | Maxim Lapierre quickly became a crowd favourite when the team arrived in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
2003-04 | Maxim Lapierre quickly became a crowd favourite when the team arrived in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

In the spring of 2013, a wind of change was blowing through Prince Edward Island as the Savard family sold the team to a group of local shareholders. The Rocket would become the Charlottetown Islanders.

Matthew Welsh (Charlottetown | 2015=>2020) - a top-tier goalie! In 224 games, his total minutes played is the most for a goalie in QMJHL history. He won 125 games, which placed him 5th in history at the end of his major junior internship in 2020.
Matthew Welsh (Charlottetown | 2015=>2020) - a top-tier goalie! In 224 games, his total minutes played is the most for a goalie in QMJHL history. He won 125 games, which placed him 5th in history at the end of his major junior internship in 2020.

Matthew Welsh blocked a lot of shots...

...but not Covid-19.

On February 28th 2020, 20-year-old Islanders goaltender Matthew Welsh (13,080m20s at the end of the season) became the new record holder for most minutes played by a goaltender in QMJHL history, eclipsing Ryan Mior's previous mark (12,933m20s).

The unusual 2020-21 season shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed the Islanders' star players to put on a show and deliver a first regular season championship to their fans with their impressive points percentage of .875.

Cédric Desruisseaux scored 42 goals in 40 games, while Colten Ellis maintained the best goals-against average in QMJHL history (1.78), while winning 23 of his 24 games.

The Cataractes spoil a great season

The 2022 final left a bitter taste

The Charlottetown Islanders had an exceptional season in 2021-22, with 103 points in the regular season (2nd place in the QMJHL).

Their star defenseman Lukas Cormier became the franchise record holder in several categories, including most points (81) and goals (33) in a season by a defenseman.

In June 2022, head coach Jim Hulton's men participated in the President Cup grand final for the first time in their history, losing 4 games to 1 in a best-of-7 series that required three overtime games, all won by their tough and opportunistic opponents, the Shawinigan Cataractes.

Jim Hulton - in January 2025, he became the 8th head coach only in the QMJHL history to pass the 600-game mark for the same franchise.
Jim Hulton - in January 2025, he became the 8th head coach only in the QMJHL history to pass the 600-game mark for the same franchise.

The greatest names in the history of this franchise: Gaston Therrien, Pascal Leclaire, Alain Vigneault, Pierre-André Bureau, Maxim Lapierre, Ben Duffy, Daniel Sprong, Matthew Welsh, Cédric Desruisseaux, Colten Ellis, Lukas Cormier, Jim Hulton...