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The Montreal Canadiens organization is adding experience to its blue line.
An interesting addition has just been confirmed within the organization.
Quebec-born defenseman Xavier Bernard has signed a contract with the Canadiens’ ECHL affiliate, the Trois-Rivières Lions.
A native of Mercier, Quebec, Bernard has spent the past five seasons playing between the American Hockey League and the ECHL.
Last season, the 6-foot-5 defenseman recorded 16 points in 54 games with the Rapid City Rush while posting a +12 rating.
Over his ECHL career, he has registered 52 points in 166 games with an impressive +56 rating.
In the AHL, he added seven points in 83 games.
A first-round pick of the Drummondville Voltigeurs in 2016, Bernard also played for the Sherbrooke Phoenix and Val-d’Or Foreurs in the QMJHL.
See the official announcement here:
“The Trois-Rivières Lions announce the arrival of Xavier Bernard!
With several seasons of experience in the AHL and ECHL, the 6-foot-5 Quebec-born defenseman stands out for his skating, physicality and excellent vision on the ice.”
Xavier Bernard brings size, experience and a hometown connection to the Lions’ blue line
At 26, the left-shot defenseman is returning to play in Quebec, something he has been eagerly anticipating.
“I’m happy to be joining the Lions. I can’t wait to play in front of my family, friends and Lions fans. Our expectations are high, and we can’t wait for the season to start.”
– Xavier Bernard
Bernard joins an already deep group with the Lions that includes Anthony Beauregard, Mathias Laferrière and Robert Orr, among others.
The Lions’ 2026-27 season will begin on October 16 at Colisée Vidéotron.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics