Courteau confirms retirement; President Cup to be renamed

ST. STEPHEN, NB - As expected, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League commissioner Gilles Courteau announced at a press conference Friday morning that he plans to retire in 2024.

Courteau has been involved with the QMJHL for 47 years. From the news release:

During the press conference, the President of the Board of Members, Richard Létourneau, assisted by the Second Vice President of the Executive Committee and Halifax Mooseheads majority owner, Bobby Smith, announced the process and the timelines to select the next Commissioner. The process will begin after the Holidays and end with the nomination of the new person at the end of May 2023. Courteau will stay on as Commissioner for the first six months of the 2023-24 season before handing over the title while mentoring the new person until May 31, 2024.

Unexpectedly, it was also announced Friday that "starting with the 2023 playoffs, the QMJHL champions will be awarded the Gilles Courteau Trophy."

Beginning with the 2023 #QPlayoffs, the @QMJHL champions will be awarded the Gilles Courteau Trophy (formerly known as the President Cup)! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/DD0GJf82j4

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) December 16, 2022

The QMJHL's championship trophy had been called the President Cup. The name change will end the annual debate/confusion over whether the trophy should be referred to as the President Cup, Presidents Cup or President's Cup.

Friday's press conference can be seen below.