He may not be the biggest player on the ice, but much like the undersized Jacob Therrien with the North Bay Battalion, Cedar Montreuil makes an impact.
The 2009 birth year forward from Mattawa has been one of the key offensive threats for the North Bay U16 AAA Trappers team that is wrapping up regular season play in the Great North U18 AAA Hockey League.
Through the first 29 games this season, Montreuil has netted 18 goals and 14 assists for 32 points.
OHL scouts are taking notice.
"Cedar is an undersized Winger, with an impressive motor and compete level," said one scout.
"Cedar plays much bigger than listed."
Scouts believe his work ethic is his trademark.
"He plays with a physical edge despite his size. Sneaky good offensively, might not see him drive a line, but he finds ways to contribute. Willingly plays in the hard areas of the ice. A player whose competitiveness and unrelenting motor should appeal to OHL scouts and management alike."
Montreuil describes himself as a dynamic two-way forward who enjoys getting into puck battles, taking hits and blocking shots.
"I can also create plays finding teammates along with putting the puck in the net," said the 5'7", 172 pound forward.
He models his game after NHL power forward and Stanley Cup winner, Matthew Tkachuk.
"Doing anything I can do to help my team win. I am also a player on the team who helps out whether it’s on the ice, not letting the team get discouraged or in the room, keeping them focused on the task at hand."
Older competition
Montreuil also enjoys the challenge of playing against bigger and stronger competition, so playing in a league against players two or three years older doesn't phase him. Montreuil actually played games last season as an affiliate with the U18 AAA Trappers. He attended the Powassan Voodoos summer camp last July and is an affiliate with the local junior 'A' team this season.
"Adjusting to playing against the older players in this league was obviously a challenge," he admits.
"To adjust to this, I have found that playing scared is not the answer. I figured out that to be able to compete against them I have had to become even more gritty, get shots off quicker along with passes."
Feeling grateful
Montreuil does not want to take anything for granted in his hockey journey.
"Without a doubt my parents since without them none of this would be possible, whether it be bringing me to and from practice, financially supporting me, feeding me nutritious food allowing me to be in my best shape and also them sacrificing a lot to be able to make all this happen," he said.
"Other people that comes to mind is my coaching staff, they put a lot of time reviewing video for the team to improve our game, also sending videos to players individually telling us what we are doing well and what we need to work on, also being available for individual meetings if we need some extra help. Without these people, I wouldn’t be the player I am today."
OHL draft anxiety?
Montreuil, who was also named to the NOHA All-Star roster for the OHL Cup, is trying to be calm when thinking about the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, which takes place April 11 and 12 online.
"I put it in the back of my mind and do not stress about it," he said.
Montreuil has a positive outlook whether he gets drafted or not.
"Many players go undrafted and continue on to have a career," he said.
"Even if that doesn’t happen I have a lot to live for and know I will be successful in whatever I end up doing since I am very committed to everything I do.
"This doesn’t just apply to hockey but also at school; doing the best I can and at work doing the best work I can do.
"That is why I am not stressed about the draft since there’s nothing I can do except to play my game and do the best I can."