The beginning of a passion
At the age of five, my mother was adamant that I be enrolled in a sport to get me moving and to benefit from the values taught through team sports. That’s how my parents introduced me to the world of hockey, a decision that would completely shape my life’s journey.
During my first attempt at skating, I started moving backward. That’s how my destiny as a defenseman took shape. I wasn’t the most talented, but I was hard-working and gave everything I had with every stride.
Those efforts allowed me to progress through elite levels, supported by the constant sacrifices of my parents, who were present in arenas almost 12 months a year.
These moments on the road, in hotels and arenas with other passionate young athletes, will remain etched in my memory forever. During tournaments, between games, we would go out to the arena parking lots to dry our equipment and eat our lunch sitting on the open trunk of a car or on camping chairs. Perfect moments for young athletes on a mission to win tournaments, but above all, to have fun and build friendships.
Young Jean-Maxime
Diversifying athletic skills
One might think that all that time spent in arenas would have been enough to keep an active young boy busy, but not at all! In addition to hockey, I also competed at an elite level in baseball as a pitcher starting at the age of five. This dual commitment involved constant transitions between the two sports, sometimes within the same day.
I firmly believe that at a young age, children should be exposed to multiple sports and become well-rounded athletes, while ensuring that sports remain a game and that the desire to perform comes from the child themselves.
Hockey at the center of everything
At 15 years old, balancing hockey and baseball was no longer possible. I therefore continued my journey within the hockey sport-study program at École secondaire Les Estacades in Trois-Rivières, combining athletic performance with academic success. I shared those formative years with several teammates who went on, or are still going, to play in the NHL.
This path taught me discipline, perseverance, teamwork and resilience. I later played in collegiate AAA and Junior AAA leagues before entering the physiotherapy program at McGill University, where I chose to focus on my studies and give back to my sport by becoming a physiotherapist for sports teams.
The lessons of perseverance, teamwork and resilience continue to serve me in many areas of my life.
Jean-Maxime on the ice
Why physiotherapy?
Passionate about both sport and health, physiotherapy emerged as the ideal profession for me, allowing me to stay connected to sports while helping others. As an athlete, I greatly benefited from physiotherapy services and was impressed by physiotherapists’ understanding of the human body.
Whether working with high-performance athletes or individuals looking to carry out their daily activities in a healthy way, the field of rehabilitation strongly appealed to me.
Still at the rink, but with a first aid kit
Even before completing my university studies, I began getting involved behind the bench with Quebec hockey teams. After graduating, I took part in several major events, including the World Junior Hockey Championships.
I then worked alongside Midget Espoir and Midget AAA hockey teams from Collège Charles-Lemoyne, both during games and in clinic settings, helping players through injuries and performance-related pressures.
Giving back in a different way today
I stepped away from the bench to devote more time to my family, while continuing to treat many athletes in clinic, including professional players. I am also the director of the PhysioExtra Plateau Mont-Royal clinic and contribute to training the next generation of physiotherapists.
I also remain involved through radio segments and educational articles to help raise awareness about hockey-related injuries.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything about my student-athlete journey. These shared team experiences shaped who I am, and I am deeply grateful to my parents and to everyone who supports young athletes every day.
A few anecdotes
- I split my chin seven times while playing hockey as a result of body checks.
- I still use my hockey equipment from my Midget AAA days (at age 16), sometimes held together with tape. Nothing beats a well-broken-in pair of skates that feels like slippers.
- I had an unchanging game-day routine: a nap, spaghetti, a banana, a sports drink (and chocolate milk after the game).
Do you play hockey or support a young athlete? The therapists at PhysioExtra are here to help you prevent injuries and optimize performance, on the ice and in everyday life.
