VIA Rail becomes the official rail carrier of the QMJHL

Boucherville, Quebec, September 10, 2026 – The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League is proud to announce that VIA Rail has become the official rail carrier of the QMJHL. This new alliance brings together two institutions deeply rooted in Canadian life and united by a shared commitment to connecting communities and supporting homegrown talent.

“Across Canada, hockey brings people together and inspires a strong sense of pride,” said Philippe Normand, Vice-President, Communications and Marketing at VIA Rail. “We are proud to join forces with the QMJHL to support young hockey players and make Canada’s national winter sport even more accessible. From Québec City to Halifax, with a stop in Moncton along the way, VIA Rail invites fans to climb aboard and cheer on these talented athletes.”

“The QMJHL and VIA Rail share several core values: strong ties to our communities, a drive to excel and a commitment to building connections between regions,” said Mario Cecchini, Commissioner of the QMJHL. “We are very pleased to embark on this journey with VIA Rail. Together, we will strengthen our connection with fans and bring the QMJHL even closer to the communities it represents.”

This collaboration will also create new opportunities for hockey fans to experience the QMJHL in different ways. Joint initiatives will be rolled out throughout the season to showcase the teams, players and communities they represent. After all, whether on the ice or aboard a train, the journey is part of the experience.

For VIA Rail, joining forces with the QMJHL is a unique opportunity to support a league that plays an important role in developing the next generation of athletes and contributing to the vitality of communities. Of the QMJHL’s 18 teams, nine play in cities served by VIA Rail’s network in Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

The partnership will officially take effect at the start of the 2026-2027 season, when QMJHL teams return to the ice on September 18.

A new season is beginning, new kilometres will be travelled and new stories will be written. All aboard with VIA Rail and the QMJHL: the next stop promises to be unforgettable.