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The fifth overall pick of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan in the 2013 QMJHL draft, Guillaume Brisebois was part of Team Canada’s dominant gold medal winning squad at last summer’s Ivan Hlinka tournament. He came in as a rookie in 2013-14 and was immediately played in a top-four role for the Titan as a 16-year-old. This past season he continued to progress at both ends of the rink, and put up four goals and 28 points for the Titan. Don’t be fooled by the -40 in his plus/minus column, Brisebois is playing on one of the worst teams in the QMJHL this season (they won just 17 games), and he has played big minutes against top lines for this club. Both of these factors contribute to a stat that doesn’t tell the whole story. In fact his offensive stats are probably not telling the whole story either, as he would be able to get more assists if the Titan had forwards who could finish when he gives them a strong pass. Brisebois finished the year playing for Team Canada once again, as he suited up for the IIHF Under 20 World Championship team and helped the squad to a bronze medal.
Guillaume Brisebois
Defense — shoots Left
Born Jul 21 1997 — St. Hilaire, PQ
Height 6.02 — Weight 175 [188 cm/79 kg]
Guillaume Brisebois is very good with the puck on his stick. He makes smart passes on the breakout and can quarterback the power play from the blue line. Brisebois has a very good slap shot, and the mobility and agility to slide sideways and open up passing and shooting lanes. He understands the importance of keeping his shot low and on net for screens, tips and rebounds. He does need to use his shot more often though, as he can seem to look to pass in situations when he should rip a slap shot on net. He also possesses a strong and accurate wrist shot with a good release. Brisebois has the poise to control the puck at the back end and wait for his opportunities. He has the good stickhandling to lead the rush, but is often more content to head-man the puck and join as a trailer. His instincts on when to make a pinch at the line could be improved as he has a tendency to push forward a bit too often. This could come from the fact that his Titan were almost always trailing in games though and that there was a need to take a bit more risks to catch up.
Brisebois is a very good skater. He has good speed and acceleration in both directions. Add to his speed, a quick first step, excellent edgework, and quick pivots, and he can change directions very quickly and is very difficult to beat off the rush. Brisebois could work on his lower body strength and balance though.
Guillaume Brisebois mains good gap control in the defensive zone and forces forwards to the outside. He has a solid poke check which seperates opponents from the puck. His good footwork and solid skating make Brisebois difficult to beat in one-on-one situations, be they off the rush, or in keeping his man to the outside in the cycle game. He uses that quick stick to cut down on passing lanes and opportunities. He also shows good positioning in his own end. While Brisebois shows a willingness to battle in the corners and in front of the net, he isn’t a big hitter. He will also need to get physically stronger in order to clear the front of the net and win battles in the corners at the next level, but has a good frame that he can add muscle to.
Brisebois could be an effective top-four defenceman and second unit powerplay player for a team at the NHL level if he is able to reach his potential. His game is reminiscent of Dennis Wideman of the Calgary Flames, though this is a stylistic comparison and not one based on talent level.
Below are some highlight videos of Guillaume Brisebois in action.
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