Loik Gariepy – LHC – Victoriaville Tigres QMJHL
His engine simply never stops running. When you look at his skating profile, it’s defined by a relentless, high-motor pace that makes him a menace on the forecheck. While his stride mechanics and linear transition speed are still a work in progress, he compensates with a high compete level and a willingness to drive through heavy traffic. If he can improve his first step and improve his lateral agility, it would greatly improve his overall play. As he continues to add lean muscle to his frame, that straight-line power will naturally catch up to his rapid footwork.
Offensively, Gariépy plays a highly intelligent, inside-driven game that revolves around his high hockey IQ. He isn’t a flashy, coast-to-coast rusher, but rather a cerebral playmaker who knows exactly how to navigate tight spaces and filter pucks into high-danger areas. His shooting profile is more opportunistic than devastating right now, relying on quick releases and heavy net-front accurate touches rather than raw velocity. There is still a bit of a developmental curve when it comes to his pure puck control abilities. He does look like he rushes some plays, especially when under heavy pressure, and that can generate turnovers.
He has very good vision and a knack for finding openings in traffic, allowing for his offensive production to translate to the next level, as long as he can continue to refine and improve his own game.
He has an already well-developed pro-style defensive play. He is already seen as a premier checking forward in the QMJHL who commands the ice with advanced positioning, excellent puck tracking, an active stick and an innate ability to deny passing lanes. His defensive tracking is exceptionally mature for a 2027 NHL Draft prospect, routinely dropping deep into his own zone to support his defencemen and win critical battles along the wall. Whether he’s deployed at center or on the wing, his defensive reliability raises his overall floor as a potential matchup line forward who can be relied upon in his own end.
Currently, his style translates to the pro game, but improvements in his pace of offensive play and first step keep him a projected mid-round prospect.
Skating 3/5
Puck Control 3.5/5
Hockey Sense 4/5
Skating 3/5