Gilles Courteau

[4] He led expansion into Atlantic Canada, starting with Halifax in the 1994–95 QMJHL season, which Courteau says is one of his biggest accomplishments as president.

[3][4][6][7] The growth allowed Courteau to negotiate a 12-year extension for QMJHL television rights with TVA Sports and Sportsnet networks,[3][4] and established revenue sharing to help smaller market teams.

[8][9] He was criticized in Quebec's French language media, but defended his decision as it prepared athletes for professional leagues that only use English.

[4][10] He successfully lobbied for amendments to labour standards in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, and as of June 2018 is negotiating with the Quebec government.

[4] He says the league's priority is to oversee players, ensure they have housing, food, education, hockey equipment, and receive a weekly stipend.

[7][12] Courteau has maintained the status quo on not releasing numbers of concussions in the QMJHL, due to confidentiality of medical records, but has stated that the CHL may adopt a policy on the disclosure of statistics in the future.

[17] His resignation came during the Government of Quebec inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct committed during hazing rituals dating back to 1975 in the QMJHL.

[3][4] He worked at the CIP pulp and paper mill in Trois-Rivières, before relocating to Quebec City to follow a hockey career.