Rumoured to be signing with the Oshawa Generals in the fall, Blind River Beavers defenseman and local product Jonathan Lavigne has worked his way through to his junior hockey dream, albeit one province further to the east.

The 6'3" 220 pound stay at home blueliner recently inked his name on a contract with the Gatineau Olympiques of the QJMHL (Quebec Junior Major Hockey League).

The 17 year-old played his minor hockey within the Valley East Rebels progressive hockey system, suiting up for one year with the Nickel City Midget "AAA" Sons before heading south to play with the Gilmour Academy Lancers (Ohio) during the 2011-2012 season.

In 24 games this year, Lavigne has picked up three assists in his rookie year in the NOJHL (Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League), providing a stable presence on a very young defense corps in Blind River.

"His size and strength are great assets and will make any team very happy to have him playing for them," noted Beavers' head coach and NOJHL almunus Doug McEwen. "It was a pleasure to be able to help him along in his playing career."

"What I saw in Jonathan was his quality decision-making in key moments, having the patience to wait the extra second and make a good play instead of having a knee-jerk reaction to a situation and losing an opportunity," stated Gatineau director of player personnel, Pierre Boisvert.

Lavigne becomes the second recent blueliner with the Blind River franchise to find playing time in the QJMHL, joining Espanola native Andrew Tessier. The latter spent last year with the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL before making the move to the "Q", joining the Drumondville Voltigeurs in the fall.