The Jonquière Voyageurs are preparing to launch their 33rd season in the Quebec Junior Elite Baseball League (LBJEQ) with a mix of anticipation and adaptation. The 2025 season kicks off on Sunday with an away game against the Trois-Rivières Aigles.

Home Field Advantage… Eventually

This season presents a unique challenge for the Voyageurs. Due to extensive renovations at their home stadium,Richard-Desmeules Stadium in Jonquière,the team will temporarily relocate to the Kénogami baseball stadium for practices and games.

Guy St-gelais,head of events for the Voyageurs,explained that the natural field at Richard-Desmeules typically delays the start of the season.As a natural field takes more time to dry, in the spring, the team generally begins it’s season on the road. He anticipates the new field will be ready in August.

kenogami: A Temporary home

The Voyageurs will play their first home game in Kenogami on May 28. St-Gelais acknowledges the adjustment this move requires. Everything is smaller. Its adjustment.

St-Gelais hopes the change of venue won’t deter fans. some spectators are fearful to present themselves in Kenogami. It will be exactly the same show that we are going to have on the field. We must press our players so that thay feel even more at home.

Building a Solid Team

Approximately half of this year’s players are local,according to St-Gelais. He expects the team to maintain a strong position in the league over the next two years. The team has focused on strengthening its defense in preparation for the 2025 season. We have more experienced young people. Additional players recruited during the winter are expected to join the team in mid-June.

St-Gelais emphasizes the importance of building confidence among the players, especially when playing in front of large crowds. Even veterans have a lot in mind.

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