ROUYN-NORANDA, Quebec (Interstat) — A regional rivalry and a quick rematch will highlight the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s New Year’s Eve slate when the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies host the Val-d’Or Foreurs on Wednesday at Aréna Glencore.

The Huskies (19-13-0) enter with a clear standings advantage over the Foreurs (13-20-0) and fresh off a 3-2 shootout victory in Val-d’Or just three days prior on Sunday. Nathan Langlois scored a goal in that win for Rouyn-Noranda, continuing his strong offensive play. The center has three goals and four points in his last five games, emerging as a key forward for the home side.

Val-d’Or will look for both revenge and consistency after a seesaw December. Goaltender Émile Beaunoyer, who made 28 saves in Sunday’s narrow loss, is a player to watch. He has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 38-save performance in a 6-2 win over Sherbrooke on Dec. 13, but has also endured high-scoring defeats. His performance will be critical against a Huskies team that has won two of three head-to-head meetings this season.

The Foreurs’ offense was led by Philippe Veilleux, who scored one of their two goals on Sunday. Replicating that production on the road will be essential. The Huskies, meanwhile, have been strong on home ice and will aim to close 2025 with a win before a demanding January schedule.

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. local time. This game is the second of four scheduled meetings between the Abitibi-Témiscamingue rivals in a five-week span, with the next matchup set for Jan. 9 back in Rouyn-Noranda.