• In 2015-16, the highly-skilled blueliner collected 10-64—74 in 67 games to lead Quebec Major Junior Hockey League blueliners in assists and points. Girard then paced all defenseman in assists and points in the postseason, registering 2-20—22 in 21 games to help the Cataractes reach the President’s Cup final series.

• The 2015-16 season saw Girard earn numerous honors, including Canadian Hockey League Sportsman of the Year, QMJHL Defenseman of the Year and QMJHL Most Sportsmanlike Player. He was also named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team.

• The third overall selection by the Cataractes in the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft, Girard led rookie defensemen in assists (38) and points (43) in 2014-15 to secure a spot on the League’s All-Rookie Team and earn Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He became the fourth rookie defenseman to record at least 43 points in a season for Shawinigan and the first to achieve the feat in 17 years.

• Internationally, Girard was part of Canada’s gold medal entry at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial and also skated with Canada Black at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

GETTING TO KNOW SAMUEL...

My go-to karaoke choice is: Elvis Presley
Last TV show I binge-watched is: Lost
The celebrity that always makes me laugh is: Philip Bond
At an all-you-can-eat buffet I go straight for the: Steak
The athlete I admire most is: Martin St-Louis
If I could be one person for a day it would be: Maurice Richard
One thing people don't usually know about me is: I sing opera
I am inspired by: Bobby Orr
I dream of: Playing in the NHL