The Senators' seventh-round pick in 2019 is one of the lucky ones playing in the QMJHL, the only one of Canada's three major junior leagues to be playing amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
"It's pretty amazing that we can play," the Val d'Or Foreurs defenceman said. "We're really fortunate to be able to play. Here in Val d'Or, there's not many cases so we're able to just play against teams in our division.
"There's many rules that we have to follow but if it's the price we pay to be able to play, it's worth it."
Thirteen games into their season, Val d'Or sit atop the West Division with an 8-1-4 record. Guenette has tallied two goals and 11 assists in those 13 contests that was highlighted by a season-high three-point performance Thursday.
With positive cases hitting Quebec, and its teams, hard - seven of the QMJHL's teams were in a 12-day protective environment bubble playing games that ended today - it's made for a bit of a dull schedule for Guenette's Foreurs. Half their games already this season have come against either Rouyn-Noranda or Baie-Comeau.
"It's a bit repetitive," he said. "Not being able to play the other divisions, like the Maritimes or the East, is a little sad but it's worth the cost."
But on the flip side, they've taken advantage of their schedule to possess a tie for the second best record in the Q.
"We're playing good right now," Guenette said. "All the team, we're on. It's been different than the last three years because right now we're winning and we're one of the best teams in the league. It's pretty positive to see that we're in a good position right now."
It's a positive too for Guenette that he's able to hit the ice as he continues his development. The 187th overall pick in 2019 was having a career year last season before the pandemic hit, tallying new career bests in goals (11) assists (29) and points (40). He's now looking to continue to build on that in his fourth full year in junior.
"I'm more confident right now. I'm more solid. I'm more mature. I've gained some weight. My game is going better and I'm getting better as a player. Being able to play right now, I'm taking the opportunity to take a step forward."
He also continues to progress as a leader. For the second straight year, Guenette was named an assistant captain, an opportunity he relishes and takes pride in.
"For me, it's a big responsibility," he said. "I take it really seriously. I'm not a big vocal guy who will do a big speech, but I try to be focused and show the example on the ice and in practice and in games and just try to be me; a model in my game and everything I do."
