Exit Interviews 2024-25: #13 Xavier Bourgault

With the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs well underway and the Belleville Senators wading into the offseason, David Foot sat down with the players to reflect on a year filled with challenges, growth, and standout moments. In this exclusive series of year-in-review interviews, players open up about their personal journeys, team milestones, and what it meant to represent Belleville and the Bay of Quinte this season. From locker room highlights to on-ice battles, these conversations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the season that was — and a glimpse at what’s ahead.

Today, we check in with forward Xavier Bourgault, who played in Belleville for the first time this season, after being acquired in a trade from the Edmonton Oilers in 2024.

DF: You played 61 games in your first year here. How did you feel about things and the transition from Bakersfield to Belleville?

XB: I liked it. It’s always a bit stressful coming into a new group when you don’t know many guys, but the guys were really welcoming to me. On the ice, off the ice, it was fun.

DF: You put up 26 points in a pretty good season of contributing. How did you feel about your game on the ice and were you able to make any improvements?

XB: I’m happy with how I finished the season. When you’re an offensive guy, you want to produce and help the team with that. There were, for sure, some ups and downs. But as the season kept going, I gained more confidence on the ice, and I was making plays. I think our line towards the end with Phil (Daoust) and Jan (Jenik) was doing pretty well together. And I feel like I also made some improvements without the puck. Overall, I’m pretty happy.

DF: What was it about Jan and Phil’s games that complemented yours and led to that chemistry?

XB: Three different guys who can do different stuff. Phil is a great playmaker, and Jan is a guy who works hard and isn’t afraid to throw the body around. He’s also a great shooter. So I think that’s what made our line good.

DF: What are your offseason goals?

XB: Just to get the body going, get it ready for next season. I’m going to have a long summer of workouts and make sure we’re ready for camp next year.

DF: How much fun was it for you to be back in Canada playing, and also just a few hours from home?

XB: It’s so much fun. My family is able to come see me a lot, and going back to play in Laval is always fun. I was happy to come back and play here in Canada. It’s different, the hockey vibes are different, and I like it a lot.

DF: What else will you get up to this summer outside of training?

XB: Maybe take a vacation? But, you know, just take care of the body and play some other sports?

DF: What other sports do you play?

XB: I like to play pickleball, and maybe I’ll get my golf game better to keep up with the guys on the team.

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