By: Agrani Tiwari
Jacob Perreault’s love for hockey began at the age of four, inspired by his father’s passion for the game. Growing up in Ottawa, Perreault honed his skills within the Nepean Minor Hockey Association (NMHA), playing for the Nepean Raiders. His journey through house league and competitive hockey saw him progress through Rep B and AA levels, reaching the junior level two years ago with the Ottawa West Golden Knights.
Known for his gritty play and relentless work ethic, Perreault is a playmaker and grinder on the ice. He excels in faceoffs, which he considers his strongest trait. Playing centre allows him to stay deeply involved in both the offensive and defensive zones, a role he relishes for its demands of awareness and versatility. Perreault values unselfish play and is committed to being a supportive teammate, both on and off the ice.
Perreault’s proudest moments came when he led his teams to back-to-back season championships in Rep B (2021-2022) and AA (2022-2023). Winning those titles in playoff finals underscored his hard work and resilience, and they remain career highlights.
Overcoming challenges has been a theme in Perreault’s career. At a young age, he often found himself overlooked due to his smaller size, but he used this as motivation to train harder, get to practice early and stay late to improve his skills. Injuries have also been a part of Perreault’s journey; he’s faced shoulder separation, a fractured collarbone, and heel surgery but has always come back stronger.
Perreault’s current season goals include breaking into the top 20 points in the league and helping his team win the championship. In the long term, he hopes to pursue hockey internationally, looking to extend his passion beyond junior levels. As he says, “I’ll just keep playing until I can’t anymore.”
Off the ice, Perreault is a team motivator, known for getting the boys hyped and creating a lively locker room atmosphere. He takes game-day rituals seriously arriving two hours early, hydrating rigorously, and following strict routines, including handshakes with every teammate. His unique approach speaks to his superstitious side and reinforces his steadfast team player role.
A devoted Montreal Canadiens fan, Perreault has a deep admiration for Carey Price. He also follows rising star Cole Caufield and appreciates the skill of players like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. His connection to his favorite team runs through his mother, who introduced him to the Canadiens early on. He encourages younger players to understand that nothing comes for free; success requires effort. Sometimes, they might need to start in lower leagues and work their way up.
As Perreault heads into his second season with the Ottawa West Golden Knights, he remains a player with high expectations, boundless energy, and a passion for the game that reflects in every practice and game day.
