Stingers’ Jessymaude Drapeau driven by competition and resilience
Jessymaude Drapeau is quick to call herself “competitive” — and just about everyone who knows her would agree.
“If I could describe myself in one word, it would be competitive,” the Concordia Stingers women’s hockey veteran said.
“Not just on the ice, but in life in general. I just want to win all the time.”
It’s an edge she’s carried since childhood, sparked by fierce mini-game battles in the backyard with her younger brother and supported by a household where competition was second nature. Drapeau’s hockey journey began at age five, when she convinced her parents to let her swap figure skates for hockey gear.
“I liked figure skating, but I didn’t like dressing like a little princess,” she said.
“I just wanted to wear the big equipment and look tough.”
That mindset, the toughness, grit, and a relentless will to win, carried her from her small hometown to Concordia, by way of Drummondville at age 15, when she left home to chase her hockey dream. That decision, though daunting, shaped her path.
“There wasn’t much girls hockey where I was from. Leaving at 15 was scary, but I knew it’s what I wanted. That sacrifice was worth it.”
Now entering her sixth year with the Stingers, Drapeau has carved out a reputation as a successful player in U SPORTS. Though known for her scoring touch, she’s just as proud of how her game has evolved away from the puck.
“I’ve always been an offensive player, but this year, I embraced more defensive responsibilities,” said Drapeau, who ranked top-10 in the country in both points and assists during the 2024-25 season.
“Killing penalties, taking faceoffs, blocking shots, those moments are just as rewarding as scoring. It means a lot when your teammates tap you on the back after a big PK.”
Her versatility was on full display at the U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championship this year, where she notched a hat trick in under 14 minutes to erase a two-goal deficit.
“We were down 2–0, and I remember looking around and seeing some of the girls unsure,” she said.
“I said, ‘No way, we worked too hard to be here.’ I blacked out a bit during that stretch, but I knew my teammates needed me, and I was ready.”
The comeback win didn’t lead to a title this time. Concordia’s national championship streak was snapped, but Drapeau believes adversity has a role to play in long-term growth.
“This year was tough, and yeah, I’m still mad about it,” she said.
“But sometimes life puts these moments in your path to teach you. You need those losses to refocus, to remember the small details. I’ve learned more from losing than winning.”
She credits much of her development, both as an athlete and a person, to the Stingers’ coaching staff, led by Julie Chu and Caroline Ouellette.
“When I arrived, I was shy, barely spoke English,” Drapeau said.
“They put me in uncomfortable situations that helped me grow in public speaking, leadership, everything. I came here as a girl. I’m leaving a woman.”
And as she prepares for her final year of eligibility, Drapeau already has her sights set on the next level: the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).
“It’s the dream. To play every day, to be surrounded by the best in the world, I want that,” she said.
“I’ve talked with my coaches. I’m using this last year to develop and get ready. Getting drafted would mean everything.”
She’s already imagining what it would have meant to her younger self.
“Little Jessymaude didn’t have this. No women’s pro league to watch. Now I coach 12-year-olds who come to practice buzzing because they saw a PWHL game. That’s powerful.”
Role models like former teammate and current PWHL player Emmy Fecteau help fuel that vision.
“I played on a line with Emmy. She’s so competitive and passionate. Seeing her make it, it makes me believe I can too.”
Despite a journey filled with cuts, setbacks and doubt, Drapeau’s perseverance never wavered.
“There were times I wanted to quit. But I kept going. I kept working. Now I have national championships, unforgettable moments with my best friends, and dreams that feel real,” she said.
“Hard work pays off, but you have to be patient. You have to believe.”