Met by The Daily after a first training session with his new teammates with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, early Saturday evening at the Sports rousseau Center of Excellence in Boisbriand, the defender was clear. He knew a trade between the Cape Breton Eagles and the Sags had been in the works for some time.
As June, to be more precise.
“I’ll be honest, ther were talks at the draft and I said no,” said the very first pick in the 2022 draft, by the Eagles.There were talks for Christmas and I said yes. Personally, I wasn’t ready to make my decision and decided to wait.I know there were big expectations here and I didn’t want to end up here for nothing. I think I made the right decision.”
The saguenéens could therefore have counted on the giant defender of six feet and four inches from the start of the 2025-2026 season. The main interested party, however, had other plans, which allowed his former team to keep their heads above water.
Tomas Lavoie’s first skates with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens.(The Daily,Jonathan Hudon)
Six months later,Tomas Lavoie can officially aim for a championship with the Sags.
“I am very satisfied, very happy. It’s a really good group of guys, I think we’re going to have some fun“, observed #3, captain of Cape Breton in the first half of the season.
“I will be assigned a role, I will play to my strengths and this is how I will contribute to the success of the team,” confided Lavoie, a native of Repentigny.In addition to moving closer to home, he found former teammates at the Eagles with the Saguenéens, namely Émile Ricard, thomas Desruisseaux and Alexis Toussaint.
Bernier Praises New Teammate Beckman as Saguenéens Prepare for 2026
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[Image of Alexis Bernier with caption: Alexis Bernier moved from drakkar to Saguenéens in recent days.(Jonathan Roy/Archives, Quebec Remparts)]
Alexis Bernier was full of praise for lucas Beckman, an attentive spectator of his new club’s training on Saturday.
“I played with Becky for three years, and in my opinion, he is the best goalie in the league.I’m super happy for me, but also for the team which adds a goalie of this stature,” said Alexis Bernier, a fluid skater.
For his part, Beckman is waiting for the medical green light before resuming training with physical contact. However, he began to move again, sometimes gently, sometimes with intensity. Yanick Jean expects to see him again in early 2026.
“Bernier and I have known each other for a long time, our two boarding families were next door in Baie-Comeau. Being able to count on a couple of friends already here makes my integration easier,” commented the 18-year-old goalkeeper.
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The Rise of Local Food Co-ops: A Community-Driven Revolution
For decades,the dominant food system has prioritized efficiency and profit,often at the expense of local economies,environmental sustainability,and consumer access to fresh,healthy food. Though, a powerful counter-movement is gaining momentum: the resurgence of local food co-ops. These member-owned and operated businesses are reshaping how communities access food, fostering a more equitable and resilient food system.
What is a Food Co-op?
A food co-op is a grocery store owned by its members. Unlike customary supermarkets, the primary goal isn’t maximizing profit for shareholders, but providing affordable, healthy food to its community. Members typically pay a one-time fee to join and than shop at the co-op. Many co-ops also offer volunteer opportunities in exchange for discounts or other benefits. This collaborative model empowers consumers and strengthens local food networks.
Why the Growing Popularity?
Several factors contribute to the increasing popularity of food co-ops:
- Demand for Local & Enduring Food: Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental and social impacts of their food choices. They want to support local farmers and reduce their carbon footprint.
- Concerns About Food Security: Global supply chain disruptions, highlighted by recent events, have underscored the importance of local food systems.
- Desire for Community: Co-ops offer a sense of community and connection that’s often missing in traditional grocery stores.
- Health & Clarity: Co-ops prioritize fresh, healthy, and often organic products, with a focus on transparency in sourcing.
Benefits of Joining a Food co-op
Becoming a member of a food co-op offers numerous advantages:
“Food co-ops aren’t just about groceries; they’re about building a stronger, more connected community around food.” – National Cooperative Grocers Association
- Access to High-Quality Food: Co-ops typically stock a wider variety of local, organic, and specialty products.
- Affordable Prices: Member discounts and bulk buying power can led to lower prices.
- Community Ownership: Members have a say in how the co-op is run.
- Support for local Farmers: Co-ops prioritize sourcing from local producers, boosting the local economy.
- Educational Opportunities: Many co-ops offer workshops and events on topics like cooking, gardening, and sustainable living.
How Food Co-ops Differ from Traditional Grocery Stores
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Food Co-op | Traditional Grocery store |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Member-owned | Shareholder-owned (or corporate-owned) |
| Primary Goal | Serve members & community | Maximize profit |
| Sourcing | Local & sustainable prioritized | Global supply chains |
| Decision-Making | democratic member control | Corporate management |
Finding a Food Co-op Near You
The number of food co-ops is growing rapidly.You can find a co-op near you by visiting the following resources:
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does it cost to join a food co-op?
A: Membership fees vary, but typically range from $50 to $200 for a one-time fee.
Q: Do I have to volunteer to be a member?
A: Not always, but many co-ops offer volunteer opportunities in exchange for discounts or other benefits.
Q: What if I can’t find a food co-op near me?
A: You can explore starting your own
Worth a look