Émile-Alexandro Lemieux-Goupil, a defenceman for the Charlottetown Islanders, had a heartwarming home game experience against the Cape Breton Eagles, far from his roots. Originally from Haiti, Émile-Alexandro arrived in Canada as a 20-month-old weighing only 16 pounds. Now standing at 6-1 and 196 pounds, he is the cherished son of François Goupil and Annie Lemieux, who have generously adopted a total of 15 children, many with special needs.
Accompanied by his family from Quebec’s Gaspésie region, Émile-Alexandro’s loved ones gathered to watch him in action on the ice. Expressing gratitude for the support he has received, Émile-Alexandro emphasized the significance of sharing these moments with his family, whom he doesn’t get to see often due to his hockey commitments. Despite his busy schedule, he makes it a point to spend quality time with his family whenever possible.
For his family, watching Émile-Alexandro play brings immense pride and joy. His mother, Annie Lemieux, spoke fondly of her son, highlighting his role as a caring older sibling within their large family. Guy Girouard, the Islanders’ associate coach and assistant general manager, commended the family’s selfless dedication to providing a nurturing environment for their children.
Acknowledging the impact of growing up alongside siblings with disabilities, Émile-Alexandro shared that it has shaped his perspective on life, emphasizing that everyone deserves acceptance and understanding. His positive outlook and dedication to his sport have not gone unnoticed, with his coach praising his hard work and positive attitude on and off the ice.