When Émile-Alexandro Lemieux-Goupil of the Charlottetown Islanders suited up for Monday’s home game against the Cape Breton Eagles, it was a long way from home for him and his family.
Émile-Alexandro was just a baby when he came to Canada on a humanitarian flight from Haiti. The 20-month-old weighed just 16 pounds, a far cry from the 6-1, 196-pound defenceman that the Islanders bill him as today.
He was the first child adopted by François Goupil and Annie Lemieux. They now have 15 children through foster care and adoption, many of whom have disabilities.
“You know, they gave me a chance, and I love my life,” said Émile-Alexandro, a defenceman in his second season with the team.
Goupil, Lemieux and nine of their children travelled from Quebec’s Gaspésie region to watch Monday’s game.
“It’s important to see the game because we love Alexandro,” said Goupil.
And while the family saw Émile-Alexandro at Christmastime, he said the children were thrilled to be in Charlottetown.
“It’s long for them,” said Goupil. “They are so happy to be here and see him.”
Émile-Alexandro felt the same.
“I think it’s the first time all the kids get to watch me away from home, so it’s very nice,” he said.
“They don’t come that often, and when they come, I make sure to spend time with them.”
Because of his budding hockey career and the fact he trained in Ottawa last off-season, he estimated he sees his family three to four times a year.
To see Émile-Alexandro play is a special feeling for the family, said his mother.
“We miss our son,” said Lemieux. “We are very proud of him. He’s the big brother of our family.”
Guy Girouard, the associate coach and assistant general manager of the Islanders, said Émile-Alexandro brings a smile to the rink every day and always makes an honest, solid effort to get better.
He said his player’s backstory is unique.
“It’s a special family … The family with a big heart that opened up their house to a lot of different kids,” said Girouard.
“They do everything that they can for these kids to provide a really good life, and they do a really good job at it.”
Émile-Alexandro said his parents are patient and have big hearts.
Growing up around others with disabilities, Émile-Alexandro said it hasn’t changed his views on life.
“You live with them every day,” he said. “They’re just normal people, too.”
