Joel’s hometown is Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue where he attended Macdonald High School. He graduated from John Abbott in 1991 with a commerce diploma and following a successful college rugby career carried on to a new level at Bishop’s University. There, in the early 1990s he captained the team to three provincial championships. The achievements of these teams was recognized by Bishop’s with their induction into the University’s Sports Hall of Fame. Joel completed his post-secondary education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He then followed in the footsteps of other John Abbott rugby alumni and became the head coach of the John Abbott Islanders in 1996. Remarkably, he then led the team to 14 consecutive championships, a result not matched by any other team at John Abbott, nor by any college in any sport within the Québec college sport system. Each of these teams offered a different challenge but he acknowledged that the success of the program was dependent upon three variables: “First, the players skill set; second, getting the individuals to work as a team; and finally, the heart”. Joel was a strong adherent of the fundamental role of the John Abbott athletics program and the philosophy which was its guide. Coaches were asked to teach the sport and help prepare student-athletes for their future academic or other careers following graduation. His success in his approach can be well noted in comments from former players: “I was fortunate enough to have Joel as a coach for three seasons. During those years I learned a lot about rugby. However, those rugby skills were not the most important skills that he taught me. I learned about commitment and hard work. These skills transcend past the sport and into everyday life.

Jeff Mills Memorial Cup winner 2018-2019

For the 45th year at Islanders Awards Night the Jeff Mills Memorial Cup was awarded recognizing the on and off field leadership of a graduating student athlete. Hailey is a 3rd year captain with 63 career points, leading the Isles in that time frame. A 2-time RSEQ all- star she was also JAC’s top female rookie in 2016-2017. Hailey is also a minor hockey coach and a mentor to her teammates. Having never failed a class in her 3 years, Hailey will be moving on to the University of Vermont on a full scholarship.

Jeff Mills Memorial cup winner 2016-17

1st in career kills with 379,

Top Male Rookie 2016, Rookie Kill record with 183

Court captain

Volunteer for the S&R department, Lindsay Place HS, Morgan Arboretum

Jeff Mills Memorial Cup winner 2015-16

10 tries, 15 conversions, 2 penalty kicks

2 time League All-Star, Regional Champion and League Champion

Volunteers as a tutor to classmates as well as other events at John Abbott

Jeff Mills Memorial Cup winner 2015-16

Won 3 Regional Championships

Won 2 League Championships

4 Year Islander

Nursing “Poster Boy”

Volunteered numerous hours to the Sports and Recreation Department

Jeff Mills Memorial Cup winner 2014-15

RSEQ All-star

2nd year as captain

Individual and Relay medals at provincials

Set best times in 5 different events

Talented musician

Jeff Mills Memorial Cup winner 2013-14

RSEQ All-Star, Dean’s list, led team in blocks 37 and aces 30

She worked on the Green Brigade at various Islander events, featured as one of “Randy’s Rookies” Participated in various student committees on campus

334 rushes for 1892 yds & 12 TD’s, 28 receptions for 141 yds, 4 kick off returns for 91 yds

2nd year Team captain, Sets highest standard for all of JAC football, Ability to adapt & Care for his  teammates