Philippe Bérubé no longer serves as coordinator of the Harfangs hockey programs or as head coach of the M15 AAA Élite boys team. Hockey Sherbrooke notified parents of the departure through an email sent on October 16, announcing that the organization had severed employment ties with Bérubé effective immediately.
The October 16 Email Notice to Parents
Jean-Guy Rancourt, assistant general manager of the hockey division at Hockey Sherbrooke, signed the correspondence sent to families of the M15 AAA Élite squad. The message informed parents that Bérubé’s association with the sport-study program and Harfangs teams had ended. “We wish to inform you that the employment link of Mr. Philippe Bérubé with Hockey Sherbrooke has been broken,” the email stated, adding that an interim coach would take over behind the bench for the team’s Saturday game in Sherbrooke.
Board of Directors Decision and Administrative Suspensions
Éric Bergeron, president of Hockey Sherbrooke, confirmed that the board of directors made the decision to terminate Bérubé’s employment. Bergeron declined to elaborate on the specific factors behind the dismissal. “I cannot talk about the reasons that explain this decision. At this stage, I cannot give any explanation,” Bergeron said, emphasizing that the board acted with the safety and well-being of the young athletes in mind. Following the local dismissal, Hockey Québec and Hockey Canada issued administrative suspensions against Bérubé.
Coordinating Coverage and Addressing Parent Concerns
Shawn Tremblay stepped in as interim coach for the M15 AAA Harfangs, who have played 12 games so far in the 2026-27 season. Bergeron stated that management implemented a system to ensure service continuity. Hockey Sherbrooke did not hold a meeting with the parents of the team directed by Bérubé. “When someone is laid off, we don’t necessarily meet clients to explain it. We didn’t see the necessity. The children who were with Philippe were not in insecurity,” Bergeron noted.
Coaching Career Milestones Leading Up to the Dismissal
Bérubé had been employed by Hockey Sherbrooke since the 2019-2020 season. He succeeded Mathieu Boutin as coordinator of the Harfangs hockey programs in 2022. Over the following years, he directed the Estrie female integrated structure and coached at the Cégep de Rimouski, Champlain College Cougars, and Bishop’s University Gaiters. In 2025, he led Quebec’s female M18 team to a championship at the Canadian category M18 tournament. Prior to his dismissal, he was slated to coach Quebec’s female hockey team at the 2027 Canada Games in Quebec City.
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