LEWISTON – For many young players in Quebec, hockey is often said to run in their blood.

For 18-year-old Mathieu Aubin, last year a rookie forward with the Lewiston Maineiacs, the blood lines are especially rich – Aubin’s father, Normand Aubin, played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 1976 to 1980 and in the NHL from 1981 to 1983.

This year, with a stellar rookie season behind him when he led all Maineiacs rookies with 19 goals and 23 assists, Mathieu is hoping to continue following in his father’s skates.

“It’s not that I feel pressure because of him,” said Mathieu. “I just know that I have played well so far in my career, and now that I am not a rookie anymore, things are a little easier here. I am less nervous and more confident.”

Over four days at training camp, Aubin made his presence known, popping in 10 goals in intersquad action to lead all players.

A father’s memorable career

Mathieu Aubin never saw his father play, but he knows his history.

“I have always been the son of Normand Aubin,” said Mathieu. “It’s not that it bothers me, but it makes me understand and know how good he was when he played.”

Good may be an understatement.

In his final three seasons in the league, Normand scored more than 100 points per season, and he is one of a select group of players to average more than a goal per game in his career, scoring 258 goals in 254 games over four years.

Overall, Normand averaged 2.027 points per game, with 515 points. He twice led the league in goals scored with 80 in 1978-79 and 91 in 1979-80.

Bu perhaps the most memorable moment in Normand’s junior career, at least to fans, is his eight-goal night for the Sherbrooke Castors in 1980.

“I hear about it from time to time,” said Normand. “It was just one of those nights.”

On “one of those nights,” Normand scored eight goals and also had three assists. He was the first person in league history to score eight goals in a game, a record that was equaled by Stephan Lebeau, who played for the Montreal Canadiens when they won the the 1993 Stanley Cup.

Still, even after a great junior career, one that earned him a spot in the QMJHL Hall of Fame in 2003, Normand decided after just two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs to hang up his skates.

“I always told myself that when it was not fun for me anymore, I would stop,” said Normand. “I didn’t like it anymore at that time, so I stopped playing. Sometimes I think I maybe should have played a little longer, but I am happy with my decision.”

Three years later, Mathieu was born.

No pressure’

Unlike some former athletes that push their children into sports, Normand tried hard not to lean on Mathieu.

“I always said, from the beginning, that he was going to play on his terms,” said Normand.

From the time he could walk, Mathieu was exposed to ice skating and hockey. He started playing organized hockey at four, but he was never pushed.

“He told me all the time not to play for him, but to play because I wanted to,” said Mathieu. “He always encouraged me, but never wanted me to feel pushed.”

But hockey ran deeper than the skin. It was in Mathieu’s blood.

“I have wanted to do this as long as I can remember,” said Mathieu. “There has really never been another thing I have wanted to do.”

Performing well

Two years ago, Mathieu was one of the final players cut from the Sherbrooke Castors’ training camp. Last year, in his rookie season with the Maineiacs, Aubin broke through with 42 points and 34 penalty minutes in 68 games and finishing 11th in the league in rookie scoring.

“I am proud of him, of what he has done,” Normand said. “He continues to play well, and as long as he is enjoying it, I will be behind him 100 percent.”

For Mathieu, the game is still fun, and the fact that he is starting to emerge from his father’s shadow is even better.

“He is happy to see his son playing,” Mathieu said. “I know that, and he tells me that, and I am happy that he is happy with me. As far as my career, it is looking good so far. I have been lucky not to get injured badly and like playing where I am playing. We will see what happens next.”