Lyon Recruits Veteran Defender Chad Langlais, Former Gap Captain
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France – August 7, 2026 – In a significant move for French ice hockey, Lyon has announced the signing of Chad Langlais, the former captain of the Gap Rapaces. The 40-year-old American defender, whose contract with Gap was not renewed this summer, will bring his extensive experience to Lyon’s Division 1 team for the upcoming two seasons.
Langlais, who recently celebrated his 40th birthday, was a pivotal figure for the Rapaces, serving as captain for the past two seasons. In the 2025-2026 campaign, he recorded 27 points in 49 matches, showcasing his continued impact on the ice. His arrival is expected to significantly bolster Lyon’s roster, as they aim for promotion to Ligue Magnus.
A Wealth of Experience for Lyon’s Ambitions
After twelve consecutive seasons in Ligue Magnus-eight with Gap and four with Rouen-Chad Langlais is set to share his top-tier expertise with Lyon. The team, which finished 5th in the last regular season of D1 and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Dunkerque, sees Langlais as a crucial addition to their ambitions.
Throughout his exemplary career in the elite league, Langlais has secured two French championship titles and one League Cup. The only major trophy missing from his impressive record is the French Cup.
Damien Raux, Lyon’s coach, expressed his enthusiasm for the new signing: “I know Chad well; we played together in Rouen,” Raux stated. “He had hoped to stay in Gap, but it didn’t work out, and he found himself without a club, which wasn’t easy for him. Now we have him with us, which is great for us. He will bring us a lot, as he is a leader in his playing style. He has the experience, and he’s a great guy in the locker room, a true team player. His arrival is nothing but positive.”
Aiming for Ligue Magnus with Strategic Reinforcements
Raux, a former international player, hopes that Langlais’s arrival will further push his Lions upwards. “We hope to take a step forward; we’ve strengthened ourselves considerably with experienced players,” he continued. “We want to raise our level before moving up to Ligue Magnus, which we would like to reach as soon as possible. But there’s an economic reality that means if you don’t have a stable and viable budget, it’s complicated.”
In Lyon, Langlais will reunite with Olivier Dame-Malka, another transfer from Ligue Magnus, who joined from Briançon. This strategic recruitment of seasoned players underscores Lyon’s serious intent to climb to the highest level of French ice hockey.
The club’s management and coaching staff are confident that Langlais’s leadership, defensive prowess, and offensive contributions will be instrumental in achieving their goals. His presence is expected to not only elevate the team’s performance on the ice but also mentor younger players and foster a winning culture within the squad.
The move has generated considerable excitement among Lyon fans, who eagerly anticipate seeing the veteran defender in action. The club’s focus on experienced players like Langlais and Dame-Malka signals a clear strategy for success in the competitive Division 1 league.
Lyon’s management emphasizes that while financial stability is a key factor, the investment in high-calibre players like Langlais is a testament to their commitment to building a strong and competitive team capable of challenging for promotion.
The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for Lyon, with the addition of Chad Langlais expected to play a pivotal role in their pursuit of Ligue Magnus.
Source: https://www.ledauphine.com/sport/2026/08/06/gros-coup-de-lyon-qui-recrute-chad-langlais-ancien-capitaine-des-rapaces-de-gap
