Axemen alumnus Robicheau Defying Odds with Recovery
Former Axemen Forward Lew Robicheau Continues Remarkable Recovery
Lew Robicheau, a native of Middleton, NS, suited up for the Acadia Axemen from 2001 to 2005. A hard-working forward during a rebuilding era for the program, Lew tallied 26 points across 92 games while bringing grit and determination to the ice each night.
Following his time at Acadia, Lew returned to his hometown where he married his wife Sarah, and together they are raising two children, Austin, 14 years old, and Lila, 11. Both Austin and Lila are avid hockey players, who share the love of hockey like their dad, Lew.
Life changed dramatically for Lew and his family over a year ago, on May 16, 2024, when Lew was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident. With a traumatic brain injury, Robicheau was given less than a 5% chance of survival, his prognosis was grim—but in true Robicheau fashion, he has fought every step of the way.
Now 44, Lew continues his recovery at the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville. He is able to move his whole body, but due to muscle spasticity, he can’t move his left side well and for the time being is in a wheelchair. While the road ahead remains long and some lasting effects are likely, recent progress has sparked hope that he may return home in the near future, once home renovations are complete to accommodate his needs—something few would have believed possible just months ago. Lew will need intense physio, occupational, and speech therapy as he continues his recovery.
Former Axemen Mike Fougere described Robicheau as a great teammate saying, “Lew was always a no nonsense guy. He worked very hard on and off the ice and that shows in the success of his family business and not surprisingly that he has worked through the odds that were stacked up against him with his accident.”
Before joining the Axemen, Lew was a standout with the U18 Valley Wildcats from 1995–1998. He posted an incredible 76 points in just 34 games during the 1997–98 season, earning NSMMHL league MVP honours. He was selected by the Halifax Mooseheads in the 13th round of the 1997 QMJHL Draft, then went on to play for the Antigonish Bulldogs of the MJAHL from 1998–2001. There, he amassed 184 points over 142 regular season games—including an impressive 78 points in his final year.
Acadia Axemen Head Coach Darren Burns sends his encouragement saying, “Lew was a very beloved teammate with the Axemen, a consummate team player during his career. We are so happy that he is making such positive progress and we continue to think of him everyday.”
Lew has always valued the connections he’s made through hockey, and while recovering he would love to hear from former teammates or anyone he crossed paths with during his Acadia years, both on and off the ice. If you’d like to send Lew an encouraging text message or give him a call, please send us a private message through our social media accounts to request his contact information.
