Sea Dogs take Game 1, 4-1, over Sags

SAINT JOHN – Stanislav Galiev’s goal just over two minutes into the third period proved to be the game winner, as the Saint John Sea Dogs defeated Chicoutimi, 4-1, in Game 1 of the QMJHL President’s Cup semi-final.

Pierre Durepos, Jonathan Huberdeau and Danick Gauthier also scored, as Saint John improved its perfect post-season record to 9-0.

Sags’ defenceman Mathieu Gagnon opened the scoring six minutes into the second on a long shot from the left point that appeared to hit Saint John’s Ian Saab and deflected into the net.

Saint John tied it on a similar long shot from Durepos at the right point, making it 1-1 after two periods.

Galiev and Huberdeau scored 1:21 apart early in the third to break open a tie game.

Gauthier rounded out the scoring just past the ten minute mark of the third period.

Saint John now carries a 1-0 series lead into Game 2 Sunday afternoon.         

Catch all the action LIVE on News 88.9 beginning at 2:45 p.m.

For a full game recap and Sea Dog highlights, go to:

http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/seadogs/2012/04/21/sea-dogs-beat-sagueneens-in-game-one/

Les Mooseheads forcent la tenue d'un 6ième match

Pour un deuxième match d’affilé, les Remparts avaient la chance d’envoyer les Mooseheads en vacances pour de bon. Mais pour une 5ième fois en autant de rencontres, les hommes de Dominique Ducharme ont marqué le 1er but du match et en ont profité pour se diriger vers une victoire de 3-2 sur les Diables Rouges, vendredi soir, au Metro Center de Halifax pour forcer la tenue d’un 6ième match qui aura lieu lundi soir au Colisée Pepsi de Québec.

Le jeune prodige des Mooseheads, Nathan Mackinnon, a encore une fois connu un fort match. Il a marqué le but gagnant sur une savante passe de Jonathan Drouin au 3ième tiers et a en plus récolté une mention d’aide. Jusqu’à maintenant, en 9 rencontres en séries éliminatoires, l’attaquant natif de Dartmouth a marqué un impressionnant total de 10 buts et a en plus amassé 5 passes pour un total 15 points. Il a de plus maintenu un différentiel de +9. C’est tout simplement exceptionnel. Surtout qu’il n’est âgé que de 16 ans! De l’autre côté, Mikhail Grigorenko, son rival, si on peut l’appeler ainsi, a connu un autre match difficile. Il a trop souvent été invisible lors de ses présences sur la patinoire. Il a tout de même terminé le match avec une récolté de 1 point. Une passe qu’il a récolé sur le but de Gabriel Desjardins en 3e période.

Cameron Critchlow 5ième, Trey Lewis 1er et Nathan Mackinnon 10ième ont trouvé le fond du filet pour les Mooseheads. Martin Lefebvre 4ième et Gabriel Desjardins, ex-Orignaux, 7ième ont riposté pourQuébec. Halifax a dominé 39-26 au chapitre des tirs au but. Louis Domingue a connu un départ fort acceptable stoppant 36 rondelles. De l’autre côté, Zachary Fucale a encore une fois, je me répète, été incroyable. Il a d’ailleurs volé Adam Erne en 1ière période avec la jambière droite. Il a réalisé 24 arrêts.

Selon Patrick Roy, les Mooseheads méritaient la victoire. «Ils ont bien joué ce soir, ils méritaient assurément la victoire. Ils ont été plus combatifs que nous, ils ont gagné les batails le long des rampes et ils enont profité.» a-t-il affirmé après la rencontre.

9664 spectateurs ont assisté à cet excellent duel. Il s’agit de la 3ième meilleure assistance de l’histoire des Mooseheads au Metro Center. Les 9 & 10 Mai 2005, 10 596 spectateurs avaient assisté aux deux visites de Sidney Crosby alors que celui-ci évoluait à l’époque avec l’Océanic de Rimouski.

Donc, avec cette victoire, un match 6 sera au minimum nécessaire dans cette série pour déclarer un vainqueur. Il aura lieu lundi, 16 Avril, au Colisée Pepsi de Québec. Le match débutera dès 19h (heure de l’Est). Si les Mooseheads parviennent à l’emporter, le match ultime aura lieu immédiatement le lendemain, même heure, même place.

Centreville goalie seeks gold at worlds

By Patrick Moore
Special to the Kings County Advertiser
NovaNewsNow.com
TQS Contributor

Brandon Whitney hopes to take home gold from the world under 18 tournament in the Czech Republic after a disappointing playoff appearance.

The Centreville native said he is excited to play for Canada.

"It's my first time to Europe. Looking forward to the tournament. It's an honour to play for Canada and I expect it to be fun."

Whitney played in three playoff games for the Victoriaville Tigres, giving up 12 goals in the short series.

The Tigres were considered one of the top contenders in the QMJHL playoffs, but they fell very short of a championship or a spot in the Memorial Cup after the 13th place Baie-Comeau Drakkar eliminated the Tigres in four games in the opening round.

"It was a big surprise. We really didn't give our all this year. Hopefully next year will be a better run."

In the 36 games Whitney played in this season for the Tigres, he has 22 wins, four losses and four overtime losses.

At least one of Whitney’s opponents is not surprised to see he got a spot on Team Canada.

“He’s a big kid that covers a lot of the net. He has very good work ethic and deserves that spot on the U-18s,” said P.E.I. Rocket forward Ben Duffy.

Tigres manager Jérôme Mésonéro said he hopes international experience will help Whitney play more consistently. He said it was inconsistency that eliminated the Tigres early in the playoffs.

“Our goaltenders failed in the first round, I don’t want to say that. But next year will be important. He needs to be more consistent next year. Hopefully we play better next year.”

Mésonéro also said this tournament will help Whitney going into his draft year.
“The main thing is that it’s for him, it’s his draft season. He worked hard all season, he had a good season.”

Whitney, who is ranked second for North American goalies, isn’t worried about the draft.

"I'm not really thinking about the NHL Draft right now. I still have a few weeks left of hockey, maybe. I will think about it after we're done."

Sea Dogs sweep Drakkar, reach semi-finals for third straight year

The Saint John Sea Dogs are headed to the QMJHL President’s Cup semi-finals for the third straight year following a 5-3 victory over Baie-Comeau.

With the win, the Sea Dogs sweep the series.

Jonathan Huberdeau scored the eventual game winner in the second period and added an empty netter.

Ryan Tesink also scored twice, while Charlie Coyle added a goal.

With Saint John down 1-0 in the first, Coyle tied it up on a rare shorthanded penalty shot, decking to the forehand on young Baie-Comeau netminder Philippe Cadorette, making the game 1-1 after one period.

Tesink scored twice in a six minute stretch in the second to give Saint John a 3-1 advantage.

Huberdeau snapped home a power play goal with under eight minutes left in the middle frame and Saint John led 4-2 after two.

The captain iced the Sea Dogs’ sweep with an empty net goal with five seconds to go.

The Sea Dogs will start the semi-finals on Friday, April 20 at Harbour Station, against an opponent still to be determined.

Catch all the action LIVE on News 88.9 beginning at 7:15p.m.

For a complete game recap and Sea Dog audio highlights, go to:

http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/seadogs/2012/04/12/sea-dogs-sweep-drakkar/

Sea Dogs win, push Drakkar to the brink

Ryan Tesink’s goal 2:31 into the third period proved to be the game winner, as the Saint John Sea Dogs dumped the Baie-Comeau Drakkar 5-2 in QMJHL playoff action.

The victory gives Saint John a 3-0 stranglehold on the best-of-seven quarter-final series.

Tesink, a Saint John, N.B., native took a Stephen MacAulay pass from behind the net and snapped a shot high glove side past Drakkar goalie Philippe Cadorette, snapping a 2-2 tie.

Saint John led 1-0 after one period on a goal by Stanislav Galiev, but the second period was much different story.

Drakkar forward Jonathan Lessard scored early in the middle frame and David Rose gave the Drakkar its first lead with under two minutes left in the period.

Tomas Jurco tied the game just 44 seconds later, and the period ended 2-2.

Not long after Tesink’s goal in the third, the game was delayed about ten minutes because of lighting problems.

Jonathan Huberedeau gave Saint John some insurance with under three minutes to go, and then set up MacAulay’s empty netter about a minute later.

Saint John can complete a second consecutive four-game sweepWednesday night at Centre Henry-Leonard.

Catch all the action LIVE on News 88.9 beginning at 8:15p.m.

For a complete recap and Sea Dog audio highlights, go to:
http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/seadogs/2012/04/11/sea-dogs-beat-drakkar/

Les Mooseheads acculés au pied du mur

Halifax, NÉ - Les Remparts l’ont emporté par la marque de 5-3 sur lesMooseheads mardi soir au Metro Center de Halifax devant une foule de 8204spectateurs pour ainsi acculer la formation Néo-Écossaise au pied du mur en prenant l’avance3-0 dans cette série quart de final 4 de 7.

L’attaquant numéro 21 des Remparts, Micheal McNamee, a assurémentété la grande vedette de la soirée inscrivant 3 buts pour mériter son tour duchapeau et la 1e étoile du match. Il s’agissait de ses 2e,3e et 4e buts des présentes séries éliminatoires. PatrickRoy attendait justement le réveil de son attaquant qui n’avait marqué qu’unseul but en 6 matchs en séries d’après saison. Il en demandait plus, il en aobtenu d’avantage immédiatement!

Konrad Abeltshauser a ouvert la marque en première période avecun puissant tir de la pointe droite qui a trompé la vigilance de Louis Domingue.Mais l’avance des Orignaux n’a pas duré bien longtemps. À peine 2 minutes plus tard,Micheal McNamee a marqué le premier de ses 3 filets de la soirée pour nivelerla marque 1-1. Un total de 16 minutes de pénalité ont été distribuées lors de cepremier engagement. Après avoir pris les devants 3-1 grâce à des buts deMatthew Boudreau (2e) et d’Alexandre Grenier (2e) au deuxième tiers, les hommesde Dominique Ducharme se sont complètement écroulés. D’abord, Kurt Etchegary (1er)a déjoué Zachary Fucale entre les jambières à l’aide d’un tir frappé de l’enclavepour réduire la marque à 3-2. Puis, une minute plus tard, «Big Mac» MichealMcNamee a inscrit son 2e de la rencontre pour créer l’égalité 3-3.Le deuxième vingt se termina par cette marque. Par la suite, en troisièmepériode, l’ontarien a complété son tour du chapeau avant devoir Jérémie Malouin (6e) confirmer la victoire des siens dans unfilet désert. Les Remparts ont dominé 37-22 au chapitre des tirs au but.

Micheal McNamme (#21) célébrant son tour du chapeau

À noter que surprenamment, en 3 matchs, les Remparts n’ontjamais eu l’avance après deux périodes face aux Mooseheads. Ils l’ont tout demême emporté à 3 reprises. Un aspect qui sera quand même à améliorer pour latroupe de Patrick Roy si celle-ci veut espérer vaincre des équipes commeShawinigan ou Saint-John dans les rondes suivantes. L’avantage numérique seraaussi à peaufiner. Après avoir roulé à un train d’enfer contre les Voltigeurs,l’attaque à 5 des Diables Rouges connait des difficultés récemment.

Les Mooseheads feront donc face à l’élimination dès demainsoir devant leurs partisans au Metro Center. Si Halifax l’emporte, un match 5sera nécessaire vendredi soir, de nouveau en Nouvelle-Écosse en raison duformat 2-3-2 de cette série. Le match débutera dès 18h.


Crédit photo: Le Journal de Québec

Les Remparts réalisent un vol

Les Remparts ont créé l’égalité 3 à 3 avec à peine une vingtaine de secondes à faire à la 3^e période avant de finalement l’emporter par la marque de 4-3, samedi soir, en prolongation sur les Mooseheads de Halifax pour ainsi prendre une avance de 2-0 dans cette série quart de finale.

Avec moins d’une minute à faire au troisième engagement, les 12 340 spectateurs présents au Colisée Pepsi croyaient bien que tout était terminé avec les Mooseheads en avant 3-2. Mais Nathan Mackinnon a été d’une erreur monumentale en envoyant la rondelle dans les gradins avec 49.1 secondes à faire. Les Diables Rouges allaient donc profiter de l’avantage de deux hommes pour le reste du troisième tiers puisque Patrick Roy avait déjà retiré son gardien Louis Domingue au profit d’un 6e attaquant. Et ce qui devait arriver arriva. Après plusieurs tentatives devant le filet, Logan Shaw fit finalement mouche en logeant la rondelle derrière Zachary Fucale pour ainsi niveler la marque 3-3. Puis, à 6 :02 de la première période de prolongation, Jérémie Malouin sema l’hystérie dans le Colisée Pepsi en marquant à l’aide d’un tir des poignets dans le haut du filet de Fucale qui était à ce moment étendu de tout son long dans son demi-cercle bleu. À noter que sur ce jeu, les officiels ont été très longs à faire entendre leur sifflet et ne l’ont en fait pas fait entendre. Le portier des Mooseheads, Zachary Fucale, en avait d’ailleurs long à dire sur le travail des officiels après ce jeu.



Les Remparts réunis après le but victorieux de Jérémie Malouin en prolongation

Mikhail Grigorenko (2e) et Gabriel Desjardins (6e) ont complété la marque pour les Remparts. Nathan Mackinnon deux fois (8e et 9e) et Matthew Boudreau (1er) pour Halifax. Zachary Fucale a connu une soirée de travail fort acceptable stoppant 32 des 36 tirs des hommes de Patrick Roy. Quant à Louis Domingue, il a connu une soirée peu occupé de 19 tirs mais a tout de même alloué 3 buts. Lors des deux premiers matchs de cette série, il aura donc accordé 6 buts sur un total 36 lancers pour un mince taux d’efficacité de 0.833%. Un aspect qui sera à améliorer pour le vétéran de 19 ans si les Remparts espèrent faire un long bout de chemin en séries éliminatoires.

Avant que cette série débute, plusieurs amateurs avaient hâte de voir comment les deux jeunes vedettes, Nathan Mackinnon et Mikhail Grigorenko, se débrouilleraient. Jusqu’à maintenant, en 2 matchs, c’est nettement et sans aucun doute l’attaquant des Mooseheads qui a eu le meilleur. En plus de récolter 4 points contrairement à 1 seul pour Grigorenko, il a démontré beaucoup plus de choses sur la glace que son vis-à-vis. Il a été plus rapide, il a obtenu de meilleurs chances de marquer et a gagné ses batailles à un contre un. Des recruteurs avancent même qu’il serait peut-être blessé. Ce qui expliquerait sans doute ses performances plus qu’ordinaires des derniers matchs.

La série se transporte maintenant du côté du Metro Center de Halifax pour les rencontres 3 et 4, au minimum. Si les Mooseheads remportent au moins une de ces deux rencontres, un match 5 sera nécessaire et sera de nouveau présenté en Nouvelle-Écosse en raison du format 2-3-2 de cette série. À noter que les matchs présentés à Halifax débuteront dès 18h, heure de l'Est.

Crédit photo: Le journal de Québec

Sea Dogs sink Drakkar, 10-2

Three different players scored twice to lead the Saint John Sea Dogs to a 10-2 drubbing of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar Saturday night in QMJHL playoff action at Harbour Station.

Saint John scored five times in the second period for the second straight night and cruised to a 2-0 series lead in the best-of-seven President's Cup quarter-final.

Kevin Gagne and Charles-Olivier Roussel scored seven minutes apart in the first period and the Sea Dogs led 2-0 after the first period.

Tomas Jurco deflected home consecutive goals early in the middle frame before Jonathan Huberdeau and Stanislav Galiev added markers before the period was half over, giving Saint John a 6-0 lead.

After the Drakkar got one back, Zack Phillips snapped home a loose puck in front of the net for a 7-1 Saint John lead through two.

In the third period, Phillips and Galiev netted their second goals of the night while Danick Gauthier rounded out the scoring in the final minute of the game.
David Rose had the other Drakkar goal.

The series shifts to Baie-Comeau for Games three and four - and Game five, if necessary.
Catch Game three Tuesday, April 10, live on News 88.9, beginning with the pregame show at 8:15 p.m.

For a complete game story and Sea Dog highlights, go to:
http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/seadogs/2012/04/08/sea-dogs-hammer-drakkar/

Five-goal second leads Sea Dogs over Drakkar

Stephen MacAulay scored twice 33 seconds apart as part of a five-goal second period for Saint John, as the Sea Dogs sunk the Baie-Comeau Drakkar 9-3, in game one of their QMJHL quarter-final series at Harbour Station.

The victory gives Saint John a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven match-up.
Charlie Coyle gave Saint John a 1-0 lead after one, with the Drakkar tying it early in the second on a power play goal.

Tomas Jurco gave Saint John the lead again before Baie-Comeau struck on the man advantage to even the game at 2-2

Then Saint John's offense exploded.

MacAulay's pair came just past the halfway mark of the period, first off a faceoff in the Drakkar zone, then a bank shot that went off the catching glove of Baie-Comeau goalie Philippe Cadorette.

Zack Phillips and Stanislav Galiev rounded out the scoring in the second, with Saint John scoring five times, including four in an 8:03 stretch.

Danick Gauthier, Phillips and Ryan Tesink added third period goals.

Game two goes Saturday night at Harbour Station.

Catch all the action live on News 88.9 beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Three Stars: 1. Phillips 2. Galiev 3. MacAulay Top Dog: Coyle

For a full recap and Sea Dog highlights, go to:
http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/seadogs/2012/04/07/sea-dogs-crush-drakkar/

Three QMJHL players named to Canada U-18 roster

Goaltender Brandon Whitney of the Victoriaville Tigres and forwards William Carrier of the Cape-Breton Screaming Eagles, and Anthony Mantha of the Val-d'Or Foreurs were named to Canada's entry for the upcoming IIHF World Under-18 championship, to be held April 12-22 in Brno and Znojmo, Czech Republic.

Whitney, draft eligible this year, had a very solid season, with a record of 22-4-4 and a .896 save per centage. He will battle Spencer Martin of the Mississauga St Michael's Majors and Matt Murray of the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds for the starters job.

Carrier, an offensive center in Cape Breton, will be asked to step up not only offensively. but as leader as well, being one of the older players on the roster. He stepped up big for the Screaming Eagles in this years playoffs against the overpowering Saint John Sea Dogs, registering three goals and three assists while being swept in the first round.

Meanwhile, Mantha, Val d'Or's big winger. will be expected to use his size (6-3, 178-pounds) to overpower the opposition. Team Canada assistant coach Gordie Dwyer, of the P.E.I. Rocket, really likes big, strong players, so expect Mantha to be an unsung hero on this years squad.

First up for Team Canada is Denmark on April 12. They will also play the Czech Republic, Finland, and of course their biggest rivals the United States in the preliminary round.

TSN/RDS will broadcast the Canada versus U.S.A. game on April 17, as well as the semifinals April 20 and the medal games on April 22.

jonathan@theqspot.ca

Grigorenko, Gourde clean up at Golden Puck Awards

QMJHL's top NHL draft prospect, Mikhail Grigorenko was the big winner at Wednesday night’s Golden Puck Awards.

Grigorenko of the Quebec Remparts edged Halifax Mooseheads' Nathan MacKinnon for both the RDS Cup (Rookie of the Year) and the Michel Bergeron Trophy (Offensive Rookie of the Year). He also won the Michael Bossy Trophy as the top professional prospect.

Victoriaville Tigres forward Yanni Gourde was named league MVP, taking home the Michel Briere trophy. He also won the Jean Beliveau tophy as top scorer.

Jean-Francois Houle of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada won the coach of the year. Houle led his team to a 40-22-4-2 record, easily the best record in the West division. He edged out Sea Dogs coach Gerard Gallant, who had won the award the previous two seasons and Remparts coach Patrick Roy.

Houle's boss, Joel Bouchard, was named the league's top general manager.

While Gallant lost out on a third straight coach of the year award, the Sea Dogs were still big winners. Captain Jonathan Huberdeau took home the Paul Dumont Trophy (Personality of the Year) and goaltender Mathieu Corbeil won the Jacques Plante Trophy.

Jerome Gauthier Leduc, who had 28 goals, and 46 assists in 62 games patrolling the Rimouski blueline, was named the league's top defenseman.

Other winners included: Zach O'Brien (Acadie-Bathurst Titan) for sportsman of the year; Jonathan Brunelle (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles) was named the top scholastic player; and Vincent Barnard (Quebec Remparts) was singled out for his humanitarian and community involvement.

jonathan@theqspot.ca

Golden Puck Awards winners

The Golden Puck Awards were handed out last night at the Hyatt-Regency Hotel in Montreal, Que.

There were 12 prestigious trophies awarded to the most deserving personalities of the 2011-2012 QMJHL season. Also at the event, five junior hockey legends were also inducted into the QMJHL Hall of Fame, presented by RDS.

League commissioner Gilles Courteau said in a press release, the evening was a superb occasion.

"Over 350 people were present to honour five new members to our Hockey Hall of Fame."

Pierre Sevigny, Charles Henry, Steve Duchesne, Michael Goulet and Richard Brodeur were the five players inducted into the hall of fame.

"This even was made even more special because these legends received the recognition they deserved for their exceptional careers next to the biggest names of this season," Courteau added. "In fact some of our award winners might one day become future inductees.

The list of award winners:

Jacques-Plante Trophy - goalie with the best individual average
Mathieu Corbeil, Saint John Sea Dogs
37-10-1, 2.38 GAA, 0.911 save %, 6 shutouts

RDS Cup - Rookie of the year
Mikhail Grigorenko, Quebec Remparts
59GP, 40G, 45A, 85PTS

Ron-Lapointe Trophy - Coach of the year
Jean-Francois Houle, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
40-22-4-2 record for 86 points, 3rd overall, 1st in Telus West

Jean Beliveau Trophy - Top Scorer
Yanni Gourde, Victoriaville Tigres
68GP, 37G, 87A, 124PTS

Marcel-Robet Trophy - TELUS Scholastic Player of the Year
Jonathan Brunelle, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles

Humanitarian and community involvement Trophy presented by the Public Relations FIRM NATIONAL
Vincent Barnard, Quebec Remparts

Emile-Bouchard Trophy - Best defensman
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, Rimouski Oceanic
62GP, 28G, 46A, 74PTS, +13

Frank-J.-Selke - Most sportsmanlike player
Zach O'Brien, Acadie-Bathurst Titan
63GP, 50G, 51A, 101 PTS, 0PIM
O'Brien has not registered a single penalty minute during his two seasons of junior hockey.

Michael-Bossy Trophy - Best professional prospect
Mikhail Grigorenko, Quebec Remparts
59GP, 40G, 45A, 85PTS

Maurice-Filion Trophy - General Manager of the Year
Joel Bouchard, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
Bouchard received this award for his excellent work with the Armada. He was able to attract crowds whilst organizing his team in record time this season.

Paul-Dumont Trophy - Personality of the year
Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John Sea Dogs
Huberdeau showed leadership and an exemplary behaviour during the season. He was able to positively showcase the Sea Dogs organization as well as the QMJHL.

Michel-Briere Trophy - Most Valuable Player
Yanni Gourde, Victoriaville Tigres
68GP, 37G, 87A, 124PTS

All Star Teams

1st All-Star Team
G - Roman Will, Moncton Wildcats
D - Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, Rimouski Oceanic
D - Xavier Ouellet, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
C - Mikhail Grigorenko, Quebec Remparts
LW - Yanni Gourde, Victoriaville Tigres
RW - Frederick Roy, Quebec Remparts

2nd All-Star Team
G - Mathieu Corbeil, Saint John Sea Dogs
D - Morgan Ellis, Shawinigan Cataractes
D - Nathan Beaulieu, Saint John Sea Dogs
C - Zach O'Brien, Acadie-Bathurst Titan
LW - Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John Sea Dogs
RW - Sebastien Trudeau, Acadie-Bathurst Titan

Rookie All-Star Team
G - Zachery Fucale, Halifax Mooseheads
D - Nikolas Brouillard, Drummondville Voltigeurs
D - Samuel Morin, Rimouski Oceanic
C - Mikhail Grigorenko, Quebec Remparts
LW - Anthony Duclair, Quebec Remparts
RW - Sven Andrighetto, Rouyn-Noranada Huskies

nolan@theqspot.ca

Colisee Pepsi review

We have a special feature for you by Stadium Joruney, a website that reviews stadiums all across the World. Today's feature is a review done by the website on the Quebec Remparts home, Colisee Pepsi.

In the article, the Quebec Remparts are compared to Vancouver Giants of the WHL as they also play in an older, larger arena, Vancouver Coliseum, which was also a former NHL home.

The Colisee Pepsi was given a 1/5 for food and beverage, a 5/5 for its atmosphere, a 3/5 for the neighbourhood, and a 5/5 for the fans.

To see the full review click here. Please take the time to read it. It's a very good and interesting read.

There are also several more stadium reviews from the QMJHL included on the website including the Halifax Metro Centre, Moncton Coliseum, Centre Bionest de Shawinigan and the Robert Guertin Centre. Other CHL teams rinks are also included.

-Photo used by permission of Stadium Journey.
-Thanks to Stadium Journey Preisdent and Co-founder Paul Swaney for sending us this article.

Staff picks: second round predictions

Here are Round 2 predictions from the staff members at The Q Spot.

The second round series are as follows:

1. Saint John Sea Dogs vs. 13. Baie-Comeau Drakkar
2. Shawinigan Cataractes vs. 8. Chicoutimi Sagueneens
3. Blainville-Boisbriand Armada vs. 7. Rimouski Oceanic
5. Quebec Remparts vs. 6. Halifax Mooseheads

Nolan Reid
Saint John vs. Baie-Comeau
-Saint John wins in 4 games. Saint John will continue to dominate and will be too much for the Baie-Comeau to handle. Charlie Coyle will play big role like he did in first round.

Shawinigan vs. Chicoutimi
-Shawinigan wins in 5 games. Chicoutimi will put up a good fight but Gabriel Girard's goaltending and will be the difference. All games will be close.

Blainville-Boisbriand vs. Rimouski
-Blainville-Boisbriand wins in 5 games. Not much to say about this series, just don't think Rimouski is that strong to beat Blainville. Jess Tanguy will have a terrific series for Armada.

Quebec vs. Halifax
-Halifax wins in 7 games. Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Frk are going to play huge roles in the Mooseheads' upset over the Remparts. Zachery Fucale will have a strong series in goal. On the Quebec's side, Mikhail Grigorenko is going to be hard to shut down.

Bryer MacPherson
Saint John vs. Baie-Comeau
-Saint John wins in 4 games. Baie-Comeau won't be able to handle Saint John's large amount of talent.

Shawinigan vs. Chicoutimi
-Shawinigan wins in 6 games. Jean-Gabriel Pageau will be a big part of Chicoutimi's attempt to comeback but in the end, Shawinigan advances.

Blainville-Boisbriand vs. Rimouski
-Blainville-Boisbriand wins in 6 games. Rimouski comes just short of forcing Game 7, but the Armada takes it home in the end.

Quebec vs. Halifax
-Halifax wins in 7 games. Nathan MacKinnon makes a big impact in the outcome of this one.

Jonathan Dunphy
Saint John vs. Baie-Comeau
-Saint John wins in 4 games. Saint John continues their dominance, with Zack Phillips stepping up big time.

Shawinigan vs. Chicoutimi
-Shawinigan wins in 6 games. Shawinigan's depth is too much for the Sagueneenes to handle.

Blainville-Boisbriand vs. Rimouski
-Blainville-Boisbriand wins in 5 games. Jess Tanguy continues to light it up for the Armada. Jacob Gervais-Chouinard has a bad series.

Quebec vs. Halifax
-Quebec wins in 7 games. Nathan MacKinnon out-duels fellow rookie Mikhail Grigorenko, but Grigorenko gets the laugh laugh.


Bradey Williston
Saint John vs. Baie-Comeau
-Saint John wins in 4 games.

Shawinigan vs. Chicoutimi
-Shawinigan wins in 4 games.

Blainville-Boisbriand vs. Rimouski
-Blainville-Boisbriand wins in 5 games.

Quebec vs. Halifax
-Quebec wins in 6 games.

Patrick Moore
Saint John vs. Baie-Comeau
-Saint John wins in 5 games.

Shawinigan vs. Chicoutimi
-Shawinigan wins in 6 games.

Blainville-Boisbriand vs. Rimouski
-Rimouski wins in 7 games.

Quebec vs. Halifax
-Quebec wins in 7 games.

Overall TQS Predictions
Saint John, with a 5-0 vote
Shawinigan, with a 5-0 vote
Blainville-Boisbriand, with a 4-1 vote
Quebec, with a 3-2 vote.

If you have your own predictions, let us know in the comments section below.

nolan@theqspot.ca

Second round ready to go

After Chicoutimi's 4-3 overtime win over Bathurst in Game 6 Sunday night, the second round of the playoffs is set to go.

The No. 1 Saint John Sea Dogs will play the 13th-seeded Baie-Comeau Drakkar, who upset the Victoriaville Tigres 4-0. The series starts Friday April 6 in Saint John with Game Two going on Saturday. The series will switch to Baie-Comeau for games three, four and five on April 10, 11 and 13 respectively. Games six and seven will be back in Saint John on April 16 and 17.

Shawinigan will play the Chicoutimi Sagueneens.

Shawinigan won their first-round matchup against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 4-0.

The series gets underway Friday April 6 and April 7 in Shawinigan.

The third series includes the third-placed Blainville-Boisbriand Armada taking on the seventh-seeded Rimouski Oceanic.

Armada won their series against Gatineau 4-0. Rimouski swept Val-'d'Or in four games.

The series kicks off Friday April 6 in Blainville.

Last but not least, the Quebec Remparts will battle against the Halifax Mooseheads. This series will feature Mooseheads' Nathan MacKinnon going up against Remparts' Mikhail Grigorenko.

Quebec swept Drummondville in the first round and Halifax swept rival Moncton Wildcats.

This will be the second series in the second round to have a 2-3-2 format. Quebec gets games one and two on Friday and Saturday, and Halifax gets games three to five. Games six and seven will come back to Quebec if necessary.

Stay tuned for The Q Spot's second round predictions.

Click here for playoff bracket.

nolan@theqspot.ca

Sea Dogs crush Eagles; Cape Breton on the brink

The Saint John Sea Dogs are on the verge of advancing to the second round of the Quebec League playoffs after hammering Cape Breton, 8-2, in Sydney.

Danick Gauthier and Charlie Coyle each scored twice while Kevin Gagne, Tomas Jurco, Jonathan Huberdeau and Ryan Tesink added one each.

Half of the team's goals came in the opening 5:01 of the first period.

Mathieu Corbeil got the win in goal with 27 saves.

The Sea Dogs carry a 3-0 series lead into Game 4 Wednesday at Centre 200.

If Saint John completes the sweep, it would be the second straight year the Sea Dogs will have eliminated the Eagles in four games.

NOTES: Sea Dog scratches were Maxime Villemaire (right knee injury), Devon Oliver-Dares (broken collarbone), Grant West (flu), Spencer MacDonald (right bicep strain), and Ian Saab (suspended). Dylan McGuigan dressed for his first ever QMJHL playoff game in place of West, registering one shot on goal and three hits. Jordan Moore dressed for his second straight game in place of MacDonald, who took part in the team’s morning skate, but was not ready to play. Coyle’s eight goals are a new Sea Dog single series record.

Three Stars: 1. Gauthier (SJ) 2. Coyle (SJ) 3. Carrier (CB) Top Dog: Jurco

Visit the News 88.9 Sea Dogs Blog to Tim Roszell's calls for all eight of the Sea Dogs goals last night.

Award nominees for QMJHL Golden Puck Awards announced

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announded it's nominees for the Golden Puck Awards, to be held in Montreal next month.

Gerard Gallant, coach of the regular season champion Saint Joh Sea Dogs, joins Patrick Roy of the Quebec Remparts & Jean-Francois Houle of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada were nominated for coach of the year.

Shawinigan Cataractes' Morgan Ellis, Sea Dogs' Pierre Durepos & Remparts' Martin Lefebvre were all nominated for best defensive defensemen.

Ben Duffy of the P.E.I. Rocket, Zach O'Brien & Sebastien Trudeau, both of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan were voted as finalists for sportsman of the year.

O'Brien, who finished his fourth year with the Titan, has yet to record a single penalty minute in the league.

Rookie of year nominees are François Brassard, Anthony Duclair and Mikhail Grigorenko, all of the Remparts, Zachary Fucale and Nathan MacKinnon of the Halifax Mooseheads and Brandon Whitney of the Victoriaville Tigres.

Yanni Gourde of the Tigres, Grigorenko & O'Brien are the nominees for the League MVP.

jonathan@theqspot.ca

Mooseads finish off Rocket with impressive win

Ryan Falkenham's first period goal proved to be the winner in a 6-1 Halifax Mooseheads win over the P.E.I. Rocket Sunday afternoon at the Charlottetown Civic Centre.

With the loss, the Rocket finish the season with a 19-43-2-4, last in the league.

P.E.I. native Cameron Critchlow (1-1) led the way for Halifax. Josh Currie scored the lone goal for the Rocket.

The game remained scoreless until Andrew Ryan opened the scoring for the Mooseheads 17:42 into the first period. Falkenham then made it 2-0 with a nice shot from the slot at 18:19.

The Mooseheads continued to play well in the second period. Brent Andrews opened the scoring at 3:39 to give Halifax a 3-0 lead, before Alexandre Grenier made it 4-0 at 9:21.

Nathan MacKinnon gave Halifax a 5-0 lead at 6:47 of the third and Critchlow made it 6-0 at the 9:28 mark of the third. Currie replied for P.E.I. at 18:39, making it 6-1.

Antoine Bibeau made 27 saves for P.E.I.

Mooseheads goaltender Zachary Fucale made 36 saves.

jonathan@theqspot.ca

Q hands down two suspensions

The disciplinary prefect of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has handed suspension to a player and a coach, the league announced today.

Gatineau Olympiques head coach Benoit Groulx has been suspended two games and fined $1,000.

The suspension and fine were handed out after Groulx's inappropriate behavior during a game against Blainville-Boisbriand on March 14, 2012.

Ian Saab of the Saint John Sea Dogs has been suspended eight games for a high sticking incident which occurred March 11, 2012 against the Shawinigan Cataractes.

Here is the rational that led to the decision:

-The player at fault (Saab) left his blue line and headed towards his opponent.
-The opponent raised his arm up to the plexus of the offending player.
-The offending player (Saab) then forcefully hit his opponent in the face with his stick and glove and hit him on the head a second time with his glove.
-It was not Saab's first offence
-The opponent was injured.

nolan@theqspot.ca

Sea Dogs clinch first overall for the third consecutive season

For the third straight year, the Saint John Sea Dogs have been crowned the regular season champions after their 6-1 win over the Halifax Mooseheads Wednesday night at the Halifax Metro Centre.

The Sea Dogs have posted a 48-15-0-3 record for 99 points this season, with two games left. They have the chance to end the season with 103 points if they win their final games of the season.

Saint John holds a four-point lead over the Memorial Cup hosts Shawinigan Cataractes who can at best, finish with 99 points if they too win their final two games of the season,

Jonathan Huberdeau (1-2), Danick Gauthier (1-2), Charlie Coyle (1-1) and Ryan Tesink (2) all registered multi-point performances on the night. Grant West chipped in with another goal for the Sea Dogs.

Alexandre Grenier had the lone goal for the Mooseheads.

Mathieu Corbeil made 17 saves in the win for the Sea Dogs.

Zachery Fucale made 33 saves and Marc-Olivier Daigle allowed a goal on six shots.

It is likely the Sea Dogs will the play the 16th-seeded Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in the first round of the playoffs.

nolan@theqspot.ca

Drakkar fire head coach Pouliot

The Baie-Comeau Drakkar have fired head coach Mario Pouliot, the team's general manager Steve Ahern announced today at a press conference.

Ahern will take over as the team's bench boss for the remaining three games of the season and playoffs.

In a team press release, Ahern said the team's assessment 10 days before the playoffs left the team with little hope of improvement.

"It's a very difficult decision to make for our organization. We gave the necessary support to Mario and we have supported in his work since joining the team in November 2010."

Ahern added that Pouliot worked with great enthusiasm and professionalism.

"However, in the circumstances, we must restore hope and try to allow the club and its players to regain positive momentum, which no longer possible to feel these days."

Pouliot spent a season and half behind the bench for Baie-Comeau, coaching the Drakkar to a 37-77 record for 87 points in 114. games.

Ahern said he does not want a coaching career but is doing what is good for the team, he said.

"I will finish the campaign and we will settle it all later and enjoy the off-season to recruit a new head coach."

His goal is to regain the team's confidence and play to their full potential, said Ahern.

"We believe the team can play with much more conviction and unity. This will meet the players and they will have the flexibility to gather and grow together in the same direction."

The Drakkar went 2-7-0-1 in its last 10 games, falling from ninth overall to 14th overall.

See the press release here.
Translated version here.

nolan@theqspot.ca

Ouellet, Bouvet-Morrissette and Zlobin named Telus three stars of the week

Xavier Ouellet, Andre Bouvet-Morrissette and Anton Zlobin were named the Telus three stars of the week on Monday night by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

The week is the period spanning from March 5 to March 11, 2012.

Blainville-Boisbriand Armada defenceman Xavier Ouellet is the week's first-star after collecting four points in three games.

The 18-year-old Detroit Red Wings prospect collected a goal in a 4-3 win over Victoriaville on Wednesday. On Friday, the Terrebonne, Que. native collected two assists in a 5-0 win over the Rouyn-Noranada Huskies. Lastly, on Saturday, Ouellet recorded a goal in a 4-2 win over Rimouski.

The Armada captain has 21 goals and 58 points in 61 games this season.

The second star of the week is Drummondville Voltigeurs forward Andre Bouvet-Morrissette after collecting four goals and six points.

On Wednesday in a 7-3 loss to Quebec, the 20-year-old scored a pair of goals. On Friday, he added a goal in a 3-1 win. Then, on Saturday he added a goal and a pair of assists in a 6-1 win over the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

The Becancour, Que. native is in his overage season in the Q and has 39 goals and 71 points in 61 games.

Last but not least, Shawinigan Cataractes forward Anton Zlobin was named the third-star of the week.

The 18-year-old Russian collected three goals and six points in two games.

On Thursday in a 4-2 win over the Huskies, Zlobin had a goal. On Sunday against the No. 1 ranked Saint John Sea Dogs, Zlobin scored a pair of goals and added three assists.

Zlobin is draft eligible for the upcoming 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He has 39 goals and 74 points in 64 games this season.

nolan@theqspot.ca

Steve's 2012 QMJHL Mock Draft

These selections are not based on team needs (necessarily), but more based on where various scouts that I have spoken to think these players will go.

1. Daniel Audette—F—Phenix 5’07/158 22 14 21 35
2. Matthew Highmore—F—Dartmouth 5’11/160 07 02 04 06
3. Loik Leveille—D—Vikings 5’10/191 23 07 14 21
4. Duncan Macintyre—D—ND Argos 5’11/185 18 00 05 05
5. Raphael Maheux—D—Ulysse PrepU19 6’00/180 00 00 00 00
6. Alexander Carrier—D—Antoine-Girouard 5’09/000 24 04 17 21
7. Zach Moody—F—Valley Wildcats 5’11/140 17 08 12 20
8. Cody Donaghey—D—St John’s Leafs 6’00/173 12 05 07 12
9. Clark Bishop—F—St John’s Privateers 5’10/151 13 12 13 25
10. Julio Billia—G—Montreal 5’10/151 04 05 2.76 .909
11. Kameron Kielly—F—Charlottetown 5’11/175 15 09 12 21
12. Alex Gallant—F—Charlottetown 6’00/168 15 12 14 26
13. Mason MacDonald—G—Halifax Titans 6’00/145 06 00 2.07 .910
14. Kevin Bouchard—G—Jonquire 6’02/204 02 05 3.00 .870
15. Lucas Batt—F—ND Argos 5’11/167 17 09 08 17
16. Mathieu Ayotte—Antoine-Girouard 5’08/140 24 12 12 24
17. Cody Bean—F—Bishop's College School 5’09/170 22 16 15 31
18. Matthew Cusson—F—Lac St Louis 5’11/180 22 04 06 10


There is a chance that some of these players would not report if these teams drafted them.

Preview: Rocket vs Screaming Eagles

The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles take on the P.E.I. Rocket tonight at Center 200 in Sydney, N.S.

With a victory, the Eagles can clinch the 16th and final playoff spot in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

The Eagles posted this photo on there Facebook page this morning:

2012 QMJHL Mock Draft (2nd & 3rd Round)

These selections are not necessarily based on each teams current needs, but mostly based on where various scouts that Jonathan and I have spoken to think these players will go.

Second Round:

20. Joshua Pugsley—F—Truro 5’08/135 32 23 22 45
21. David Grimaldi—G—Milles Iles 5’11/160 10 03 1.96
22. Alexis Pepin—F—CCL AAA 6’01/184 13 09 03 12
23. Mathieu Poulin—D—Filons Abiti Espoir 5’11/178 35 02 10 12
24. Francis Ouellet—F—Quebec Citadelles 0’00/000 30 32 28 60
25. Alexandre Delisle-Houde—F—Quebec Cit 0’00/000 32 22 44 66
26. Morgan Messenger—F—Western 5’10/157 31 31 17 48
27. Cedric Lachapelle—F—Filons Abiti Espoir 5’11/152 37 07 14 21
28. Guilllaume Villeneuve—G—Conquest 5’09/140 09 03 2.60
29. Sauel Levac—F—Etoiles de Beauval 5’10/155 26 22 09 31
30. Guillaume McSween—D—Etoiles de Bea 6’03/190 28 04 11 15
31. William Langlais—D—Mustang Espoir 5’09/164 24 01 06 07
32. Jonathan Desbiens—F—Mille-Iles 5’07/130 28 27 13 40
33. Kyle Tibbo—Forward—Tripen Bantam 5’07/169 00 00 00 00
34. Denver Lynds—Forward—Harrington 0’00/000 21 15 13 28
35. Lawrence Lyver—D—Cole Harbor Bantam 5’11/165 29 09 08 17
36. Clark Bishop—Forward—St John’s Bantam 5’09/145 00 00 00 00


Third Round:

37. Olivier Gendron—F—Harrington 0’00/000 25 17 19 36
38. Mason MacDonald—G—Halifax Hawks 6’00/145 09 01 2.15
39. Anthony-John Greer—F—Pionniers 1 6’00/160 27 19 08 27
40. Pascal Beaulieu—D—Harfangs Juvenile AAA 5’11/148 14 00 02 02
41. Samuel Castonguay—F—Mirimachi Midget 5’08/140 30 08 13 21
42. Mark Jollimore—D—South Shore Bantam 5’08/157 30 04 31 35
43. Nick Gibson—D—Bubba Rays 5’10/170 25 03 17 20
44. Felix-Nicolas Gendron—F—TGV Pentag 5’07/152 28 23 29 52
45. Samuel Blais—F—Express Riv-Nord 5’06/140 35 26 25 51
46. Chad Bean—F—BCS 5’08/150 25 10 20 30
47. Logan Macmanaman—D—Harrington 0’00/000 24 05 08 13
48. Olivier Ravary—G—Selects Nord 2 5’11/140 06 06 2.25
49. Nathan Yetman—F—St John’s 5’08/165 28 08 15 23
50. Patrick Normandeau—D—Notre Dame 0’00/000 17 02 15 17
51. Alexandre Leblanc—D—Senaters 0’00/000 25 08 09 17

There are still chances that some of these players don't make it to camp but these are just assumptions. Now not all these are players that are currently playing in Midget AAA but also prep school.

Also, check out Jonathan's First round mock draft!

Three Q teams make BMO Top 10 Rankings

Three Quebec Major Junior Hockey League teams have made the cut for the BMO MasterCard Top 10 Rankings the CHL announced yesterday.

For the second straight week, the Saint John Sea Dogs claim the top spot in the country. The Shawinigan Cataractes and the Quebec Remparts are the other two teams.

Saint John's 47-14-0-2 record has them in the number one spot. The mighty Sea Dogs have won 16 straight games.

The Cataractes sit a No. 4 with a 42-14-3-4 record. The 2012 Memorial Cup hosts are 7-2-1-0 in their past 10 games.

And last but not least, Patrick Roy's Quebec Remparts sit at the No. 8 spot with a 41-15-5-2 record. The Remparts are 9-1-0-0 in their past 10 games.

The Victoriaville Tigres were honourable mentions.

BMO CHL MasterCard Top 10 Rankings

1. Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL (47-14-0-2)
2. London Knights, OHL (45-16-0-1)
3. Portland Winterhawks, WHL (46-16-3-1)
4. Shawinigan Cataratces, QMJHL (42-14-3-4)
5. Tri-City Americans, WHL (46-17-1-2)
6. Plymouth Whalers, OHL (43-17-2-1)
7. Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL (44-15-3-4)
8. Quebec Remparts, QMJHL (41-15-5-2)
9. Kamloops Blazers, WHL (44-17-2-3)
10. Niagara Ice Dogs, OHL (42-17-0-3)

nolan@theqspot.ca

Reid on the Rocket: Rocket snap slump with big win over Wildcats

Josh Currie's early third period goal lifted the Rocket to a 5-3 win over the Moncton Wildcats Tuesday night at the Charlottetown Civic Centre.

For the sixth time in seven games this season, the Rocket have beaten the Wildcats. The win also snapped a 10-game losing streak for P.E.I. and improved to 18-40-2-3 on the season.

Ben Duffy led the way for the Rocket scoring two goals and adding an assist. He said it was huge to snap the losing streak.

"Especially right before going into the Cape, the two biggest games of the season coming up. "

The success against the Wildcats this year has been thanks to rivalry the two teams have, said Duffy.

"Come time to play them we never want to lose and I think that's why we battle so hard to make sure we get those two points every game."

A lot of positives came out of the win, said Duffy.

"We played a full 60 minutes and stuck to our game plan…and that's what we got to do for the rest of the season."

Moncton opened the scoring with Allain Saulnier's 25th goal of the season at 12:27 of the first period.

It didn't take the Rocket long to respond as Louick Marcotte potted home his 11th of the season at 13:22 to tie the game.

Ryan Penny gave the Wildcats a 2-1 lead at 17:40.

After a near scoreless second period, Duffy's goal with 22 seconds left in the period tied the game at two.

In the third period, Duffy scored 51 seconds in to give the Rocket a 3-2 lead with his 34th of the season before Currie's 25th of the season made it 4-2 at 4:08.

Patrick Delisle-Houde got the Wildcats within a goal with a powerplay marker at 7:09.

Jimmy Oligny capped off the scoring with an empty net goal at 19:07.

Maxime Lagace made 26 saves for the win in goal for P.E.I.

Roman Will took the loss for Moncton stopping 28 shots.

With five games left on the schedule, the Rocket are still battling for that last and final playoff spot.

"We have to stay positive and make sure we compete and work hard in practice and make sure were mentally and physically ready for every game," said Duffy.

The Rocket are back in action Friday and Saturday night with back-to-back games against the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in Cape Breton.

Rocket return home for their final home game of the season Sunday March 18 at 4 p.m. against the Halifax Mooseheads.

Video Highlights


nolan@theqspot.ca

Hyka, Duclair and Marcoux named Telus three stars of the week

Tomas Hyka, Anthony Duclair and Etienne Marcoux were named the Telus three stars of the week, the QMJHL announced earlier today.

The week is the period spanning from Feb. 27 to March 4, 2012.

Tomas Hyka of the Gatineau Olympiques is the week's first star after potting a pair of goals and collecting nine points.

The 18-year-old Czech native was named third-star on Wednesday with a goal. On Friday he scored a goal and added a pair of assists in an overtime win over Drummondville. He was named second star of the game.

On Sunday, he collected four assists in an 8-2 win over Drummondville.

The week's second star is Quebec Remparts rookie Anthony Duclair. Duclair, 16, scored his 25th goal of the season on Wednesday in a 9-2 thumping over the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. He tallied three points in the game to be named the game's first star.

On Sunday, the Montreal, Que. native collected a goal and a pair of assists in a 4-2 win over the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

Duclair has 60 points on the season.

The third star of the week belongs to Etienne Marcoux of the Blainville-Boisbrian Armada.

On Friday he made 29 saves in a 6-2 win over the Baie-Comeau Drakkar then posted a shutout the next night against Chicoutimi.

He posted a 1.00 goals-against average and a 0.959 save percentage.

nolan@theqspot.ca

Power Rankings - March 3

Will the Sea Dogs ever lose again? We’ve seen their streak run to 16 games now with no end in sight. Everyone expected them to be good again, but I don’t know if any of us thought they’d be this good. Val d’Or may just be the hottest team outside of top tiered clubs and the Islands are still struggling.

#1 Saint John Sea Dogs (46-14-0-2) – Last week #1 - No change – Have increased their win streak to 16 games, the Sea Dogs are rolling at the right time. Can anyone shut down Huberdeau and company?

#2 Shawinigan Cataractes (41-14-3-4) – Last week #4 – No change – Have lost two of their last three games, most recently a 5-4 decision against Chicoutimi. It was their first loss to the Sagueneens in seven games this season.

#3 Quebec Remparts (40-15-5-2) – Last week #4 - Up one spot- Have won six straight are 8-2 in their last 10 games with four shutouts. They’ve allowed one goal or less in six of those last 10. Leading rookie scorer Mikhail Grigorenko has seven goals and 10 points during Quebec’s six game winning streak.

#4 Halifax Mooseheads (35-20-2-4)– Last week #5 – Up one spot - Friday night’s loss to Rouyn-Noranda marks the Mooseheads first loss to a team below them in the standings since a 2-1 shootout loss in Baie Comeau on Feb. 8.

#5 Victoriaville Tigres (38-18-1-4) – Last week #3 – Down two spots- Have lost three of their last five games. Both wins were by a single goal. Two of their three losses were to Quebec and Halifax.

#6 Chicoutimi Sagueneens (32-20-3-6) – Last week #6 – No change – Beat Shawinigan for the first time this season for their third straight win.

#7 Rimouski Oceanic (38-23-1-0) – Last week #7 – No change – Have four straight wins since Cape Breton snapped their overtime winning streak . They’ve scored 27 goals in those four games.

#8 Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (34-22-3-2) –Last week #8 – No change – Have been playing good hockey as of late, collecting points in eight of their past ten games, including six wins.

#9 Acadie-Bathurst Titan (29-28-2-3)- Last week #10 – Up one spot – The Titan continue to confuse. They’ve won two of their last three, beating Cape Breton twice while losing to Baie-Comeau. As usual, everyone expects much more from a team who boasts two of the leagues top three scorers.

#10 Moncton Wildcats (27-28-3-3) – Last week #9 - Down one spot – Have lost five straight games, but it’s hard to hold that against them. They’ve played Saint John and Quebec twice in that span. At least they only had to play Shawinigan once. The Wildcats were shutout three times in those five games.

#11 Val d’Or Foreurs (28-30-0-5)- Last week #14 – Up three spots - Val d’Or could be dark horse for a first round upset. They’ve won five straight games and have a couple of streaking wingers. Benjamin Casavant has 16 points in his ongoing 11 game point streak while Anthony Mantha has 14 points in eight games.

#12 Baie-Comeau Drakkar (28-29-1-4)- Last week #12 – No change – Th eDrakkar have lost four of their last five giving up 30 goals in that span.

#13 Gatineau Olympiques (24-28-4-5)-Last week #13 – No change- Needed a shootout to snap a four game losing streak Friday night against Drummondville.

#14 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (21-34-4-3)- Last week #11- Up one spot- Have collected points in four straight games. Chased rookie standout Zachary Fucale in a 5-2 win of the fourth ranked Halifax Mooseheads on Friday night.

#15 Drummondville Voltigeurs (25-28-2-7)- Last week #11- Down four spots- In their last six games they’ve lost to Val d’Or, Gatineau, and twice to Rouyn-Noranda. Needless to say they are slumping.

#16 Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (21-38-1-2) – Last week #17- Up one spot- Have lost six in a row starting with their 10-1 loss to Rimouski. Things are better than in P.E.I, but not by much. Have given up 41 goals in their six losses.

#17 P.E.I Rocket(17-40-2-2)- Last week # 16 – Down one spot – Have now lost nine in a row. Fortunately Rocket fans are seeing lots of goals this season. Unfortunately they are going in the wrong net. The Rocket are the lowest scoring team in the Q right now, while also giving up the most goals. Not a lot of positives on the Islands right now.

The power rankings take a break next week as I enjoy mojitos and sunny beaches. Check back March 15 for the penultimate edition of the 2012 Q Spot power rankings.

Reid on the Rocket: Titan edge Rocket in shootout

The Acadie-Bathurst Titan used a shootout to get by the P.E.I. Rocket, 4-3, Sunday afternoon at the Charlottetown Civic Centre.

The loss for the Rocket keeps them in the league's basement with a 17-40-2-3 record for 39 points. It was also the ninth straight loss for the Rocket, but collected their first point in nine games.

Alex Noel, who scored a goal for the Rocket, said the team battled hard for two periods, but could have played better in the third period.

"We could have came out with two points there, got one, it's better than nothing but we should have performed better in the third period."

Noel's goal gave the Rocket a 3-2 lead with less than a minute to go in the second period but it wouldn't be enough as Bathurst's Mirko Hoefflin tied the game with 2:54 left in the third period. Bathurst then scored twice in the shootout and the Rocket were shutout.

It's never fun to lose like that, said Noel.

"We were playing pretty good all game, pops our bubble a little bit. We just got to forget about it and focus on the Moncton game on Tuesday."

The Titan opened the scoring with Zach O'Brien's league-leading 50th goal of the season just 2:19 into the first period.

Josh Currie tied the game at one with this 23rd goal of the season at 11:02. Jimmy Oligny and Victor Provencher drew the assists.

In the second period, Olivier Croteau's 13th goal of the season put the Rocket up by a score of 2-1 on the powerplay at 6:22.

Hoefflin scored his first of the game to tie the game at two for the Titan at 9:59.

Noel's ninth of the season gave the Rocket a 3-2 lead at 19:06.

In the third period, Hoefflin tied the game for Bathurst to send the game to overtime and eventually to the shootout.

O'Brien and Sebastien Trudeau scored for Bathurst in the shootout, as Jessyko Bernard and Louick Marcotte were held scoreless.

Maxime Lagace made 27 saves in net for the Rocket.

Jacob Brennan made 28 saves to pick up the win for Bathurst.

The Rocket host the Moncton Wildcats on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. It is also the last ticket redemption night for the season.

Video Highlights


nolan@theqspot.ca

Gauthier signs with Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Danick Gauthier to a three-year contract, Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced today.

Gauthier, 6-2, 201 pounds, has played in 59 games with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, recording 41 goals and 72 points, to go along with a plus-35 rating. He ranks second in the QMJHL in goals and is tied for 12th in points. Gauthier has recorded four hat-tricks this season and also leads the Sea Dogs with 11 power-play goals.

The Repentigny, Que. native has skated in 212 career games in the QMJHL with the Sea Dogs and Shawinigan Cataractes, posting 70 goals and 132 points, to go along with 219 penalty minutes. Gauthier was a member of the 2009-10 Sea Dogs team that won the Memorial Cup.

Coyle signs three-year deal with Wild

The Minnesota Wild on signed 2010 first-round pick Charlie Coyle to a three-year, entry level contract., the team announced Thursday. No financial terms were disclosed.

The East Weymouth, Mass., native started this season as a sophomore at Boston University. But after representing the United States for the second straight year at the World Junior Championship, Coyle joined the defending Memorial Cup-winning Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he's played on the same line with fellow Wild prospect Zack Phillips, who's sixth in the QMJHL in scoring.

Coyle and Phillips have been a potent tandem, with Coyle scoring 12 goals and adding 12 assists in just 16 games.

“Point-wise I think obviously we’re both doing pretty good and we’re winning so I think it’s working for everyone,” Coyle told the Wild's website of playing with Phillips. “I think we complement each other pretty good. Hopefully we stick together. I think we work well together."

Coyle had four goals in six games with Team U.S.A. at the World Juniors after going 3-11-14 in 16 games for Boston University.

Coyle was originally a first-round pick by San Jose, but was dealt to the Wild on draft day last June along with Devin Setoguchi and a first-round pick that turned out to be Phillips in exchange for defenseman Brent Burns.

Canadiens sign Morgan Ellis to entry-level deal

Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of defenseman Morgan Ellis to a three-year contract (2012-13 to 2014-15). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

In 54 games with the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and Shawinigan Cataractes, Ellis ranks tied for seventh among defensemen in the league with 46 points (13 goals and 33 assists). He ranks tied for fifth among league defensemen for goals (13). The 6-2 and 204-pound defenseman displays a +18 plus/minus differential and served 45 penalty minutes.

The 19-year-old Ellerslie, P.E.I., native has recorded 117 points (25 goals and 92 assists) in 231 games since his junior debut with Cape Breton in 2008-09. He was drafted in the fourth round, 117th overall by the Canadiens at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Ellis took part in his second training camp with the Canadiens in 2011, appearing in one preseason game. He was returned to the Screaming Eagles on Sept. 26.

Who's Hot, Who's Not: Feb. 20th - 26th

Two wingers from one of the league’s lowest ranked clubs take home hottest players of the week honours here at the q spot, and a team other than the Sea Dogs will be recognized for their strong play of late.  With less distinction, one of the league’s top scorers on what should be one of the top ranked teams is cooling down, and there’s no foreshadowing it, P.E.I is freezing in February.

The Val d’Or Foreurs may be near the QMJHL basement in 14^th place but the teams’ second leadings scorer Benjamin Casavant is one of the hottest producers in the league right now. Casavant has 29 goals and 60 points in 51 games this season.  Even at over a point per game on the season, February has been a good month.  Casavant is in the midst of a nine game point streak this month that at one point saw him score a goal in seven straight. He has 12 points in those nine games.

Anthony Mantha may be a surprise second entry for the lowly Foreurs this week. Prior to the beginning of February, Mantha had managed only 23 points in 55 games, and then only two points in his first four games to start the month.  But since then, Mantha has put together a six game goal scoring streak where he earned 12 points.  In ten games this month Mantha has put up 14 points and 26 points in his last 18.

This is the longest goal scoring streaks for both Mantha (Current) and Casavant (broken 02/26) QMJHL careers, and both players second longest points streak. Mantha had an eight game streak lasting until the end of January and Casavant has twice reached the 10 point plateau.

Despite Halifax’s strong play of late, 25 goal scorer Matthew Boudreau has struggled.  A two goal output on February 10^th against Chicoutimi improved Boudreau to a point per game with 52 points in 52 games.  Boudreau and the Mooseheads have played seven times since that game with Halifax sporting an impressive 5-2 record. Yet Boudreau hasn’t scored a point and is a minus five in those same seven games.  Boudreau’s will look to break out of his slump over the next three games which are against Gatineau and Rouyn-Noranda. In the two games against those two clubs this season, Boudreau has scored two goals and added an assist to go with a plus three rating.

Last week’s cold team of the week, the Chicoutimi Saguenees, continue to struggle, and nobody is feeling it more than leading scorer Guillaume Asselin. Asselin sits 18^th in league scoring with 67 points in 59 games but has only scored one goal and one assist in his last seven games.  A four game slump in the middle of those seven games was the longest he has been held without a point this season.

The Halifax Mooseheads are the surprise hot team of the QMJHL this week.  Halifax entered what may have been their hardest stretch of the year including four games in five nights on the road.  In their last nine games Halifax has had to play Shawinigan and Victoriaville twice, and Saint John and Chicoutimi once. Shawinigan, Saint John, and Victoriaville are first, second, and third in points this season.  Halifax won four of those six games and are 6-2-0-1 in their last nine. Within those nine games the Mooseheads have even managed a four game winning streak, swept Victoriaville and split with Shawinigan. One of their two losses was a hotly contested 4-3 against the Saint John Sea Dogs. Their only other regulation loss was to the memorial cup hosts Shawinigan. 

You don’t have to travel from this week’s hottest team to find its coldest. The P.E.I Rocket have had a dismal February. The Rocket have now lost eight straight being outscored 45-13 in the process. Four in a row were at home by a combined score of 24-3. Positive news is leading scorer Ben Duffy is starting to break out of his slump with two points in his last three games. Less fortunate news is the team’s next game will be against the Saint John Sea dogs at Harbour Station.  Their last meeting ended in a 10-1 drubbing.

Honourable Mentions: 

The Saint John Sea Dogs have won 14 straight games now, and 15 of their last 16.

Montreal Canadians first round pick Nathan Beaulieu of the Saint John Sea Dogs had a seven game point streak snapped Saturday in Moncton. Beaulieu has 1 goal and 14 points in nine games in February. 

16-year-old Halifax Mooseheads forward Ryan Falkenham had a four game streak snapped Saturday against Shawinigan. The longest streak of the young rookie’s career saw him score four goals and add two assists.

*Disclaimer- 15 of 16 does not include forfeit to Gatineau that Saint John originally won.

Injuries haven't slowed the Sea Dogs

By Patrick Moore
TQS Writer

Before the season even started, the Saint John Sea Dogs knew a Memorial Cup repeat was going to be a tough road to travel.

No one knew the feeling more than Stanislav Galiev. The Washington Capitals pick returned for the Sea Dogs 5-0 win against the P.E.I. Rocket after missing 48 games with a broken wrist.

It was tough for him, knowing that he wasn't able to help his teammates on the ice.

"It's tough to watch the games when you're sitting in the stands."

A lot of credit does lie with the rest of the Sea Dogs.

"I told the players to just go out and play their best, " said head coach Gerard Gallant.

With 12 games left in the season, the Sea Dogs haven't had a game with their full roster.

Sea Dogs captain Jonathan Huberdeau is happy to have the team back with some games left in the season.

"It's good, it gives us a chance to work on our team chemistry which will help us in the playoffs."

He admits there is a lot of pressure on the team this year because they are looking to repeat as Memorial Cup champions.

"Even though we won it last year, it's important not think about it. It's a new year and a new team."

Galiev did what he could while he was injured,

"I didn't go on any road trips, because I had to work out and stay in shape, but I would support the guys during home games."

Gallant expects the Sea Dogs to be much better now that everyone is back.

"I expect us to compete every game."

He isn't worried about who they end up playing in the first round of the playoffs.

"It doesn't matter if we play the Rocket, Cape Breton or Rouyn-Noranada. We are going to play our game."

Gallant said that a series against P.E.I. or Cape Breton would be ideal because the travel would be cut down by a lot. They would probably have to take a plane to Rouyn-Noranda.


*Patrick is currently enrolled in the Journalism program at Holland College.

Power Rankings - February 23rd

There is some minor shuffling around the top of the rankings this week while the bottom of the list remains largely intact. A powerhouse continues to win, a couple of Anthony’s are doing well for themselves, even if their respective clubs are struggling and a once thought contender continues to struggle.

#1 Saint John Sea Dogs (42-14-0-2) – Last week# 1 - No change – Have increased their win streak to 12 games. The Sea Dogs are rolling at the right time. Can anyone shut down Huberdeau and company?

#2 Shawinigan Cataractes (39-12-3-4) – Last week #4 - Up two spots – Seem to be doing just fine without Brandon Gormley. The Cataractes have beat Chicoutimi twice in their last four games.

#3 Victoriaville Tigres (37-17-1-3) – Last week #2 -Down one spot- Have now had five straight one goal games. Things are starting to get a little too close for comfort for a team that should be handling P.E.I. and Cape Breton with ease.

#4 Quebec Remparts (36-15-5-2) –Last week #5 – Up one spot- After a 4-1 loss to Saint John (who’s not losing to them these days), they followed it up with road wins in Moncton and P.E.I.

#5 Halifax Mooseheads (33-19-2-4) – Last week #6 – Up one spot- Had their four game winning streak snapped by none other than Saint John. Return of leading scorer Nathan MacKinnon will help on the score sheet.

#6 Chicoutimi Sagueneens (29-20-3-6) – Last week #3 – Down three spots – Lost four straight games. Their vaulted offense has only scored seven goals in that span. Buying at the deadline is starting to look a little ambitious in Chicoutimi right now.

#7 Rimouski Oceanic (36-23-1-0) – Last week #7 – No change – Embarrassed Cape Breton with a 10 goal onslaught. Petr Straka led the Oceanic with four points. Rimouski lost their first overtime game of the season this week.

#8 Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (33-21-2-2) –Last week #9 – Up one spot –Three straight wins this week and have collected nine out of their last 10 points.

#9 Moncton Wildcats (27-25-3-2)- Last week #10 – Up one spot – Suffered their fourth shutout loss of the season to the Remparts, snapping a four game winning streak.

#10 Acadie-Bathurst Titan (27-27-2-3) – Last week #8- Down two spots – Gutsy third period comeback against the Mooseheads, but probably shouldn’t have given up six second period goals in the first place.

#11 Drummondville Voltigeurs (24-26-2-6)- Last week #11 – No change - Have needed a shootout in two straight and four times in their last 10.

#12 Baie-Comeau Drakkar (27-26-1-3)- Last week #12 – No change – Have not scored nor given up a power play goal in the last week.

#13 Gatineau Olympiques(23-25-4-5)- Last week #13 – No change - Adam Chapman had three goals and an assist while defender Anthony Cortese had four assists leading the Olympiques to a 1-1 record last week.

#14 Val d’Or Foreurs (24-30-0-5)- Last week #14- No change- Wingers Benjamin Casavant and Anthony Mantha each have scoring streaks on the line this week. Casavant has had points in seven straight (6G-3A-9P). Mantha meanwhile has a found the score sheet in four straight (5G-2A-7P).

#15 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (18-34-3-3)- Last week #15- No change- Have only won three of their past 10. The Huskies started a six game home stand with a loss to Val d’Or on Wednesday night. They will be hoping that their extended stay at home will change their fortunes and create some distance between them and last placed P.E.I. Rocket.

#16 P.E.I. Rocket (17-37-2-2) – Last week #16- No change - The Rocket have now lost six straight. They have been shut out twice and have managed only five goals in their last five games. Leading scorer Ben Duffy has only one assist in that span.

#17 Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (21-33-1-2)- Last week # 17 – No change - Confidence building first leg in a home and home against Rimouski. Then they gave up 10 goals in the second leg to bring them right back down to earth.

Check back next week for the third edition of The Q Spot’s QMJHL PowerRankings. As always, feel free to leave your disagreements in the comments section below.