Preview: October 23 vs. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
October 23, 2022 – Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) – Charlottetown Islanders News Release
Sometimes, there is no better remedy for a setback than getting right back up and trying again. The Charlottetown Islanders are certainly hoping that’s the case.
The Islanders (4-4-1-0) play their third and final home game of the week Sunday afternoon against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, less than 24 hours after a back-breaking 7-1 defeat at the hands of the Eastern Conference-leading Quebec Remparts. It’s Charlottetown’s second loss in a row against two strong opponents.
“There are some tough lessons to be learned when you’re a young club dressing five rookie defensemen against a team like that,” said Islanders head coach Jim Hulton following Saturday night’s game against the Remparts. “We held [our own] for a bit, we were in it before it fell apart for us in the third period.”
That rookie defense corps performed admirably amidst the circumstances and will have their opportunity today to right the ship. One of those defenders who stood out was Anton Topilnyckyj. The 17-year-old from Oromocto, New Brunswick picked up his third assist of the season last night, intercepting a clearing attempt at the blue line and putting a puck on net that was eventually tipped by Jakub Brabenec.
While not confirmed by the team, expect rookie netminder Jack Flanagan to get a look in goal today after a busy stretch of games by Francesco Lapenna. For Flanagan, a sixth-round pick in the 2021 QMJHL Draft, that would be his first career QMJHL regular-season start. There are high expectations for Flanagan after he posted an impressive .931 save percentage in four pre-season games.
Meanwhile, the Huskies (7-5-0-0) are wrapping up their first visit to the Maritimes with their lone game in Charlottetown this season. It’s been a positive trip thus far; after a 5-3 victory over the Cape Breton Eagles on Thursday, the Huskies pulled out a 3-2 shootout victory over the Halifax Mooseheads just last night. Louis-Philippe Fontaine scored the lone shootout goal while Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Dyllan Gill had a goal and an assist in regulation time.
One player to keep an eye on for Rouyn-Noranda is Bill Zonnon. The 16-year-old forward has had an electric start to his rookie season in the QMJHL. Just 12 games in, Zonnon has already racked up 11 points, including two assists just last night. Those 11 points are tops amongst all rookies in the league.
Tickets are available for today’s game by visiting the Eastlink Centre box office, by phone at 902-629-6625, or online. Sundays are Family Day at the Eastlink Centre; four tickets are just $55! Make sure to take advantage of great savings at the box office!
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