Preview: vs. Quebec Remparts
October 22, 2022 – Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) – Charlottetown Islanders News Release
Coming off a hard-fought loss on Thursday night, the Charlottetown Islanders will need to pull their socks up a little further as they play host to the Eastern Conference-leading Quebec Remparts on Saturday Night
Despite a rash of injuries and a young lineup, the Islanders (4-3-1-0) pushed the Mooseheads hard for three periods with a number of high-quality opportunities; however, Mooseheads goaltender Mathis Rousseau shut the door and limited the Islanders to just one goal as his team took a 4-1 decision.
Peter Repčík, acquired from the Cape Breton Eagles as part of this week’s Oliver Satny trade, made his debut on Thursday night amid travel concerns. The forward quickly earned the favour of fans with his hard effort and displayed skill that should translate further as he gets more acclimated to his new teammates.
Charlottetown faced a number of injuries ahead of Thursday’s game, with five regulars unable to take part in the game. Simon Duguay and Ross Campbell were called up from their respective Major U-18 teams in the wake of injuries to Jeremie Biakabutuka, Jacob Squires, and Will Allen. Alexis Michaud and Sam Bowness will return to the line-up tonight.
Francesco Lapenna will get the call between the pipes once again. The unquestioned MVP of the season thus far for Charlottetown, Lapenna sits fourth among qualified QMJHL goaltenders with a .940 save percentage this season.
Across the ice, Quebec (8-1-0-1) have continued their strong play from last season, where they won the QMJHL’s regular season title. Currently, on their first visit to the Maritimes this season, the Remparts got the trip kicked off on the right foot, defeating the Acadie-Bathurst Titan 4-0 on Thursday night.
Led behind the bench by NHL Hall of Famer Patrick Roy, Quebec is propelled on the ice by one of the league’s strongest forward groups. Led by St. Louis Blues first-round pick Zachary Bolduc and Anaheim Ducks first-rounder Nathan Gaucher, the Remparts boast a group that possesses the skill, physicality, and veteran leadership. Currently atop the team in points is 20-year-old forward Pier-Olivier Roy, who has racked up seven goals and twelve points through ten games played thus far.
On the blue line, the team is led by Buffalo Sabres prospect Vsevolod Komarov and Florida Panthers prospect Evan Nause. The duo anchor a veteran group that has largely grown up in major junior together; Nause, Nicolas Savoie, and Charle Truchon have all been with the Remparts for at least the past three seasons. Savoie, to his credit, has spent his entire five-year major junior career in Quebec.
You can still get tickets for tonight’s game by visiting the Eastlink Centre box office, by phone at 902-629-6625, or online. As is the case every Saturday, it’s Cyber Saturday! In honour of Patrick Roy’s only appearance at the Eastlink Centre, use promo code ROY online to receive 33% off your tickets for tonight’s game!
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