Perfect weekend for the Cataractes!
After eight straight losses to start the 2017-2018 season, Daniel Renaud and his players were looking to shut down that loosing streak as fast as they could. Head coach Renaud told media, after the 5-0 loss against Chicoutimi, that the coaching staff was looking for grit and pride among their players. They were expecting them to get out of trouble as a group, together.
Needless to say that last weekend, Shawinigan had to play two strong games against harsh rival Victoriaville, a offensive powerhouse in the QMJHL. Well, mission accomplished! On friday night, at home, Shawinigan overcame by a score of 6-3 and repeated a day later earning a 4-2 win in Victoriaville.
Russian goaltender Mikhail Denisov showed why he was considered an allstar over the past two seasons with a 0.922 save percentage and a 2.50 goals allowed over the two games. As for the offense, 20-year old veteran Samuel Blier took charge of it with 2 goals and 1 assist.
Friday night old time hockey!
Shawinigan showed a lot of character early in the game and fans at the Centre Gervais-Auto knew that their favorites were fully intended to end the loosing streak. Overall, Shawinigan managed to get 6 goals past rookie netminder Anthony Morrone. Samuel Blier, Vasily Glotov, Samuel Guilbault (2), Gabriel Denis and Antoine Demers led the way to give Shawinigan his first win of the season. Also, Samuel Asselin and Charlie Roy earned two assists each. In the net, Mikhail Denisov was back and was looking to bounce back after a slow start. He was absolutely stunning shuting down Maxime Comtois, Mathieu Sévigny and Pascal Laberge.
Fans also got to watch intense and rough play on that night. In the second period of play, not one but two fights started out. Certainly a proof that these two teams don’t like each other…
Shawinigan completes the sweep!
On saturday night, Cataractes and Tigres met again but in Victoriaville this time. Would Daniel Renaud see his players earn a second straight win ? Would they execute with as much confidence as the last game ? Absolutely ! Samuel Blier, Tommy Cardinal, Samuel Asselin and Antoine Demers scored while Vasily Glotov and Jan Drozg earned two assists each. At the other end, Mikhail Denisov repeated and got the win stopping 32 shots while giving up two goals.
Unfortunately, an incident at the end of the second period of play between Charlie Roy and Maxime Comtois made most of the headlines. Roy punched Comtois while he was lying on the ice. Unfortunately for Comtois, since he had lost his helmet, his head hit the ice. The league officials suspended Roy indefinitly and will annouce more details during the week. Both coaches and general managers spoke on sunday and their first concern was Maxime Comtois’ health.
Cape-Breton, Charlottetown and Moncton next !
The Cataractes are leaving for long trip in the Maritimes to face the Screaming Eagles, the Islanders and the Wildcats. Daniel Renaud was excited by this trip and was looking forward to see his young team play along the way. Let’s hope that the last two games will inspire the whole team!
