The Olympiques almost perfect against the Tigres
Gatineau – The Olympiques received a visit from the Victoriaville Tigres on Friday at the Slush Puppie Centre. After the traditional lap of honour for rookies Alex Dagenais and Dylan Allie, both of whom were playing their first career QMJHL game, the Olympiques delivered a dominant performance in front of their fans to record their second consecutive win.
Gatineau sets the tone from the start
In the first period, the Olympiques wasted no time. Just over a minute into the period, Lukas Landry (8th) took advantage of a throw-in to give his team the lead. Michel Myloserdnyy collects his first career QMJHL point and first point in an Olympiques uniform. Just 41 seconds later, Julien Paillé (14th) redirected William-Alexis Tremblay’s shot behind goaltender Gabriel Daigle to quickly double the Gatineau lead. The home team then took their first penalty, but the shorthanded team got the job done. At the end of the period, Alexis Loiseau’s men added another when a puck rebounded off Nicholas Petrut (2nd) and into the back of the net.
Gatineau keep their foot on the gas
In the second period, Isaiah Parent surprised the opposing goalie with a shot from a tight angle, and captain Jérémie Minville (26th) collected a loose puck to score a fourth for his side. Then, with Gatineau down a man, Lukas Landry (9th) made it 5-0 in favor of the Olympiques with his second of the game. Moments later, Francesco Iasenza’s shot found its way into the net to put the Tigres on the scoreboard. The home side went into the locker room with a four-goal lead.
Unequivocal victory for the hosts
In the third period, the Olympiques continued to buzz in opposition territory, multiplying their scoring chances. Gatineau then had an opportunity with an extra man, but could not find the back of the net. A few skirmishes broke out late in the game, but Alexis Loiseau’s men emerged victorious from their third duel against the Tigres with a convincing 5-1 win.
Post-game comments
Alex Dagenais and Dylan Allie, both teammates with l’Intrépide de Gatineau M18AAA, had the chance to skate together for the first time in the QMJHL.
It’s an honor,” says Allie. This is our hometown and we went to see them all our youth. It’s a dream.
It’s like a childhood dream come true,” confides Dagenais. Ever since I was little, I’ve been going to see the Olympiques with my father and my family. To play a game for them, honestly, is incredible.
The Olympiques rattled the ropes twice in the first two minutes of play.
“The start of the game was very important,” says head coach Alexis Loiseau. We knew the situation [the Tigers] were in lately. We wanted to start the game strongly […] I’m proud of the guys tonight”.
Next game
The Olympiques will be back in action on Sunday, January 19 at the Centre Gervais Auto to take on the Shawinigan Cataractes at 4pm.
An article by Philippe Villeneuve