The Olympiques win an emotional game
GATINEAU – The Olympiques were visited by the Shawinigan Cataractes on Sunday afternoon at the Slush Puppie Centre. With the last regular-season game at home, the Olympiques continued the tradition of honoring their 20-year-old players, Alexander Gaudio, Mathis Gauthier and Charles Boutin. For the second time in as many days, there were over 4,700 fans in attendance at the Slush Puppie Centre. An important 4-3 victory for the Olympiques satisfied the crowd one last time before the start of the playoffs.
Gatineau dominant after twenty minutes
In the first period, the Olympiques were dominant and imposing. They accumulated scoring chances and limited the work of Zach Pelletier. Finally, Mathis Gauthier sent the puck on a silver platter to Justin Boisselle (20th), who completed the scoring and gave his team the lead on the power play. Moments later, Charles Boutin (22nd) received a perfect pass from Sander Wold. The Olympiques captain expertly foiled goalkeeper Mathys Fernandez to double the home team’s lead.
Shawinigan back in the game
In the second period, the Cataractes came back into the game. Jiri Klima reduced the deficit to one goal, followed by Nathan Éthier, who tied the score on a breakaway in the shorthanded period. The Olympiques also had several scoring chances, notably from the famous duo of Jérémie Minville and Charles Boutin, who came close to adding to their tally on several occasions. However, Gatineau could not find the back of the net. The game was deadlocked after 40 minutes.
Olympiques win two important points
Early in the third period, Justin Dumais (9th) put Gatineau back in front by pushing a loose puck into the back of the net. Jan Golicic then passed the disc to Justin Boisselle (21st), who found himself alone in front of Fernandez and scored his second of the game. Vince Elie replied for Shawinigan with two minutes left in the game, but Gatineau held out until the end to win 4-3.
Zach Pelletier played his second game in as many days. The rookie made 32 saves on 34 shots this afternoon.
I really liked Pelletier’s performance in the third period,” said head coach Serge Beausoleil. He made some big saves at the right times.”
Beausoleil had a lot of good things to say about his 20-year-old players, who were celebrated today before the game.
“I know that in crucial moments, these players will be there. I know they’re good people for my youngsters. For me, that’s priceless.”
Serge Beausoleil also had a special mention for his captain, Charles Boutin, who is part of the group of 20-year-olds playing a final regular-season game in the QMJHL.
“We named Charles Boutin captain in the middle of the season, and it wasn’t to please him. It was because he deserved it,” points out the Olympiques pilot. He led us all year long. He’s an extraordinary player who doesn’t yet know what he’s capable of or how talented he is, because he can do practically anything on the ice. I felt he was totally involved in the game tonight and I loved it.”
The Olympiques’ next game is Friday (March 22) against the Foreurs de Val d’Or at the Agnico Eagle Centre.
