Titan falls short to Islanders in pre-season tilt
Bathurst, NB, Friday August 14, 2015 – For the second time in as many nights, the Acadie-Bathurst Titan took to the ice, this time to face-off against the Charlottetown Islanders at home. Fans in attendance were treated to an offensive showdown as the Titan fired 40 shots on net while the Islanders replied with 38 of their own. In the end, the visiting team skated away with a five to three win, the last goal coming in an empty net.
True to the nature of early preseason action, Titan players were looking to shine and make tough decisions even tougher on the coaching staff. In this regard, few diamonds shined brighter than Antoine Morand, the rookie forward whom seized the opportunity of his first game to score his first goal, going bar down with a powerful and precise wrist shot. It had been a while since a 16 year-old forward had scored with a wrist shot like that inside the K.C. Irving Center. Morand was used in all situations throughout the game, proving his know how in all three zones, picking up two shots on net and a pair of body checks.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Kuznetsov made sure to stand out from the group as well. And if his size was the first thing fans noticed, his powerful wrist shot was certainly the second. In fact, in the second period, the Russian forward fired a authoritative wrist shot from the blue line which tricked the Charlottetown goaltender, but ultimately bounced off the post. It was a positive first game for the left winger, whom finished the night with five shots on net and one post.
His line mate and fellow countryman, Daniil Miromanov, was equally impressive. This was the second time in as many nights that Miromanov come through with an inspired performance, as he fired six pucks on net. To think that a very lucky center man could have two wingers with such powerful wrist shots playing on his sides. Arena personnel around the league be warned, you may soon have to begin reinforcing the netting.
Forward Keegan Gauthier was another player whom had yet another strong showing, picking up one goal and one assist in his first home game. He also sacrificed his body to block a key shot, as his opponent was beginning to make his way into a dangerous shooting position.
And speaking of defensive zone play, how can one not mention the performance of Francis Thibeault, whom completed the night with two assists, three shots on net and two body checks? Some would argue he may have been his team’s best defenseman, while others would point to Félix Boivin, whom collected five shots on net and two body checks.
Such strong showings from so many defensemen would partially explain why Justin Guitard (1999-05-19) was released following the game.
The Titan dressed few veterans, but one noteworthy performance came from Aaron Kerr whom scored one goal on five shots. His speed gave the young Islanders defense fits all night.
In goal, the young Tanner Sommers, whom has so far had an excellent training camp, showed that his tough outing the previous night was just a misstep, as he had a terrific game, particularly in the first 10 minutes, when the Islanders threw everything they could at him, and he kept turning them away. Had it not been for his stellar start, there is little doubt Charlottetown would have found the back of the net more than once in the first period. Sommers completed the first half of the game having made 15 saves on 17 shots, while veteran Reilly Pickard stopped 18 of 20 shots in second half duty.
The upcoming week will be one dedicated to practice and training for the Titan, as they will play their next game on home ice on Friday, August 21st at 7pm, when they play host to the St-John Sea Dogs.
