Abols scores in Rivalry Week opener
The Acadie-Bathurst Titan returned home after a quick trip to Halifax looking to pick up an important two points in the first leg of the home-and-home Rivalry Week series against the Charlottetown Islanders. Despite goals from Jeffrey Viel and Titan newcomer Rodrigo Abols, the Islanders would take game one by a three-to-two score.
The first period started off with Mitchell Balmas scoring his fifth of the year off a rebound from Jake Coughler’s shot 2:50 into the game. Filip Chlapik would double the Islanders’ advance with seven seconds remaining in their first power play of the game with his 14th of the season. Less than a minute later on a power play of their own as Jeffrey Viel tipped home a blast from Antoine Morand to make it a 2-1 game. Félix Boivin also picked up an assist on the play as the first period drew to a close.
The second period saw back-and-forth action with a few chances at both ends of the ice, but another power play goal for the Islanders coming off the stick of Chris Chaddock would give the Islanders a 3-1 lead after 40 minutes of play.
The third period was once again even with both teams getting their opportunities, however the lone goal of the period would come from Titan newcomer Rodrigo Abols who took a pass from Daniil Miromanov to beat Islanders goaltender Blade Mann-Dixon for his first goal of the season and in the QMJHL. Despite being on a late power play, the Titan were unable to find the equalizer with the net empty and the Islanders would take the 3-2 victory.
Reilly Pickard stopped 27 of 30 shots but sees his record fall to 7-5-1-1 while Mann-Dixon allowed two goals on 30 shots to improve his record to 3-3-0-0 on the year.
QUICK HITS
Antoine Morand was dominant in the face-off circle winning a game-high 14 of 17 battles for the puck. He has won 54.2 per cent of his face-offs to date this season.
Daniil Miromanov has quietly picked up steam, having recorded a point in his past seven games, thanks to his assist Friday night.
Rodrigo Abols recorded his first goal in the QMJHL in just his second game, with both shots registered being considered dangerous shots from in close. The Latvian over-ager has already made a solid impression since joining the team on Wednesday.
The three stars of the game saw Blade Mann-Dixon named the third star while Rodrigo Abols was named the second star in his K.C. Irving Regional Centre debut. Islanders forward Filip Chlapik took home the first star of the game.
RIVALRY WEEK CONTINUES SUNDAY
The second half of the home-and-home Rivalry Week series takes place Sunday, October 30 in Charlottetown. Puck drop at the Eastlink Centre is set for 3pm and you can catch the action on the big screen at the Cast & Crew Pub.
BACK AT HOME NEXT FRIDAY
Your Titan are back on home ice next Friday night to kick off a two-game weekend series that sees the Saint John Sea Dogs visit for a 7pm contest before the Moncton Wildcats make their return to the K.C. Irving Regional Centre on Sunday, November 6th for the annual Veterans Appreciation Game. The first 500 fans on November 6th will receive a specially designed pair of dog tags to mark the occasion, and there will be a special ceremony before the game honouring our Veterans. Tickets can be purchased in person at the arena box office, by phone at 549-3200 (local) or 1-877-549-3200 (toll free) and online at admission.com
