Saguenéens down Titan 5-2
Bathurst, NB, Saturday, February 12th, 2016 – With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, the Acadie-Bathurst Titan played host to the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in a match-up that saw both teams in “playoff mode”. Fans were treated to a physical affair, in which no less than 36 body checks were thrown around, but in the end, it was the visiting team which skated away with a five to two victory.
The Titan managed to dominate the shots on net column, but Chicoutimi’s masked man proved why he is recognized as one of the best goaltenders in the league. Indeed, Julio Billia was absolutely sensational, turning in a 29 save tour de force. The Titan still refused to quit, attempting to make a comeback in the third period, as both Jason Bell and Jeffrey Viel found the back of the net.
But unfortunately for the local favorites, their attempt was dwarfed when Landon Schiller scored in an empty net. His teammates Taylor Cooper, Nicolas Roy, Nicolas Guay and Timothé Simard also made the red light shine.
In spite of the loss, Titan netminder Reilly Pickard was solid, turning away 24 shots.
Pesky Viel
It’s a case of “same scintillating performance, different day” for Jeffrey Viel. Indeed, the Titan’s number 25 made his mark on the scoresheet like only he can, completing his night with one goal, eight shots on net, including four taken from the slot area, four penalty minutes and three body checks.
Rafuse and Dumulong own the boards
In a physical match-up, Cole Rafuse and Nicolas Dumulong would be expected to shine, and did they ever. Both Titan skaters seized their opportunity to deliver a body check which rocked not only the boards … but the entire building as well.
Titan welcomes back Popov and Boivin
Slowed by injuries in recent weeks, the Titan welcomed back forwards Egor Popov and Christophe Boivin to the line-up. It came as delightful news, all the more so with Antoine Morand and Emanuel Aucoin being listed as being a week away from doing likewise.
Love is in the air
The Titan will be back in action tomorrow night for their Valentine’s Day match-up, as they play host to their eternal rivals, the Moncton Wildcats. The puck will drop at 7pm on Saturday February 13th, and fans are encouraged not to be late, as the Titan have a few surprises in store for their faithful.
$10,000 to the winning seat
Once more, the total sum for the winning seat will be at $10,000 should attendance be at or above 2,500 fans.
Tickets are available at the K.C. Irving Regional Centre box office, by phone at 549-3200 or 1-877-549-3200 or online at admission.com
Game notes
Acadie-Bathurst Titan line combinations
Jeffrey Viel– Mark Simpson – Daniil Miromanov
Christophe Boivin – Jordan Maher – Vladimir Kuznetsov
Dawson Theede – Samuel L’Italien – Egor Popov
Jason Bell – Cole Rafuse – Francis Thibeault
Garrett Johnston – Guillaume Brisebois
Mark Trickett – Félix Boivin
Nicolas Dumulong – Jake Barter
Reilly Pickard
Tanner Somers
Players not in uniform: Antoine Morand, Nicholas Blanchard, Emanuel Aucoin, Marc Audet & Elijah Francis
Power Play
Chicoutimi: 1/4
Acadie-Bathurst: 0/4
Face-offs won
Chicoutimi: 44
Acadie-Bathurst: 18
Body checks
Chicoutimi: 17
Acadie-Bathurst: 19
