Riendeau and Riopel earn TELUS player of the week awards

By admin February 9, 2009

BOUCHERVILLE, Monday, February 9, 2009 Drummondville Voltigeurs forward Yannick Riendeau and Moncton Wildcats goaltender Nicola Riopel today were named the TELUS offensive and defensive players of the week for the period extending from February 2 to 8.

Riendeau scored five goals, including two game-winners, and added seven assists in three Voltigeurs wins. Moreover, he posted a +3 rating. The right-winger enjoyed a career-best seven-point game on Saturday, collecting a goal and six helpers in a 10-1 over the Lewiston MAINEiacs. Riendeau is the League’s leading point-getter with 98 points in 50 contests.

Pierre-Alexandre Vandall (Cataractes), Jordan Caron (Océanic) and Angelo Esposito (Junior) were also considered.

Goaltender Nicola Riopel gets the nod on defence. In three starts, the Wildcats’ backstop gave up only two goals on 69 shots to lead the Wildcats to a perfect 3-0-0-0 record. Riopel maintained a remarkable 0.67 goals-against-average and .971 save percentage during that span. He also posted a shutout. Finally, he allowed only one goal in fifteen shorthanded opportunities.

Sébastien Piché (Océanic), Mark Barberio (Wildcats) and Charles-Olivier Roussel (Cataractes) were also strong candidates.