Our 18 | THREE QUESTIONS ON THE CHARLOTTETOWN ISLANDERS

• What to expect from a crop of strong sophomores?

It’s been two full seasons since the Islanders made their run to the QMJHL Final. As this group continues to build, a number of returnees are primed for breakout performances. Matthew Butler cracked the lineup out of last year’s camp and produced offence on a consistent basis. Kyle Powers went from free agent walk-on to reliable, two-way depth performer. Then there’s Owen Conrad, who made a splash early in the season and was quickly relied upon in all situations. Though not an easy scenario for most 16-year-old defensemen, Conrad accounted himself well and now, he’s part of a trio of second-year players aiming to raise both their own performances as well as the fortunes of their team.

• Who’s going to put the puck in the net?

Goals were hard to come by on the Island last season, and with the graduation of leading scorer Michael Horth, others will be expected to fill the gap. That includes skilled winger Alexis Michaud and gritty forwards Ross Campbell and Simon Hughes. From the backend, much of the offense will flow through both Conrad and Marcus Kearsey, who is on track to become one of the more prolific puck-moving defensemen in the league. William Shields, a 2022 QMJHL first round selection, provided valuable depth scoring following his arrival in Charlottetown from the Cape Breton Eagles during the holiday trade period. Coming over from Victoriaville is Egor Goriunov, who brings three seasons worth of ‘Q’ experience after playing in all situations for a strong Tigres team.

• Who’s going to keep the puck out?

A big part of this question was answered during training camp with the acquisition of netminder Nicolas Ruccia, who posted new career bests in virtually all categories, including six shutouts, with Cape Breton last season. The backend will rely on two-way threats Kearsey and Conrad, not to mention the veteran presence of Anton Topilnyckyj. Overager Madden Steen was invited to camp after three seasons with the OHL Owen Sound Attack, while 2024 Import Draft selection Nikita Voiaga is expected to be a defensive stalwart after stints with Spartak Moscow’s Under-17 and Under-18 programs.

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2023-2024 Stats: