Moncton Takes a 1-0 Lead in Championship Series
Published on April 30, 2010 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Saint John Sea Dogs News Release
SAINT JOHN, NB --- The Moncton Wildcats drew first blood in the Battle of New Brunswick on Friday night, defeating the Saint John Sea Dogs by a score of 5-1 in front of 6,488 fans at Harbour Station to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven President's Cup Finals.
Moncton's attack was led by former Canadian National Junior Team member Gabriel Bourque, who netted three goals in leading his team to an impressive road win. Brandon Gormley and Ted Stephens also scored for the Wildcats on Friday, while Danick Gauthier tallied the lone marker of the evening for the Sea Dogs.
Philadelphia Flyers prospect Nicola Riopel was a wall in net for the visitors in the opening match of the QMJHL's championship series, making 25 saves in picking up the 13th victory of his post-season. Saint John net minder Marco Cousineau, meanwhile, fell to 12-4 in the playoffs after surrendering four goals on 37 shots faced.
Friday's series-opener got off to an exhilarating start as both teams found the back in the opening eighty seconds of play, stirring the raucous sellout crowd into an absolute frenzy. After star defenseman Brandon Gormley knocked home his second of the playoffs 0:14 into the game, Danick Gauthier responded for the hosts a minute later, burying a loose puck in close proximity to Riopel to tie things up at one apiece.
The visitors then pulled ahead late in the opening frame when Gabriel Bourque finished off a picturesque passing sequence in Saint John territory by firing home his team-high 12th goal of the post-season. Kelsey Tessier and David Savard both picked up well-earned assists on the play after advancing the puck in an exceptionally-fluid manner.
Moncton further added to their lead in the second period, as Gabriel Bourque and Ted Stephens both struck on the power play to give the Hub City's major junior squad a 4-1 advantage as Game One reached the forty minute mark. Bourque completed his hat trick on an empty-net marker in the 58th minute of play as the Wildcats took the decision by a 5-1 final.
These two teams will now prepare to meet for Game Two of the Q Finals on Sunday afternoon at the Moncton Coliseum. The puck drops at 4pm as Saint John looks to rebound from a disappointing effort by turning in a strong road performance and evening things up at one win apiece.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from April 30, 2010
- Wildcats win first game - Moncton Wildcats
- Moncton Takes a 1-0 Lead in Championship Series - Saint John Sea Dogs
- Route 1 Playoff Final - Game Two - Moncton Wildcats
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