2024 Kicks off with a Home-And-Home Aginst Saint John
January 4, 2024 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release
The Isles kick off 2024 with a home-and-home against the Saint John Sea Dogs tonight and tomorrow.
Charlottetown is coming off of a 4-3 win over the Moncton Wildcats in a shootout and have won five of their last seven games. They have already taken down the Sea Dogs in that span.
Saint John is currently on a three-game losing skid, dropping games to Cape Breton, Moncton and Bathurst.
The Islanders roll into Saint John first. So far this season, they have won the only game against Charlottetown at TD Station 5-2.
Carter Bickle will be tending the goal once again. He is posting a 3.75 goals against average and an .874 save percentage. Niko Boudreau will continue to back him up.
Puck drop at TD Station is at 7. p.m.
Then, tomorrow night, the Sea Dogs come to the Eastlink Centre.
It will be newly acquired forward William Shields' first game in front of a home crowd. So far this year, in Cape Breton, he has two goals and six assists through 35 games.
Aksels Ozols also returns from the World Juniors tomorrow and is expected to get the start.
Ozols has a 3.62 GAA and an .879 SV% through 20 appearances this season and will slot back into the lineup nicely after his time in Sweden.
Puck drop at the Eastlink Centre is at 7 p.m.
Keys to victory
The Islanders need to play better off the puck and protect their leads better. It's no secret that the Islanders have skill and are capable of getting out to a lead, but holding it has been a struggle.
The Islanders were able to fight off adversity in their last win against Moncton. Michael Horth tied the game with under 30 seconds to go in regulation and forced overtime. If the Isles can stay strong in the clutch moments, on top of being able to hold leads, this team should have no problem staying in the win column.
Players to watch
CHA - As previously mentioned, it's William Shields' first appearances with the Islanders since being traded from the Cape Breton Eagles. He will be given every opportunity to succeed within the Islanders' forward-core. He will be looking to make a strong first impression for Head coach Jim Hulton and all Islanders faithful.
Simon Hughes now has goals in five straight games. The P.E.I. native has been hot all of December and shows no sign of slowing down. His linemates Cole Huckins and Kyle Powers have a large part to do with that with their size and grit, getting in the dirty areas to score goals.
SNB - Drew Eliott is going to be suiting up for the Sea Dogs for the first time since being traded from the Drummondville Voltigeurs. The Saint John native also will be looking to make a strong impression in front of a hometown crowd at TD Station. Elliott has eight goals, 15 points through 34 games so far this season.
Fans can tune into the games at MAX 83.1FM and purchase tickets to tomorrow's game.
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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from January 4, 2024
- Eagles Begin Road Trip with Shootout Loss in Shawinigan - Cape Breton Eagles
- Isles Win Their Third Shootout Victory in Four Games 3-2 Over the Sea Dogs - Charlottetown Islanders
- What You Need to Know About the Family Skate on Sunday - Charlottetown Islanders
- Furlong Displayed Steadying Presence on International Stage - Halifax Mooseheads
- QMJHL Players of the Month Named for December 2023 - QMJHL
- 2024 Kicks off with a Home-And-Home Aginst Saint John - Charlottetown Islanders
- Former 11th Overall Pick Starting Anew in Charlottetown - Charlottetown Islanders
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