Crossman Scores in Isles Debut, But Wildcats Win in Overtime
Published on December 28, 2019 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release
The newest members of the Charlottetown Islanders made their mark this afternoon. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough.
Matthew Welsh made 36 saves to get his team to the overtime period, but Elliot Desnoyers scored in the extra frame to give the Moncton Wildcats a 3-2 overtime victory over the Islanders.
"The Christmas rust was evident in today's game," said Islanders head coach Jim Hulton on the defeat. "We were flat in all areas with the exception of Welsh, who was flat-out brilliant in net."
Ethan Crossman wouldn't waste much time making an impact with his new team. The 20-year-old forward, recently acquired from the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, would get his first as an Islander early in the first on the powerplay. Brett Budgell would control a puck below the goal line and slide a pass out to Crossman waiting in the slot. He'd bury it on Dakota Lund-Cornish, giving Crossman his seventh goal of the season.
Moncton would respond thanks to Zachary L'Heureux. The 16-year-old rookie added to his gaudy point totals, scoring a nice goal to give him 13 on the season and his 32nd point on the year.
Jacob Hudson would give the Wildcats the lead in the second, tipping a point shot past Welsh for his seventh of the season, before Drew Elliott would get involved. The newest 16-year-old on the Isles, who has been revered for his work below the goal lines, would put that on display to keep a play alive. He'd get the puck to Cole Edwards, who would get the puck out front before Justin Gill banged it in. For Gill, that would be his third goal of the season.
The teams would battle back and forth throughout a quick third period before carrying it over in to the overtime period. They'd trade opportunities back and forth early in the extra frame before Phillippe Daoust would get a puck over to Desnoyers, who'd swat the puck out of the air in close on Welsh to end the game.
Cornwall native Jordan Spence would record two assists in the victory for Moncton, while former Islander Dakota Lund-Cornish would get the victory with his new team. Budgell, Elliott, Edwards, and Lukas Cormier would all add single assists.
"We were very fortunate to walk away with one point, but we'll take it, and move on to a better effort on home ice tomorrow afternoon." added Hulton.
The Isles won't have a long turnaround before playing again tomorrow at the Eastlink Centre against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, and it's our Star Wars game! The Eastlink Centre gets invaded by the Galactic Empire, including Darth Vader himself. It's a Family Day too; 4 tickets are just $40, and the Islanders will be in the Eastlink Centre lobby following the game signing autographs! Tickets are still available at the Eastlink Centre box office, by phone at 902-629-6625, or online.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from December 28, 2019
- Eagles Rout Halifax 7-1 in Hurley Cup Opener - Cape Breton Eagles
- Crossman Scores in Isles Debut, But Wildcats Win in Overtime - Charlottetown Islanders
- Berube Stifles Dogs in 5-2 Loss to Titan - Saint John Sea Dogs
- Cowan's Dogs Ready for Second Half - Saint John Sea Dogs
- Charlottetown's Second Half Begins with Road Trip to Moncton - Charlottetown Islanders
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