QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders

Islanders Host Armada in First Meeting of Season

Published on February 17, 2024 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release


The Charlottetown Islanders start a two-game homestand tonight, hosting the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

These two teams haven't met yet this season, but will see each other again in the near future as the Isles will embark on their final road trip through Quebec in the next two weeks.

Carter Bickle (12-18) will tend the goal against the Armada. In 32 games, Bickle has an .883 save percentage and a 3.61 goals against average.

Head coach Jim Hulton comments on the matchup;

"They're a sneaky team. One that fans probably don't know that well because we don't see them that often but similar to us, in a bit of a rebuild here, a lot of young talent," he said. "It's a team that skates very well. A rush based team. I think it'll be our ability to control the neutral zone that will be one of our keys to success."

Islanders report (20-26-3-2)

The Isles have struggled as of late. They are 3-5-1-1 in their last ten games. But they are not far removed from their first shutout of the season, taking down the Saint John Sea Dogs last Friday, Feb. 9.

Will Allen has been skating really well. He's had solid chances offensively and has been responsible defensively. With three points so far as a member of the Islanders, it's only a matter of time before his skill translates to the scoreboard.

Kyle Powers' assist rate has come down recently. Powers always has a big presence on the ice and often finds himself with high-percentage chances. He has just two points, both assists since Jan. 12, and will be hungry to find himself back on the scoresheet.

It's no secret that Giovanni Morneau has what it takes to bury the puck in the back of the net night-in and night-out. But recently, he's been snakebitten. He is goal-less in his last seven games, but much like Allen, he's had ample opportunity to get back on the board so it's only a matter of time until the veteran starts producing like the team knows he can.

Leading scorers

Michael Horth 24-15-39

Giovanni Morneau 15-22-37

Marcus Kearsey 5-32-37

Power play - 38/164 (23.17%)

Penalty kill - 40/154 (74.03%)

Goals for - 149

Goals against - 199

Armada report (24-23-4-1)

This is the third gameday in a row for the Armada. They played in Saint John on Feb. 15, and Bathurst last night, the 16th.

They did win both of those games, taking down the Sea Dogs 5-2 and the Titan 4-1.

Jonathan Fauchon scored two points in the win over Bathurst. Fauchon also leads the way in scoring on Blainville with 23 goals, 33 assists for 56 points through 43 games.

Blainville's top rookie has been hot lately. Since the beginning of 2024, Vincent Desjardins has 19 points in 17 games including his first career hat trick. Don't expect him to slow down anytime soon.

Leading scorers

Jonathan Fauchon 23-33-57

Justin Carbonneau 22-18-40

Vincent Desjardins 12-23-35

Power play - 32/179 (17.88%)

Penalty kill - 36/169 (78.7%)

Goals for - 163

Goals against - 172

Final notes - Over the last five years, these clubs are even at 3-3 against each other.

Islanders forward Cole Huckins is approaching the 200-point milestone. He sits just 12 points off in 250 games played, split between Bathurst, Sherbrooke and Charlottetown.

Puck drop at the Eastlink Centre is at 7 p.m.

Check out the Charlottetown Islanders Statistics

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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from February 17, 2024


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