QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders

Isles Drop Season Opener in Shootout Battle

Published on September 21, 2024 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release


In a tightly contested home opener the Isles came up just short. Falling 2-1 in a shootout to maritime rivals, the Halifax Mooseheads.

It was a classic rivalry game full of physical play and stellar goaltending led by Honorary Coach, Maverick Bishop.

The Islanders got off to a strong start, with Conrad opening the scoring just 7:49 into the first period. He ripped a shot from the point past Rousseau, sending the hometown crowd into a frenzy.

Islanders' goaltender Ruccia was dialled from the start, making a couple of key saves early to keep the one-goal lead.

The first period saw chances at both ends, with neither power play able to convert on their opportunities. The period ended with Halifax leading in shots 9-6, but the Isles with a 1-0 lead.

The second period did not start as well for the Islanders as Michaud was given a five-minute game misconduct for head contact just 1:24 in to the period.

Halifax looked poised to take advantage but a penalty to Logan Crosby evened the ice at 4-on-4. A subsequent penalty to Conrad put the Isles down 4-on-3, but Ruccia came up huge with a sprawling save to preserve the lead.

Ruccia's heroics were on full display once again when he stopped a penalty shot with 1:27 left in the period. Halifax outshot the Isles 13-5 in the second, but the score remained 1-0.

The Islanders came out firing to start the third period, dominating play and outshooting Halifax 8-1 in the first 6 minutes.

The Isles kept pressing but couldn't extend their lead, even with another late power play.

With shots now even at 25 a piece and just 3:19 left on the clock, Halifax finally broke through to tie the game 1-1 sending it to overtime.

Regulation time finished with shots 28-27 in favour of Halifax, an even battle from start to finish.

Overtime saw both goalies shine once more, with Ruccia and Rousseau trading big saves to keep the game alive.

With neither team finding the back of the net, the game was decided in a lengthy shootout. Both goaltenders continued to frustrate shooters until Crosby finally scored in the eighth round to give Halifax the win.

Despite the shootout loss, Ruccia stood tall for the Islanders making key saves throughout the game to earn them a point in a fiercely contested season opener. The Islanders will look to bounce back and find their scoring touch on Sunday vs. Moncton.

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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from September 21, 2024


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