QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders

Isles Win Their Third Shootout Victory in Four Games 3-2 Over the Sea Dogs

Published on January 4, 2024 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release


The Charlottetown Islanders escaped Saint John with a 3-2 win in a shootout over the Sea Dogs.

It was their sixth win in their last eight games and their third shootout win since the Christmas break.

Carter Bickle earned his ninth win of the season in the win, improving to 9-10 on the season. He stopped 27 of 29 shots.

Netminders steal the show in the first

The Islanders were quick to gain momentum to open the game. In fact, it was the back end who generated the offence early as Marcus Kearsey, Isaac Vos and Carl-Ettiene Michel were the first four players to record a shot for the Isles.

The Isles were outshooting the Sea Dogs 6-1 not long after puck drop, but Saint John started to catch back up, bringing it back to 6-5 just after the half-way mark of the frame.

Saint John couldn't get much going when Kearsey was on the ice though. He stole the puck twice in the neutral zone within ten seconds, not allowing the Sea Dogs to break in the zone.

The Isles were trying to beat Sea Dogs' goaltender Justin Robinson glove side, but he stayed strong.

Giovanni Morneau took the lone penalty of the period as he was called for tripping. Charlottetown's penalty kill unit did their job though, killing it off.

The Sea Dogs led in shots 10-9 going into the second period.

Isles come out on top after two frames

It just took three minutes for the Isles to jump ahead on the scoreboard to open the second period. Island native Brett Arsenault (4) walked in and ripped a shot blocker-side over Robinson to give the Isles the first lead of the game. Alexis Jacques (2) and Kevin Walker (1) assisted.

There was some physical play and both the Isles and Sea Dogs were given minor penalties for roughing.

Then, Vos took an interference call to send Saint John to a 4-on-3 power play which they would capitalise on.

Joseph Ianniello then ripped his third goal of the season in the high slot over Bickle to tie the game at one goal apiece.

The Isles were soon rewarded with a power play of their own but despite chances, the score stayed tied at one.

Eventually, Matthew Butler (19) walked into the offensive zone and fed it backwards for Alexis Michaud (8) who shot a laser over the shoulder of Robinson. The picture perfect shot sent the Islanders into the intermission up by a score of 2-1. Isaac Vos (10) also assisted on the goal.

They also led in shots 21-18 going into the third period.

Lacklustre period for the Isles leads to overtime

Simon Hughes and Alexis Jacques had shots early to open the third period but that's all they would have for the period as they would be outshot 11-2 in the frame.

They would have some chances on their lone power play of the period but they were blocked before hitting the net or they went wide.

Drew Elliott eventually took advantage of the Sea Dogs pressure and he tied the game in his first game for his hometown team.

Saint John would continue to push and tried to end it in regulation but Bickle stayed sharp to get the extra point.

They needed a shootout

The Isles held momentum in overtime as well despite not getting many shots early. THey circulated the puck well and newcomer William Shields had his best chance of the game but went wide. Butler also fed one wide and Huckins' shot was deflected out of play.

The Isles were held without a shot in the extra frame despite constant pressure in the offensive zone.

The Sea Dogs were successful on their first shot attempt in the shootout. Bickle stopped both of the other shots he faced. Kearsey and Butler were the two goal scorers who paved the way to another shootout victory, 3-2.

The Islanders trailed in shots 29-23 at the end of the game and were outhit 20-7. They went 0/2 on the power play while Saint John went 1/3.

The Isles return to home ice tomorrow night for a rematch with Saint John. Puck drop at the Eastlink Centre is at 7 p.m.

Fans can tune into the game at MAX 93.1FM.

Check out the Charlottetown Islanders Statistics

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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from January 4, 2024


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