Late Loss Fuels Urgency Ahead of Game 4
QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders

Late Loss Fuels Urgency Ahead of Game 4

Published on April 1, 2026 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release


The Charlottetown Islanders came within seconds of stealing a pivotal Game 3 on the road, but a heartbreaking finish saw the Quebec Remparts pull out a 4-3 victory at the Centre Vidéotron on Tuesday night.

With the win, the Remparts take a 2-1 series lead in this first-round matchup, shifting momentum at a crucial point in the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs.

Backstopped by Donald Hickey for a third straight game, Charlottetown entered the night looking to regain control of the series despite missing key pieces in their lineup, including leading scorer Nathan Leek and suspended forward Ivan Ryabkin.

The Remparts struck first just 3:25 into the opening period, as Charlie Morrison opened the scoring on Quebec's first shot of the game. But the Islanders responded midway through the frame, with Ryan Staples finishing off a determined wraparound effort to tie the game 1-1.

The opening period remained tightly contested, with both teams trading chances in a physical, playoff-style battle.

The Islanders found their stride in the second period, leaning into a structured defensive effort while getting key contributions at both ends of the ice.

After killing off early pressure, Charlottetown grabbed the lead in dramatic fashion. Tyler Peddle forced a turnover and buried a shorthanded goal, his third playoff goal in as many games, to give the Islanders a 2-1 advantage midway through the period.

From there, Hickey stood tall, turning aside quality chances as the Islanders carried their lead into the third period.

The final frame delivered all the drama, and heartbreak, of playoff hockey.

Hickey continued to make big saves early, preserving the Islanders' slim lead as Quebec pushed to equalize. However, momentum began to swing following a series of controversial moments, including a missed cross-check call on Nolan Duskocy that left the Islanders bench frustrated.

Just moments later, Charlottetown was assessed a double minor for high-sticking, giving Quebec a critical opportunity.

The Remparts capitalized.

Nikita Ovcharov tied the game 2-2 on the power play with just over six minutes remaining, continuing a trend of special teams struggles for the Islanders in the series.

Quebec then appeared to deliver the knockout blow when Cal Uens fired a point shot through traffic with 1:12 remaining, giving the Remparts a 3-2 lead.

But the Islanders refused to quit.

With just 15 seconds left, Marcus Kearsey blasted home a one-timer to tie the game 3-3, stunning the Quebec crowd and seemingly forcing overtime.

Instead, the game took one final, devastating turn.

A late delay of game penalty against Charlottetown with nine seconds remaining proved costly, as Quebec capitalized in the dying seconds. Cal Uens struck again with just two seconds left on the clock, sealing a 4-3 victory for the Remparts in dramatic fashion.

Despite a strong effort and late heroics, the Islanders were left with a tough loss after being mere moments away from overtime.

Looking Ahead to Game 4

There's little time to dwell.

The Islanders will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for Game 4 tonight, once again at the Centre Vidéotron.

Despite trailing the series 2-1, there are positives to carry forward. Charlottetown showed resilience, defensive structure, and timely scoring, particularly from players like Peddle, who continues to make an impact.

The return of Ivan Ryabkin from suspension is expected to provide a boost to the lineup, adding skill and depth at a critical moment.

However, discipline and special teams will be key areas of focus. The Islanders' power play has yet to find its rhythm in the series, while timely penalties have proven costly.

With another opportunity on the road, the mission is clear: find a way to respond.

A win in Game 4 would even the series and shift momentum once again, while also guaranteeing a return to Charlottetown for Game 6 on April 6th.

Puck drop is set for 8:00 PM.

The stakes continue to rise.

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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from April 1, 2026


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