QMJHL Week in Review

March 7, 2011 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Lewiston MAINEiacs News Release

Lewiston, ME (QMJHL) - Last weekend, the Lewiston MAINEiacs headed out on the road for a stretch of three games in three days against the Halifax Mooseheads and PEI Rocket. With only a few games remaining on the schedule, the MAINEiacs knew that they needed a good trip, and that's exactly what they got. Lewiston picked up five out of six possible points, defeating Halifax 3-1 in the trip opener on Thursday, before splitting two 4-3 decisions with PEI. The Rocket won their game in a shootout on Friday, before the MAINEiacs responded with an overtime victory on Saturday.

Etienne Brodeur started the scoring in Halifax, netting his record setting 48th goal of the season. Stefan Fournier and Michael Chaput also lit the lamp for the MAINEiacs, who got 28 saves from Nicholas Champion in the 3-1 win over the Mooseheads.

Cameron Critchlow got Lewiston's first goal on Friday, but the MAINEiacs found themselves in a 3-1 hole in the second period. Kirill Kabanov helped the visitors battle back, bringing his team within one goal in the second, before tying the score with 48 seconds to go. Unfortunately, Lewiston was unable to pick up the win in the shootout, as the Rocket scored on their third and fourth attempts.

Saturday's game started well for the MAINEiacs, who jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period on goals by Antoine Houde-Caron, Etienne Brodeur, and Alex Zafiris. PEI scored twice in the second and once in the third, forcing overtime for the second night in a row. With nine seconds remaining in the extra session, Zach Shannon came to the rescue, wristing home a shot from the slot for a 4-3 Lewiston triumph. Andrey Makarov earned his tenth win of the year with 29 saves.

With the five points, the MAINEiacs now have a record of 38-22-1-3 (80 points), which remains good for second place in the Telus East Division. Lewiston has moved into seventh place in the overall standings, leading Shawinigan by one point, while trailing Acadie-Bathurst by four and Gatineau by six. The MAINEiacs' magic number to clinch home ice advantage in the first round is two points.

Notable Performances Last Week

71-F-Kirill Kabanov (2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points)

23-F-Etienne Brodeur (2 goals, 1 assist, 3 points)

44-D-Olivier Dame-Malka (3 assists, 3 points)

57-F-Antoine Houde-Caron (1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points)

12-D-Zach Shannon (1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points)

31-G-Nicholas Champion (1-0-1 record, 55 saves on 59 shots)

Last Week in the Telus East Division

The Quebec Remparts (44-15-1-3, 92 pts) put their stamp on the Telus East Division for the season, winning all three of their games last week. The Remparts started off by capitalizing on two slumping teams, winning on the road in Rouyn-Noranda (4-2) and Val-d'Or (6-2) on Tuesday and Wednesday. After three days off, Quebec returned to action in Drummondville, where they upended the Voltigeurs, 5-2.

At the beginning of the week, it looked like the Victoriaville Tigres (34-26-1-3, 72 pts) would be kicking themselves, as they blew a 3-2 lead in Gatineau, falling 4-3 to the Olympiques on Wednesday. After that, the Tigres moved onto Baie-Comeau, where they were doubled up by the Drakkar, 4-2 on Friday. However, good things come to those that wait, and Victoriaville was able to salvage one win from the week, spanking Baie-Comeau 6-2 on Saturday.

The Chicoutimi Sagueneens (27-25-5-6, 65 pts) were cooled off a bit last week, as they suffered a pair of setbacks on the road. On Friday night, the division rival Oceanic got the upper hand in a 6-2 win at Colisee de Rimouski. Then, on Sunday, the Shawinigan Cataractes picked up the two points, edging the Sagueneens, 3-2.

The Rimouski Oceanic (29-30-1-2, 61 pts) only took the ice once last week, but were successful in doing so. The Oceanic played host to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, and sent their guests packing on the wrong side of a 6-2 score. Rimouski is now within four points of Chicoutimi in the overall standings with one game in hand.

The Baie-Comeau Drakkar (11-43-5-4, 31 pts) have had a tough season, but four of their eleven wins have come in the last ten games, so things are starting to looking upward for 2011-12. One of those victories came on Friday, when the Drakkar got the best of Victoriaville, 4-2. However, the Tigres exacted their revenge one day later, taking out Baie-Comeau, 6-2.

Elsewhere in the QMJHL

The Gatineau Olympiques played the role of the comeback kids last week, erasing third period deficits in three separate games, coming out on top in all three. The Olympiques turned the trick on Victoriaville in a 4-3 win on Wednesday, got the best of Rouyn-Noranda in a 5-4 overtime decision on Friday, and finally shocked Val-d'Or in a 3-2 shootout victory on Saturday.

Last week, the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles displayed one of the most futile weeks the QMJHL has seen in quite some time. Cape Breton lost all three of their games, while being outscored 24-1. The Screaming Eagles started by getting blanked 8-0 by PEI on Wednesday, followed that up with an 8-1 loss to Acadie-Bathurst on Friday, and got the icing slapped onto the cake with an 8-0 blasting in Saint John on Saturday. All three of Cape Breton's games took place away from Centre 200.

The Montreal Junior hit a bump in the road last week, losing both of their games on the road. The Junior were beaten by the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 5-1 on Saturday (ending the Huskies' 12-game skid), before Val-d'Or got the upper hand in a 3-2 shootout win on Sunday. Montreal's lead in the division over Drummondville was trimmed to four points, while their lead over Quebec for second place overall was trimmed to three points.

The Moncton Wildcats needed extra time in two of their three games last week, as they picked up four out of six possible points. The Wildcats fell 4-3 in a shootout against Halifax on Tuesday, before Saint John snagged a 5-4 overtime win on Friday. Moncton did pick up one win on Saturday, topping Acadie-Bathurst 5-2.

Finally, the Drummondville Voltigeurs and Shawinigan Cataractes played a home-and-home series, with Drummondville winning both times. The Voltigeurs were on the right side of a 4-1 score at Centre Marcel Dionne on Wednesday, before an 8-1 thumping of the Cataractes took place at Centre Bionest on Friday.

QMJHL Three Stars of the Week

1- Ben Duffy (PEI) - 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points in 3 games

2- Philip-Michael Devos (Gatineau) - 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points in 3 games

3- Maxime Gravel (Baie-Comeau) - 4 goals, 1 assist, 5 points in 2 games

Three Hottest Teams of the Week

1- Quebec Remparts (3-0 record, outscored opposition 15-6)

2- Gatineau Olympiques (3-0 record, outscored opposition 12-9)

3- Lewiston MAINEiacs (2-0-1 record, all 3 games on the road, outscored opposition 11-8)

Honorable Mention- Saint John Sea Dogs (2-0), PEI Rocket (2-0-1)

Three Coldest Teams of the Week

1- Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (0-3 record, outscored 24-1)

2- Chicoutimi Sagueneens (0-2 record, outscored 9-4)

3- Shawinigan Cataractes (1-2 record, outscored 14-5)

-30-

THE RACE FOR THE PLAYOFFS

(Standings updated each morning)

1 Saint John Sea Dogs 53-6-1-2, 109 PTS, 6 GR

16 Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 17-42-1-4, 39 PTS, 4 GR

2 Montreal Junior 43-11-4-5, 95 PTS, 5 GR

15 Halifax Mooseheads 19-40-1-2, 41 PTS, 6 GR

3 Quebec Remparts 44-15-1-3, 92 PTS, 5 GR

14 Val-d'Or Foreurs 23-32-4-4, 54 PTS, 5 GR

4 Drummondville Voltigeurs 42-15-5-2, 91 PTS, 4 GR

13 Rimouski Oceanic 29-30-1-2, 61 PTS, 6 GR

5 Gatineau Olympiques 39-17-3-5, 86 PTS, 4 GR

12 Chicoutimi Sagueneens 27-25-5-6, 65 PTS, 5 GR

6 Acadie-Bathurst Titan 41-21-1-1, 84 PTS, 4 GR

11 PEI Rocket 29-24-3-6, 67 PTS, 6 GR

7 LEWISTON MAINEIACS 38-22-1-3, 80 PTS, 4 GR

10 Moncton Wildcats 31-22-3-7, 72 PTS, 5 GR

8 Shawinigan Cataractes 38-22-2-1, 79 PTS, 5 GR

9 Victoriaville Tigres 34-26-1-3, 72 PTS, 4 GR

T

he teams are lined up based on first round series if the playoffs were to begin today.

NEXT LEWY'S LEGION MEETING

Lewy's Legion will have an organizational session tomorrow at 6:30 pm in the boardroom next to the MAINEiacs office. All are welcome at attend, as the group prepares for the final two home games of the 2010-11 regular season!

RALLY FOR THE PLAYOFFS!

On Wednesday March 23rd, the Lewiston MAINEiacs will be hosting a pep rally at the Ramada in Lewiston to lead the team into the playoffs! In addition to the rally, the 2010-11 team awards will be presented at the event, and all of the players will be available for autographs, pictures, and more.

Stay tuned for the full details for the pep rally, which will be released at some point in the next two weeks.

Lewiston MAINEiacs 2011 Playoff Ticket Information

PACKAGES & INDIVIDUAL GAMES NOW ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC!

PLAYOFF OPTION 1

CAPTAINS PICK (includes holding fee)

12 & under $21.00; Student/Senior $27.00; Adults $33.00

Package includes the box office "holding" your pre-selected seat for all 2011 playoff games. You will receive game tickets for Round 1, Home Games 1 & 2 (tentative March 25, 26). For ALL additional home playoff games your seat will be held from public sale, however you must purchase your game ticket (after Round 1, Game 2) anytime up to 1 hour prior to the scheduled game time to hold your seat for that particular game. You will save $1.00 from box office prices charged to general public for these additional games. (Captains pick price per game for all games played after home games 1 & 2 (12 and under $8; students/seniors $11; adults $14.)

PLAYOFF OPTION 2

CHEER NOW PAY LATER

12 & under $16.00 Student/Senior $22.00; Adult $28.00

Package includes your pre-selected seat for all 2011 playoff games. You will receive game tickets for Round 1, Home Games 1 & 2 (tentative March 25, 26). In addition, you will receive tickets for all additional potential playoff home games by series. For each home playoff game played after Round 1, Home Game 1 & 2 your credit card will be charged for each future game ticket on the day of the scheduled playoff game. (Cheer now pay later price per game saves you $1.00 from the playoff box office price. (12 & under $8; student/senior $11; adults $14.)

PLAYOFF OPTION 3

ROUND BY ROUND

12 & under $34.00; Student/Senior $46.00; Adult $58.00 (per round)

Package includes your pre-selected seat for all possible Home Playoff Games (4 per round). You will receive game tickets for Round 1 Home Games 1, 2, 3 & 4. Should any games not be required you would take the tickets for the games not played to the box office (within the designated time frame) where you will receive a credit for the next 4 potential games in the next round. This would continue for all rounds until the end of the President Cup Playoffs. Should there be tickets for games not played at the end of the playoffs you simply come to the box office with those tickets to receive your refund, less box office fee of $1.00 per ticket (round by round price- 12 & under $34.00; student/senior $46.00; adult $58.00)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 207-333-3267, OR VISIT WWW.LEWISTONHOCKEY.COM

FOLLOW THE MAINEiacs!

The Lewiston MAINEiacs have introduced a new way for you to follow your favorite team - the Lewiston MAINEiacs Official iPhone App! The app is available to be downloaded for free at the App Shopper, which is located

here.

Don't forget that you can also follow the MAINEiacs on:

The web - http://www.lewistonhockey.com

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lewiston-MAINEiacs/106559626070291

Twitter - http://twitter.com/maineiacshockey

COMMUNITY MAINEiacs

On Wednesday, March 9th at 10am, members of the MAINEiacs will be making a visit to Livermore School.

On Thursday, March 10th, members of the MAINEiacs will be visiting the Hartford-Sumner Elementary School to read to the students as part of the Read Across America Program.

On Saturday, March 12th, President and Governor Bill Schurman will be joining Jeff Schools and Matt Boutwell on the Big Jab Weekend Warmup to discuss the last homestand of the 2010-11 regular season, while also looking ahead toward the playoffs. Callers will be welcome, and the exact time will be announced in the coming days.

LEWY'S LEGION STREET GANG

In preparation for every MAINEiacs' home game, the Lewy's Legion Street Gang makes their way out to the streets of Lewiston and Auburn with bells, horns, signs, and MAINEiacs' gear, hoping to lure the passing drivers into the Androscoggin Bank Colisee for that night's game.

Come join the street gang on Friday from 11:30-1:00 on the corner of East Avenue and Lisbon Street, next to Tim Horton's in Lewiston.

MAINEiacs Announce Partnership

with WGME-TV 13's 'Hey - It's Half Off!"

In this economy, budgets are tight and entertainment options are minimal as a result. The MAINEiacs and WGME have partnered up for "Hey - It's Half Off" as a way to get you to the arena to enjoy a great night of Maine's best hockey!

Right now, a family of four can spend a night out for just $25! A $50 gift certificate available now is only $25!

Want to see the MAINEiacs for a reduced price ! !

HEY - IT'S HALF OFF!

MAINEiacs Next 5 Games

Fri 3/11 vs. Gatineau 7:30 PM

Sun 3/13 vs. Gatineau 4:00 PM

Fri 3/18 at Baie-Comeau 7:30 PM

Sun 3/20 at Chicoutimi 4:00 PM

Game 1 of the Playoffs

• Discuss this story on the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League message board...

Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from March 7, 2011

• QMJHL Week in Review - Lewiston MAINEiacs
• Duffy, Devos and Gravel named TELUS three stars of the week - QMJHL

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Lewiston MAINEiacs Stories

• MAINEiacs Sold to League
• MAINEiacs Owner Explores Options
• Memorial Cup Update
• Proud Past Moment: 2007 Memorial Cup
• Introducing MAINEiacs Madness 2011