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Road Report from Chicoutimi

February 24, 2011 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Lewiston MAINEiacs News Release


Good morning from Centre Georges Vezina, where the Lewiston MAINEiacs are preparing for tonight's game against the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. Similar to Rimouski last weekend, the Sagueneens are a divisional opponent that the MAINEiacs have had a lot of success against this season, taking seven out of eight possible points with a 3-0-1 record.

Centre Georges Vezina is the 13th different stop in my journey around the QMJHL - a journey that will see stops 14 and 15 next weekend in the Maritimes. The arena is on the older side in comparison to other buildings in the league, but it does look like there have been a few recent modifications made. For starters, wooden seats have been replaced by the new hard plastic style, there are luxury suites behind one of the nets, a video screen is located on the opposite end, and the scoreboard also looks like something out of the 21st century.

With that being said, there are still some areas of the arena that show its age. For example, there are metal beams in three quarters of the sections, holding up either the luxury suites or one of the two press boxes. One of the other older features of this arena is something that I have to admit I haven't seen at any sporting venue I have ever been to in my life. Just above the video screen, there is a religious cross. I'm going to see if I can ask someone about it tonight, as it is a neat touch that you just don't expect to see.

One of the neater aspects I enjoy about this arena is the concourse, which is located underneath the seating bowl. When the fans first enter the building, they are greeted by the head shots of all of the current players on the Sagueneens roster. After that, if you go straight and to the right, you will find the team's souvenir shop. Continuing on that side, there are a few tables and chairs, as well as a long countertop for easy eating. The same applies on the left side, except there are more tables, and the wall is covered with team pictures from 1973-1997.

The team pictures are fun to look at, as although the name "Sagueneens" has been used by this franchise since day one, I think they have used just about every different color scheme under the sun. The current colors of dark blue, light blue, and black have been used the most, but green, orange, and red have also been put to use.

There is a lot of history in this building, which is most evident when you look up to find seven retired numbers and a few other banners hanging from the ceiling. Two of the most notable retired numbers are the number 29, which was worn by former NHL goaltender Felix "The Cat" Potvin, as well as the number 21, which was worn by Chicoutimi's current head coach, Guy Carbonneau.

With Carbonneau behind the bench and the Sagueneens playing well as of late, I expect an upbeat atmosphere for tonight's game. I have been told by lots of people that the fans here are a bit over the top, so I can't wait. When the fans are into it, it's easier for the players on both teams to get themselves psyched up, and that usually leads to an exciting game on the ice.

Don't forget that tonight is the third Road Warrior Part of the season, which will once again take place at Gippers. I hope you all get a chance to go, as I have heard that everyone has a great time, plus it's a lot of fun to watch and cheer for your team with a group of fellow fans. I mean, aside from when you are at the arena, when else can you whoop it up and high five a random person when the MAINEiacs score !

After the game tonight, the team will travel overnight to Drummondville, where they will play tomorrow. There won't be a morning skate tomorrow, but you won't want to miss the road report, as I will talk about one of our favorite food stops - Boston Pizza.

Enjoy tonight's broadcast, and let's get two more points on the board!

SEASON TICKET HOLDER REMINDERS

Season ticket holders, the deadline to purchase playoff packages exclusively has been extended to Monday, February 28th, before playoff tickets go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, March 1st. Don't miss the excitement of the QMJHL Playoffs in Lewiston!

Also, the annual season ticket holder skate with the team will be taking place on Sunday February 27th, following the MAINEiacs' home game against the Drummondville Voltigeurs!

MAINEiacs

ROAD WARRIOR

GAME AT

GIPPERS

VS.

TONIGHT - 7:30 PM

In just 25 short days, the MAINEiacs regular season will come to a close. These next few weeks will be key in determining just where our boys will end up in their quest for playoff positioning.

Tonight, Gippers Sports Grill will once again serve as your "Home Away From Home" as the MAINEiacs take on the Chicoutimi Sagueneens at 7:30 pm.

Gippers Sports Grill, located at 120 Center St. in Auburn, will once again be showing all of the action in their private function room. As always, seating availability is on a first-come, first -served basis, so be sure to arrive early!

WE'LL SEE YOU AT GIPPERS!

NEXT LEWY'S LEGION MEETING

Lewy's Legion's originally scheduled meeting will now take place at Gippers, so that everyone will be able to attend both the meeting and the Road Warrior Party. The meeting will begin tonight at 6:00, followed by the game at 7:30. All are welcome to attend!

MAINEiacs FAN BUS NEWS

Due to low numbers, the Lewiston MAINEiacs regret to inform that the previously scheduled fan bus trip to Halifax and PEI has been canceled.

Those that made a deposit for this trip can visit the MAINEiacs' office during the team's next home game on Sunday afternoon against Drummondville for a refund.

The MAINEiacs would like to thank Sheila Blanchette for her efforts on the fan bus project.

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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from February 24, 2011


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.

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