NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Road Report from Moncton

March 29, 2011 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Lewiston MAINEiacs News Release


Greetings from Moncton, where the MAINEiacs are ready to go for game three of their first round playoff series against the Wildcats.

I think the first two games of the series have given us a good indication of what to expect the rest of the way - close, tight checking, and defensive-minded playoff style hockey. At the beginning of the series, Moncton head coach Danny Flynn told me that his gameplan was to play a tighter defensive style, stating that he didn't want to get into a run-and-gun type of game against the MAINEiacs. On the other side of the ice, Lewiston finished the regular season with the third highest goal total in the league, but they are also a team that takes pride in being able to shut down the opposition's best offensive threats.

The MAINEiacs made the trip up to Moncton yesterday, leaving the friendly confines of the Androscoggin Bank Colisee at 8:00 in the morning. Lunch was provided for us on the bus, making the trip to Fredericton for practice into a straight shot. Prior to crossing the border, we did make a quick pit stop, which Darren Rumble and I used to venture over to Tim Horton's. Darren went with his standard coffee, while I switched things up and tried a hot chocolate flavored with raspberry. I will drink coffee now and again, but lately, I've been trying to get creative at the different places I go. As for the taste of the raspberry hot chocolate, it was definitely different, especially when it came to the texture. If I were to guess why, I would say it's because they were taking a powder and water mixture for the hot chocolate, and combining it with a syrup for the raspberry flavoring. Thanks to minority owner Paul Spellman (who is making his first trip with the team this season), I was able to enjoy a whoopie pie with my hot chocolate.

Speaking of Paul, he is eagerly awaiting our lunch stops both today and tomorrow, as Boston Pizza is once again on the agenda. Paul's comment to me was that he wants to know what all the hype is about with that place. Luckily, he has ordered the Smoky Mountain Spaghetti & Meatballs for today, so I think he'll find out about the hype this afternoon. The only question will be whether or not he will be able to compete with the rest of the group in terms of being able to finish the massive portion. Paul was also responsible for our dinner at the hotel last night, which was a steak dinner, finished off by chocolate mousse for dessert. Needless to say, thanks to his great personality and wonderful food selections, Paul is becoming an instant favorite on the road.

At practice yesterday in Fredericton, we were greeted by Roger Shannon, who had just seen his University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds take home their third University Cup title in the last five years, as well as their fourth in school history. Former MAINEiacs goaltender Travis Fullerton recorded a pair of shutouts this weekend for the gold medal winning Varsity Reds, while former Lewiston captain Marc-Andre Daneau was a member of the silver medal winning McGill Redman. It's always nice to see former MAINEiacs having success in their hockey careers after leaving Lewiston.

When the team arrived in Moncton, they were greeted by good friend Joey Blacquiere. However, it wasn't your typical greeting. Bill Schurman dropped Joey off at the corner of the driveway that leads teams into the Moncton Coliseum. When the MAINEiacs bus began to drive down that long strip, we saw Joey at the end, holding a "Game Today" sign, while also having his thumb in the air, trying to hitch a ride. Once the players realized who it was, they all got excited, making it an easy decision to pick up our hitch hiking friend. As soon as Joey got onto the bus, the team erupted into cheers. At this morning's practice, Joey gave one of his legendary speeches, which certainly has the players fired up for tonight's game.

Hopefully, you are fired up for tonight's game as well! Since we are in the Maritimes, face-off will take place at 6:00 for those of you in Lewiston. Gippers will once again be airing the game, so make sure you are there to cheer the boys on with the best fans in the QMJHL. Enjoy the broadcast, and GO MAINEIACS!

2011 QMJHL PLAYOFFS

1 Saint John Sea Dogs 2

16 Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 0

2 Montreal Junior 2

15 Halifax Mooseheads 0

3 Quebec Remparts 2

14 Val-d'Or Foreurs 0

4 Drummondville Voltigeurs 2

13 Chicoutimi Sagueneens 0

5 Gatineau Olympiques 2

12 Rimouski Oceanic 0

6 Acadie-Bathurst Titan 0

11 Victoriaville Tigres 3

7 Shawinigan Cataractes 1

10 PEI Rocket 1

8 LEWISTON MAINEIACS 1

9 Moncton Wildcats 1

MAINEiacs ROAD WARRIOR PLAYOFFS AT GIPPERS TONIGHT

The MAINEiacs are in the playoffs, and now that the team is on the road for games three and four, you need a place to watch the game with fellow MAINEiacs fans. Gippers Sports Grill is that place - your "Home Away From Home" for MAINEiacs games on the road.

Tonight and tomorrow, the MAINEiacs will play games three and four of their playoff series against the Moncton Wildcats, and you will be able to catch both games at Gippers, starting at 6:00.

Gippers Sports Grill, located at 120 Center Street 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!

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.

From 11:30-1:00 on Friday, the street gang will be at the intersection of Lincoln and Main Streets in Lewiston (near the bridge).

Come on out with game day gear, orange gear (THE HUNT IS ON!), playoff signs, horns, bells, and more, as Lewy's Legion helps to fill the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Friday!

VOICE OF THE FAN

Your MAINEiacs value the feedback we receive regarding the YOUR experience, as well as any other thoughts and suggestions you might have to help us improve. Thanks for taking the time to help us. Please fill out the attached document, and drop it off at the Lewy's Legion Table, located across from fan services during the upcoming playoff games, or at the suggestion box located outside of the MAINEiacs administration office.

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

Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from March 29, 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.

Other Recent Lewiston MAINEiacs Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central