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Road Report from Moncton

March 30, 2011 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Lewiston MAINEiacs News Release


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

Last night, the MAINEiacs took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, as they defeated the Wildcats 4-2 in another well played game. Although nothing was close to being settled at that point, the first period saw a plethora of action, as there were two goals, 30 shots, and eight power plays. Despite allowing the first goal of the contest, Lewiston was able to be in control for the most part, as they outshot Moncton 23-11 in the final two periods, while scoring four of the final five goals. The last of the goals (Michael Chaput's) was the prettiest of them all, as he undressed a defender in the slot, before roofing a shot over Brandon Thibeau's glove.

Following last night's game, the team headed to dinner at East Side Mario's, where they were met by the Sun Journal's Justin Pelletier. Justin made the decision to take the trip late on Monday night, leaving early in the day on Tuesday, before arriving in Moncton in plenty of time to cover games three and four. I know he will probably try to play it off like it is no big deal, but for those wondering, Justin is doing this trip all on his own (hotel, gas, food, etc.), which is pretty awesome. In my opinion, Justin is already one of the best (if not the best) reporters in the league, as you can see his love and dedication for both the sport of hockey and his job in everything he does.

Today is going to be a relatively relaxing day for the MAINEiacs, starting with an optional morning skate to get the legs loose. Along with about half of the players, Bill Schurman, Nathan Kelly, and Zach Evans-Renaud all laced up the skates for a spin around the ice. Evans-Renaud isn't strong enough for a return to the lineup during the playoffs, but for someone coming off of surgery, he looks good out there, and should definitely be ready for opening night next season, which is probably the best news for him at the moment. Kelly typically joins the team for practices whenever they are in the Maritimes, as he played locally in the maritimes with the Cumberland County Blues this season. For Schurman, I believe this was his second time on skates since having his foot worked on.

This is an interesting series for Bill, as he used to work for the Wildcats. In talking with Bill last night, he said that it was great to see some of his old friends back here in the Moncton area, but as soon as the puck dropped, he was focused on making sure that the visiting team came out on top.

Following the skate, my goal today is to make my way over to Magnetic Hill. When Bill first explained Magnetic Hill to Darren Rumble and I at dinner on Monday, neither of us could believe it. Apparently, this is a hill that essentially acts like a magnet for a car. I've been told that if you put your car into neutral at the bottom of the hill, the magnetic force of the hill will drive your car up to the top. You would think with all of the television programs on stations like the Travel Channel that I would have heard of this before, but I haven't, and I am quite intrigued.

After that, it sounds like the players will be hitting one of the local malls, before our second straight lunch at Boston Pizza. I mentioned yesterday that Paul Spellman had ordered the Smoky Mountain Spaghetti & Meatballs, but apparently, that is going to be today's lunch, as he enjoyed the Chicken Pecan Salad yesterday. We'll call yesterday a warmup for Paul, as he got to see exactly what he will be up against this afternoon, when he will dive into the spaghetti. For the first time all season, I actually took home the victory in speed yesterday, edging out Darren Rumble by a few bites of bread. However, Rumble didn't go home empty-handed, as he won the technical difficulty portion of the battle. Darren's plate was left so clean that you could almost give it to another customer without them knowing that it had been used before. JF Houle also finished his lunch without a problem, while Joey Blacquiere made his spaghetti look like an afterthought.

Once the clock strikes 6:00 tonight in Lewiston, it will be time for face-off in game four. I hope all of you are fired up once again, as it should be another terrific contest. Gippers will once again by 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 3

16 Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 0

2 Montreal Junior 3

15 Halifax Mooseheads 0

3 Quebec Remparts 3

14 Val-d'Or Foreurs 0

4 Drummondville Voltigeurs 3

13 Chicoutimi Sagueneens 0

5 Gatineau Olympiques 2

12 Rimouski Oceanic 1

6 Acadie-Bathurst Titan 0

11 Victoriaville Tigres 3

7 Shawinigan Cataractes 2

10 PEI Rocket 1

8 LEWISTON MAINEIACS 2

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, 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, the MAINEiacs will play game four of their playoff series against the Moncton Wildcats, and you will be able to catch all of the action live 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.



Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from March 30, 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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