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QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders

Third Period Outbreak Propels Isles to Eighth Consecutive Victory

March 13, 2021 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release


Charlottetown Islanders vs. the Cape Breton Eagles
Charlottetown Islanders vs. the Cape Breton Eagles
(Charlottetown Islanders)

90 seconds were the difference between a close game and a decisive victory for the Charlottetown Islanders on Saturday night.

The Isles broke a close game wide open with an offensive outburst spearheaded by Lukas Cormier. The Vegas Golden Knights prospect put on a show and led the way with two goals as the Isles defeated the Eagles 4-2 in Sydney.

Isles head coach Jim Hulton saw many similarities to Tuesday night's game, one where the team stuck to their guns despite some early adversity and pulled out a victory.

"Similar to our last game, we played close to the vest for two periods and a big push in the third," Hulton explained. "Our team commitment to defense and details continues to pay dividends."

While Charlottetown came out of the gate strong, it was Cape Breton who would take a lead in to the first intermission thanks to Emile Hegarty-Aubin. The 19-year-old forward would receive a stretch pass from Liam Kidney, chip the puck past a defending Sean Stewart and over the trapper of Jacob Goobie, giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead after the first.

Tensions built in the second period as the Isles pushed for the lead. Braeden Virtue and Zach Welsh dropped the mitts to bring their teammates to their feet, followed shortly thereafter by another fight between William Trudeau and Matthew MacDonald. The scraps seemed to spark the Islanders and they used it to their advantage. Late in the period, Ben Boyd would find Cormier with a pass near the high slot and the Ste-Marie-de-Kent, New Brunswick product would put on a display, dancing around Eagles defenders, shifting to his backhand, and going upstairs on Nicolas Ruccia for his 12th goal of the season.

Cormier proved a force to be reckoned with on the point tonight, and his play gave the Isles the lead early in the third. Off a Patrick Guay faceoff win, Cormier would step in and unload a big one-timer that catches Ruccia off-guard and beats the rookie netminder clean.

The goal would open things up for the Islanders and spark the offensive burst in the third. 64 seconds after the Cormier goal, Ben Boyd would get a pass behind the Eagles net and outmuscle an Eagles defender, working his way out front. He'd find his own rebound and bat it out of mid-air, giving the big rookie his third goal of the season, all of which having come against Cape Breton.

Cedric Desruisseaux would score just seconds later to officially put this game out of reach. Nathan Larose would add one late for Cape Breton but it wouldn't be enough as the Goobie would slam the door shut late and preserve the victory for the Isles.

The 17-year-old netminder would make 18 saves to pick up his fourth consecutive victory and second this week.

"Goobie had another strong outing once again as his confidence continues to flourish." Hulton pointed out regarding the Halifax Macs product.

The Islanders don't have to wait long to get back on the ice as they take on the Halifax Mooseheads tomorrow after noon at the Scotiabank Centre. You can follow the action from any one of our five viewing partners - the PEI Brewing Company, the Factory Downtown, Boston Pizza, Dooly's, or Outrider's Cookhouse - or by tuning in to Fair Isle Ford Isles Radio on YouTube!

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Charlottetown Islanders vs. the Cape Breton Eagles
Charlottetown Islanders vs. the Cape Breton Eagles
   



Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from March 13, 2021


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