Villeneuve Breaks Sea Dogs Assist Record in Loss to Halifax
Published on March 27, 2022 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Saint John Sea Dogs News Release
William Villeneuve and goaltender Thomas Couture of the Saint John Sea Dogs
(Saint John Sea Dogs)
The Saint John Sea Dogs (32-17-1-3) lost to the Halifax Mooseheads (27-25-1-1) at TD Station. Two goals from Ryan Francis, and goals from William Dufour and Raivis Kristians Ansons were not enough to secure the win in the 5-4 loss on Sunday. William Villeneuve's assist on Francis' second goal of the night secured his place in Sea Dogs history, as he now holds the record for most career assists by a Sea Dogs defenseman.
Nikolas Hurtubise got the start in net for Saint John, allowing 5 goals on 24 shots before he was relieved by Thomas Couture who faced five shots in his 9 minutes of play. Brady James started for Halifax stopping 34 of 39 shots.
Saint John kept the pressure on the visiting Mooseheads from the start, coming close on a few chances that pinged of the post, including one that went to a review. After all those close calls, they were finally able to score at 8:03 on a power play resulting from a tripping call against Stephen Davis. A passing play in the Mooseheads zone was ended by Ryan Francis, who dropped to one knee taking a one timer that hit the back of the net.
Moosehead David Lafrance was sent off on another tripping call at 18:43, but this time it was Halifax that scored to tie the game up, shorthanded. Captain Elliot Desnoyers scored with 25 seconds remaining in the period to make it 1-1 going into frame two.
Shots after the first were 16-6 for Saint John.
Halifax came out for the second period with more pressure, this time outshooting the Sea Dogs 12-8 on the period.
No goals were scored until midway through the period, when Raivis Kristians Ansons scored his second straight short handed goal after Riley Bezeau was sent to the box for unsportsmanlike conduct at 10:25. Picking up a pass at the blueline, Ansons made his way into the offensive zone alone, faked a slap shot and slid the puck five-hole to take the lead.
Five minutes later, the Mooseheads scored their second of the night and the game went into the final frame tied at two.
Shots after the second were 24-18 for Saint John.
Halifax struck first in the final frame, a goal from Jordan Dumais at 3:33, but it wasn't long until William Dufour scored his 45th goal of the season less than a minute later, keeping the puck in the offensive zone and ripping it past the netminder to tie the game back up at three.
Saint John then took the lead at 5:39, when Ryan Francis waited in front of the net, tipping in a shot by William Villeneuve. This assist was the 120th of Villeneuve's career, passing Thomas Chabot as the all time defensive assist leader in Sea Dogs history.
At 7:40, Zachary Beauregard and Ryan Francis were sent off for roughing and play went to 4-on-4 for two minutes. Moosehead Zack Jones made use of the extra space and tied the game back up. As the penalties ended, Beauregard made his way into the Sea Dogs zone and scored one of his own, taking the lead at 9:49.
After the Mooseheads fifth goal, Thomas Couture replaced Nikolas Hurtubise in net for the remainder of the game.
Despite a strong push at the end, the Sea Dogs were not able to get past Brady James in net and the score remained 5-4 for Halifax to end the afternoon.
Final shots were 39-29 for Saint John.
Alpine 3 Stars
1 Brady James (35 Saves)
2 Ryan Francis (2G)
3 Raivis Kristians Ansons (1G 2A)
The Sea Dogs will hit the road for a short road trip, playing Halifax again on Wednesday the 30th at 7 PM and Cape Breton twice in a back-to-back on Friday at 7 PM and Saturday at 3 PM. Follow the action for all three games from home by listening to the game live on Sea Dogs Radio Presented By TD on CFBC 930AM.
Images from this story
 William Villeneuve and goaltender Thomas Couture of the Saint John Sea Dogs |
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from March 27, 2022
- Eagles Shutdown in Bathurst as Road Trip Concludes - Cape Breton Eagles
- Villeneuve Breaks Sea Dogs Assist Record in Loss to Halifax - Saint John Sea Dogs
- Sea Dogs vs Mooseheads: Today at 3:00 PM - Saint John Sea Dogs
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