A hat trick from forward Ethan Gauthier and a 30-save shutout from Jakob Robillard got the better of the Quebec Remparts, who lost 4-0 to the Sherbrooke Phoenix on Sunday at the Palais des Sports Leopold-Drolet.
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The very first choice of the most recent draft of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ), in June, began his work in the first period. His team was already leading 1-0 when he shook the ropes for the first time. He went for a shot immediately after a faceoff won by teammate Justin Gill to flash the red light.
Gauthier returned to the charge with just over ten seconds left in the engagement, allowing his team to retire to the locker room with a three-goal lead. He then deflected a throw from Christophe Rondeau.
The 17-year-old completed his night’s work when he beat goaltender William Rousseau a third time, on a power play in the second period. A bouncing puck in front of the net finally landed on his paddle and he just had to push it into the opposing cage. He scored his very first career hat trick on the Courteau circuit. He has seven goals and 17 points to his name after 33 games.
Montreal Canadiens prospect Joshua Roy, on a power play in the first period, was the home side’s other scorer.
Robillard, smoking
In front of the cage of crowd favorites, Robillard particularly stood out in the third period, where he succeeded in half of his 30 parades. Among other things, he closed the door to Théo Rochette, who fired seven shots at him. He even reserved his best save for the Remparts striker, in the third period, when the latter received a puck in the enclave and tried to play patience to overcome the Phoenix goalkeeper. The latter, however, frustrated him with the mitten.
Robillard also closed the door to Patrick Roy’s men during their two power plays.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper, who is in his second campaign in the Courteau circuit, thus achieved his very first career shutout in the QMJHL, he who was playing his 16th game at this level. This season, he went 7-4-2 in 14 games, as well as a 2.33 goals-against-average and .907 save percentage.