KAMLOOPS | The Quebec Remparts are not satisfied. Just over 12 hours after their convincing victory over the Kamloops Blazers, Patrick Roy’s men had already moved on. “We still have a lot to prove,” summed up striker Justin Robidas.
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Surely happy to have a first win in the bank, the Remparts were more focused on improving some details that were lacking against the Blazers on Friday.
“It’s an excellent start to the tournament for us and we couldn’t have wished for a better start, but we know deep down that we can be better than the last game, added Zachary Bolduc. I think the other team can be better too. They were probably still rusty after going 18 days without playing a game.
Made aware of the comments of his two players, Roy was not surprised.
“What I like about the group is that they are able to self-assess. […] They want to improve. We have a dedicated, passionate group that cares about the cause. They are on a mission and want to reach the end of their objective. It doesn’t guarantee anything in the end, but that’s what it takes if you want to achieve it.”
A clear message?
It’s worth what it’s worth, but at lunchtime three men were chatting at the table next to yours truly.
“Quebec is the only team that can beat Seattle in this tournament. Maybe not on a four of seven, but on a game, yes.
Well, we take some and we leave some, but still, the Remparts seem to have sent a message Friday evening.
Internally, we don’t see it that way.
“We will not win this tournament with one match. You have to turn the page. We are happy with the victory yesterday, but already today, we must focus on Seattle on Monday, “assured Robidas.
“I don’t know if we sent a strong message, but we are here and we are serious. We want to win top honors and we are ready to do anything to do so,” added Bolduc.
Avoid the penalty bench
Among the things to improve is discipline. The Remparts gave the Blazers seven power plays on Friday, four of which were caused by two double minors for high sticks that cut the opponent.
“We have to be careful, keep our gloves low and not raise our sticks too high,” said Robidas, who annoyed his line partner James Malatesta, guilty of a double minor for high stick in the third period.
“We were fooling around with James. He’s small, but he ends up with his stick in the air! Maybe he should keep it lower!” he started laughing.
A well deserved rest
The Remparts are now gearing up for their second game of the tournament on Monday night against the Seattle Thunderbirds.
But, Saturday, no question of talking about hockey. The players took advantage of a sunny day in Kamloops to spend time with their families, most of whom made the trip to British Columbia.
“I think it will do good, said Robidas in the morning. Surprisingly, the body is tired. We played a lot of hockey in a few days. It will be good to relax and think about something else.
“Everything went quickly, to add Patrick Roy, who did not take a day off, him, in order to dissect video clips. We won and then we gave the guys two days to decompress and brought them back to the arena. When you bring them back to the arena after winning the league championship, even if the coach says: “Hey boys, I love you, but we have to restart the machine”… it’s easier to say than to do. Hats off to the guys, we have incredible leaders.