RIMOUSKI | Remparts head coach Patrick Roy became the sixth QMJHL head coach to claim his 500th career win in Quebec City’s 5-2 win over the Océanic on Friday night in Rimouski.
“I am a very lucky person. I’ve had the chance to lead some very good teams, including this year’s. I have also been supported by very good assistants over the years, not to mention Jacques Tanguay who allows me to work in what excites me, hockey,” commented the Remparts driver.
Photo Alexandre D’Astous
Remparts head coach Patrick Roy and his assistant Simon Gagné.
Getting a 500e winning prompted Patrick Roy to dive back into his memories.
“It is certain that the team that won the Memorial Cup with the Radulovs (Alex), Melançon (Mathieu), Desjardins (Cédrick), Sersen (Thomas) occupies a special place. Same thing for our current edition, ”added the jubilee.
Underlined by opponent
Océanic head coach Serge Beausoleil sent his congratulations to his counterpart.
“He is a great enthusiast who is always well prepared. I congratulate him on his 500e victory, but I do not understand why he is not in the pros with his roadmap”.
The Remparts dominated the first period, but it was the Océanic who opened the scoring on a second effort by Julien Béland who pushed the puck between the pads of goalkeeper Quentin Miller for his 20e goal of the season following a good foray into the enemy zone by defender Mathis Gauthier.
Photo Alexandre D’Astous
Patrick Roy chats with James Malatesta who scored his team’s first goal.
The response from the Remparts came less than a minute later and twice rather than once. James Malatesta threw into an abandoned net after Justin Robidas caught three Océanic players, including goaltender Patrik Hamrla.
A minute later, Pier-Olivier Roy spotted Théo Rochette alone in the enclave who did not miss his chance.
Decisive second period
Photo Alexandre D’Astous
The scorer of the 2nd goal for the Océanic, Luka Verreault, is watched by Remparts defender Samuel Lachance.
The Océanic tied the game 2-2 early in the second period through Luka Verreault on the power play. The visitors responded with three unanswered goals.
Photo Alexandre D’Astous
Alexander Gaudio goes there with a push towards the Remparts goalkeeper, Quentin Miller, on the power play.
Matanais Charle Truchon beat Patrik Hamrla with a low shot. Davis Cooper deflected a Rochette shot on the power play and Rochette made it 5-2 with a perfect shot from the short side.
♦ The same two teams will meet again on Sunday, but this time at the Videotron Centre.