After a grueling six-game streak in 11 days including a trip to Abitibi, the Rimouski Oceanic was able to take advantage of six days without games to recharge its batteries for the visit of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada this Friday at the Coliseum. Sun Life Financial of Rimouski.
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“The guys needed to get up to speed physically and mentally. We gave them off on Sunday and Monday. We had a strong training Tuesday with one against one and a lot of intensity and Wednesday and Thursday we worked more on our execution ”, indicated the head coach of the Oceanic, Serge Beausoleil.
The rimouski driver is expecting another fiercely contested match against the Armada, like the one on September 24 in Rimouski, won 4-3 by the visitors. “The Armada doesn’t give a lot of space on the ice rink. Expect a trench warfare. In the last game, we will remember that Gaudio had received a penalty of five minutes for a check to the head. There are three more head hits that weren’t called in that game. These are mistakes that happen during the season. You have to be ready to play a big game tomorrow (Friday), ”commented Serge Beausoleil.
Hamrla in front of the net
Patrick Hamrla will be in net for the Océanic, he who did well in his last start against the Remparts, last Friday in Quebec. “Our goalkeepers are doing a good job recently,” analyzed Serge Beausoleil who will still be deprived of the services of his 16-year-old striker, Maxim Coursol, injured on September 17 against the Armada. ” He’s making progress. He has started skating, but he is not yet close to a contact, ”said his coach. The Swiss Louis Robin represents a very doubtful case. He was wearing a pale blue jersey reserved for players not due to receive contact in Thursday’s practice.
Verreault on a good streak
19-year-old forward Luka Verreault is having his best moments since joining the Océanic. He has already scored eight goals in 15 games when he had just three in 46 games last year, including the playoffs. “It’s really easy to play with Cormier and Béland. We can see each other on the ice. I trained really hard this summer. It looks. I am in better shape and confidence has set in. When you have more confidence, you play better ”, analyzed the native Rimouski player.