Monday, November 4, 2019

Canada Russia Pre-Game Notes

SAINT JOHN - The first game of the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series takes place tonight at TD Station.

Here are a few notes prior to the game:

  • The QMJHL confirmed late last night that Alexis Lafreniere will miss both games of the series with an injury. The news comes after Lafreniere was tossed from Rimouski's last game for a check to the head.
  • With Lafreniere unable to play, Halifax's Benoit-Olivier Groulx has been named Team QMJHL's captain.
  • It's been a rough few weeks for the QMJHL's top draft eligible talents. Chicoutimi's Hendrix Lapierre, projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft by many, had previously pulled out of the series with an injury.
  • Even with Lafreniere and Lapierre out, the Q's lineup still features some strong draft eligible talent, including Saint John's Jeremie Poirier, Halifax's Justin Barron, Drummondville's Dawson Mercer and Shawinigan Mavrik Bourque.
  • Halifax's Alexis Gravel will, unsurprisingly, get the start in net. Moncton's Olivier Rodrigue will likely get the start in his home building tomorrow night.
  • The Sea Dogs have been promoting this game as part of the club's bid to host the 2022 Memorial Cup (pictured). There were less than 300 tickets remaining for the game at the time of this post.
  • Note that game time is 8 p.m. The game can be seen on Sportsnet One.

The series shifts to Moncton tomorrow.

No comments:

Post a Comment