(Kamloops) The turning point that helped the Quebec Remparts have such a dominant campaign was about a year ago.
Head coach Patrick Roy pointed in the direction of a defeat for the Remparts in the semi-finals of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League on June 1, 2022 against the Shawinigan Cataractes. The Remparts were then eliminated by the eventual league champions, after leading 2-1 in the best-of-five series.
“It was a slap in the face to lose Games 4 and 5,” the former NHL star goaltender admitted. It made us realize that we had to be better and I think that’s what the guys did.
“They showed up for the new season on a mission. »
Remparts forward Zachary Bolduc believes the real turning point came late in the season, when the team suffered five losses in six outings from February 23 to March 7.
The Remparts then won eight games in a row to finish the campaign strong.
“When we’re united and play as a team of five, we do good things,” said Bolduc, who became only the sixth QMJHL player since 2000 to have two consecutive campaigns of at least 50 goals.
“That’s what we understood during that bad streak and I think it made us a better team. »
Winger James Malatesta — winner of the Guy Lafleur Trophy as QMJHL playoff MVP — believes that tough streak was the best thing that ever happened to the team.
“It brought the troops together,” he said. Now we are always hungry and our expectations of ourselves are higher. »
After concluding the regular season with the best record in the QMJHL, the Remparts swept their first three series. They went on to defeat the Halifax Mooseheads in six games to win their first league title in 47 years.
In their first appearance in the Memorial Cup since 2015, the Remparts defeated the Kamloops Blazers and Seattle Thunderbirds by a combined score of 11-4, quickly securing a place in Sunday’s final. The Remparts then lost 4-2 to the Peterborough Petes on Tuesday.
If the defensive group did well, as did goalkeeper William Rousseau, it was the work of the forwards that caught the eye.
During the QMJHL playoffs, Justin Robidas ranked third in points with 27, while Malatesta tied for first with 14 goals, including five winners. Theo Rochette ranked second in assists with 17, while Bolduc notably provided four power-play goals and three game-winning goals.
All foursome have four points in three Memorial Cup games.
Roy said he was happy with the group’s production.
“Throughout the year we’ve been emphasizing the importance of playing 200 feet and we’re focused on that,” he said.
Acquired from the Val-d’Or Foreurs in December, Robidas has developed a great cohesion with Malatesta, setting the table for three of his four goals in Kamloops.
“We’re two players who skate well and we’re comfortable being on the ice,” Robidas said. He’s more of a shooter and I’m more of a passer. So it’s easy for me to send him the puck knowing he’s going to hit the target. »
The Remparts will aim for a third Memorial Cup title on Sunday and their first since 2006. They are awaiting the winner of the semi-final between the Thunderbirds and the Petes on Friday night.
“It would be the perfect ending for me,” said Bolduc, a 2021 St. Louis Blues first-round pick. “I’m going to play my last junior game here on Sunday. I want to finish with a win.
“When I came back from St. Louis at the start of the season, I said I wanted three cups. We have won those for the season and the playoffs and there is still the last to win.
“On Sunday we will be ready to give it our all. »