QMJHL: Patrik Hamrla leads the Océanic to victory

UPDATE DAY

RIMOUSKI | Gotkeeper Patrik Hamrla took charge with 35 saves to allow the Océanic to end a five-game losing streak with a shutout of 3 -0 against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies this Sunday in Rimouski.

For Hamrla, it was a 5th shutout this season. “Hamrla has been smoking hot. The guys rebounded well after a game that I liked less in Drummondville. We had a few good chances to score, including a two against zero and a breakaway,” analyzed Océanic head coach Serge Beausoleil. 

The support staff stand out

The first period was rather lackluster with very little chance of scoring on either side. The two teams did not create much on offense as indicated by the dangerous shots of 2 to 1 in favor of the Océanic. Inserted into the lineup, Nathan Lévesque stood out thanks to his speed. He was behind a few pushes in the offensive zone with linemates Alexander Gaudio and Alexandre Lefebvre. 

“Lévesque and Lefebvre had a strong game after being left out in Drummondville. I used Lévesque's speed a lot today because he deserved it,” commented Serge Beausoleil. 

Sprynar opened the scoring in second

Jan Sprynar (23rd) opened the scoring with his weapon of choice, a one-timer from the face-off circle, on a major cross-checking penalty to Alex Carr. The Huskies threatened afterwards, especially during a power play, but Patrik Hamrla was intractable in front of the Océanic net. Alexandre Lefebvre (2nd) doubled the home side's lead late in the second period by seizing the return of Nathan Lévesque's shot. 

Luka Verreault (17th) completed the scoring in a goal deserted at the end of the game. The Huskies were unable to get on the scoreboard in the third period despite 15 shots on Patrik Hamrla. 

“It’s a good win. We wanted to bounce back in front6 of our supporters. Hamrla was very solid. We have confidence in him,” said Océanic captain Mathis Gauthier. 

In brief

Cory MacGillivray and Quinn Kennedy were cut off while Maël St-Denis, Shawn Pearson and Luke Coughlin are injured. The Océanic will host the Moncton Wildcats on Wednesday for the resumption of the March 1 game postponed due to the presence of asbestos in the Sun Life Financial Coliseum.