QMJHL: win for a young player from the Halifax Mooseheads who is in mourning for his mother

BET À DAY

SHERBROOKE | The Halifax Mooseheads were treated to a nice surprise, since rookie Braeden MacPhee, whose mother died last Friday in Moncton, returned to the team's entourage.

“It's a brave gesture on his part, said his trainer Sylvain Favreau, Wednesday, at the end of his team's training at the Palais des sports Léopold-Drolet. His father drove him back to Sherbrooke on Tuesday and he wanted to practice with his teammates this morning [Wednesday].”

Jolene Conway lost her battle with cancer at the age of 46. Besides Braeden, the PEI native is survived by her husband Shaun as well as her other children, Marc, Kitty and Lorna.

The 18-year-old center He has always been able to count on his mother's encouragement and today, he has been able to count on his team to get through this heavy loss.

“We are here to support him as best we can. , said Favreau. The funeral took place the day we left for Sherbrooke [Monday]. Cam Russell, our General Manager, was on hand to represent the team.”

“This morning [Wednesday], he saw the other players again, said the coach. It was emotional. The guys felt sorry for him. At the end of the practice, there is always a little cheers, and today was for him. It was a great moment.”

His teammates have a streak to win, but they also know they can make a difference and give MacPhee a break.  

“It's terribly sad,” said Zachary L'Heureux in a club video posted on Twitter. He's the kind of guy who always has a smile. It's great to see him again. He will spend the day with us and we are all happy to have him with us.”

Uncertain presence

Favreau does not yet know whether he'll use MacPhee, who had one goal in nine playoff games, on Thursday for Game 4 of the semifinal against the Phoenix. Everything will depend on the management of his emotions. But his presence in Sherbrooke could serve as additional motivation for the Mooseheads, who trail 2-1 in the series.

“We are already motivated, we are part of the four aces with a young team, recalled Favreau. This is perhaps an event that brings our team together even more. But for me, it just confirms that our group is solid and holding together.”

▶ Halifax could also count on the return to play of defender Cameron Whynot. He missed Tuesday's game because he was sick. The next day, he was on the ice with his teammates.