The general classification and the example of the Rouge et Or

< /p> UPDATE DAY

Last season, first place overall in the QMJHL was a clear goal for the Quebec Remparts. And it was a mistake, according to Patrick Roy.

The plan they had set themselves was nevertheless simple and very logical: by finishing first, they made sure to avoid the Charlottetown Islanders and the Saint John Sea Dogs before the grand final. A plan that ultimately only remained logical on paper, since the Sea Dogs suffered elimination in the first round of the playoffs and the Remparts subsequently suffered the same fate in the semi-finals against the eventual champions, surprising them Shawinigan Cataracts.

Great learning

Roy and the Remparts have therefore learned from this situation, and that is why, this year, rank in the overall standings doesn't matter anymore.

“Last year, we put a lot of emphasis on the idea of ​​finishing first and, in the end, it didn't work because Saint-Jean fell in battle. In playoffs, there are always surprises. The important thing is to be well prepared and to play the right way. 

Finding a way to win

And Roy has a very specific example to illustrate his point.

“ At the weekend [the coach- head of the Rouge et Or in football], Glen Constantin was in the office with us. The rest of them took the dirt road, but found a way to win the Vanier Cup. It's the demonstration that if you are the best club, you have to find a way to beat everyone on your way, even the best teams. »

Mise Au Point

Furthermore, after an emotional weekend during which they won their three games, including the one against the Sherbrooke Phœnix, Roy insisted on giving his players are in order at the start of training on Tuesday morning.

“We just had to regain our concentration. It's normal and it was even my case this morning [Tuesday]. Wants not wants, a three in three, it's demanding. We started slowly and I wanted to warn them,” said Roy, referring to Wednesday night's game in Baie-Comeau against the Drakkar, a team they wiped out by the mark of 11  to 2. , on January 18, at the Videotron centre.

“If I had had a bad game against a team, I would be eager to face them again to show them that I am capable of to bounce back. So I expect a good game from Baie-Comeau, and we can't afford to get there with an excess of confidence.  »