Let's go Montreal!!

1959 Sound Cup Playoffs (1st Round)

Ottawa Knights vs Montréal Métros
The first game between Métros and the Knights started with Ottawa coming out strong, capitalizing on a powerplay opportunity after a tripping penalty against Montréal. Defenseman Marc Saint-Louis unleashed a powerful slapshot from the point that beat Métros goaltender Jean-Luc Giroux, giving Ottawa a 1-0 lead and some early confidence. Montréal, however, remained composed and started to take control of the game as it progressed. Despite some good chances, they couldn't find the back of the net in the first period, leaving Ottawa ahead by one after 20 minutes. In the second period, the Métros found their rhythm. They broke through when winger Logan Murphy took a quick shot and fired a wrist shot past Ottawa goaltender Anthony Brown to tie the game at 1. The equalizer seemed to ignite the Métros' offense, and they continued to press. Just a few minutes later, Ottawa took an untimely penalty for high-sticking, and Montréal took full advantage. Arthur Tremblay netted a powerplay goal with a precise wrist shot, giving the Métros a 2-1 lead. Montréal continued their offensive surge and struck again when Maximillian Frank crashed the net and buried a rebound to double the Métros' lead. Montréal were relentless, and before the period ended, Jean Sirois scored, finishing off a quick passing play to make it 4-1 after 2 periods. In the third period, the Knights attempted to rally but found themselves stifled by the Métros’ disciplined play. Montréal sealed the victory when Jean Sirois scored his second of the game, finding the back of the net with another well-placed shot. With that goal, the Métros cemented their dominance, eventually skating away with a 5-1 victory. (MTM leads 1-0)

As the series switched to Montréal for Game 2, the intensity from Game 1 carried over, and both teams came out with a physical edge

1958/59 Preseason Preview (Power Rankings)

1- Quebec Reds
The defending Sound Cup champions enter the season with high expectations and a target on their backs. After an impressive championship run last season, Quebec is primed to contend again, boasting one of the most formidable center groups in the league, led by Derek Hauptmann, the 22-year-old phenom who exploded onto the scene last year. With Mathias Tardif and Hank Rodriguez providing substantial depth, the Reds will have no shortage of firepower down the middle. On the wings, Bastian Nachtnebel is coming off a breakout year and will be counted on to drive the offence alongside Jules Henry and Nicolas Béland. The defence remains solid, bolstered by Travis Jacquessonne's continued development, though Edouard Lécuyer's decline is a concern. In goal, William Parker was a difference-maker during the Reds' championship run, and as long as he remains steady, Quebec will be difficult to beat. However, the depth behind him is thin, with Patrick Bell regressing significantly and Omar Kinnard having not seen the ice since getting drafted early in 1956. Quebec's championship window is wide open, and if Hauptmann and Nachtnebel continue to dominate, there's no reason they can't repeat as champions. The biggest challenge? Dealing with the pressure that comes with being the team to beat.

Best Player: C Derek Hauptmann
Best Rookie: C John Chartrand (1-12)

2- Trois-Rivières Tigres
The Tigres enter the season with their eyes firmly set on another championship run. Two seasons removed from their incredible 1956 Sound Cup victory, the Tigres remain one of the ECHO's most formidable teams, boasting one of the league's best defences and a rock-solid goaltender in Emmett O'Leary, who continues to dominate at 28 years old. O'Leary has been the backbone of this franchise since arriving in 1952, and as long as he's in the net, Trois-Rivières will remain a

1958 ECHO Re-signing Phase

Bathurst Phantoms
For the second year in a row, the Phantoms decided not to re-sign anyone whose contract was expiring.

This means key players like goaltender Jean-Luc Giroux, promising young winger Stephen Dawson (for whom they gave up multiple picks 3 years ago), and center James Chartrand will all be heading to free agency, leaving Bathurst with significant gaps to fill.

Cape Breton Islanders
The Islanders made several key moves, first locking in goaltender David Buck on a three-year deal worth $242K per season. They also secured their blue line by re-signing defenseman Doug Willoughby ($99K per year through 1960) and Mathieu Sauriol ($41K per year through 1959).

However, wingers William Woods and Fred Twist, along with defenseman Bjorn Erikson, will not be returning and are set to test the open market.

Charlottetown Monarchs
Charlottetown prioritized their back end, re-signing star defenseman Geoffrey Jeffries to a massive $724K per year deal through 1963. They also locked in goaltender Glen Lloyd on a four-year contract worth $133K annually and extended defenseman Benoit Cote through 1961 at $40K per year.

On the other hand, the Monarchs decided not to retain centers Doug Fournier, Justin Spring, and Tom Hardcastle, as well as winger Steve Wetherell and defenseman Darren McLeish, all of whom will now hit free agency.

Fredericton Stars
Fredericton handed out three new contracts, first re-signing center Cassius Robitaille to a 5-year deal worth 817k annually, then they would hand center William Evans a new 4-year contract worth 156k per season and finally, center Cédric Dupont was brought back for another 3 years at 74k per season.

This does mean that Stanley Fraser, one of the best goaltenders in the ECHO right now, is heading to f

1958 ECHO Draft Preview

As the 1958 ECHO Draft approaches, scouts and executives are locked in final debates over a deep and talented prospect pool. While this year lacks a single dominant superstar, it makes up for it with a variety—elite playmakers, hardworking grinders, and even a few electrifying scorers ready to make an impact at the semi-professional level. At the top of the draft, Blaise Jacquessonne is expected to be a marquee selection. The speedy winger has drawn comparisons to his older brother, Travis, but plays a much different game—flashy, aggressive, and unafraid to take risks. His ability to transition from wing to center only adds to his value. Joining him at the top of the draft board is Noël Parent, a hardworking winger known for his grinder mentality. He may not put up highlight-reel plays, but his determination and loyalty to the game make him a strong bet for teams looking for long-term stability. Meanwhile, Ryan Bennett, a natural center, impressed the scouts with his ability to play in the faceoff circle and his strong defensive awareness, and Tobias Harrison, a proud African-Canadian winger who decided to ditch the OEHL draft for the ECHO instead, remains one of the hardest-working players in the draft class. For teams looking for raw energy and physicality, Warwick Porter is a big-bodied center who loves to throw hits. On defence, Jason Bordeaux and Tyler Gershwin provide different but valuable skill sets—Bordeaux as a selfless, team-oriented blueliner and Gershwin as an all-heart player who inspires his teammates. Between the pipes, Aldélius Asselin is a goalie who thrives under the spotlight. At the same time, Fergus MacClanahan, a bombastic Newfoundlander, is a massive presence in the crease with a strong lateral game. Both will likely be highly sought-after netminders in this year’s draft. For teams in need of pure offensive firepower, [b]G