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 free agency, leaving the Stars with a massive hole in their net. Fredericton will also part ways with wingers Gérard Moisan and Eymeric Masson and veteran center Anatole Grenier, all of whom would now look for new teams in free agency.

Halifax Highlanders
Halifax would make a slew of re-signings. First, they would hand out new 4-year deals to center Karl Sarrazin (254k/year), wingers Antony Sinclair (68k per year), and Charlie Ellis (226k annually). Defenseman Gilbert Houle would receive a new 3-year deal worth 227k per season. Finally, the Highlanders would bring back winger Robert Mayne on a 2-year contract worth 54k per year.

Wingers Benoit Archambault and Jérémie Bonheur, along with young defenseman James Vachon, would be heading to free agency.

Moncton Generals
Moncton also gave out many new contracts. First, they brought back defenseman Bartholomé Carpentier on a four-year deal worth $307K annually, then re-signed winger Georges Héroux to a three-year contract worth $104K per year. Next, they secured goaltender Gilles Michaud for two years at $43K per season and brought back veteran defenseman Jack Galloway on a two-year, $40K per year deal.

Center Antoine Leroux, wingers Bernard Folker and Robert Bonfils, and especially young winger Jean Parmentier will head to free agency.

Montreal Beavers
On the English side of Montreal, the Beavers only made one re-signing: they brought back winger Philippe Carpentier for the next three years on a deal worth 112k per season.

However, roster spot limitations forced them to part ways with several key young players, including center Denis Fontaine, wingers Thierry Doucet and Gregg Moonberry, and highly regarded defenseman Alphonse Boudreau.

Montréal Métros
On the other side of the metropolis, the Métros weren’t messing around and locked in defenseman Julien Villeneuve for the next 5 years with a contract worth 747k per year. They also gave goalie Ray Young a new 3-year, 41k-per-year deal.

However, several notable players will depart, including veteran winger Tristan Loubier, who has been with the team since the ECHO’s inaugural season. Centers Jacques Saint-Louis and Emmanuel Gatewood, along with wingers Tyler Bourne and Murray Brissett, are also heading to free agency. Additionally, young goalie Bill Black was not retained.

Ottawa Knights
In Canada’s capital, the Knights took a conservative approach, bringing back two players on short-term deals. Winger Jacques Dubois signed a new three-year contract worth $41K annually, while winger Frank Wilson re-upped for two seasons at $44K per year.

However, several key players were not retained, including young defenseman Orphile Gobeil, one of the team’s most promising blueliners. Also heading to free agency are center Theodore Campbell, wingers Terry Gemmill (who led the team in scoring last season) and Laurent Chouinard, and defenseman Robert Warner.

Quebec Reds
The defending champions wasted no time locking in two key pieces of their championship squad, securing winger Bastian Nachtnebel on a massive five-year deal worth $989K per season and center Mathias Tardif on a four-year contract at $896K annually. Additionally, the Reds ensured that their 1952 first-overall pick, winger Nicolas Béland, will remain in Quebec for another four years at $266K per season.

However, those contract renewals mean several players will be heading to free agency, including veteran center Gabriel Caron, wingers Stephen Muller and Darren Bennett, and defenseman Anthony Campbell. Additionally, depth goaltender Hiram Paulsen was not offered a new deal.

Sherbrooke Blue Jays
The Blue Jays made just one re-signing, and it wasn’t the expected one. Instead, they chose to bring back center Ed Herring on a two-year deal worth $44K per season.

The biggest story in Sherbrooke is the departure of their best player, center Derek Hauptmann. The team’s first-ever non-expansion draft pick and supposed franchise cornerstone is out the door after his rookie deal. Following Hauptmann to free agency are center Gérard Simoneau, wingers Alexander Ross, Maxime Savard, Maximilian Frank, and goaltender Vincent Carroll.

Trois-Rivières Tigres
In Trois-Rivières, the Tigres, fresh off back-to-back first-round exits following their first-ever championship, decided to lock in multiple players. Center Timmy Overton secured a massive five-year deal worth $693K per season. The team also re-signed center David McMillan on a three-year, $201K-per-year contract and kept the "Radical Redbird" Nathaniel Cardinal for two more years at $81K annually. Finally, the Tigres brought back center Yves Duclair on a two-year deal worth $41K per season.

However, several notable players will not be returning. Winger James Martin, who famously scored the Cup-clinching goal in 1956, is on his way out, while winger Éric Renaud and defenseman Dawson Newton will also be hitting free agency. Additionally, goaltender Homer Rodgers has chosen to move on, reportedly frustrated with being stuck as Emmett O’Leary’s backup.

Top 10 Free Agents
1. C Derek Hauptmann, SHE
2. G Stanley Fraser, FRE
3. D Orphile Gobeil, OTT
4. D Alphonse Boudreau, MTB
5. D Anthony Campbell, QUE
6. G Jean-Luc Giroux, BAT
7. W Jean Parmentier, MON
8. G Homer Rodgers, TRV
9. C Justin Spring, CHA
10. W Stephen Dawson, BAT

What do you think about the re-signing phase? Where do you think all the top free agents will end up? I would appreciate your feedback and any questions you have about the ECHOverse.

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 serious contender. Up front, William MacDougall leads a deep and balanced forward corps, while Timmy Overton provides secondary scoring and veteran experience. On defence, Alphonse Boudreau—one of the biggest young stars in the ECHO—looks ready to take on a more significant role alongside Darby Averill, forming a strong blue-line duo. However, the Tigres do have some concerns. Their offensive firepower isn't as overwhelming as some of the other contenders, and while their defence and goaltending will keep them in games, they can't afford to rely on O'Leary to steal every win. If the forward group can step up and the young blueliners continue their development, Trois-Rivières could be right back in the Sound Cup Finals this year.

Best Player: G Emmett O'Leary
Best Rookie: D Jason Bordeaux (1-8)

3- Fredericton Stars
Fredericton enters the season with a strong two-way lineup and legitimate hopes of reclaiming the Atlantic Division crown. Cassius Robitaille continues to develop into one of the league's premier centers, and he'll be supported by veteran William Evans and exciting rookie Warwick Porter, the 7th overall pick, whose rapid development could make him a difference-maker sooner than expected. On the wings, Egidus Provencher and Gideon Irving bring scoring punch, while Gerard Cheng looks poised to take on a more significant role this season. The defence is led by Robert Leblanc, an elite shutdown defender, and he'll be counted on to steady a group that includes Hugh MacKenzie and Kevin Larkin. Free agent signing Homer Rodgers will take over as the team's starter in the net, with Victor Carbonneau as his backup. The wild card is rookie netminder Fergus MacClanahan, though it's unclear if he'll see much ice time this year. Fredericton has a deep roster, but their scoring depth remains a concern. If their young forwards can take a step forward, the Stars could make a deep playoff push this season.

Best Player: D Robert Leblanc
Best Rookie: C Warwick Porter (1-7)

4- Charlottetown Monarchs
The Charlottetown Monarchs are coming off a strong playoff run, and they enter the new season with high expectations. Their veteran leadership, led by Jacques Tremblay, provides a steady presence down the middle, while Stephen Collins remains one of the league's most dangerous scorers. Frederic St. John has shown promising development and could be a breakout player this season. Defensively, the Monarchs bolstered their blue line with the signing of Anthony Campbell, who should pair well with Geoffrey Jeffries and Roger Legault. In goal, Peter Chiasson and Glen Lloyd form a solid tandem, but neither is an elite option. Charlottetown's ceiling depends on whether their secondary scorers can step up—if they do, the Monarchs could push for a division title.

Best Player: W Stephen Collins
Best Rookie: C Alfred Jones (3-9)

5- Montréal Métros
The Montréal Métros enter the season with a strong defensive core and promising young talent, though they face questions about scoring depth and goaltending consistency. Edouard Lefebvre remains the heart of the team after his devastating collarbone injury ended his season early last year, and his health will be key to the Métros' success. Young center Hildebrand Bellavance has shown great promise, while Noël Parent, the top pick in the 1958 draft, is expected to provide a spark on the wing. On the blue line, Arthur Tremblay, Steve Lumberman, and Julien Villeneuve form a formidable trio, with Villeneuve continuing his rapid development into a true top-pairing defenseman. The biggest question is in the net, where Jean-Luc Giroux looks like a potential future star but may need time to adjust to a starter's workload in the biggest market in the ECHO. If Giroux lives up to expectations and Lefebvre stays healthy, the Métros could be a dark horse contender in the ECHO this season.

Best Player: C Edouard Lefebvre
Best Rookie: W Noël Parent (1-1)

6- Moncton Generals
Moncton enters the season as a team on the rise, thanks to their massive defensive upgrade in free agency. The biggest splash was Orphile Gobeil, a 22-year-old star defenseman who skyrocketed in development and is now among the league's best young blueliners. Moncton suddenly boasts a terrifying top pairing of Gobeil and David Veilleux that can shut down opponents while contributing offensively. Rookie Tyler Gershwin also looks like a future impact player. Up front, Moncton lacks a true superstar, but they have substantial depth, with Andrew Postl and Jean Parmentier leading the way. Parmentier is a highly skilled winger, but he needs to bounce back from a minor training camp injury. Bill Thompson is expected to center the top line, while Denis Fontaine will be relied upon to play a more prominent role after coming over from Montreal. Pierre-Édouard Perron is an intriguing young center, but he may need a year or two before he makes a significant impact. In net, Raphael Vannier remains the starter, but Gilles Michaud has developed into a strong option and might challenge for the role sooner than expected. The Generals have a real chance to take a step forward, but their lack of a game-breaking forward could hold them back. Their defensive core might be the best in the league, but they need their top forwards to produce if they want to contend for a deep playoff run.

Best Player: D Orphile Gobeil
Best Rookie: D Tyler Gershwin (1-5)

7- Halifax Highlanders
The Halifax Highlanders are entering a transitional year following their Sound Cup Finals loss and the retirement of legendary goaltender Alex Davis. Davis' departure leaves a massive void in the net. While rookie goalie Aldélius Asselin has a high ceiling, he's still a long way from being a reliable ECHO starter. Up front, Antony Sinclair remains the face of the franchise, though he's entering the twilight of his career at 32. Darren Bennett will be relied upon for top-line scoring. Justin Spring, acquired in free agency, is expected to add depth at center, but his recent struggles are a concern. Defensively, Stanley Blackwood and David Lynch remain an elite pairing, but the depth behind them is questionable. Claude Bergeron (35th overall in 1958) had a massive development leap and could be a surprise impact player. Ultimately, Halifax has too many unknowns to be considered a serious contender. They have talent, but they'll need everything to go right—and a goalie to emerge—to keep pace with the top teams.

Best Player: D Stanley Blackwood
Best Rookie: G Aldélius Asselin (1-11)

8- Bathurst Phantoms
Now in their fourth season, the Bathurst Phantoms are still searching for their first playoff appearance, but with Stanley Fraser arriving in free agency, they now have a true franchise goaltender to build around. Fraser's presence should help stabilize a young team that features center George Hamilton, who will look to build on his impressive 50-point rookie season last year. Their top rookie draft pick, winger Tobias Harrison, adds speed and scoring potential on the wing. The defence remains a work in progress, though Leonard Lefèvre and Albert Ferguson will be leaned on heavily. If the young forwards develop quickly, Bathurst could surprise teams this year, but they still feel a year or two away from being a serious contender.

Best Player: G Stanley Fraser
Best Rookie: W Tobias Harrison (1-4)

9- Ottawa Knights
The Ottawa Knights enter the season looking to regain their status as one of the ECHO's premier franchises. With Les Conner leading the forward group, the Knights boast one of the most skilled centers in the league. Their most significant offseason addition is Hugh Jefferson, a dynamic young defenseman who brings size and two-way ability to the blue line. The goaltending duo of Anthony Brown and veteran David Moreau gives them a solid foundation. Still, the offence will need secondary contributions from Karl Dupree and Carson MacDonald to keep up with the top teams. Rookie defenseman Harold Windsor, a first-round pick, could be a key piece for the future. Ottawa has the tools to make a playoff push, but they'll need consistent production beyond their top stars to return to championship contention.

Best Player: C Les Conner
Best Rookie: D Harold Windsor (1-6)


10- Montreal Beavers
The Beavers remain one of the league's most intriguing teams, blending young emerging talent with veteran experience. The biggest name in their lineup is René Gade, the top pick from the 1957 draft, who has skyrocketed in development and is shaping up to be a future superstar center. He'll have support from Claude Couture, another fast-rising young pivot, while Earl Bremner and Kurt Main provide skill on the wings. On defence, the Beavers boast a true number-one defenseman in Martin Rose, and Tom Kerouac continues to develop into a strong top-pairing option. Peter MacCrae and Noah Thompson are two young blueliners with tremendous upside, giving the Beavers a solid defensive core for the future. Zach Soloway and Dominic Beauvais will share the crease, with Beauvais showing promising improvements. The biggest question is whether the Beavers can get enough consistent offence from their deep but not elite forward group. If Gade leaps forward, this team could surprise a lot of people this season.

Best Player: D Martin Rose
Best Rookie: C Tom Harvey (1-10)

11- Cape Breton Islanders
After a nightmare collapse last season, the Islanders are desperate to rebound and return to contention in the Atlantic Division. Noah Cliffe has emerged as a legitimate top-line center, and he'll need to lead the way offensively. The Isles also boast some intriguing young wingers, including Matt Hood and Ward Wilkerson, while Blaise Jacquessonne looks ready to make an immediate impact as a rookie. Defensively, Léonce Dupond remains a stalwart veteran, and the free-agent addition of Dawson Newton bolsters the blue line. However, the most significant question mark remains goaltending—Cape Breton will rely on David Buck, who has struggled with consistency. If the Isles can shore up their defence and get steady goaltending, they could bounce back, but another slow start could spell another difficult season.

Best Player: C Noah Cliffe
Best Rookie: W Blaise Jacquessonne (1-2)


12- Sherbrooke Blue Jays
The Sherbrooke Blue Jays enter their fourth season in the ECHO with no playoff appearances and a franchise that still feels like it's trying to find its identity. After three straight losing seasons to start their ECHO tenure, their hopes of making a breakthrough took a significant hit when Derek Hauptmann—the young center who was supposed to be a franchise cornerstone—left in free agency for Quebec. While the loss stings, the Blue Jays are pivoting toward full-scale retooling, prioritizing the development of young talent. There are some bright spots. Vincent Carroll looks like a legitimate starting goaltender after a breakout year, and Yves Ouellette could emerge as a dangerous scoring threat. Will Mayo and Ed Herring will bring a steady presence on the blue line, while Ryan Bennett and Jean Jacquette have the potential to grow into reliable contributors. But without a true top-line forward to replace Hauptmann, Sherbrooke lacks the firepower to compete with the league's stronger teams. Realistically, this season is about patience and progress. The Blue Jays aren't expected to make a playoff push, but their young core will gain valuable experience. If they can find a leader up front and keep developing their defensive structure, the pieces for a turnaround could start falling into place in the coming years.

Best Player: W Ephraim Gauthier
Best Rookie: C Ryan Bennett (1-3)


Who will make the playoffs this year in the ECHO? Predictions are welcome, and I would also appreciate your feedback and any questions you have about the ECHOverse.

Last edited by Kingsfan11 (2/26/2025 12:12 am)

Cape Brenton needs a new Goalie and the Metros might be coming back into elite territory (Then again, they are affiliated with the Canadiens so they never stay down.)

TheEnigmaticOne wrote:

TBH the name Rene Gade made me LOL. Reminds me of American Dad.

thanks! I came up with the name myself, but I get why you think that, since I am american, and I played a dad on stage once

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 right from the opening faceoff. The first period saw plenty of special teams action as both teams struggled to stay out of the penalty box. Montréal struck first on the powerplay when Edouard Lefebvre fired a wrist shot past Ottawa goaltender Anthony Brown, giving the Métros a 1-0 lead. The crowd at the Aréna de Montréal roared in approval, sensing their team might carry the momentum from Game 1. However, Ottawa responded just minutes later, also on the powerplay. Marc Saint-Louis, who scored in Game 1, delivered again with a well-placed wrist shot past Montréal’s Jean-Luc Giroux to tie the game at 1, and the Knights, clearly motivated to extend the series, looked much sharper than they had in the first game. Still, Montréal regained the lead on yet another powerplay as winger Logan Murphy found himself in the right place at the right time, burying a rebound to put the Métros up 2-1. The back-and-forth nature of the game continued as Ottawa struck again on the powerplay when Jacques Dubois fired a wrist shot past Ray Young to even the score at 2-2. After a chaotic and penalty-filled first period, the game settled down in the second. Both teams tightened up defensively, and while chances were traded, neither side could break the deadlock. Goaltenders Jean-Luc Giroux and Anthony Brown both made crucial saves to keep the game tied heading into the final period. In the third period, the tension was palpable as both teams knew the next goal could decide the game. The Knights took advantage of a rare defensive lapse by the Métros when Les Conner found space in the slot and fired a wrist shot into the top corner, giving Ottawa a 3-2 lead. Montréal pressed hard for the equalizer in the final minutes, pulling Jean-Luc Giroux for an extra attacker, but the Knights held firm. The final horn sounded, and Ottawa celebrated their hard-earned victory, forcing a decisive Game 3 back in Ottawa. (Series tied 1-1)

Ottawa’s Capital Coliseum was buzzing for Game 3, and the Knights came out strong, feeding off the home crowd’s energy to establish a physical presence. They dominated puck possession in the opening minutes, forcing the Métros to play on their heels. Their pressure paid off just a few minutes into the game when winger Frank Wilson found an open lane and blasted the puck past Métros netminder Jean-Luc Giroux to give Ottawa the opening lead. Later in the period, the Knights would strike again when center Les Conner, fresh out of the penalty box, would receive a quick pass from Nicholas Marriott and immediately joined the rush, skated into the zone and fired a quick shot on goal, which made it past Montréal’s Jean-Luc Giroux to double the Knights lead. Ottawa continued to dictate the pace, with Anthony Brown making a few key saves to preserve the two-goal cushion heading into the 1st intermission. Just a few minutes into the second period, Ottawa struck again as Nicholas Marriott quickly snapped a shot from the high slot that beat Jean-Luc Giroux on the blocker side, pushing the Knights' lead up to 3-0 and then a few minutes later, the Knights struck again. This time, it was Victor Boucher who found the back of the net, firing a precise wrist shot that beat Jean-Luc Giroux cleanly on the glove side to up the Ottawa lead to 4 goals. Ottawa’s defense, led by Anthony Brown in goal, continued to stifle Montréal’s scoring chances. Brown was solid when tested, making a few crucial stops, but for the most part, the Knights controlled possession and were 20 minutes away from advancing to the St. Lawrence Division Finals. Early in the third period, the Knights would pile on even more when winger Karl Dupree, well-placed at the top of the right circle, fired a shot that beat Giroux low on the blocker side to make it a 5-0 game for Ottawa. Midway through the third period, with the game seemingly out of reach, the Métros finally found a spark when winger Bill Walker Jr. found the back of the net on a quick shot that beat Ottawa goaltender Anthony Brown low on the blocker side to make it a 5-1 game. Barely five minutes after Montréal's tally, the Knights struck again, with Karl Dupree scoring his second of the period with a crisp wrist shot that sailed past Jean-Luc Giroux, restoring Ottawa’s five-goal lead. With less than a minute remaining in the game, the Knights put the final stamp on their dominant performance when Karl Dupree fired a hard shot from the point that Jean-Luc Giroux managed to stop, but the puck rebounded right into the crease and Les Conner, ever opportunistic, crashed the net and shoveled the loose puck past Giroux, making it 7-1 and confirming’ the Knights’ victory. When the final horn sounded just moments later, the Ottawa players flooded the ice, mobbing goaltender Anthony Brown as they celebrated advancing to the next round. (OTT wins 2-1)


Fredericton Stars vs Moncton Generals
The first game of the first-ever playoff series between Fredericton and Moncton started slowly, but it quickly got heated as the two tried and failed to pierce either of the goalies. Then, late in the first period, a big hit from Stars veteran defenseman Kevin Larkin on Generals rookie defenseman Tyler Gershwin left the Moncton blue liner injured. Despite the two teams’ best efforts, the game would remain goalless after 20 minutes of play. The second period would see both teams get chances on the powerplay, but neither could convert, and it was late in the 2nd that the metaphorical ice was broken as Moncton’s Andrew Postl finally found the back of the net with a quick wrist shot from the high slot, beating Fredericton netminder Homer Rodgers glove side. Barely two minutes later, the Generals struck again. Following a Stars turnover at the blue line, Moncton center Henry Potvin intercepted the puck and quickly fed it up the ice to winger Jean Parmentier. Skating into the offensive zone with speed, Parmentier unleashed a powerful slapshot from the right faceoff circle that whizzed past Homer Rodgers to double the Generals’ lead. The third period saw Fredericton come out with a renewed sense of urgency, determined to cut into Moncton’s lead. Their persistence paid off midway through the final frame when the Generals took a costly penalty for tripping, giving the Stars a crucial powerplay opportunity where they found an opening when Eugene Tracy fed the puck down low to Cassius Robitaille, who quickly sent it back to the point. Winger Egidus Provencher wound up and unleashed a thunderous slapshot that sailed through traffic and beat Moncton’s Raphael Vannier high on the blocker side to make it 2-1. As the clock ticked down, Fredericton pulled Rodgers for the extra attacker, but Moncton’s defense remained resolute. Despite a flurry of last-second attempts from the Stars, the Generals held on to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory (MON leads 1-0)

As the series shifted to Moncton for Game 2, the game started with the Stars coming out strong, looking to put pressure on Moncton early. Their efforts paid off in the first period when center William Evans managed to find the back of the net with a quick shot past Generals netminder Raphael Vannier, giving Fredericton a 1-0 lead. Fredericton backup goaltender Victor Carbonneau, getting the start for the Stars due to Homer Rodgers coming down with a virus, made several key saves to preserve the lead, as Moncton struggled to break through Fredericton’s defense. The Generals regrouped during the intermission and came out with renewed intensity in the second period. Their persistence was rewarded when William Woods fired a wrist shot past Carbonneau to tie the game at 1-1. The equalizer seemed to energize Moncton, and they controlled much of the play for the remainder of the period, but Carbonneau stood tall, keeping the game tied heading into the third. Both teams played cautiously in the third period, with neither wanting to make a mistake that could cost them the game. Moncton goaltender Raphael Vannier was sharp, denying a few quality chances from the Stars, while Carbonneau continued to impress on the other end. Despite the fast pace and physical play, neither team could find the go-ahead goal, sending the game into sudden-death overtime. In overtime, the tension was palpable, and the game remained deadlocked until Moncton’s Adelard Deraspe took a costly penalty, giving Fredericton a golden opportunity on the powerplay. The Stars made no mistake, as Gregg Moonberry unleashed a powerful slapshot that blasted past Vannier to seal the 2-1 victory for Fredericton and force a decisive Game 3 back in Fredericton. (Series tied 1-1)

The atmosphere at Game 3 in Fredericton was a very tense one, but the Stars came out with energy, feeding off the home crowd's enthusiasm. Just a few minutes into the game, they broke the deadlock. Forward Thierry Doucet capitalized on a Moncton turnover in the neutral zone, streaked down the left wing, and fired a wrist shot that sailed past Generals goaltender Raphael Vannier, giving Fredericton an early 1-0 lead. Barely a minute later, Fredericton struck again, catching Moncton entirely off guard. As the Generals were still processing the first goal, the Stars launched a quick breakout. Cassius Robitaille carried the puck into the offensive zone and dropped it back to winger Gideon Irving, who wasted no time firing a low shot toward the net. The puck slipped through a screen and past Raphael Vannier, doubling Fredericton's lead. Moncton responded almost immediately, showing they were not ready to back down as center Henry Potvin let loose a quick wrist shot that found its way through traffic and past Homer Rodgers, cutting Fredericton’s lead in half. The second period began with Moncton looking more confident and aggressive on the forecheck. Just a few minutes into the period, they found the equalizer as winger William Woods, who had been buzzing around the net throughout the first period, skated into the Fredericton zone, cut to the middle, and fired a quick shot from the slot. The puck slipped through Homer Rodgers' pads and into the net, tying the game at two apiece. Despite their best efforts, neither team managed to break the deadlock before the second intermission despite some great chances on both sides. As the horn sounded to end the period, the score remained tied at 2, setting up a dramatic final 20 minutes in this do-or-die Game 3. The third period started with Moncton carrying the energy they had built up throughout the second period. Just over a minute into the final frame, Generals winger Jean Parmentier, who had been a force throughout the series, capitalized on a loose puck in the high slot. Picking it up with speed, he moved to his right and fired a quick wrist shot that beat Homer Rodgers on the glove side, giving the road team their first lead of the game. With time winding down in the third period and Moncton clinging to their one-goal lead, the Stars desperately pushed for the equalizer. The crowd at Fredericton’s Riverfront Arena was on edge, urging their team forward as the minutes ticked away. Finally, with just over six minutes left on the clock, the Stars found their moment as rookie center Warwick Porter, who had shown flashes of promise throughout the series, made his mark at the perfect time, firing a low shot that snuck past Moncton netminder Raphael Vannier to tie the game at 3. Despite a frantic final six minutes of regulation, neither team could find the back of the net, and this already tense game would need overtime to decide the series winner. Overtime began with an air of anticipation, but before the crowd could even settle back into their seats, disaster struck for the Stars. Just 15 seconds into the extra period, defenseman Robert Leblanc was called for tripping after his stick got tangled in the skates of Moncton forward William Woods. A minute and 15 seconds into the penalty, Moncton winger Bobby Walsh took a pass from center Thierry Rousseau at the point, took a step forward, and unleashed a booming slapshot. The puck rocketed through a screen of players and past a helpless Homer Rodgers, ripping into the back of the net to clinch Moncton’s spot in the Atlantic Division finals and upset Fredericton. (MON wins 2-1)



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Last edited by Kingsfan11 (4/03/2025 2:39 am)