Titans sweep Quebec | Pro Hockey News

Acadie-Bathurst assistant captain Christophe Boivin (11) end with 1 goal 1 assist photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —With their back on the wall, in a do-or-die situation the Quebec Remparts played another solid game but like the first three games Acadie-Bathurst came stronger as the game evolved. Even if Quebec showed character with players playing with injuries, Bathurst came on top for a four games with two goals in an empty net to sign a 4-1 win, and earns the right to continue the QMJHL playoff going to next round. Christophe Boivin (1g-1a) and Jordan Maher also with (1g-1a) played strong game for the Titan.

Quebec opened the scoring for the first time in the series. Been 0-in-17 in the series, 0-in-2 with a man advantage in the game Remparts break the ice on their third power play opportunities. Philipp Kurashev did not left any chance to Acadie-Bathurst goaltender Anthony Dumont-Bouchard beating Titan netminder on stick side at 10:21.

Acadie-Bathurst replied 2:06 later at even strength. A battle won behind Quebec net by Vladimir Kuznetsov made pass to Antoine Morand in the slot scoring his first of the series at 12:27.

Acadie Bathurst take the lead for first time in game four, the long wrist shot from Noah Dobson been redirect by Rodrigo Abols beat Quebec goaltender Dereck Baribeau 3:20 into the middle frame for his third goals in QMJHL quarter final series.

Trailing by one after forty minutes of play Quebec got one other great chances to tie the game getting one more power play opportunity as Olivier Mathieu, has been found guilty of hit to the head, but unfortunately Titan successfully killed it.

Still leading by one, Acadie-Bathurst adds two more goals with Jordan Maher in an empty net at 18:24, last one came with 19:20 also in an empty net by Christophe Boivin.

Acadie-Bathurst young defenseman Noah Dobson (53) is very promising on Titan blueline photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec

For one head coach Mario Pouliot underline his players work but also gave credit to the Remparts for the way they fought as they were in all games.

“Definitely it was another step in the right direction,” answered Acadie-Bathurst head coach Mario Pouliot as his team did not make the playoff since 2008.

“Since I was in Bathurst I didn’t know how many times I heard the fact I didn’t made the playoff since 2008. Now it is a done thing I’m really happy the way we did it. I think we dominated the four games we played, their goaltender’s kept them in the game. I have to tip my hat off to the Remparts they played with lots of injuries, they showed lots of characters they gave all they got, they defended themselves, they forced us to give our best and that will be good for us in the other series,”

For one of the three veteran 20 years old for whom it was his last game in junior hockey Yanick Turcotte it was very sad to end that way.

“Nostalgic, sadness I have had the four best years of my life,” said the one who entered the QMJHL four years ago. “I will be always recognizant toward Philippe Boucher who has been the first to confirm me as part of the team, I entered here four years ago as a kids and I got out as an adult, I just want to thank the Quebec Remparts organization. I never thought to live what I lived there. I remembered, I went to the Colisee with Raphael Maheux we didn’t thought one day to play here but finally we played four years together. I can’t be more happier.” Ended Turcotte.

For goaltender Dereck Baribeau he was also sad to see his team been eliminated in four straight games.

Acadie-Bathurst goaltender Anthony Dumont-Bouchard making glove save on Quebec forward photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec

“It was really tough today,” began the former Val-d’Or Foreurs netminder who came in Quebec in last trading periods.

“All guys gave hundred percent we came very closed to win the game, we weren’t be opportunistic it was tough. I wasn’t surprised to get the nod to start the game, I’m ready at every games if Phil (Philippe Boucher) told me to go, I go in the net that was all.” Continued Dereck Baribeau.

“I did not control that,” answered the netminder when he was asked if he might like to get involved sooner in the series. “When Phil said to go in the net I go and that is it. “ Repeated Baribeau.

Quebec captain Matthew Boucher was another one who was courageous to play even if he got several injuries. “We found a way to be there, but again it was deceiving to lose. I won’t hide it I already has a high ankle sprain on my right foot, and in my second game in Bathurst I injured my left foot too that limited on my skating, so it didn’t help but I’m not the only one lots other players played with injuries. We have had lots of warriors showed every games with little injuries no it didn’t help.” Ended Natthew Boucher.

Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher never is happy in loss but he knows the future will be bright in Quebec.

Quebec right winger Derek Gentile (27) getting great scoring opportunity photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec

“I think yes,” answered Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher answering a question about his player never give up. “Offensively it was hard for us we won’t hide it, defensively we blocked lots of shots, we did what we can. Congratulation to Mario Pouliot, Sylvain Couturier build a great team as General Manager, and it has been longtime since they didn’t had had success. The Maritimes division has been the best, the other teams in the division didn’t lose too many games, Halifax wins some also, they got big competitions all year and it wasn’t for nothing that they were one of the best team after Christmas.” Quebec head coach said after the game.

Seven other quarter final series were on QMJHL schedule on Wednesday

Rouyn-Noranda 1 vs. Halifax 3 (Rouyn-Noranda lead quarter final series 3-1)

Blainville-Boisbriand 4 vs. Drummondville 1 (Blainville-Boisbriand win quarter final series 4-0)

Chicoutimi 4 vs. Victoriaville 3 (Chicoutimi win quarter final series 4-1)

Shawinigan 2 vs. Val-d’Or 3 (Quarter final series tie 2—2)

Charlottetown 4 vs. Baie-Comeau 1 (Charlottetown wins quarter final series 4-0)

Cape Breton 3 vs. Gatineau 4 (Cape Breton leads quarter final series 3-1)

Saint John 4 vs. Rimouski 3 (Saint John wins quarter final series 4-0)

Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com