2023-05-17 17:33:14
HALIFAX | Since last night, the name of James Malatesta has been associated with that of Guy Lafleur in the QMJHL record books.
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Author of a fifth game-winning goal since the start of the playoffs on Tuesday, in the 5-4 victory in overtime at the Halifax Mooseheads, Malatesta equaled a team record set by Lafleur in 1971 and Éric Chouinard in 2000.
All three players are tied with several others, including Mario Lemieux in 1984. Set in 2006, the record of seven belongs to Martins Karsums of the Moncton Wildcats.
“It’s extraordinary that my name is associated with that of Guy Lafleur, declared the prospect of the Columbus Blue Jackets. I learned that I had equaled his record last night, and it’s really cool. I don’t realize it yet.”
Will Malatesta go on the hunt for Karsums record? “If it happens, it will happen, but my focus is on winning games. I will not change the way I play. My only goal is to do everything to help the team win.”
“A little Brad Marchand”
Mate of Malatesta’s line in the last match following Patrick Roy had shuffled the cards dissatisfied with the departure of his troop, Justin Robidas is impressed.
“James is a gamer, he summarized. He has an incredible shot and scores big goals. When I was younger, I faced him and it was not fun. I’m glad we’re playing together now.”
“It’s a little Brad Marchand, to pursue Robidas who dominates the Remparts’ scoring column in the playoffs. He is tiring, he likes the physical game and he talks a lot on the ice. I hated to face him.”
As early as 2019 in the U18 AAA playoffs, Roy had noticed that the Lac St-Louis Lions forward managed to shine in important moments.
“I like to think I perform well when the stakes are high. It was like that when I was younger and it’s the same as I get older. It’s good to know that you can make a difference. The confidence of the coaches helps me.”
In these 2019 series, Malatesta and the Lions had eliminated the Chevaliers de Lévis in the semi-finals, who had had an exceptional season led in particular by Joshua Roy, but Robidas and the Cantonniers de Magog had swept the final. Robidas likes to remind his teammate of this memory when the opportunity arises.
Malatesta was not in unfamiliar territory when he found himself with Robidas and Charles Savoie.
“We had done well in the past together. When the coach shuffles the cards, it motivates the guys and it lights a fire on the bench. We had a good sequence at the end of 2e which led to our second goal and the momentum shifted.”
A title for his parents
This thirst for making a difference comes from where? “I don’t really have any idols or players who inspired me, but I played a lot with my younger dad and that’s thanks to my parents. [Linda et Roger] that I am here. I would love to have the opportunity to win for them.”
Team Culture
Malatesta always puts the team’s successes first.
“James reflects the culture of our team where work and family are the two key elements,” said Roy. We never talk regarding talent, but regarding the quality of individuals. The guys have been on a mission since day 1 of the season.
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