2023-05-28 22:23:25
KAMLOOPS | The Quebec Remparts enjoyed a full day off Saturday, but they all watched intently as the Seattle Thunderbirds, their next opponents, played Monday night. And the conclusion is clear: “it’s a team like any other,” says Nathan Gaucher.
• Read also: Matt O’Dette, the man the Canadiens called up in 2002 to take revenge on the Boston Bruins
• Read also: Remparts: 9 times Patrick Roy marked the imagination during his 12 seasons behind the team bench
Considered by many to be the favorites to win the competition before the start of the tournament, Seattle won 6-3 once morest the Petes of Peterborough on Saturday night in a match in which they had to dip into their reserve to overcome the tough Petes.
“These are players of our age and, even if they come from another league and everyone sees them so high, we are able to play once morest them,” added Gaucher at the end of training on Sunday. followingnoon.
“We had a good game on Friday and Peterborough competed well once morest them. It brings you down to earth and gives you confidence. When you listen to the comments, you get ideas but when you see the matches, you get others. We are confident. »
In trust
Same story for James Malatesta, author of three goals in the victory of the Remparts on Friday.
“They have a lot of offensive punch but we are on the same level as them. You can play with anyone in this tournament. […] We arrived at this tournament in the state of mind that we were the best team. We have a lot of confidence. Now, even if we have seen all the teams, we are focusing on us. »
Roy prudent
An attentive spectator on Saturday with his coaching staff, Patrick Roy was a little more cautious in his comments.
“I always thought we might compete with all the teams. The challenge ahead of us is: can we beat them? I think any team can compete with anyone in this tournament, but being on the winning side is another story. »
Photo DIDIER DEBUSSCHERE
Patrick Roy gives his instructions to defender Evan Nause during Remparts training on Sunday.
Asked by a colleague whether the Thunderbirds reminded him of a team they faced in the QMJHL last season, Patrick Roy hesitated for a second before providing an answer.
“They look like Gatineau. They have a lot of depth in attack, a good defense and they rely on a good goalkeeper. Halifax had a team with depth in attack but played a lot on counter-attacks and their efficiency out of the zone, a bit like us. Gatineau was more physical and finished their checks, like Seattle. »
Seattle wants to do better
In the Thunderbirds camp, both the players and the coaching staff feel that the team’s first game on Saturday wasn’t the best the team has played.
“We will have to manage the puck better. On some occasions, we stubbornly tried to make complicated games rather than making simple games and using what was given to us. It led to turnovers and scoring chances on the other side, ”analyzed the team’s head coach, Matt O’Dette.
His team will not be able to afford such laxity once morest the Remparts on Monday evening, he believes.
“If you give them extra numbers, they have forwards with elite skills and they won’t miss. We saw it once morest Kamloops. We will have to be smart and patient with the puck. I expect a tight game and we will have to limit their chances of scoring quality. »
1685321072
#Memorial #Cup #Quebec #Remparts #afraid