Press Release
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Hockey Aigles Bleus Begin 2018-2019 Season in Charlottetown
The Judes Vallée troop is looking forward to prove they are a top team this season after missing the playoffs last spring. The team did win three of its four exhibition games.
“The mood has changed a lot with this team and their desire to win,” stated second-year head coach Judes Vallée. “We are more advanced than last season. We are lacking in depth, but we do have several interesting elements that can create situations on the ice. We are still in the stages of forming our trios, but we have found some interesting combinations.”
Defensively, the team has given a lot of shots on goal in the exhibition games. “We definitely need to tighten our defence. We have given too many shots on goal. A better defensive play in our zone and back checking is needed. Our special units will have to work hard, and we must play disciplined. Everything begins for real on Wednesday. The exhibition games meant nothing, other than they gave us confidence. The 13 veterans and eight rookies are a homogeneous group in the changing room and team spirit is high. That is great, and everybody does his part.”
Thierry Comtois is team captain for a second straight season. “We have a very competitive team that will work hard in every game,” said Comtois. “We have some nice surprises with our rookies. There will be a period of adjustment, but the chemistry between the rookies and the veterans is looking good. We are helping the younger players, so their development will be quicker.”
Comtois is in his fourth season with the Aigles Bleus. “We cannot complicate things. We need to have simple plays and to stay with the fundamentals. Our structure and system of play needs to be simple. It is important to control our emotions and to win one on one battles. The Panthers have a strong and physical team. This should be a good game.”
Etienne Monpetit will be in the nets on Wednesday. All players are available to play, except Joey Richard, still on the injury list. The team has 21 athletes, including eight rookies and only two fifth-year players, defencemen Danick Emond and Victor Beaulac. Team captain is Thierry Comtois. Assistant captains include Robbie Graham (home), Justin Guenette (away), and Vincent Deslauriers and Danick Emond (home and away). Assistant coaches are Ricky Jacob, Frédérick Roy and Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau.
The game can be seen on AUStv.ca.
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