Press Release
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Men's hockey: Aigles Bleus in Fredericton Friday
The best of 5 semi-final series between the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus and the University of New Brunswick Reds gets underway Friday at the Aitken University Centre on the Fredericton campus in an Atlantic University Sport men's hockey game.
The Reds finished the regular season in first place and Moncton in sixth. Moncton just completed a tough 3-game series against the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers with two games in overtime. The Reds had a bye in the semi-final.
"We had a few days this week to prepare well," said coach Derek Cormier. We had a tough series mentally and physically and the way we reacted was very good. We will have to play simple and smart in this 3 of 5 series. We're going to manage that one game at a time. We must not forget what we have achieved, have the confidence and the mentality ready for the next step. Our two overtime wins showed that we are physically and mentally capable. We were leading 3-0 and they levelled the score with 44 seconds to play. It wasn't easy. The guys handled that well and showed character in the overtime win. »
According to the team's top scorer, Nathaël Roy (14 and 10=24pts), “it's a big series that awaits us. We can't rely on our last games of the season. The playoffs are up a notch. It will not be easy and a good challenge. We can't wait to get started. I don't put pressure on myself, I've had success in the season, and I must keep skating at the net, shooting and playing well in my zone. It's the success of the team we're looking for.”
Étienne Montpetit will be the starting goalkeeper. “We need to focus on the benefit of the team, show up for 60 minutes and do the small details,” he said. “We have a fairly successful team; we will have to play our game and create a surprise. We start at 0 with a mindset that anything can happen. We are not the favorites; it will be one more motivator. My past experience allows me to be ready for this series.”
Jérémy Michel was named to the All-Rookie Team this season. “We just came out of a big series, and we'll be ready for the next one,” he mentioned. “I liked this first series which was quite different from major junior. The game was physical and fast, and it will be the same against the Reds. We will be ready; we will have to be opportunistic and not miss our scoring chances. Our defensive zone play will be significant. I am pleased to have been selected to the rookie team. I did a good job in training and games and played on a good trio.”
The second game will be Saturday at 7 p.m. in Fredericton and the third will be Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at the J.-Louis-Lévesque Arena.
Return to Press release