7 octobre 2017 – Times & Transcript

Aigles Bleus host UPEI Panthers

TIMES & TRANSCRIPT

Jean-François Plante PHOTO: UDEM ATHLETICS The Université de play their Atlantic University Sport men’s hockey conference home opener on Saturday. The Aigles Bleus host the University of Panthers at 7 p.m. at the J.-Louis-Lévesque Arena. Moncton is coming off a 6-2 loss to the two-time defending national champion University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds on Wednesday in Fredericton. The teams were tied 2-2 until the Varsity Reds struck for three goals in the final five and a half minutes of the second period to roll to the win. “I expect to see much better offensive and defensive plays and a better performance from our special units,” said Aigles Bleus head coach Judes Vallée. “We took advantage of our few practices since Wednesday to go over our systems and plays. We wish to offer a much better performance than last Wednesday against the Varsity 7 octobre 2017 – Times & Transcript

Reds.” The Panthers are making their season debut on Saturday. They were 8-5 winners over the Aigles Bleus in an exhibition game last week in Moncton. “This game will be much different on our part,” said Vallée.“I wish to see much improvement in our plays. We had a good discussion with our players on our systems and strategies on the ice. “The intensity will prevail and the players need to be always ready. The game of 5-on-5 and the power play (1-for-12) were not efficient last Wednesday in Fredericton.” Goaltender Brandon Thibeau starts in net for the Aigles Bleus on Saturday after making 27 saves against UNB on Wednesday. Forward Robbie Graham, who has been sidelined with an injury, should return to the lineup on Saturday. Rookie forward Alexis Roy, who suffered an injury on Wednesday against UNB, is Moncton’s only injured player. Aigles Bleus players will be introduced during a short ceremony prior to the game. An official faceoff, with university president and vice-chancellor Raymond Théberge, will also take place. “We will be playing to win this first game of the season in front of our fans,” said Moncton forward Jean-François Plante, who led the country with 28 goals in 30 games last season. “We have learned from our last week loss to the Panthers, by analyzing the video. This is my fourth year and I must demonstrate leadership on and off the ice.”