The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies polished off the Shawinigan Cataractes, 7-2 in game five of the QMJHL Finals on Thursday Night to take the series in five games. It is the first time the Huskies have taken home the President’s Cup. They lost in the finals to Gatineau in 2008.
Wire to Wire: Rouyn-Noranda Wins QMJHL Title
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Martin Dzierkals scored twice, Avalanche prospect A.J. Greer added a goal and two assists; and captain and Senators prospect Francis Perron had three assists in the game five victory. With seven goals in all the Huskies showed off the type of offensive firepower that has been their trademark this season. Timo Meier, Philippe Myers, Alexandre Fortin and Mathieu Boucher also added goals for Rouyn-Noranda.
The Huskies were dominant all season long. They lost only nine games in regulation all year. Rouyn-Noranda was the highest scoring team in the league this season, with 301 goals, and were also the second best defensive club in the league allowing only 181 goals against. They romped through the playoffs, going 16-4 with 88 goals and only 33 against.
Already a powerful team, Rouyn-Noranda really loaded up for this run at the title by picking up Sharks prospect Timo Meier, and defenceman Nikolas Brouillard at the QMJHL trade deadline. The moves paid off and the Huskies are off to Red Deer to play in the Memorial Cup. Waiting for them will be the host Rebels, the OHL Champion London Knights, and the winner of the WHL Championship series between Seattle and Brandon.
Perron’s three point night gave him 33 on the playoffs, establishing a new franchise record for points in the playoffs, breaking the mark of 30 set by Sven Andrighetto. He also finished three points ahead of Shawinigan’s Anthony Beauvillier for the playoff scoring title. Perron won the Guy Lafleur Trophy given out to the QMJHL Playoff MVP. The award will join the QMJHL regular season MVP award he also took home this year.
Main Photo via theQMJHL.ca
