MasterCard Memorial Cup hopefuls Blainville-Boisbriand Armada will be back in the spotlight Sunday on Sportsnet in a tilt against the Drummondville Voltigeurs.
After the trade deadline, Drummondville knew it would be in tough to maintain a playoff position. The chances are looking slimmer each day thanks to just one win in their last 14 games. With that being said, they still have a total of three games against Gatineau and Victoriaville, both teams just above the Volts in the standings.
Drummondville has a bright future and I can’t think of two more capable men to lead them through a rebuild than GM Dominic Ricard and head coach Martin Raymond.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Watch Drummondville vs Blainville-Boisbriand Sunday on Sportsnet 360 starting at 3 p.m. EST
In goal, Anthony Brodeur has returned from injury and Joe Fleschler is still learning to be the No. 1 guy. Each wants to leave a lasting impression on the coaching staff, be it for the net in the playoffs or for next season should the Volts miss the post-season.
Sergei Boikov is the leader on defence. He plays a ton, provides a great physical presence and is one of just a handful of plus players on Drummondville. Francis Robichaud is the other elder statesman. Julien Carignan-Labbe plays hard, while Benjamin Gagne has a bright future in the league (he’s only 16). The oddity on Drummondville’s blueline is that five of the seven players are right-handed shooters.
Of the forward group Joey Ratelle continues to be the leading scorer, while Frederic Aube and and Georgs Golovkovs provide support. Alex Barre-Boulet has had a fantastic rookie season as has Ontario import Michael Carcone. Raymond gets good leadership and toughness from Adam Chapman, but the Volts offence is without Christophe Lalancette, which has made it even tougher for the team to score.
Upon getting our first live look at Blainville on Friday Night Hockey, it quickly became evident why this team is challenging for first overall in the league. The Armada stick to their game plan, work extremely hard and pay attention to detail. Discipline is normally another hallmark to the team’s success, but it wasn’t evident on Friday.
Samuel Montembault continues to be watched closely by NHL scouts. He has all the tools necessary to become a pro. Good size, athleticism, calmness and a fun side that makes him endearing to teammates. This game, however, may better serve backup Marc-Antoine Turcotte, who needs some net time before the playoffs. He’s only played once since Feb. 21.
Defensively, the Armada is led by New York Rangers prospect Daniel Walcott — he’s a terrific skater and puck-mover. When Philippe Bureau-Blais is healthy, he adds a second high-end offensive option for coach Joel Bouchard. The rest of the group is very capable, especially in its own zone. Nathaniel Halbert, Guillaume Beaudoin and Charlie Roy are all underrated defenders.
The most surprising element of this hockey club is the skill level. Danick Martel and Nikita Jevpalovs are among the top forwards in the league. Philippe Sanche is undersized but possesses Harvard-like hockey IQ. Players such as Ty Hylland, Marc-Antoine Bouillon, Alexandre Delisle-Houde can beat you on the rush. Yvan Mongo, Miguel Picard and Samuel Tremblay excel in the puck possession game.
Drummondville Voltigeurs 24-34-1-3 (8-22-0-1 Road), 4L (6th West Division, 17th QMJHL)
Individual Stats
In Goal
NHL Drafted/Signed Players
*Christophe Lalancette (SJ 109th 2012)
Anthony Brodeur (NJ 208th 2013)
*Did not sign
Under The Radar
Sergei Boikov: If he was two inches taller, he’d have already signed an NHL deal. Continues to bring a physical presence and has enough stick skills to move pucks efficiently out of his own zone.
Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 39-14-2-7 (22-7-1-1 Home), PTS 7 (1st West Division, 2nd QMJHL, 8th BMO Top 10)
Individual Stats
In Goal
NHL Drafted/Signed Players
Daniel Walcott (NYR 140th 2014)
Nikita Jevpalovs (SJ signed FA)
NHL Central Scouting
Samuel Montembault No. 3 (North American goalies)
Under The Radar
Yvan Mongo: Skates well, competes hard, is sneaky strong and has enough skill to hurt you below the dots.
