THE CANADIAN PRESS
DRUMMONDVILLE, Que. — Gabriel Bourque scored the eventual winner as the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League all-stars won the opening game of the Super Series against the Russian Selects 3-1 on Monday night.
The Baie-Comeau winger scored the second of three consecutive QMJHL goals in the second period.
Philippe Cornet of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies scored 11 seconds into the period, followed by Bourque at 7:25 and rounded out by Michael Kirkpatrick’s power-play goal just over a minute and a half later for a 3-0 nothing lead.
"I thought the guys played with a lot of determination," said Team QMJHL head coach Andre Tourigny. "They played like it was a championship game. I’m very pleased with the energy they displayed throughout the game."
Maxim Karpov responded for the Russian Selects midway through the second.
Despite the loss, Russian goaltender Alexander Zalivin was oustanding with a 53-save performance.
Jake Allen of the Montreal Junior took the win, combining with Olivier Roy of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles for 21 saves.
The Selects and QMJHL all stars will meet again Wednesday in Shawinigan, Que., before the annual six-game series heads to the Ontario Hockey League and then the Western Hockey League.
Canada has won the previous six series against Russia with an overall record of 30-6 and a scoring margin of 169-74.
