Laval Launches into Calder Cup Playoffs
The Laval Rocket began the season on the right foot. The team won 12 of their first 14 games under new head coach Pascal Vincent. The Rocket kept pace throughout the season and secured the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy, handed to the team with the best record in the American Hockey League (AHL). Vincent won the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award (AHL Coach the Year).
From the time of his hiring on July 16, Vincent has repeated that the Rocket’s first priority is to help the Montreal Canadiens. By the end of the regular season, there were nine players who dressed with both the farm team and parent club. Jakub Dobes, Joshua Roy, and Owen Beck each played more than 10 games with the Habs.
Solid Goaltending
Goaltending was key in the first place finish, allowing 2.47 goals per game, tied for the fewest in the league. The season began with Dobes between the pipes, winning 9 of his 14 games, 2.44 goals against average, and .910 save percentage.
Over the holidays, the Canadiens swapped Cayden Primeau and Dobes’ spots on the depth chart. The switch turned around Primeau’s season. He struggled in the NHL. With the Rocket, he posted a 21-2-2 record, and .927 save percentage. Primeau and Connor Hughes won the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award, for goaltenders with the lowest goals against average.
After wrapping up his season with Boston College, Jacob Fowler signed a contract with Laval for the remainder of season. He started three matches in the regular season, and maintained good numbers with two wins, 2.32 goals against average and .914 save percentage.
Reinbacher’s Late Start
David Reinbacher made his season debut on February 19th after undergoing a left knee surgery in early October that was expected to keep him sidelined five to six months. The return protocol set by the Canadiens had him return progressively for the balance of the regular season. The fifth overall pick from the 2023 NHL Entry Draft looked solid in the 10 games played during the regular season, totaling five points.
Forward Prospects
The Rocket welcomed several rookie forwards to their group, adding to the young core from last season. Amog the first-year pros, Florian Xhekaj surprised by scoring 24 goals and 35 points. He set a new franchise record with 175 penalty minutes. Xhekaj began the season playing on the fourth line. Vincent gradually increased his responsibilities, including time on the power play and penalty kill units.
Owen Beck was the only rookie forward that was recalled by the Habs during the season. With Laval, the forward obtained 44 points in 64 games.
From the returning prospects, Jared Davidson led the way with 24 goals, and 45 points in 69 games, improving his production by 29 versus last season.
Playoff Experience
This young group will experience their first professional playoff hockey. Place Bell will be full and noisy during a potential long playoff run.
Vincent will have around 10 days between the final regular season game and the first playoff game to prepare the squad.
The Rocket will face the Cleveland Monsters (Columbus) in a best-of-five matchup.
Lions Ready to Roar in Kelly Cup Playoffs
With Spire Holdings taking over the club, there was renewed optimism about the Trois-Rivieres Lions heading into the season. The stability of the new ownership group translated to the ice as the Montreal Canadiens’ ECHL affiliate finished the season with an impressive 45-19-8 record and securing the top seed in the North Division.
Record Breaking Season
Anthony Beauregard was named the Lions’ player of the year after tying for the team lead with 25 goals and setting a new franchise record with 67 points in a single season. He also became the Lions’ all-time leading scorer, surpassing former captain Cédric Montminy.
Jakov Novak and Logan Nijhoff matched Beauregard’s team-leading 25 goals, had productive offensive seasons that earned them short stints with the Laval Rocket of the AHL.
Alex Beaucage split the year between Trois-Rivieres and Laval. He had a significant impact in the ECHL, collecting 33 points in 24 games.
Solid Goaltending
Coach and General Manager Ron Choules primarily rotated goaltending duties between Luke Cavallin and Hunter Jones. The duo delivered outstanding results throughout the entire season. Cavallin was named to the All-ECHL Second Team after posting a 19-10-2 record, a 2.13 goals against average, and a .929 save percentage. He also made three appearances in Laval during the season.
Experienced Defense
The defensive units were on the same page and minimized the dangerous chances allowed to opponents. In a league where rosters undergo significant changes annually, Choules was able to count on five returning defensemen, which allowed them to quickly get on the same page.
Chris Jandric led defensemen by contributing offensively 50 points in 54 games. Jandric along with Vincent Sevigny obtained recalls from the Rocket during the season when they needed reinforcements at the blue line.
Road to Kelly Cup
The Lions began their quest to the Kelly Cup by sweeping the Reading Royals (Philadelphia Flyers) in a best-of-seven series. Their next opponents will be the Norfolk Admirals (Winnipeg Jets) in a series that will begin at Colisee Videotron on Friday.
by Chris G, Senior Writer, Rocket Sports
