The Saint Lawrence Lions AAA hockey team record now sits at 8-6-2 in exhibition and regular season play. Several of our players have attracted the attention of Division 1 and 3 college scouts while posting a 6-3-1 record in show case play south of the border. Unfortunately, the Lions had a slow start in league action, losing two of their initial three games. The team has bounced back recently, defeating two of the top league contenders Sorel and Alma at l’Activital in Saint Augustin. The coaching staff and players understand that the team should be producing better numbers overall and that it is a matter of approaching each game with discipline and playing the system that will allow the team to play according to its potential. Improving each week and being the best in April still remains a priority for the Saint Lawrence Lions.
Coach Labadie is very impressed with the level of play highlighted by several Cegep teams in this inaugural season of College Hockey. Alma, Lafleche , Sorel and Saint Lawrence are early front runners, but it is clear than any given night there are no guaranteed victories for any body. Fans witnessing our last two home games against Sorel and Alma, saw the Lions win both games 2-1 with late third period winning goals scored by Guillaume Kelhetter and Francois Fortin. The skill and speed on the ice at this stage of the season is exceptional, while the level of competition provides a dose of adrenaline for fans and players from start to finish. It is going to be an exciting season to follow for all concerned.
Team leaders, Jean Philippe Sansfacon, Francois Fortin, Hubert Joncas and Vincent Boivin have been exceptionally strong in our recent success. This Lions have won 5 of their last 6 games and this success is not estranged to the level of intensity and play provided by our leaders in these last two weeks. Rookie, Thierry Tremblay has been particularly solid in goal , maintaining a .92 save percentage in regular season play.
The team is gelling on the ice but our players are also committing to the mission of graduating as student athletes in a timely manner. Considering the extensive francophone background of our players, now pursuing their studies in English for the first time, it is remarkable to see our teams’ mid-term student success rate at 84 %. This is a tribute to our available and dedicated teaching staff, student tutors, study hall, as well as the understanding our players have in regards to their responsibilities as students on campus.
The Lions now prepare for a road game at Lionel Groulx next week and the inaugural league showcase in Alma on Halloween weekend. Lions will host Harrington College at L’Activital on November 7th at 19h30. Check our team web site for scores, standing and player statistics at:
http://lions.slc.qc.ca/index.php?module=pagesetter&func=viewpub&tid=5&pid=89&mm=363;
Mike Labadie
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