QMJHL Series: Wilzami Marjala drives the Ramparts

Drummondville | Patrick Roy worked hard to attract two of his European players to Quebec and was rewarded on Tuesday. Forward Wilzami Marzala collected three points, including a goal in overtime, to give the Drummondville Voltigers a 4-3 victory over the Voltagers and a 1-0 lead in the best-five-series.

The 18th Red Devils took advantage of the power play given to their team, with Konar shorthaul sending a puck into the stands to beat Francisco Lapenna’s alert, with a perfect shot.

“In the latest methods, he’s really gone to another level. He’s going into practice sessions and his puck defense, the way he’s played, he’s really comfortable with (Nathan) Gaucher and (James) Malatesta. That’s a big part of it, “Roy said after the game.

The transition to North America has not been smooth for a striker playing in his 17th year. “I am accustomed to a different space size from Finland,” he admits. I’m more comfortable on a small ice rink.

“In my forties, I worked very hard to be ready to get back into the game. I knew I still had work to do on many aspects of my game, but I’m very happy with the victory and hope we can win again tomorrow (Wednesday evening).”

Shared Feelings

With the win in the pocket, Roy was not entirely satisfied with what he saw in his training on Tuesday.

In the first period, the reports seemed nervous and chaotic, with the Voltigers taking a 2-0 lead 20 minutes later.

However, they made up for the deficit in 52 seconds in the second half, thanks to James Malatesta and Oliver Poult‌, allowing Drummondville to regain the lead before defensive turmoil.

When Alexander Lamar received a five-minute lead penalty for hitting Peter Amanatidis in the head, the Red Devils were given a golden opportunity to come back from behind. Quebec took the opportunity to create equality, but Amanatidis did not return to the meeting.

“I have mixed feelings. We have to get out of the zone because we are making so many turnovers for my passion. If we want to win this series, we have to be great in our decision making, ”Roy agreed.

Hartley was encouraged

In the opposing camp, head coach Steve Hartley got positive from his young team’s first playoff meeting, in which only captain Javier Simoneu had playoff experience.

“I thought we were the best team in 65 minutes. They were opportunistic and used their chances. They were five minutes late in the second period, which allowed them to get to the equalizing goal and they did the same in overtime. That’s where the game was played.”

In addition, there were only two coaches behind the Rimports bench on Tuesday: Patrick Roy and Martin Lapierre.

Assistant Benoit was withdrawn as a preventive measure against dementia because he had been in contact with a man who had recently developed flu-like symptoms before coming to Drummondville.

Disrociers have to wait for the result of this test before this person is tested and finds out what happens next.