Tigers Champions | Quebec Journal

For some it is impossible, for others it is very improbable. Never mind, the Victoriaville Tigers are the President’s Cup champions.

Alex Bouquez scored 1 minute 1 second in the second overtime to give his team a 3-2 victory over the Wall-d’Or Forces and allow the company to win the first title. Of QMJHL since 2002.

The man who shook hands in the second Presidential Cup after experiencing a 2019 victory with Ruin-Noranda Huskies said it was “indescribable”. Wall-D’R played well and we should give them credit. For our part, we worked very hard, we played very defensively and we never gave up. ”

“At the age of 19, you realized that you didn’t have much of a chance to win it. When I won, at the age of 17, I realized it, but I knew I still had many years left, so it was different. I can not ask for better. Besides, this group is all brothers. I have a cold right now. ”

Return the cup

In 2002, during the Tigers’ last invasion, Carl Mallet captained the formation.

On Saturday, he helped the team bring the big trophy to Victoriaville, but this time he was behind the bench.

“It simply came to our notice then. Unbelievable. When there is a cup at the end of your hands, it cannot be explained. Credit goes to the players. I had the opportunity to lead the team that won as a player. We believed it to the end and now we are champions. I’m really proud. “

“In 2002, we even won six games. We were neglected and everyone put Bathurst at five. It’s a bit of a story. As a coach, you have a plan and the players have to stick to it. The concept is incredible. Victoriaville has been looking forward to this moment for 19 years.”

HurtBice Solid

The Tigers defended themselves for the next 40 minutes, 2-1 shortly afterwards, especially thanks to a goal from Mikhail Abramov on a penalty shot.

Despite dominating 25 shots against 7 in the last two seasons, Wall-de-Oro had to wait until the third end before finally beating goalkeeper Nicholas Hertubeys.

Jerome Mitchell beat him with 5 minutes 20 seconds to go into control time to force him to catch overtime.

The guard was blurred at the door before seeing the bouquet books closing. He finished the game with 48 saves.

“Right now, I didn’t really realize it. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. At this point, we ‘ll lift the cup. I’m speechless!” The guard responded.

Disappointment in Wall-D ‘

At the Fouriers camp, it was frightening. After making many big deals during the holiday season were established as big favorites for everyone, it was painful for them to take a loss.

“We left everything on the ice. The guys have risen and I’m proud of them. I’m very disappointed for Wall-de-Ore, for the owners, for the general manager and for the team of coaches. Our players have sacrificed themselves for ten months during this extraordinary season, this time No one saw them. I don’t think anyone will realize the sacrifices made by all the teams this year. It’s the worst result. It hurts, ”said head coach Daniel Reynolds.

Benjamin Tordiff, author of 22 points from 19 games, received the Guy-Laughlour trophy given to the most valuable player in the playoffs.