After leading the Lewiston Maineiacs to three wins last week, the Quebec Major Hockey League announced Monday goaltender Nicolas Champion is the league’s first star.
“It was definitely good to get three wins, and we needed to put some wins together in a row to move up the standings,” said Nicolas Champion. “I felt really good out there and I had family at the games, so I wanted play well for them.”
“I was really focused coming into the week and the results came along with that.”
He had a 1.33 goals-against average and had a 944 save percentage. He stopped 67 of the 71 shots he faced in those three games.
“It’s really good for his confidence, and he made all the key saves,” said Lewiston Maineiacs head coach J.F. Houle said. “Whenever we needed a big save to keep us in the game, he made it. When your goalie plays well, we have a good chance to win. ”
Nicolas Champion will have the night off when the Maineiacs take on the Shawinigan Cataractes Wednesday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.
“I am going to gave a chance to (Andrey Makarov) tomorrow,” Houle added. “I think it’s his turn and he has been good in practice. He’s been good throughout the year and he’s a young goalie, he needs to learn.
Injury news
Jonah Coonishish-Coon was seen walking around the rink Tuesday with a sling around an arm. Houle wouldn’t comment how long he will be out, but the injury happened this weekend. Cameron Critchlow who was hit in the mouth a couple times this weekend is ready to go against Shawinigan.
Super Series Roster Announced
The annual two game series against the Russian National Junior Team is around the corner. The CHL and the QMJHL announced the Q roster for the games on November 8th and 10th. No Maineiacs were selected to participate. The event is part of the selection process of Canada’s World Junior Team.
Another coach given his walking papers
The Halifax Mooseheads announced Monday owner Bobby Smith will take the coaching reigns from Cam Russell. Russell will remain the team’s general manager and director of player personal. Smith, the number one overall pick in the 1978 NHL draft spent 16 seasons in the NHL with the Minnesota North Stars and the Montreal Canadiens.
