The Charlottetown Islanders will host the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada Friday at 7 p.m. in Game 1 of their best-of-seven semifinal.
“They’re a great team and they work very hard, so we need to be prepared as a team,” the Isles blue-liner said before Wednesday’s practice. “For me, and a couple of Montreal area guys, for sure, it’s going to be emotional to play in front of our family and friends.”
Meloche, a Rosemère, Que., native, said his best friend is Armada defenceman Charlie Roy and during the off-season the two train together with Armada left-winger Yvan Mongo.
“They’re great guys, but now that we’re on the ice against each other, they won’t be friends,” Meloche said.
Islanders goalie Mark Grametbauer will also have to put friendships on hold for the next couple of weeks.
“As soon as the puck drops, you know, no friends on the ice, right?” the former Armada said. “I’m going to do whatever I can to stop their (shots) and they’re going to try to score on me, that's just how the game is.”
Sam King was acquired on Aug. 26 from the Armada after playing one game each of the past two seasons in Blainville-Boisbriand. He had four goals and four assists in 44 games this season with the Isles.
