GRAND FALLS, N.B. — A pair of sophomores led the way Friday as the Charlottetown Islanders thumped the Saint John Sea Dogs 9-2 in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League pre-season action in Grand Falls, N.B.
Xavier Fortin had two goals and an assist while Saint John, N.B., native Drew Johnston tallied twice to stake the visitors to a 2-0 lead 12 minutes into the game.
Kevin Gursoy and Will Sirman, battling for the third overage spot on the team, Brett Budgell and Patrick LeBlanc each had a goal and an assist. LeBlanc rounded out the scoring on a penalty shot with 2:04 left in the game.
Luke Wilson, who played the past two seasons with the Sea Dogs, also tallied for the visitors as the Islanders built 3-0 and 5-1 periods leads.
Defencemen Will Trudeau and Noah Laaouan each had two assists while singles went to Cedric Desruisseaux, Zac Beauregard and Lukas Cormier.
Joona Lehmus and Kale McCalum replied for the Sea Dogs. Josh Lawrence, James White, Jeremie Jacob and Dawson Stair recorded helpers.
Nolan Boyd, who is playing with the Grand Falls Rapid this season, stopped all eight shots in the 29:49 he played for the victory while Jacob Goobie gave up two goals on six shots in relief. Matthew Welsh is away at Buffalo Sabres’ camp.
Mathias Savoie allowed eight goals on 33 shots in 56:56 while Noah Patenaude stopped one of the two shots he saw in 3:04.
Each team went 1-for-2 on the power play.
The Islanders host the Moncton Wildcats Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre in Montague.
Charlottetown plays its first game back at the Eastlink Centre on Friday, Sept. 13, when the Sea Dogs come to town for a 7 p.m. contest. The Isles close out the regular season Sept. 15 against Moncton in Bouctouche, N.B. The Wildcats visit Eastlink Centre to start the regular season on Friday, Sept. 20, with a 7:30 p.m. puck drop.
