This was the first game of the season between these teams. Both teams played on Friday, October 9, and had Saturday off before facing off in an afternoon game in this one. Each side looked lethargic in the first 20 minutes, but the pace of play picked up significantly in the second and third periods. Final score was 6-3 for Bathurst.
Bathurst draft eligible players
| Riley Kidney | Cole Harbour Wolfpack | NSMMHL | L | F | 5’11” | 168 | Acadie-Bathhurst Titan | Halifax, NS | 2003 | 2020-2021: B- |
Kidney was the best center on either team in this game. He showed separation speed by consistently winning races to the puck, beat defensemen wide and drove to the net on multiple occasions, and created offensive opportunities throughout the game. He was outstanding at protecting the puck in traffic, maintaining possession despite a wealth of sticks and skates in his path. With the puck on his stick, he made smart, efficient plays all night. He connected on long and short range passes, leading to clean defensive zone exits, and scoring chances in the slot. Kidney finished the game with two points. His only flaw in this one was faceoffs, where he lost seven of 11. Rating: A
| Cole Huckins | Stanstead College | MPHL | L | F | 6’3″ | 181 | Acadie-Bathurst Titan | Fredericton, NB | 2003 | 2020-2021: B |
I was really excited to see Huskins play, given his stats and size. But he was kind of flat in this one. He showed glimpses of being a top prospect, and he’s obviously a good skater with impressive size. But overall, he had an off-night. I’m looking forward to seeing him pay again, as I think he has a lot more to offer than he did against Halifax. Rating: C+
| Zach Biggar | Kensington Wild | NBPEIMMHL | L | D | 6’0″ | 179 | Acadie-Bathhurst Titan | 2019 | Kensnington, PE | 2003 | 2020-2021: C+ |
Biggar looked like a steady, smart, puck-moving defenseman in this game. His play was understated, but he made quick, effective passes to clear the D-zone, showed good decision-making in when to join the offensive rush and when to sit back, and the rare time he found himself out of position he quickly recovered and got himself back where he could help his team defend. Quietly effective. Rating: B
| Marc-Andre Gaudet | Contendo Northern Moose | Midget | L | D | 6’2″ | 168 | Acadie-Bathhurst Titan | St. Ignace, NB | 2003 | 2020-2021: C |
Threw a jarring hit on a Mooseheads’ forward behind the Bathurst net in the first period, setting the tone for a close-checking opening 20 minutes. With each game he is playing an increased role for the Titan. Rating: C+
| Dylan Champagne | Levis Chevaliers | QMAAA | R | F | 6’0″ | 205 | Acadie-Bathhurst Titan | St. Honore-da-Shenley, QC | 2003 | Not yet rated |
Late in the second period Champagne made a nice play at the blueline to keep the puck in the Mooseheads’ zone. With the puck bouncing on the blueline, and players from both sides hustling out of the zone, Champagne swooped in, corralled the bouncing puck and sent a shot on the Halifax net. He didn’t score, but the rebound went to teammate Alexis Dube who scored to give Bathurst a commanding 4-1 lead. Rating: C+
| David Doucet | Notre Dame Hounds | SJHL | L | F | 5’11” | 181 | Acadie-Bathhurst Titan | Baie-Ste-Anne, NB | 2020-2021: C+ |
Doucet used his speed in all three zones to be a very effective player in this game. In the first period, he raced back from the offensive zone to break up a Halifax scoring chance off the rush. In the offensive zone, he maintained puck possession under pressure, and used a quick release on his shot to score his first goal of the season. He looked like a strong player, holding off a Halifax defender behind the net and kicking the puck to an open teammate to set up Bathurst’s third goal. Rating: B+
Photo Credit: Mike Sullivan
Game Evaluation: Darcy MacRae