Our last regular season Quebec road trip of the year, and with playoffs just around the corner all the boys knew that these are 3 important games.  So as famous Samson Mahbod would say NOBODY SLEEPS (team joke) and also Bonneau had 3 rules on the trip that I forget but I’m sure he will tell you himself.

Before I get down to business I have to point out that in Drummondville they have the best spaghetti bar/restaurant I have ever gone to.  Because of this, Wright wants to open one in Charlottetown and I know he will make a killer at it if he calls it The Wright Pasta.

Game 1 – Drummondville

Coming into this game we knew we are facing one of the best goalies in the league.  1^st period we didn’t come out like we wanted and they scored on us about 3 mins in.  It’s a heart breaker when that happens but we kept our heads high and Stinziani scored, assisted by our shootout King, Cody Linteau.  2^nd period – now we wanted to come out hitting and play solid D and we did just that giving up no goals.  If we win the 3^rd, we win the game and we wanted to keep shooting on net and get bodies in front.  But Allen got the better of us.  The road trip has only begun and we can still bounce back.

Game 2 – Chicoutimi

Off to Chicoutimi with a big ice surface, and the game plan to use the ice to our advantage.  1^st period we take a penalty right off the start and they capitalize on the chance.  Bad luck for us, but the guy who took the penalty who is our 4^th forward when he is on the ice, yes I’m talking about Adam Polasek.  Well, he redeemed himself when he rushed up the ice with his 3 buddies and sniped one home.  We are back in it. Now I’m not one to brag about anything but I got the next goal to put us ahead!  2^nd period, we have the lead now…lets not let it slip away, we kept our composure when we needed to, resulting no goals against.  3^rd period – about 5 minutes in they get one making it an even game.  We get one right back for the lead but they soon answer with an unlucky bounce off a skate.  OT – lots of North and South hockey and they take a penalty, now’s our chance.  Shot after shot after shot, just seems like it’s not meant to be.  On to the shootout…the first shooter…and game winning shooter…the boy who fears no noise Cody Linteau. Rocket win in OT.

Game 3 – Baie-Comeau

Guys are getting fatigued but that’s no excuse.  1^st period they get 2 on us and we didn’t know what to think.  2^nd period they get another, and as one man would say it’s time to play some desperate hockey.  Duffy gets one and we’re in the game 3-1, they take a penalty and I get a one timer from Bonneau and I aim for Polasek’s pad in front of the net so he can have his 12^th of the season (just so everyone is clear me and Poly joke around with each other all the time so I’m saying this in a joking way because there is no way I can aim for his pads and hit it) 3-2.  Southy gets a chance and ties it all up 3-3…great comeback.  3^rd period we have control after getting 3 straight goals but couldn’t bury any in the 3^rd.  OT – still nothing…getting the chances but no glory.  Again another Shootout, we know Linteau is up for the challenge and he showed up and did what he does to put the puck in the net.  Too bad we couldn’t use him all 3 times because he can do the same move every time and still squeeze that puck in.  4-3 Baie-Comeau.

3 out of a possible 6 points isn’t something we are happy about, but we need to forget about it and look towards the future.  So with only a few games left in the season I hope to see a lot of fans in the seats next home game because these are very important games to prepare for the playoffs and we will battle right to the end, not only for us but for you the fans. Whether or not people know this…but fans play a big role in the team’s atmosphere and can change the effect of the game dramatically.

This was my first blog ever so I hope you enjoyed it.

Matthew Hobbs

p.s. see you there on Friday

I am pleased to announce that voting is NOW OPEN for the 2009-2010 Fan’s Choice Awards.  All PEI Rocket fans are now being asked for their opinions for the Annual Awards that will be presented to the PEI Rocket Players.   The finalists for the Fan’s Choice Awards have been announced as follows:

Source For Sports Rookie of the Year
#3 Adam Polasek
#7 Jimmy Oligny
#8 Matthew Hobbs
#14 Cody Linteau
#19 Josh Currie

Rodd Hotels & Resorts Offensive Player of the Year
#3 Adam Polasek
#12 Michael Stinziani
#17 Benjamin Casavant
#26 Jarrad Struthers
#28 Samson Mahbod

Arsenault Best Cameron Ellis Defensive Player of the Year
#1 Evan Mosher
#2 Jean-Philippe Mathieu
#3 Adam Polasek
#5 Jordon Southorn
#8 Matthew Hobbs

Murphys Pharmacies Most Dedicated Player of the Year
#2 Jean-Philippe Mathieu
#8 Matthew Hobbs
#15 Louis-Philippe Lacroix
#17 Benjamin Casavant
#19 Josh Currie

Confederation Bridge Fan Favorite
All players have been named finalists for this Award.

Fans can click on the logo below to visit the voting site to make their selections for this year’s awards.

The date of the Dinner and Auction will be Sunday, March 14th and it will immediately follow the final game of the season against the Halifax Mooseheads. Reception will begin at 6:30, with Dinner at 7:30.  The dinner will be held at the Rodd Royalty Courtyard.  Tickets are available by contacting the Rocket Office. Individual tickets are $45.00 and corporate tables of 10 are available for $400.00.

It was a big day for Canada at the Olympics and a busy time for channel surfers on tv I suspect.  Last night, I spent the time flicking between men’s hockey, women’s bobsleigh, short track speed skating, and of course, watching the Rocket play in Drummondville.

All in all, it was a pretty successful night.

The Rocket game was very entertaining.  The guys played really hard against Drummondville, who I believe is a legitimate contender for the President’s Cup.  The guys played really well all game, but especially at the end of the game.  Down 2-1 late in the third, Jake Allen was called on numerous times to make huge saves to keep the Rocket from tying the game.  Wendell Vye also played very well and was named 2^nd star of the game.  Well done Wendell!

As for the Olympics…it was inspiring to watch the Canada really take it to the Russian team in Men’s Hockey action.  It was an impressive display of offensive output for Team Canada and bodes well for the semi finals against Solvakia.

It was also great to see Clara Hughes win bronze in the 5,000 metre long track event and to see the Canadian women’s short track relay team win silver.

And then, for me, the biggest highlight of the night was watching Islander Heather Moyse win the gold medal in the women’s bobsleigh with teammate, Kaillie Humphries, edging out Canadian teammates, Helen Upperton and Shelley-Ann Brown.

Canada now sits fourth in overall medals, but is tied for first with 7 gold medals…and I don’t think we are done yet.  Men’s and Women’s Hockey and Curling are still rolling, figure skating and speed skating still have some medal possibilities, just to name a few.

Today, I am proud to be an Islander and very proud to be a Canadian.

Well, it is good to have a couple of games this weekend at home before a 4 game road trip.  The guys have played so well since all of the trades and we are very proud to see what they have accomplished up to this point.

This weekend, we host Shawinigan (28-24-3-4) and Rimouski (29-22-4-2)…on Friday night and Saturday night respectively.  Both teams sit just below the Rocket in the overall Q standings and both games should be good tests for our team.  Both games are at 7:00 at the CCC.  With 11 games remaining, it is now time to begin focusing on the playoffs.

By the way, in case you haven’t heard, there will be a realignment of divisions and playoffs for next year in the QMJHL.

DIVISIONS BREAKDOWN

Maritimes
Acadie-Bathurst
Cape Breton
Halifax
Moncton
P.E.I.
Saint John

TELUS West
Drummondville
Gatineau
Montreal
Rouyn-Noranda
Shawinigan
Val-d’Or

TELUS East
Baie-Comeau
Chicoutimi
Lewiston
Quebec
Rimouski
Victoriaville

Starting next year, the sixteen teams eligible for the Playoffs will be ranked according to the following principles:

- The first three positions will be held by the top teams in each division in order of points cumulated in the standings during the regular season;

- The two teams with the least number of points during the regular season will be eliminated from playoff contention;

- Beginning with the fourth place, teams will be positioned according to the number of points cumulated during the regular season.

Once the teams have been seeded, the first round will oppose: the first seed versus the sixteenth seed, the second playing the fifteenth, the third playing the fourteenth, the fourth playing the thirteenth, the fifth playing the twelfth, the sixth playing the eleventh, the seventh playing the tenth, and the eighth playing the ninth.

The quarter-finals will oppose the winners of the first round: the first playing the eighth, the second playing the seventh, the third playing the sixth, and the fourth playing the fifth. The semi-finals will feature the winners of the quarter-finals: the first playing the fourth, and the second playing the third.

The Championship Final will oppose the winners of the semi-finals.

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Just a little bit of a personal blog today.

The past week has been very difficult for me personally as my dad (Ron Hudson) passed away earlier this week.  My dad was an incredible influence on my life and I will miss him so much.  Both he and my mom taught me so much and helped me become who I am today.  My dad was an incredible hockey fan and a season ticket holder with the Rocket.  He loved watching the games from the wheelchair section at the CCC and the only games he missed were when his health didn’t allow him to attend.

During the wake for my dad on Friday in Kelly’s Cross where I grew up, I was incredibly touched to look up and see the entire PEI Rocket organization coming to pay their respects to my dad.  The team bus was seen driving through the hills towards Kelly’s Cross.  Serge and Lisa lead the way, followed by members of the administration staff, the coaching staff, and then each and every player.

This level of respect is something that I have never experienced before and was extremely powerful and touching.  Although I am attempting to write about it in this blog, I really cannot do justice to the experience and how it made me feel.  Most impressive was the way our players handled themselves.  Every one of them took the time to look each member of my family in the eye and extend their condolences.  As 16-20 year olds, they showed maturity well beyond their years.  On behalf of my dad, and my entire family, I just wanted to say a very special and sincere thank you to Serge and the entire organization.

Wins and losses were far less important to me this week for sure.  More than ever, I certainly understand that family is the most important thing in my life, however I do look forward to returning to work to do the best I can for the Rocket organization.

A very special thank you to all members of my family.  My wife Anne, my mom, Theresa, my sisters Rhonda and Lori, my brother-in-law Allan, and of course, to my two nephews, Jonathan and Alex and my niece Caitlin.

And of course, the biggest thanks goes to you Dad…you were the best! Thanks for everything.

Max Lapierre

Maxim Lapierre  played for the PEI Rocket for two seasons from 2003-04 to 2004-05. Prior to this Max played for the  Montreal Rocket for two seasons before heading to PEI. Max certainly thrilled PEI fans for the two years he played here with excellent skills and playmaking abilities. Along with some great hockey skills he also amassed alot of penalty minutes and spent time in the penalty box. The first season with the PEI Rocket was very exciting with a strong team and a solid line with Lapierre, Urquhart and Michael Lambert. This line provided some great hockey and was one of the most productive lines in the QMJHL that year. Who can forget Max’s contributions when the PEI Rocket faced the Quebec Remparts in the first round of the playoffs. The Rocket went into an intimidating hockey city with rabid fans only to upset Patrick Roy’s team not once but twice in the old Pepsi Coliseum. This was the Rocket’s finest hour and most successful season only to have them miss the playoffs the following year.

With Lapierre’s hockey career underway, Max then went to play for the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL in 2005-06. It was during this year that Max had the opportunity to fufill his boyhood dream and suit up for the Montreal Canadiens. With only one game played and then being sent back down to the Bulldogs this no  doubt galvanized Max’s desire to play full time within the NHL. Early on in the 2006-2007 season he had his wish and once again was asked to come and play for the Habs with him playing a total of forty-six full games in the NHL. He impressed the club so much that he started the preseason with the Habs into the early 2007 season only to have a disappointing rout and then was sent down again to the farm club. Finally in December of 2007 Lapierre was once again called upon to help out with the Canadiens and he has maintained his permanency there.

Always a fan favourite at the Bell Center Lapierre has thrilled the Montreal fans with his determined play and his strong work ethic while grinding in along the boards. Playing center on the third or fourth line, Lapierre brings an exciting rush when skating down the ice of an offensive attack. Oftentimes he is used on the powerplay and has shown to be skilled in keeping the puck off the opposing players.  In 2008 in a game against the Florida Panthers Lapierre recorded his first hat trick while playing in the NHL. Max continues to toil for the lukewarm Habs this year and still brings his flashy style of play to the rink every night. Max still has strong ties to the PEI Rocket and the host billets who looked after Max when he lived on PEI. Neil and Christine keep in close contact with Max and have even been a guest  at Max’s house this past year just outside of Montreal. He has never forgotten the people and the fans of Charlottetown and still calls and visits here occasionally.

Marc Andre Gragnani

Marc-Andre Gragnani played his entire QMJHL career in Prince Edward Island with the Rocket. He was a fan favourite here for his strong defensive skills and ability to move the puck. He also was solid on the power play and could pass and shoot while in the opponents zone. It seemed as we watched him year after year in Charlottetown that his ability and skill level increased and in turn helped the Rocket win some key games. His ability was solidified in his final year with the Rocket with Marc Andre tallying 68 points in 65 games.  Gragnani was eligible for the NHL draft in 2005 and many scouts had him on their radar as a strong, up and coming defenseman. The Buffalo Sabres recognized his potential and drafted him in the 3rd round, 87th overall.

After graduating from the PEI Rocket, Gragnani went on to play for the Sabres farm team – the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League in the 2007-2008 season. His first season in the AHL was very productive with him getting 52 points in 78 games played. It was his stellar play that year that earned him a trip to the “Big Show” where he suited up for the Sabres in the NHL for two games. Even though he was held scoreless in those two games he did make an impression on Sabre’s coach Lindy Ruff. With his popularity increasing  Gragnani was also voted on as the Rochester’s rookie of the year and also  the team’s most popular player that year.  In the 2008-2009 season Buffalo changed their AHL affiliate from the Amerks to the Portland Pirates. This affiliation was one of the longest in the AHL lasting 29 years connected to an NHL club.  He then went on to play for the Pirates and in the 08-09 season he netted 51 points in 76 games played.

The NHL came a knocking once again and called him up to play in four games with Buffalo that year. Not getting a whole lot of ice time in the four games he played in, he nonetheless gained some valuable lessons on playing at that level from the veterans on the bench. Marc-Andre is still considered young in the hockey world and at only 22 years of age he has a great amount of potential to eventually crack the NHL on a permanent basis. With his skill set improving and maintaining a positive attitude, no doubt we shall see him playing there on a full time basis.  We as PEI Rocket fans do wish him success with his hockey career and that we had the pleasure of watching him as he honed his ability and skill in the four years he played in front of us at the CCC.

***

The Rocket would like to thank Scott Gregory for his dedication to this project.  Scott is a volunteer for the Rocket and we truly appreciate his efforts in bringing this information to all of our loyal fans.

The PEI Rocket will take to the ice on Islander Day, Monday, Februry15^th for a friendly competition where the team will be split up into Team Red versus Team White.  This event, sponsored by K-Rock 105.5 and Ocean 100.3 is guaranteed to be a fun time as the players show off their individual skills in an attempt to gain the upper hand in bragging rights among the other players.  We saw last year that this type of event gives the fans an opportunity to see the players in a much friendlier environment instead of the intense competitive nature of games.

The event will be hosted on the ice by K-Rock 105.5’s own Blair Rhodes.  Each of the Rocket teams will also be joined by some very special guests. Zack Bell of K-Rock 105.5 will participate on one of the teams and Heather MacAulay will represent Ocean 100.3 on the other team.

One of the most exciting components of the event is that each team will also feature a lucky Prince Edward Island minor hockey player.  Every child under the age of 14 on PEI interested in being selected for this once in a lifetime experience can visit Source For Sports in Charlottetown and Summerside beginning now, until February 11^th to fill in a ballot.  The winners will be announced live on the air on K-Rock 105.5 and Ocean 100.3 Friday morning, February 12^th.  Two lucky winners will be given the opportunity to participate on one of the two Rocket teams that have been formed and will participate in each of the 5 skills events.

This unique PEI Rocket event will feature the following individual events:

• Event #1 – Obstacle Course Relay – Each team member will follow an obstacle course while carrying a puck.
• Event #2 – Fastest Skater – Each team will select four individuals to take part in the fastest skater competition by skating one full lap around the ice surface.
• Event #3 – Shooting Accuracy – Each team will select four individuals to take part in the shooting accuracy competition.
• Event #4 – Hardest Shot – Each team will select four individuals to take part in the hardest shot competition.
• Event #5 – Penalty Shots – Each team member will have an opportunity to take part in the breakaway competition.  Each goal scored results in a point for the team, or each save made by the goaltender will result in a point.

General admission seating will be available for $2.00 per person (doors open at 12:00 PM).  All proceeds from the event will be in support of the PEI Rocket Education Fund which provides scholarships and bursaries to players to continue their education after their playing days with the Rocket are over.  Fans are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item in support of the Food Bank.  Lions Club members will be on hand to accept all donations.

This was one of the most exciting games since I’ve been in a Rocket uniform. We had been struggling to play a full 60 minute game in the past week, so we were determined to come out strong and play a full 60. We could tell our coach really wanted the win against his former team and we were going to do everything in our power to get it. You could feel it in the room before the game we were ready to play.

We started the first period very strong we had jump in our legs and seemed to be flying by the Val-d’Or defensemen. We were able to get on the board thanks to a great dangle by Bouchard as he put us up 1-0. After a great first period we went back into the dressing room very happy about our start but focused on the next 20 knowing that nothing is over and it was going to take the same effort for the next 40 minutes.

As we entered the dressing room for the intermission the team never lost focus.  We jumped on for the 2^nd period and everyone was ready to go.  We started the period with two thunderous hits from Bouchard and Southorn and Val-d’Or seemed to get frustrated and put us on a 5 on 3 pp. The pp started off slow but after a great shot from Mahbod, I was able to put the puck in an empty net. On the same power play Casavant was in his office and was able to put us up 3-0 as his shot just squeaked under D’Orso’s arm and just over the line. At the end of the period things got a little physical after our bench started to chirp Lacroix and he attacked the bench. I thought it was cool how quick the guys stuck up for each other without doing anything dumb and putting the team down a man. As that period ended with me in the sin bin thinking of my behaviour I was excited to play the 3^rd and keep the ball rolling.

As we came out for the 3^rd we knew we were 20 minutes away from playing a full 60 and getting a win for our coach. The final frame was a lot less rough than we were expecting after the way the 2^nd ended. Unfortunately we gave a up a goal that I think deflected 3 times before beating Mosher fivehole and breaking the shutout. We were able to get it back after a great play by Bouchard.  Bonneau was able to get his rebound put it in and pretty much seal the deal.

All in all I think it was a great night at the Civic Centre.  I was really happy we could get the win for our coach. Being traded a couple of times I know how much fun it is to beat a former team so I know how happy Eric was. Since being in the rocket uniform I am having the time of my life. The team is unreal and the fans are amazing.  We thank you for your support and hope that the Civic Centre is packed for support the troop’s night on Saturday.

Thank you

Michael Stinziani # 12

I’m not sure how to follow up on a blog after the famous Brendan Wright wrote his last week. So really all I can do is face the facts that his blog was probably the best in team history and it will be extremely hard to fill his shoes.  During this blog I will be honest about my thoughts on our game in Halifax and have no intentions on criticizing anybody’s play, I’m just going to tell it how it was.

Before every game I try to get a sense of how our team is going to start the game.  Well before this one I was a little worried with the way we were getting prepared for the game.  I really feel as though when we play the better teams in the league you can really sense that our team is ready to play, but when we play weaker teams I believe we struggle due to the lack of preparation before. The Mooseheads are a very hard working team and tend to surprise teams with their compete level; they are not the type of team you want to take lightly due to that fact.  We came out with a soft start in the first five minutes of the first and the Moose took it to us.  Poly scored a lucky goal off a Moose player which seemed to change the momentum for the rest of the first period in our favour.

The second period is one we would like to forget.  We got beat out of the corners on most occasions and took too many unnecessary penalties which eventually led to the Mooseheads power play goal.  On the plus side I thought our PK did a very good job blocking shots and keeping the Moose to the outside making my job a lot easier.  Also during this period Bouchard fought the tough kid we all know as Clark. Clark held on for his life, soon after Bouchard got the take down.  Let’s just say Clark should have been happy Wright wasn’t on the ice!

Back to the game.  Our second period didn’t get any better after the fight as we still seemed to have weights in our skates and  bats in our hands.  We had several shorthanded two on ones but with bad passes nothing came of it.  Nothing had been going our way in the second.

The third period was our best period of the game.  We finally figured out that the game wasn’t going to be easy and the guys really seemed to raise their games to the next level.  We had several chances on the PP during this period, but couldn’t seem to bury our chances. Had Wright been on the PP he may have bulged the twine (he’s sitting beside me at our billets as I write this, he just wanted me to point that fact out).  I mean since when do your snipers not play on the power play? Okay back to the real world we had several chances to put the game away but the Moose goaltender made several nice saves to keep his team alive.  With a good effort in the third it carried over to overtime where we had a couple chances again with no finish.

While overtime solved nothing it was now time for the shootout.  The first goal of the shootout came from Gerrard Grant who fooled me with a nice backhand deke that finished with the puck going in the top left hand.  Jarred Struthers scored the tying goal with his classic snapper (Wright is Mel Gibson and Strutts is Danny Glover) to the glove side of the Moose Goalie.  The next six shooters were all stopped until Derrick Famulare scored with a nice backhand deke to the huge five hole of the six foot six goaltender for Halifax.

All in all, it was great to get the win and the 2 points…

Wendell Vye, #33

With a 2-1 shootout victory over the Halifax Mooseheads earlier today, the PEI Rocket have already surpassed last year’s win total with 27 wins.  It took 9 shooters in the shootout, but Derek Famulare finally ended it.  Wendell Vye stopped 8 of 9 Mooseheads shooters in the shootout and was deservedly named first star of the game.

The Rocket have now won three straight, and move to a very impressive 7-1-1-1 in their last 10 games.  Their only regulation loss in the last 10 was in Drummondville at the hands of the Voltigeurs.  Well done gentlemen…you are making people take note of who you are and what you are capable of.  The Rocket now sit in 4^th in the Atlantic Division, only 1 point behind Cape Breton and they are currently tied for 7^th overall in the QMJHL with a record of 27-18-2-4 (60 points).

Just a few items to let fans know that there will be information available shortly on a few initiatives that we are working on:

• 2010 Skills Competition
• 2010 Fan’s Choice Awards – Voting & Banquet Tickets
• 2010 Playoff Ticket Packages
• 2010-2011 Season Tickets

I will also be working on the survey results that are currently being collected.  Watch for more details shortly.

Fans are reminded that the next home game is this Wednesday at 7:00 when the Rocket host the Val-d’Or Foreurs.

See you at the rink!