Monday, February 25, 2013

Drouin, Danault and Bélanger named the TELUS three stars of the week

Press Release

 Jonathan Drouin, Phillip Danault and Alexandre Bélanger were named today the TELUS three stars of the week for the period extending from February 18 to 24, 2013.

After being named the third star last week, the talented forward of the Halifax Mooseheads, Jonathan Drouin, gets the TELUS first star for this week’s activities in the QMJHL. Drouin is still on an impressive streak of 23 straight games with at least a point. In addition to being effective and consistent, Drouin tallied 11 points in only three games in spectacular fashion. His brilliant week started in Saint John on Wednesday night. The dangerous Mooseheads took it to the Sea Dogs by registering a 8-3 victory. He was named the second star of the night after recording one goal, three assists and posting a solid +5 differential. In the second meeting against the Sea Dogs, the young forward excelled by collecting three assists in a 6-1 win. Finally, Drouin enjoyed his second four-point performance of the week with a goal and three assists in a 11-3 victory over the Titan. In the win, he set up one of the highlight goals of the year which will be available tomorrow in the Plays of the Week. His latest output propelled him to the top spot in the QMJHL scoring standings. Drouin has averaged a stunning 2.21 points per game since the start of the season and has registered 93 points in 42 games. In the race for the Jean-Béliveau trophy, Peter Trainor (RIM), Ben Duffy and Josh Currie, (PEI) all trail him by a single point.

This week’s TELUS second star goes to Moncton Wildcats mid-season acquisition, the versatile Phillip Danault. The transition has been seamless for the young Victoriaville native. Adding a player of Danault’s caliber allows the organization to go after this year’s top honours. Danault had a remarkable week with eight points in three games, including three goals and a +5 differential. He currently ranks as one of the best in the league in the face-off circle with a 69% efficiency rate. Danault recorded an assist and a +2 differential in a 5-1 win over Bathurst. Then on Friday night with the Voltigeurs in town, Phillip Danault stepped up with a sublime performance, leading his team to a 7-2 victory. He ended the night with a shorthanded goal and two assists. Finally, he registered two goals and two assists on Saturday night against the Rocket in a 4-3 overtime win. His game-winning goal earned him the first star of the game. The Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect will surely be a key piece for the Moncton Wildcats down the stretch.

Rouyn-Noranda Huskies rookie netminder Alexandre Bélanger gets the TELUS third star of the week. During his two winning decisions, he faced an average of 30.5 shots per game, maintaining a goals-against-average of 2.00 and a save percentage of .934. In a hard-fought battle against the Quebec Remparts at the Lamgold arena, he closed the door after the Huskies gave up a quick two-goal lead. His 31 saves earned him the second star of the game as the Huskies rallied back to win 4-2. As Rouyn-Noranda hosted the Olympics on Saturday, Belanger was again named the second star of the game with a solid performance of 26 saves. It was his third straight victory. André Tourigny’s squad eventually won the duel 8-2.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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