UPDATE: University of Maine freshman goalie Mathis Rousseau made an explosive return to the ice, leading his team to a 3-0 victory over Boston College with a remarkable 21-save shutout. This impressive performance comes just 21 days after his last game, where he previously contributed to an 8-5 win against Boston University.
Rousseau stepped in after teammate Albin Boija struggled in a 7-3 loss to Boston College the night before, allowing six goals on 27 shots. The young goalie was eager to seize the opportunity and delivered a stellar performance that thrilled teammates and fans alike.
“It went pretty well. They’re obviously a good team and everybody was pretty pumped up to get back at them today after yesterday’s game,” Rousseau stated after the match. He emphasized his effective rebound control, noting, “I didn’t give them second chances very often today. And I played the puck pretty well.”
The pressure of being sidelined for nearly three weeks weighed on Rousseau, but he rose to the occasion. “When you don’t play that much and finally get your chance, you’re pretty pumped up about it and you have to make sure you’re ready for it,” he added. The Boisbriand, Quebec native has a solid track record, having started five games for Team Canada in the recent World Junior Championships, where he recorded the tournament’s third-best goals-against average at 2.00 and a save percentage of .912.
The team’s head coach, Barr, praised Rousseau’s performance, stating, “We gave up some Grade-A chances but he made some saves all night and kept us ahead.” Barr also highlighted the team’s improved defensive performance, adding, “The guys blocked more shots and did more of the little things tonight than we did last night,” referring to the previous night’s disappointing outing.
Freshman right wing Miguel Marques played a crucial role in the victory, scoring two goals that provided essential support for Rousseau. Barr noted Marques’s offensive skills, saying, “He is pretty opportunistic. He has a good offensive mind.”
The University of Maine hockey team now looks to build on this momentum as they prepare for upcoming matches. Fans are eagerly anticipating Rousseau’s next performance, which promises to be exciting after this triumphant return to the net.
This victory not only boosts team morale but also sets a promising tone for the remainder of the season. As the University of Maine continues to develop its young talent, all eyes will be on Rousseau and his potential to lead the team moving forward.
