Kelowna Crushes Rimouski in Memorial Cup Opener
Submitted by chad on May 16, 2009 - 09:10
N.A. Juniors Game Night: 5/15
Kelowna Rockets 4 @ Rimouski Oceanic 1 (Memorial Cup Round Robin)
W/C Luca Cunti, RIM: 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM, 2 SOG
Playoff totals: 13 GP, 4-5-9, -2, 12 PIM
Season totals: 57 GP, 20-25-45, +10, 32 PIM
Don’t let the final score fool you, if not for Rimouski goaltender Maxim Gougeon, the Rockets could have picked up where Drummondville left off and put a snowman on the Oceanic. Rimouski was outshot 42-20, including 17-8 in the first period where it looked like Kelowna was running offensive drills in the Oceanic zone. Tyler Myers (Sabres) had a goal and two assists in the game and was rather dominant. When that prospect fills out, he may be among the most dominant at the next level, too. Tyson Barrie, son of Lightning owner Len Barrie, also had a good game and showed a quick stick and decision making in his own zone to go with his offensive prowess. At one point the Sportsnet broadcasters mentioned speaking with scouts who say Tampa Bay early in the second round is a likely destination for Barrie at this summer’s draft.
As for the Lightning’s current prospect in the tournament, Cunti was arguably Rimouski’s most dangerous player, creating a half-dozen scoring chances – a couple of which were Grade A. For an excellent write-up on Cunti’s performance, see Pete’s blog post on the subject.
