The K.C. Irving Regional Centre was rocking tonight for a match-up between the Charlottetown Islanders and the host Acadie-Bathurst Titan. With musical group Zazo on hand to present the first of five live performances during Titan games, the fans came out in numbers for the occasion. They were rewarded by their players, as the Titan won the game by a score of five to one.

Likely still pumped from Zazo’s pre game performance, 16 year-old Titan players Jordan Maher and Reilly Pickard came out with their best showing of the season. Indeed, Maher seized the opportunity to score his first career hat trick, his first goal coming on the power play just five minutes into the game. At the other end of the ice, Pickard was in force in the Titan net by turning away 42 shots, including 17 from the slot area. The Islanders were only able to sneak a puck past him on a second period power play, Ryan MacKinnon scoring the lone Charlottetown goal on the night.

Jeffrey Truchon-Viel and Andrew Ryan were the other goal scorers for the Titan, while Daryl MacCallum stopped 27 shots for the Islanders.

 

Andrew Ryan – the playmaker

The Titan forward came up with a strong effort tonight, scoring one goal while adding four assists. His five point night tied a personnel best, while his four helpers were a career best.

 

A punishing defense

The Titan defense was in a particularly physical mood as they spent the game playing the body. Veteran Alexandre Leclerc lead the way by picking up four body checks, while Nicolas Latulippe added three of his own and Guillaume Vien two more.

 

Plourde makes his mark

Yan Plourde had a solid outing in the face-off circle, winning eight of his eleven one-on-one duels, an impressive number against a particularly skilled Charlottetown center rotation.

 

Brisebois continues his ascension

Defenseman and Titan captain Guillaume Brisebois was terrific on this night, chipping in two assists and shooting twice on net. He would finish the evening with a +1 differential.

 

The “Timbits” parade

Players participating in the 14th Annual Initiation-Novice Bathurst Timbits Jamboree 2015 were on hand to participate in a “Timbits” parade on the ice during the first intermission. Lead by Maximus, the young hockey players walked around the ice under the applause of fans in attendance, the smiles on their faces visible even to fans in the highest rows.

 

Zazo – a complete success

The musical band Zazo rocked the house all night with performances prior to the game and during intermissions. The highlights came without doubt from their pieces during the warm-up period and the second intermission, when they played their jams while the t-shirt toss was ongoing. Fans were quick to show their appreciation by dancing to the tunes and gathering around the stage area.

 

A double header against Moncton

Mario Pouliot’s men won’t get much time to rest as they are off to Moncton for a Sunday game, before playing host to those same Wildcats on Thursday, January 29th. The Titan will then play host to the Chicoutimi Saguenéens on Saturday, January 31st, as the musical band Wild Pitch will be on hand for a live performance of their own.

Tickets are available at the K.C. Irving Regional Centre box office, by phone at 549-3200 or 1-877-549-3200 or online at admission.com