Trois-Rivieres Lions Clinch Playoff Berth | Lions Notepad

It was an emotional week for the Trois-Rivieres Lions that began with the ECHL's approval of Jeff Dickerson's purchase of the team and a triple header on the weekend  against the Worcester Railers (New York Islanders) to determine their playoff berth.  

Jonathan Yantsis gave the Lions the lead with a goal during the seventh minute of play. The score was tied midway in the second period when Miguel Tourigny took a top corner shot to allow the home team to go ahead once again. The Railers answered back with a power play goal later in the period and recorded the game winner in the final frame. 

"We hurt ourselves with unnecessary penalties. We need to manage our emotions better. The effort was there. The other goalie did very well too," coach and general manager Ron Choules said.

(Quote courtesy of Le Nouvelliste)

After a scoreless first period, Alex-Olivier Voyer opened the scoring with a power play goal at 12:11 of the middle frame. The lead remained until the final minute of regulation when Nolan Yaremko sealed the win with an empty net goal. Zachary Emond stopped 26 pucks to record his second shutout of the season and named first star of the afternoon. 

Novak put the Lions on the board with a goal at the 3:20 mark. Before the first intermission, Cedric Montminy doubled the lead with a power play goal. Yantsis added to the lead in the second period and Voyer put the game out of reach with a power play goal in the third period. Emond registered a second consecutive shutout with a 16-save performance that clinched a playoff spot for Trois-Rivieres. 

"I'm proud of the guys, of what they did all year. People talk a lot about the last few months, but I talk about what they accomplished from day one. The leadership of the group is incredible. I think of a guy like Zachary Emond, injured for two months because of his hips, who returns to play and suffers a concussion. He continued to work and he deserved his success this weekend. I'm happier for Zachary than for myself," emphasized Choules. 

(Quote courtesy of Le Nouvelliste)

Jakov Novak was presented the Videotron trophy awarded to the player of the year. The forward finished the season with 30 goals and 56 points in 66 games. 

Chris Jandric was recalled by the Laval Rocket on Monday and joined the team on its two-game road trip in Cleveland. 

On Tuesday, the Lions claimed Jonathan Yantsis off waivers from the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. He made an impact in the weekend series by recording his first two goals of the season. 

On Friday, Justin Ducharme recorded his 100th point in the ECHL. The forward is currently on a productive stretch of 10 points in last seven games. 

On the same evening, Cory Thomas dressed for career game 100 in the ECHL. The defenseman has also played for the Idaho Steelheads and Utah Grizzlies.

The Trois-Rivieres Lions will participate in the playoffs for the second time of their three-year history by finishing third place in the North Division. Their first round opponent will be the Norfolk Admirals (Winnipeg Jets). 

The Admirals dominated the season series by winning seven of the eight head-to-head matchups, outscoring the Lions 34-18. 

The first round will kick off at Colisee Videotron on Wednesday for the first three games as the Scope Arena in Norfolk is occupied. Trois-Rivieres has the opportunity to get control of the series before travelling for the final four games of the series at the home of the Admirals. 

"In the ECHL, if it’s normal, it won’t happen! We will start at home and we will do our best. Playing like Sunday will give us a chance. Afterwards, we're going to take a trip to Virginia and see what that gives," expressed Choules. 

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