It was easy to assume a road trip to Quebec might spell disaster for the struggling Halifax Mooseheads. As it turns out, it’s helped them get some much-needed confidence.
The Mooseheads finally have a little bit of swagger in their step after breaking a seven-game season-opening losing streak on Saturday with a 6-1 thumping of the Val-d’Or Foreurs. They followed that up yesterday by going toe-to-toe with the powerful Rouyn-Noranda Hukies in a 4-2 loss.
The split was a much-needed solid start to a stretch that sees them play eight out of nine games on the road.
“We’re feeling good,” said Mooseheads head coach and general manager Cam Russell. “The younger guys are getting more and more confident and comfortable. They’re earning their opportunities — we’re not giving them opportunities — through hard work and consistent play.”
Gerrad Grant and Charles Bety, 19-year-old forwards, scored for Halifax yesterday, while Mathieu Corbeil started his second straight game and stopped 21 shots.
On Saturday, 18-year-old assistant captain Travis Randell recorded his first career hat trick and an assist, while Grant and rookie Carl Gelinas had a goal and assist apiece.
Corbeil made 17 saves in the win.
Russell said he was most happy with the defensive play, which was a focus for the team coming into the weekend. The Mooseheads surrendered only 43 shots combined.
“You look at us coming up here and outshooting both of these teams in tough buildings. Defensively, we played very well,” Russell said. “We’re pretty happy with that. You have to score goals to win hockey games, but the defensive game is something we’ve been putting a lot of work into.”
Spencer Metcalfe found his way onto the injured list by hurting his hand in a fight. He’s listed as day-to-day.
The Mooseheads’ road trip continues on Tuesday with a visit to the Gatineau Olympiques. They return home for a rematch with the Huskies on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Metro Centre.
