UPDATE: University of Maine freshman goalie Mathis Rousseau made an explosive return to the ice, delivering a stunning 3-0 shutout against Boston College on September 23, 2023. This victory comes after Rousseau sat out for 21 days, following his last game, an 8-5 victory over Boston University.
Rousseau stepped in to replace Albin Boija, who struggled in a recent loss, allowing six goals on just 27 shots. In a high-pressure situation, Rousseau responded with an impressive 21 saves, showcasing his skills and determination. “It went pretty well. They’re obviously a good team and everybody was pretty pumped up to get back at them,” Rousseau stated after the game.
The young goalie emphasized his strong rebound control, saying, “I didn’t give them second chances very often today. And I played the puck pretty well.” His performance is particularly noteworthy, considering the challenges of being sidelined for an extended period. “When you don’t play that much and finally get your chance, you’re pretty pumped up about it,” Rousseau added.
The Quebec native previously impressed during the 2023-24 World Junior Championships, where he started five games for Team Canada, recording the tournament’s third-best goals-against average at 2.00 and fourth-best save percentage at .912. His past experience playing for Moncton and Halifax in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League also contributed to his readiness for this critical matchup.
In addition to Rousseau’s stellar play, freshman right wing Miguel Marques scored two goals, further solidifying the team’s victory. Coach Barr praised Marques, noting, “He is pretty opportunistic. He has a good offensive mind.” Barr also highlighted the team’s improved defensive efforts, stating, “We gave up some Grade-A chances, but he made some saves all night and kept us ahead.”
This commanding win marks a significant turnaround for the University of Maine after their previous defeat. The team’s ability to bounce back and support their goalie signals a promising season ahead as they aim to build momentum in upcoming games.
Fans and followers of the team are eager to see how Rousseau will continue to develop and impact the season. The next challenge awaits as the team prepares to face their opponents in the coming weeks, with heightened expectations following this standout performance.
Stay tuned for more updates on Rousseau and the University of Maine hockey team’s journey this season.
