BREAKING: University of Maine freshman goalie Mathis Rousseau has made a sensational return to the ice with a stunning 21-save shutout in a 3-0 victory against Boston College on Saturday night. This marks Rousseau’s first start in 21 days after a previous absence following a solid win over Boston University.
Rousseau’s impressive performance comes just after teammate Albin Boija struggled in a 7-3 loss to Boston College on Friday, allowing six goals on 27 shots. His return was not just timely but crucial, as the Black Bears aimed to bounce back against a formidable opponent.
“It went pretty well,” Rousseau remarked. “They’re obviously a good team and everybody was pretty pumped up to get back at them today after yesterday’s game.” His confidence was on full display as he dominated the net, showcasing remarkable rebound control that limited second chances for the Eagles.
Playing for the first time in weeks, Rousseau acknowledged the challenges of staying sharp: “When you don’t play that much and finally get your chance, you’re pretty pumped up about it and you have to make sure you’re ready for it.” A native of Boisbriand, Quebec, Rousseau has previously made headlines by starting five games for Team Canada in the World Junior Championships, where he held the third-best goals-against average of 2.00 and a save percentage of .912.
Head coach Ben Barr praised Rousseau’s performance, emphasizing the importance of teamwork: “We gave up some Grade-A chances but he made some saves all night and kept us ahead.” Barr also highlighted the team’s improved effort in blocking shots, a stark contrast to their previous match.
The Black Bears’ offense was bolstered by a standout performance from freshman right wing Miguel Marques, who netted two goals. Barr described Marques as “opportunistic” with a keen offensive mind, further enhancing the team’s chances against the Eagles.
This victory is pivotal for UMaine as they look to build momentum moving forward. Fans and teammates alike are buzzing with excitement following Rousseau’s stellar comeback, and the future looks bright for this rising star in college hockey.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Rousseau and the Black Bears, who aim to capitalize on this momentum in their upcoming games. Stay tuned for further updates as the team continues its quest for success.
