Worlds, Departures, Debts | Habs Notepad

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Frederic Allard, Montreal Canadiens (photo by Martin Chevalier, Journal de Montreal)

Habs News: NHL, Montreal Canadiens, Samuel Montembeault, Frederik Dichow, Justin Barron, Lane Hutson, Joel Armia, Sean Farrell, Luke Tuch, Otto Leskinen, Frederic Allard, Laval Rocket, Trois-Rivieres Lions

Frederic Allard, Montreal Canadiens (photo by Martin Chevalier, Journal de Montreal)

ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA | LAVAL, QC. — The first weekend of the IIHF World Championships is in the books in Finland and Latvia and all seven representatives of the Canadiens organization got a taste of the competition.

In goal, Sam Montembeault made 23 saves on Friday to record a shutout in Canada’s 6-0 win against Latvia. Prospect Frederik Dichow has two victories under his belt helping Denmark defeat Hungary and France. The Canadiens fifth round draft pick in 2019 has 1.97 goals against average and .907 save percentage in two starts.

On defense, Justin Barron has been kept off the scoresheet through two games. In Canada’s win against Slovenia on Sunday, the defenceman took four shots on goal. Barron’s ice time decreased from 13:06 in the opening match to 9:19 in the second match.

Lane Hutson collected one assist and plus-4 through the United States’ two victories, averaging 16 minutes of ice time.

On attack, Joel Armia had one goal on his only shot on goal in Finland’s two games over the weekend. The Canadiens forward averaged 15 minutes of play and is minus-1.

Sean Farrell was blanked in his country’s two wins, recording three shots on goal and averaging almost 11 minutes of ice time. His teammate Luke Tuch got his first opportunity on Sunday and scored for his country. The Canadiens second round draft pick in 2020 was on the ice for 8:51 and finished at plus-1.

Disappointed with Laval

Defenceman Otto Leskinen and Frederic Allard will not return with the organization next season after signing contracts overseas.

Leskinen signed a two-year contract with Tappara in the Finnish league. The 26-year old played 24 games for the Rocket this season before suffering an injury in December that required a season ending hip surgery.

Allard signed a two-year contract with Lulea in Sweden. The 25-year old was acquired at the trade deadline from the Los Angeles Kings in return for forward Nate Schnarr. Allard dressed for the three games with the Canadiens but never seemed to be in Laval’s plans.

“I had such a great experience with the Canadiens. I lived my dream of playing for the Canadiens, and reached the highest of the highs, but also the lowest of the lows! In Laval, I did not play. I wish I had my chance,” Allard said in an interview with Journal de Montreal newspaper.

Despite his nearly 300-game experience in the AHL, Jean-Francois Houle dressed Allard only for five-regular season games and once in the playoffs. “With the end of my season with the Rocket, I knew my chances of returning were slim. I saw that I was not part of the plans,” justified his decision to go to Sweden.

Lions in Debt

On Thursday, Deacon Sports and Entertainment (DSE), owners of the Trois-Rivieres Lions, received a formal notice from the city to settle a debt of nearly $600,000. DSE has 10 days to respond to the city. The amount represents the rent for the Colisee Videotron for the season and the city’s percentage of ticket sales. Reports of DSE financial issues surfaced during the season when suppliers claimed not receiving amounts owed.

Attendance in the Lions second season decreased 13 percent from the inaugural season. In his final press conference as the president, Mark Weightman explained the dip due to the novelty losing effect and the team’s win-loss record.

The club announced in a press release that the team is committed to Trois-Rivieres. “The Lions de Trois-Rivières’ 2023-24 season is not at risk. DSE has confirmed on several occasions that the Lions will be in the Mauricie region for many years to come. The ECHL also requires a financial guarantee from all its teams in January of each year to ensure their commitment for the coming season. DSE has provided this guarantee in due form, and the 2023-24 Lions’ regular season schedule will be unveiled in the coming weeks.”

Cogeco Media 106.9FM reported that Quebec based Fix Auto has discussed with DSE for a potential sale of the team. “DSE reiterates that it is not actively seeking new investors in their project currently. However, to respect confidentiality, no comment will be issued by the organization should it conduct discussions with a third party about such a transaction,” addressed the rumour in the press release.

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By Chris G., Senior Writer
Habs Hockey Report
Copyright © 2023 Rocket Sports

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