University of Maine freshman goalie Mathis Rousseau hadn’t played since an 8-5 win over Boston University.
But after Albin Boija allowed six goals on 27 shots in a 7-3 loss at Boston College on Friday night, he got the nod for Saturday’s game and responded with a 21-save shutout in UMaine’s 3-0 triumph over the Eagles.
“It went pretty well. They’re obviously a good team and everybody was pretty pumped up to get back at them today after yesterday’s game,” said Rousseau.
He was pleased with his rebound control, saying “I didn’t give them second chances very often today. And I played the puck pretty well.”
He acknowledged that it can be difficult to play well when you haven’t played in a while.
“But 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,” said Boisbriand, Quebec native Rousseau, who started five games for Team Canada in the World Junior Championships in the 2023-24 season and had the tournament’s third-best goals-against average (2.00) and fourth-best save percentage (.912)
He played for Moncton and Halifax in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League last season.
“We gave up some Grade-A chances but he made some saves all night and kept us ahead,” said Barr. “The guys blocked more shots and did more of the little things tonight than we did last night. That’s how it got so out of hand last night.
Freshman right wing Miguel Marques had a pair of goals, which helped Rousseau on Saturday night.
“He is pretty opportunistic. He has a good offensive mind,” said Barr.
