QJHA Aces claim College Open. LaCombe named MVP.

WALPOLE – With New England Pro-Am Hockey’s 2017 Sr. Chowder Cup drawing to a close on Sunday evening, the QJHA Aces White nabbed the first of two trophies being handed out at the tournament. They defeated Roc City Elite Hockey 2000, posting a 4-0 victory in the College Open Championship.

The road to the final was a long one for Roc City, needing to play an extra game in order to make it to the final. They started Sunday’s playoff round with a 3-0 shutout of NB Bauer Wild. They then defeated QJHA Aces Red 5-1, Team Doritos 2-1 and then Mid Fairfield Futures Gold by a similar 2-1 score in the semifinals, but needed a shootout to secure the victory.

It was a much smoother road for the Aces en route to the championship tilt, one on which they did not slow down once they got to that title game.

After a tight one in the first round – a 2-1, overtime victory over the Jersey Hitmen – the Aces went on to roll the New England Nordiques 6-1 and shutout Real Speed 5-0 before meeting up with Roc City, where they went on to get revenge for their Red brethren.

The first five minutes of the contest were played scoreless, but then the Aces struck for three in the span of just under three minutes to set the tone for the rest of the contest.

Pierre Oliver LaCombe started the offensive spurt with a score at 5:19. Nicolas Tardif followed suit just 26-seconds later at 5:45. Alexandre Cuierrier then capped the rally with his score at 7:00.

LaCombe added the fourth and final goal for good measure at 11:45. He (2G) and Tardif (1G, 1A) finished as the game’s only multipoint scorers. David Hamel stood in between the pipes for the Aces and was credited with the shutout.

2017 College Open All-Tournament Team

Forwards

Patrick Johnson (QJHA Aces), Matt Barbolini and Joe Clamos (Roc City Elite)

Defense

Simon Lavoie (QJHA Aces) and Caleb Price (Roc City Elite)

Goaltender

David Hamel (QJHA Aces)

Most Valuable Player

Pierre Oliver LaCombe (QJHA Aces)

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