By Jeff Nagle
The Riverview Royals will be facing some major adversity with the loss of goaltender Samuel Montembeault to a high ankle sprain suffered in today's 8-2 loss at the hands of the South Esk Scotsmen. Monty was injured on a freak play when Scotsmen forward Trevor Zegras fell awkwardly on top of him after Zegras was hit hard on the boards by Royals' Anthony Mantha and Monty was out of his crease playing the puck behind the net. Mantha was assessed a Boarding call on the play.
"It was a very unfortunate play, and it was really hard seeing Monty being helped off the ice. We knew it was bad." said Royals' captain Ryan Johansen
In relief, Alexandar Georgiev came in and allowed 8 goals on 33 shots. Needless to say, it wasn't his best effort, and it was one that isn't comforting to the team and its fans as they face at least two weeks without Monty in the crease.
"Everyone is going to have to step up and do their part. We have to wash this game from our memory and move on to the next. I have faith that we can rally." said Royals' forward Jack Eichel
Samuel Montembeault will not require surgery but is expected to miss significant time, likely 15-20 games. Hunter Jones was recalled from Loggieville and is expected to start Friday versus Albert County. It is expected that the Royals will employ a "win and you're in" strategy with its goaltending tandem, while giving Jones a solid look on the big club.
"With loss comes opportunity. Hunter will get a great chance to step up and show the team what he has. Same goes for Georgiev. We are going to rely on both of them to get us through this stretch as there are no trade options available right now with the goaltending market so slim, and it being so early in the season. I have faith that this team will get the job done, we have the leadership and talent to get us through tough times." said GM Nagle
8/7/2024 - 344 words
