Cayden Primeau will have reason to celebrate.
Sent back to the American League by the Montreal Canadiens after being ignored on waivers before the holidays, the 25-year-old goaltender won his first start with the Laval Rocket on Friday night.
The American goaltender stopped 27 of 28 shots for the Abbotsford Canucks en route to a 2-1 overtime victory. He was also named the first star following the meeting.
Primeau thus wins a first victory with the CH school club since April 14, 2023.
It was Quebecer Laurent Dauphin who broke the tie during the extra period with his 10e goal of the season. Alex Barré-Boulet and Adam Engström will have acted as accomplices on the decisive goal.
Another Quebecer, Xavier Simoneau, gave the locals the lead in the second period with his fourth goal of this season and his second goal in as many matches.
However, the Canucks responded four minutes later through Finnish forward Aatu Räty.
Primeau’s opponent, Belarusian Nikita Tolopilo, did well in the defeat with 27 saves on 29 shots.
The two teams will meet again Saturday evening at Place Bell in Laval for a second clash in 24 hours.
