Quebec Remparts bomb Kamloops Blazers in the first game of the Memorial Cup

The visiting Quebec Remparts scored three goals in four and a half minutes early in the second period to break a 1-1 tie and then cruised to an 8-3 victory over the Kamloops Blazers in the first game of the 2023 Memorial Cup Championship Tournament.

James Malatesta scored three times and Kassim Gaudet added a pair for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champions.

The Remparts demonstrated their speed, depth and goalkeeping against the host Blazers, who were playing their first game since May 8 when they were eliminated by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Conference final of the Western Hockey League.

Nathan Gaucher, Theo Rochette and Zachary Bolduc also scored for the Remparts, who led 5-2 going into the fourth period. Justin Robidas chipped in with three assists, while Pier-Olivier Roy added two assists.

Caedan Bankier, Daylan Kuefler and Matthew Seminoff scored for the Blazers, who were outshot 33-30. Logan Stankoven had three assists for the Blazers.

The Remparts went 1 for 1 on the power play, while the Blazers went 1 for 7.

The WHL champion Seattle Thunderbirds will play the Ontario Hockey League champion Peterborough Petes on Saturday (6 p.m. ET), while the Blazers will try to bounce back against the Petes on Sunday (6 p.m. ET). Eastern Time).