This was an altogether different kind of power play problem.
Monday’s QMJHL game between the Gatineau Olympiques and Québec Remparts was postponed after a power outage hit the area surrounding the Robert-Guertin Centre.
Just seconds after Quebec’s Andrew Coxhead scored to give the Remparts the lead, the lights went out, whistles blew, and play stopped. with 1:54 remaining in the second period.
After an extended delay of nearly 90 minutes, the game was halted with the Remparts leading 2-1.
While the QMJHL Rule Book doesn’t specifically call out this type of extended delay, it does permit the teams to head to the locker rooms for an early intermission.
77.3 Delays – If any unusual delay occurs within five (5) minutes of the end of the first or second periods, the Referee may order the next regular intermission to be taken immediately. The balance of the period will be completed on the resumption of play with the teams defending the same goals after which the teams will change ends and resume play of the ensuing period without delay.
The game will resume on Monday, January 4, 2019, with the two clubs playing the remainder of the game – 21:54, in total. Gatineau’s Gabriel Bilodeau will head back to the penalty box before the game restarts, as he’s still serving out a two-minute minor for high-sticking.
Quebec’s Patrick Roy thinks the Olympiques will benefit from the delay as the Remparts will be traveling seven hours to play 21 minutes and 54 seconds. From Le Journal de Quebec:
“Je trouve ça de valeur pour eux [les Olympiques]. À la fin, la journée lors de laquelle on va jouer, il n’y aura pas grand monde dans l’aréna et ils devront payer nos transports. C’est aussi dommage pour nos joueurs : on va se taper sept heures de route aller-retour pour jouer 21 minutes et 54 s. Ça n’a quasiment pas de bon sens”
Officials for the game were referees Nic Leduc and Marc Muylaert with linesmen Benoit Martineau and Sylvain Losier. No word on whether the same officials will work the continuation of the game or if a new crew will be assigned.
