Rimouski advances to final

By MARIO ANNICCHIARICO -- Edmonton Sun
HALIFAX -- The Rimouski Oceanic are one victory away from their first-ever Memorial Cup crown.

The QMJHL champions defeated the host Halifax Mooseheads 5-3 last night at the Metro Centre, qualifying the Oceanic for Sunday's tournament final.

Halifax will face the Barrie Colts in tomorrow's semifinal (10 a.m., CTV Sportsnet) to determine Rimouski's opponent.

Benoit Martin and Juraj Kolnik had two goals each for Rimouski, which also received a solid outing from goaltender Sebastien Caron, a Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick who made 43 saves.

Kolnik, a New York Islanders draft pick, collected the game winner at 6:16 of the third period and Rimouski captain Jonathan Beaulieu added an empty-net goal with 26 seconds left.

Halifax received goals from Benoit Dusablon, Jonathan St-Louis and Brandon Benedict, while Jules-Edy Laraque - Edmonton Oiler Georges Laraque's younger brother - chipped in a pair of assists.

Rimouski continued its domination over Halifax as the Oceanic had won three of four regular-season games and also swept the Mooseheads in four straight meetings in QMJHL post-season play.

"We've dominated in the win column, but not in any one game," said Brad Richards, who had assists on both the winner and insurance goals.

"Every game, except for the first one in playoffs, has been close and we just hope to keep the momentum going."

With its 3-0 mark, Rimouski finishes atop the round-robin portion of the tournament. The first-place finisher has claimed eight of the last 10 Memorial Cup titles.

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