Bordeaux will play for the French ice hockey championship. After a grueling playoff series, the Boxers completed a 4-3 victory over Rouen on Tuesday night, securing their place in the Ligue Magnus final. The win marks a remarkable turnaround for a team that, just months ago, found themselves at the bottom of the league standings, 20 points behind the leader. The Boxers’ resilience and late-season surge have propelled them to within one series of a championship title.
The atmosphere at the Patinoire de Bordeaux Mériadeck was electric as the Boxers finished the job against a Rouen team desperate to avoid elimination. This marks the second consecutive season Rouen’s championship hopes have been dashed in the semi-finals; last year, they were defeated by Amiens. Bordeaux’s victory wasn’t simply about scoring goals, but about a relentless, suffocating pressure that consistently disrupted Rouen’s offensive flow. The team’s ability to capitalize on early opportunities and maintain composure under pressure proved to be the difference.
A Fast Start Sets the Tone
The Boxers wasted no time establishing their dominance. Just 43 seconds into the game, forward Anthony Giroux, fresh off a shootout victory in the previous match, capitalized on a defensive miscue by Rouen. Giroux, described as a “surface fox” by commentators, pounced on a loose puck and fired it past Rouen’s goaltender, giving Bordeaux an early 1-0 lead. This quick strike immediately injected confidence into the home team and place Rouen on their heels.
Bordeaux continued to press, showcasing a seamless offensive attack where each line moved with a coordinated speed that visibly rattled the visitors. The pressure on the puck carrier was relentless, forcing Rouen into turnovers and limiting their scoring chances. Goaltender Kevin Papillon, who had previously faced questions about his consistency, stood tall, turning away shot after shot and earning chants of his name from the enthusiastic crowd. Papillon’s strong performance in the playoffs, including two penalty shootout victories against Marseille and Rouen, has been a key factor in Bordeaux’s success.
Rouen Responds, But Bordeaux Answers
Rouen, facing elimination, responded with urgency. Forward Chad Lavoie created an early scoring chance, but it was Simonsen, the league’s leading scorer during the regular season, who finally broke through for Rouen, tying the game at 1-1 at the 10-minute mark. However, Bordeaux quickly regained the lead. Just three minutes later, Farnier fired a shot that deflected off Carruth’s right boot and into the net, restoring Bordeaux’s advantage at 2-1.
The game remained fiercely contested, with both teams trading scoring opportunities. Simonsen struck again in the second period, tying the game at 2-2. However, Bordeaux’s offensive firepower proved too much for Rouen to contain. Giroux, continuing his stellar performance, delivered a pinpoint pass to Pelletier, who scored to put Bordeaux ahead 3-2 at 44 minutes. Morin then extended the lead to 4-2 just five minutes later, seemingly sealing the victory for the Boxers.
A Late Push, But Bordeaux Holds On
Rouen refused to surrender, pulling their goaltender in a desperate attempt to mount a comeback. Bouramman managed to score with just under four minutes remaining, narrowing the gap to 4-3. However, Bordeaux’s defense held firm, weathering the storm and preventing Rouen from finding the equalizer. The final buzzer sounded, confirming Bordeaux’s 4-3 victory and their place in the Ligue Magnus final.
Laurent Theillet / SO
Looking Ahead
Bordeaux now awaits the winner of the series between Angers and Grenoble, which is currently tied at 2-2. Game 5 will determine who will face the Boxers in the Ligue Magnus final. The schedule for the final series has not yet been announced, but details will be available on the Ligue Magnus official website. What we have is a historic moment for the Bordeaux Boxers, and fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness their team compete for the championship title.
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