Rocket de Laval Dominate Hershey Bears in Resounding 6-1 Victory
LAVAL, QC – February 13, 2026 – Some teams struggle to find their rhythm after a long break, but the Laval Rocket showed no signs of rust, delivering a dominant 6-1 victory over the Hershey Bears on Friday night at Place Bell. Samuel Blais led the charge with a goal and two assists, guiding the Montreal Canadiens’ AHL affiliate to a convincing win.
A four-day hiatus from the ice can sometimes disrupt a team’s momentum, but Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent wasn’t concerned. “I didn’t know how the other team would come out, but based on our practice (Thursday) and how we looked this morning, I was confident we’d start strong. And that’s exactly what we did,” he stated.
A Display of Dominance
The Laval Rocket’s performance was nearly flawless, characterized by suffocating play in the defensive zone, smart decisions in the neutral zone, and quick transitions. They also continued their success on special teams, shutting down the Bears’ power play while capitalizing on their own opportunities. The Bears (20-17-8) were held scoreless on four power plays, while the Rocket (30-14-4) scored two power-play goals, continuing a hot streak that has seen them score five power-play goals in their last three games.
Goals from Sean Farrell and Alex Belzile on the power play in the second period proved to be a turning point, significantly impacting the Hershey squad. “I think we’re moving the puck quickly and not staying static in our positions,” explained Blais, who has six points in his last three games. “We have great chemistry together. We keep things simple and get pucks to the net. That’s been our success lately.”
Clurman’s First & More Goals
Defenseman Nate Clurman joined the offensive party with a spectacular goal in the second period – his first of the campaign in his 39th game. “I was starting to worry, it was getting late in the season. That might be the best shot of my career,” Clurman joked. “I had speed on the outside and knew the goalie was cheating to the post. I just tried to pick the corner.”
Owen Beck and Marc Del Gaizo also found the back of the net for the Rocket, securing their sixth consecutive victory. They currently sit atop the North Division, eight points ahead of the Syracuse Crunch.
Fowler Shines in Net
Jacob Fowler, who represented his division at the All-Star Classic this week, stopped 23 shots to earn the win. Graeme Clarke was the lone goal scorer for the Bears, who suffered their third straight loss. Clay Stevenson allowed six goals on 28 shots.
Quick Start & Power Play Prowess
The Rocket didn’t waste any time, taking the lead just 2:37 into the game. Florian Xhekaj passed to Del Gaizo, who sent a shot on net that Stevenson lost sight of, giving Laval an early advantage. The Rocket maintained the pressure, but the Bears adjusted to even out the opportunities.
Hershey’s undiscipline proved costly in the second period. During a four-minute penalty to Dalton Smith, Farrell capitalized on a pass from Belzile and fired a shot that slipped between Stevenson’s body and right arm. Then, during a penalty to Brett Leason, Blais blasted a shot off the post, and Belzile followed up with a surgical backhand after receiving a pass from Adam Engström. Clurman’s goal further extended the lead, igniting the crowd at Place Bell.
The Bears attempted to shift the momentum with physicality, but the Rocket responded effectively. “I think we’re physical on the penalty kill and create turnovers. I think we’re really playing our identity,” Blais observed. “I think they were a little frustrated today. I think all four of our lines, our six defensemen, and our two goalies are doing a great job. When you have a deep team like that, you give yourself a chance to win and it frustrates the other team.”
The Rocket will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, hosting the Toronto Marlies at Place Bell.
Source: La Presse Canadienne
