lavoie_oct2019

EDMONTON, AB - The jersey number 50 isn't exactly known as a goal scorer's symbol but Oilers 2019 second-round selection Raphael Lavoie is changing that.
After lighting the lamp 20 times in 23 games during the QMJHL Playoffs in 2018-19, the Quebec product has continued his torrid production early in '19-20 with the Mooseheads.
Lavoie is up to 10 goals and 12 assists in 13 outings this year, helping Halifax stay afloat in a tough Eastern Conference division - one which features Alexis Lafrenière's Rimouski Oceanic as well as Oilers goaltending prospect Olivier Rodrigue's Moncton Wildcats.
The 38th-overall pick in June's NHL Draft has a profound reason for choosing the half-century digit and brings its meaning to life every time he illuminates the red bulb.
"That's the year my dad cured his cancer," Lavoie told EdmontonOilers.com on Tuesday. "That's how old he was.
"It's a little reminder for myself that there's more than hockey to life and I'm thankful to have a second chance with someone I love."
It's been years of good health for Lavoie's father and years of good goal scoring for Lavoie, who sits tied for fourth in QMJHL goals with his 10 markers. The 19-year-old began the season with just one tally in his first four games but has nine in October and is currently riding a five-game goal streak.
Lavoie attributes his two linemates, Benoit-Olivier Groulx and Maxim Trépanier, as reasons for the surge. Both skaters recently returned from their National Hockey League stints with the Anaheim Ducks and Ottawa Senators, respectively.