GRAND-BOUCTOUCHE, N.-B. – Led offensively by Jérémy Fortin, who scored his 5th and 6th goals of the season, the Edmundston Blizzard recorded their 15th victory by defeating the West Kent Steamers 5-3 at the J. K. Irving Centre in Grand-Bouctouche.
Despite a 3-0 lead, the Blizzard saw the Steamers come from behind to close to within one goal of Edmundston on two occasions during the game.
Nathan Plamondon (7th) and Fortin gave the Blizzard a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. Midway through the middle period, Will Allen (10th) gave a blow to the Steamers (7-4-1-0). However, the home side hit back with two quick goals, less than two minutes apart late in the second, from Brandon Clarke (3rd) and Olivier LeBlanc (4th).
Up 3-2, Justin Trottier opened the third period by giving the Blizzard a two-goal lead with his 5th goal of the campaign at 1:44. Thirty-one seconds later, Lane Hinkley (1st) closed the gap to one goal. Fortin, with his second goal of the night, made it 5-3 with 3:40 to go in the third.
Philippe Collette collected his 19th and 20th assists of the season, an MHL high this season.
Olivier St-Onge earned his third win in as many games in front of the Blizzard net. He faced 25 shots. His opponent, Olivier Dallaire, was tested 40 times.
The game’s three stars went to Fortin of the Blizzard (1st), Brandon Cormier of the Steamers (2nd; 2p), and Collette of the Blizzard (3rd).
The Blizzard (15-1-0-0) have played 11 games on opposing rinks this season, compared with just 5 at home. They’ll be back on the road on Sunday when they take on the Grand Falls Rapids (3-8-0-2). Edmundston will be looking to win a seventh straight game.
– 30 –
Photo
Jérémy Fortin scored twice against the Steamers on Friday. Photo archives Percy Picard
– 30 –
Source: Hugues Chiasson, communications – Edmundston Blizzard (506) 740-0623