Marc Gallie, Kyle Ward and Dany Coulombe. Photos archives Olivier Chiasson
EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – There is no better satisfaction for a hockey team than seeing players who have reached the age limit of their category continue their career in great organizations.
This is the case for five of the six 20-year-old Blizzard players who finished their junior years at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season.
It is already known that forward Alexandre Jacob and defenseman Alexandre Bernier have agreed with the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus before the end of their junior season. As for Marc Gallie, he will try again to break the Blue and Gold roster.
Two other star forwards will continue their careers outside of New Brunswick this fall. Kyle Ward will line up with the University of Ottawa Gee Gee’s and Dany Coulombe will play with the Marseille Spartiates.
Rearguard Nolan Alward is still studying his options.
The speedy Coulombe will play in France in the best division 2 squad. Marseille (13w, 2otw, 1otl, 2l) also has hockey players from France, the Czech Republic, Brazil, Latvia and the United States.
“I chose Marseille because it’s a beautiful city in southern France. I received other offers but none interested me more than that of Marseille. In addition, I would like to take my sommelier course directly in France, “explained Coulombe who will wear number 44 with the Spartiates. Coulombe tallied 5 goals and 8 assists in 19 games with the Blizzard.
The Gee Gee’s recently announced the acquisition of Kyle Ward, a natural scorer who had tremendous succes in the Maritime Junior A Hockey League playoffs. He had 15 goals and 7 assists in 17 games.
“I verbally committed to the Gee Gee’s on the 25th of May. I’ll be taking a bachelor of commerce. There were many other teams interested but Ottawa was the best fit for me, “said Ward, who scored 31 goals and added 16 assists in 38 games in the regular season with the Blizzard.
As for Marc Gallie who has joined the Blizzard in the last 12 playoff games, his goal is obviously to pick up where he left last season. “I will try again to make the roster with the Blue Eagles,” said Gallie who patrolled the blue line with the Blue and Gold during 6 games in 2017-18.
When asked about their learning experience during their stay with the Blizzard, Coulombe, Ward and Gallie all said it was very conclusive.
“I really loved my time with the Blizzard. I will never forget the gang of guys with whom I was able to lift my first cup and also the fans who supported us all year long. It was magical, “said Coulombe, who joined the Blizzard after the holidays.
“My time in Edmundston helped me grow both as a player and a person, helped me as a player by increasing my offensive ability and overall game. It also helped me as a person by making me face new challenges in a new city and allowing me to be a better person and also being welcomed into the city of Edmundston by the amazing fans really helped me, “said Ward.
“The experience in Edmundston was very good,” commented Gallie. When I arrived, I quickly realized that this team was special. The organization, the coaches and the work of the volunteers were impressive. Also, the support of the spectators created an unforgettable atmosphere. I’m proud to have been able to wear the Blizzard colors and win the cup. ”