EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – The tension at the Jean-Daigle Centre was high as the Edmundston Blizzard defeated the Summerside Western Capitals 3-1 on Thursday night.
The Blizzard took an important 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven final series of the Eastlink North Division of the MHL Metalfab Cup.
Alex Arsenault was the offensive star of the game and brought the boisterous crowd of 2,751 to their feet with the winning goal at 12:14 of the third period when the two teams were playing four on four. The Saint-Charles rocket came alone in front of the goalkeeper and beat him with a backhand shot between the pads.
At 6:06 of the first period, the same Arsenault put the Blizzard ahead 1-0 with a sharp wrist shot.
The Western Capitals, who were pushing hard midway through the game, tied the score 1-1 thanks to Max Chisholm at 19:06 of the second.
Philippe Collette closed the books on the game with his league-high 7th goal of the playoffs in an empty net.
With his 3rd and 4th goals of the playoffs, Arsenault earned first star honors, followed by Patrick LeBlanc (2 assists; 2nd star) and Isaac Wilson of the Capitals (1 assist, 3rd star).
Goaltender Thomas Boucher once again shined with numerous spectacular saves to keep the Blizzard in the game. A few times during the evening, the crowd showed their appreciation by chanting “Bou-Cher, Bou-Cher, Bou-Cher”. His opponent, Chad Arsenault, was also up to the task of resisting the Blizzard’s attacks. Both teams took 34 shots each.
The series shifts to Summerside for games 3 and 4 next Sunday (7:00 p.m.) and Monday (7:00 p.m.).
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Photo
Alex Arsenault and the crowd at the Jean-Daigle Centre are ecstatic after the Saint-Charles-de-Kent player scored to give the Blizzard a 2-1 lead in the third period. Photo Percy Picard
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone