EDMUNDSTON, N.B. – William Labranche was participated in all of his team’s goals, leading the Edmundston Blizzard to an important 3-2 win over the Chaleur Lightning on Sunday afternoon at the Jean-Daigle Centre.
Labranche scored one goal (27th) and added two assists in the victory, which brings the Blizzard (25-15-2-2 = 54pts) within one point of the co-leaders in the Eastlink North Division, the Lightning (26-15-2-1 = 55pts) and the West Kent Steamers (24-12-4-3 = 55pts). With eight games left on its schedule, the Blizzard needs only one point to qualify for the playoffs.
Michael Derbidge (7th) scored the first goal of the game at 15:06 of the opening period. The Lightning tied the game with 31 seconds left in the frame on a goal by Zachary Rushton (18th).
The Blizzard picked up the pace in the second period with goals from Labranche and Darien Thomson (35th), the latter at 11:29 of the period. In the third period, Carter Bromley (17th) cut the lead to one goal at 4:39, but goaltender Cédric Massé shut the door on all subsequent threats. The MHL’s top goalie of the past month was simply spectacular, stopping 25 of 27 shots.
Jack Flanagan, who has a knack for putting in big performances against the Blizzard, once again distinguished himself, facing 38 shots.
The three stars went to Labranche (1st), Noah Larochelle (2nd, 1a), and Flanagan (3rd).
The Blizzard will return to action with two games in Edmundston next weekend. On Friday, February 13 (7:30 p.m.), they will host the Miramichi Timberwolves (14-26-2-1). On Sunday, February 15 (3 p.m.), they will play against the Lightning again.
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Photo
William Labranche recorded his seventh game of at least three points this season. On Sunday, he recorded one goal and two assists. Photo Percy Picard.
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, communications – Edmundston Blizzard (506) 253-7741