EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – With the opening of training camp fast approaching, the Edmundston Blizzard recently acquired 20-year-old goaltender Jack Howatt from the Amherst Ramblers. In return, the Blizzard gave the Ramblers a third-round pick in the 2025 MHL draft, as well as future considerations.
The transaction bringing Howatt to Edmundston was made necessary by goaltender Samuel LeBlanc’s decision to quit hockey. In 36 games and two full seasons with the Blizzard, LeBlanc maintained a goals-against-average of 3.63 and save percentage of .872. He had a 22-12-0-0 record as well as two shutouts.
Last season, Howatt appeared in 33 games for the Ramblers, posting a 4.15 goals-against average and .891 save percentage. In two seasons with the Nova Scotia team, Howatt maintained a 4.09 goals-against average, .892 save percentage and 17-20-2-2 record.
Many will remember his masterful performance on February 3, when he helped the Ramblers defeat the Blizzard 3-2. Howatt, a Charlottetown native, faced a bombardment of 60 shots, a record for the Edmundston team.
For the 2024-2025 season in Edmundston, Howatt will form a tandem with Simon Boucher.
Owen Arnold and Cohen McCullum traded
Meanwhile, defensemen Owen Arnold and Cohen McCullum have been traded to two teams in the Eastlink South division.
Arnold will continue his career with the Pictou County Weeks Crushers. In return, the Blizzard received two draft picks (2nd round in 2025 and 4th round in 2026). As for McCullum, he was traded to Amherst for a 4th-round pick in the 2025 draft and future considerations.
Blizzard management would like to thank Samuel, Owen and Cohen for their service to the team and wish them every success in their future projects.
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Photo
Goalie Jack Howatt frustrates Philippe Collette during shootout of the December 2, 2023 game at the Jean-Daigle Centre. – Photo archives Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone