EDMUNDSTON, Nouveau-Brunswick – A taste of the playoffs in October! That’s how the 2,620 spectators gathered at the Jean-Daigle Centre surely felt on Saturday night when the Edmundston Blizzard defeated the Yarmouth Mariners 6-5.
Trailing 4-3 to start the third period, the Blizzard got in gear by scoring three consecutive goals to take a 6-4 lead. Brock McLeod’s second goal of the evening at 15:18 turned out to be the winner. His backhand shot beat goalkeeper Griffin Kelly. The Mariners never quit, and they narrowed the gap to a goal at 17:58.
Both teams had the offense on their mind in the first period. The score was 3-3 after the first frame.
Isaac Chapman (1st star) and McLeod (2nd star) had two goals and one assist each. Their other linemate, Tristan Gagnon, had two helpers. Chrystopher Collin (1g, 2a) and Chad Wilson (1g, 1a) also lit the red light for the locals. Aaron Brown also contributed with two assists and a fierce fight in the third period.
On the other side, Sam Gillis had a night to remember with a pair of goals and assists. He deservedly earned the third star. Kurtis Lang (1g, 1a), Matt Barron (1g, 1a) and Hunter Livingston shook the ropes behind Ewan MacDonald.
Many goals were scored in few shots. MacDonald faced 25 pucks in front of the Blizzard net. His rival Kelly was tested 29 times.
The Blizzard (6W, 1L) climbed to first place of the Maritime Hockey League Eastlink North Division, sharing the top spot with the Summerside Western Capitals (6W, 2L).
The Blizzard will have a few hours to rest. Edmundston will host the Miramichi Timberwolves Sunday at 3 pm. Timberwolves (1-5-1) should not be taken for granted. They lost 4-3 on Saturday night at home against the Campbellton Tigers (3-1-1).
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Photo
Brock McLeod (10) and Isaac Chapman (91) each collected two goals and one assist on Saturday for the Blizzard. (Photo archives Digiphoto)
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, Edmundston Blizzard vice-president communications; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone