BERWICK, Nova Scotia – The Edmundston Blizzard attack once again came out firing on all cylinders Friday night in Berwick to kick off a three-game weekend in Nova Scotia on the right foot.
Led by forwards Ryan Loveless (1st star) and Jérémy Ste-Marie (2nd star), with two goals and an assist each, as well as defenseman Alexis Jacques (2g) and forward Félix Bédard (1g and 3a), the Blizzard doubled up the Valley Wildcats, 8-4, at the Kings Mutual Century Centre. Philippe Collette (1g), Jérémy Fortin (2a) and Marco Martin (2a) also contributed to the offensive success of the Blizzard (3-1-0-0), who share first place in the Eastlink North division with the West Kent Steamers (3-1-0-0) and the Campbellton Tigers (3-2-0).
Friday’s game in the bucolic town of Berwick also marked the debut of goalkeeper Samuel LeBlanc this season. The Memramcook keeper did well in front of the Wildcats’ 38 shots.
Valley’s starting goalie, Will Hodgson, formerly of the Blizzard, was roughed up. He was replaced by Sam Sinclair midway through the game after allowing a fifth goal. The Wildcats’ two goaltenders were hit 51 times by Blizzard pucks.
Luke Foley, Cole Whelan, Brendan MacRitchie (3rd star) and Spencer Caines found the back of the net for the Wildcats, who remain winless after three games.
Blizzard players face a tougher test on Saturday evening (7 p.m.) when they take on the Yarmouth Mariners (2-1-0-0), champions of the last playoffs. On Sunday, Edmundston completes its stay in Nova Scotia with a visit to the Truro Bearcats (1-1-0-0).
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Photo
Ryan Loveless scored his first two goals of the campaign on Friday night in Berwick. Photo archives Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone