GRAND FALLS, New Brunswick – Another exciting chapter of the Battle of the Northwest! On Friday night, in front of 1,165 spectators at the E & P Senechal Centre, the Grand Falls Rapids won 5-4 in the shootout.
Shon-Olivier Roy put an end to the suspense. He was the lone goal scorer during the breakaways against the goalkeeper. Roy was the second player delegated by the Grand Falls head coach.
Dawson Wood, twice, Adam Fowlow and Matthew MacNeil found the back of the net behind Ewan MacDonald who returned between the pipes for the Blizzard after a few games with the QMJHL Cape Breton Eagles.
Paul Leroux had his best game of the season with the Blizzard. He scored Blizzard’s first two goals and collected an assist. Isaac Chapman and Brock McLeod also beat Tyriq Outen, the first star of the night, who blocked 30 of the 34 shots by the Blue and White players. MacDonald faced 41 shots.
The Rapids (10-12-2-1) were more efficient than their hosts along the boards. But when they took a 4-3 lead at 4:53 in the third period, they became sleepy. The Blizzard then put more pressure and multiplied their scoring chances, which led to a nice goal by Brock McLeod at 14:06. The Rapids, however, regained their composure and eagerness during the overtime and had the best chances to put an end to the game.
Saint-Charles rocket Alex Arsenault was impressive. His speed surprised Grand Falls defensive units most of the night. He had several chances to score and he had to settle for an assist. In fact, the line of Paul Leroux (3rd star), Alex Arsenault and Mitchell McLeod was by far the best of the evening for the Blizzard thanks to a fast execution, without fault and unnecessary moves. “North-South” hockey nothing less, as we often hear the cliché.
The Blizzard (15-6-1-2) will now face MHL’s best team, the Summerside Western Capitals (21-3-0-1), on Sunday at 3 pm at the Jean-Daigle Centre in Edmundston in the contest know as the teddy bear afternoon. Fans are invited to bring their plush animals that they will throw on the ice when Blizzard scores its first goal of the game. Teddy bears will be kept an delivered to children in need.
– 30 –
Photo
Paul Leroux participated in three of Blizzard’s four goals on Friday night. Photo archives Digiphoto
– 30 –
Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone