EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – Pumped up against rivals who knocked them out in four games in last season’s playoff semi-finals, the Edmundston Blizzard played an intense and disciplined game to beat the Miramichi Timberwolves, 4-1, Thursday evening at the Jean-Daigle Centre.
The Blue and White put the pedal to the metal in the first period, giving themselves a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Carl-Anthony Massé (2nd, at 4:50) and Justin Trottier (2nd, at 18:44).
With a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes against a powerful Timberwolves attack, nothing could be taken for granted. And that’s when Blizzard goaltender Jack Howatt rose to the occasion to fend off every offensive threat from the Miramichi skaters.
Both teams were unable to get on the score sheet in the second period. In the third, Philippe Collette scored his 4th goal of the season on a power play at 8:55 to give the hosts a 3-0 lead. The Wolves applied plenty of pressure late in the third period to finally deny Howatt a first career MHL shutout. Jérôme Gilbert closed the gap to 3-1 at 16:25. Miramichi pulled their goalie in favor of a sixth player, but the Blizzard countered quickly when Nathan Plamondon fired into an empty net to put the final nail in the coffin.
This was an important test for the Blizzard, who had a much easier time in their first two games. Interestingly, Simon Olivier’s men took no penalties in the game, a first for the Blizzard since January 28, 2018 against the same Timberwolves.
The Blizzard (3-0-0-0) retained the lead in the Eastlink North Division, two points ahead of the Timberwolves (2-1-0-0).
Massé and Plamondon were the top scorers with 1 goal and 1 assist each. Captain Collette scored in his third consecutive game.
The Blizzard dominated 39-21 in shots. For his consistent efforts, Massé was named the game’s first star, with the other two going to defenseman Alexis Jacques (2nd) and goaltender Howatt (3rd).
The Blizzard players will get a big test in the coming weeks, playing their next five games on opposing rinks before returning to the Jean-Daigle Centre on October 10.
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Jack Howatt stood up to the Miramichi Timberwolves on Thursday night at the Jean-Daigle Centre. Photo Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, responsable des communications – Le Blizzard d’Edmundston ; 506 740-0623 – (tél. cell.)