EDMUNDSTON, N.B. – The Edmundston Blizzard suffered its first setback this season after six wins in preseason games and a win in its first game in Miramichi. This was the Blizzard opener
On Saturday night, at the Jean-Daigle Center regular season home opener, the Blizzard fell 3-2 to the Summerside Western Capitals, their eternal rivals. The meeting looked like a playoff game, even if the season has only just begun! High intensity and roughness were displayed as it is usually between these two teams. Both referees had a pretty difficult evening.
The two goalkeepers, Stephan Giansante (Western Capitals) and Raphaël Audet (Blizzard) stood out and were chosen, for good reason, the first two stars of the clash. Giansante rejected 28 pucks and Audet 30.
The Western Capitals were the first to blacken the scoresheet thanks to Colby MacArthur (at 8:08 of the first frame). But Tristan Fortin, with his 5th goal of the season, tied the score at 12:47.
In the second period, the visitors took matters into their own hands with back-to-back goals from Isaac Wilson (11:24) and Marc Richard (16:56). Austin Paul gave Blizzard’s some hope by closing the gap to 3-2 at 17:54, but it was too little too late. Despite a lot of efforts from the locals in the third period, Giansante stood up to repulse Blizzard’s 13 shots.
The Western Capitals (2-0-0-0) complete a perfect weekend in Northwestern New Brunswick. Summerside edged the Grand Falls Rapids 8-5 on Friday night.
The Blizzard (1-1-0-0) will play their next game at the Jean-Daigle Centre on Saturday, October 9 (7:30 p.m.) hosting the Fredericton Red Wings.
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Photo
Goalkeeper Raphaël Audet is put to the test in front of forward Marc Richard. Photo Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone