In this action shot, Jeff Akerley (14) tries to beat Timberwolves defenseman Justin Guitard. In addition to distributing solid body checks throughout the game, Akerley earned two assists on spectacular plays leading the Blizzard to a 4-3 win. Akerley was chosen the first star of the game played on Tuesday night. Photo Olivier Chiasson
Gabriel Vanier, with his second of the night, broke a 3-3 tie in the final minute of play to give the Blizzard a 3-0 lead in the semifinal series of the EastLink North division of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League.
Liam Leonard crossed the opponent’s blue line and slowed down to give Vanier a chance to sneak behind the two defensemen. Leonard fired a shot and Vanier blocked the puck to get past goalkeeper Tanner Somers with a sharp backhand that touched the post to enter the net. The crowd just went berserk after the winning goal.
In the second frame, the only goal was scored at 18:03 on a beautiful play by Jeff Akerley. He made a perfect pass to Alexandre Jacob who had only to deflect the puck to beat Somers. It was 2-2.
The third period was a tight one. The Blizzard took the lead for the first time in the game thanks to Pierre Bourgoin who received another great pass from Akerley. While the Wolves looked overwhelmed, they did not give up and managed to tie the score at 18:37. Tower got his second goal when he beat goalkeeper Myles Hektor.
While everyone watched the seconds en route to overtime, Vanier ended the suspense.
The Timerwolves led 27-25 in shots. Akerley (1st) who played a very physical game, Vanier (2nd) and Bourgoin (3rd) earned the stars of the game.
The Blizzard will try to end the series on Thursday night in Miramichi (7:30 pm).
– 30 –
Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone