EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – Accustomed to heated battles against the Summerside Western Capitals, the Edmundston Blizzard showed no mercy on Saturday, defeating them 7–2 in the opening home game of the Blizzard’s 10th season.
This lopsided match capped off pre-game festivities that had begun earlier in the afternoon, delighting the Blizzard’s passionate fans.
Michael Ward’s squad hit the ground running before the visitors could even catch their breath. Just 25 seconds in, William Labranche found the back of the net. Then, at the 2:54 mark, Charles-Éric Tremblay doubled the Blizzard’s lead. The game-winning goal came at 14:59, courtesy of François-Xavier Mercier. The Capitals managed to stay in the game by getting on the scoreboard thanks to Lane Sim.
Leading 3–1 heading into the second period, the Blizzard scored two more goals: one from Justin Bouchard (11:08) and another from William Labranche—his second of the game (15:36).
The Capitals narrowed the gap to 5–2 in the second period when Owen MacPherson scored at 2:22. However, the Blizzard continued their rout with goals from Noah Larochelle (9:13) and Michael Arsenault (16:02)—the latter coming while shorthanded.
Named the game’s first star, Arsenault finished the night with one goal and three assists. The second star honors went to Justin Bouchard (1G, 1A) and William Labranche (2G, 1A).
The Blizzard fired 30 shots at goaltenders Vincent Gladu (replaced after the second period) and Max Picard. William Stonehouse tended the net for the Blizzard. He faced just 17 shots—Summerside’s lowest total against Edmundston in 10 years.
The Blizzard returns to the ice in less than 24 hours to host the Amherst Ramblers on Sunday, September 20, starting at 3 p.m.
Before the game, the Blizzard’s extended family of fans gathered for the team’s major 10th-anniversary tailgate party. Children enjoyed the activities, while older fans cheered on the players from the 2024–2025 Maritime championship squad as they received their rings in recognition of their achievement.
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Photo
Michael Arsenault celebrates after scoring a shorthanded goal late in the game. He is congratulated by Émile Fournier, who had just passed him the puck from his own zone. Photo: Percy Picard
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 253-7741 – cell phone