YARMOUTH, Nova Scotia – A four-goal outburst in the second period paved the way for the Edmundston Blizzard’s 6-2 win over the Yarmouth Mariners at the home of the defending playoff champions.
This was the Blizzard’s second straight triumph in two nights on Nova Scotia ice. A third game is scheduled for Sunday evening (7 p.m.) at the home of the Truro Bearcats.
First star of the evening, defenseman Tim Porter once again impressed with three assists. Peter Amanatidis (2nd star) and Philippe Collette had a goal and an assist each. Jean-Christophe Coulombe (winning goal), affiliate player Maxime Guimond (1st MHL goal), Alexis Jacques and Marco Martin got the goals for the Blizzard (4-1-0-0).
Nathan Carter and Kyle McGuire (3rd star) scored a goal and an assist each in the loss for the Mariners (2-2-0-0). Goalie Nicholas Sheehan had another fine night in front of the Blizzard cage, turning aside 30 of the 32 pucks he faced. At the other end of the rink, Thomas Fontaine faced 37 shots.
After a 1-1 tie at the end of the first twenty minutes, the Blizzard players took matters into their own hands from the 10th minute of play in the middle period. They scored four times until the 19th minute, when the Mariners made it 5-2 with a goal 13 seconds into the period.
Defeating the Mariners at home is always a big co for opponents. This was the Blizzard’s first triumph over the Mariners after being eliminated in four consecutive games in the MHL playoff final last April.
With this win, the Blizzard took sole possession of first place in the Maritime Junior Hockey League. With eight points in the overall standings, Edmundston leads by one point the Summerside Western Capitals (3-0-0-1), the only team still unbeaten in regulation time.- 30 –
Photo
Tim Porter had his best game in the MHL on Saturday, with three assists. Photo archives Percy Picard
– 30 –
Source: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone