EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – The Edmundston Blizzard barely defeated the Grand Falls Rapids in what was the final chapter of the Battle of the Northwest presented Sunday afternoon at the Jean-Daigle Centre in front of a nice crowd of 2,745 spectators.
Led by two goals each by Chad Wilson (11th and 12th) and Chrystopher Collin (34th and 35th), the Blizzard won 6-3. Edmundston, who had a 4-3 lead entering the 3rd period, resisted successfully until the end of the game. The Blizzard scored twice in an empty net in the last couple of minutes.
Tristan Mercure (4th) and Jérémy Duguay (2nd) also scored to allow the Blizzard to record a 30th win this season. Adam Fowlow (5th and 6th) and Nash Smith (14th) responded for the Rapids (13-28-2-3, 31 points).
The Blizzard won five of its eight games against the Rapids this season. Edmundston was beaten once in regulation and twice in shootouts.
Collin (1st), Wilson (2nd) and Félix Rioux (3rd) were selected the three stars of the game. Rioux collected 2 assists.
The Blizzard outshot the Rapids 34-27. Antoine Lyonnais (Blizzard) and Tyriq Outen (Rapids) were the goalkeepers.
The Blizzard (30-9-1-6, 67 points) reached the 200 goal for plateau (204) for the first time since joining the league in 2017-2018.
Emery Olauson’s team has been short staffed in the last few games. On Sunday, the head coach opted not to call on affiliated players, leaving the team with the group of 17 regular players, including the two goalies. Most injured players are expected to return in time for the playoffs which will kick-off in March.
Meanwhile, the Blizzard will have plenty of hard work ahead with an important game on Thursday (7 pm) against the league’s leaders, the Summerside Western Capitals. The game will take place in PEI.
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Photo
Chad Wilson scored two goals for the third time this season. Photo Percy Picard
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone