GRAND-BOUCTOUCHE, New Brunswick – In a no-stake game played in Grand-Bouctouche, the Edmundston Blizzard defeated the West Kent Steamers 6-4 in the very last game of the 52-game schedule for both teams.
Both teams had left out some of their best players a few days before entering the playoffs. That didn’t stop the Blizzard from lowering four team marks in one season: for most points (79) and wins (39), for fewest goals allowed to opponents (136) and for greatest difference between goals for and against (+93).
Carl-Anthony Massé led the Edmundston attack with his 11th goal of the season and two assists. Ryan Loveless (11th and 12th), Jérémy Ste-Marie (21st and 1a), Philippe Collette (29th and 1a) and Dominic LeBlanc (26th) rounded out the scoring for the Blizzard (39-12-1-0).
After a 2-2 tie in the first period, the Steamers took a 4-3 lead at the end of the second period. In the third, the Blizzard scored twice in a row midway through (9:49 and 10:59) thanks to Loveless and Ste-Marie (winning goal). The last goal, from Loveless, was scored into an empty net.
For the Steamers (34-16-2-0), Bailey Shortall (7th and 8th and 1a), Cam White (9th) and Damon Englehutt (15th) scored.
Playing in his 13th game this season, goaltender Samuel LeBlanc collected his ninth win in front of the Blizzard cage. He was very effective facing 30 shots. On the other side, Olivier Dallaire conceded five goals from 23 shots.
Shortall (1st), Massé (2nd) and Olivier Beaudoin (3rd) were selected as stars of the game.
All qualified league teams now have a few days’ rest before the start of the Metalfab MHL Cup playoffs. The Blizzard will face the Fredericton Red Wings in the first round, with the opening game scheduled for Thursday (7:30 p.m.) at the Jean-Daigle Centre.
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Photo
Carl-Anthony Massé collected three points for a second time this season. Photo archives Percy Picard
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone