EDMUNDSTON, N.B. – Goaltender Cédric Massé excelled for the third consecutive game, leading the Edmundston Blizzard to an important 3-2 victory over the Chaleur Lightning in a Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) game played Thursday night at the Jean-Daigle Centre.
The Rimouski native stopped 26 of 28 shots to help the team win its fourth consecutive game, bringing the Blizzard’s record to 9-6-0-1 and moving them into third place in the Eastlink North Division, one point behind the Lightning (10-6-0-0) and two points behind the Grand Falls Rapids (10-4-1-0).
Émile Fournier (5th) and Néka Jean (3rd) each had a goal and an assist for the Blizzard. Darien Thomson (11th) also found the back of the net. Noah Breau set up the first two goals of the game. Ben Cross (15th) and David Lebel (7th) replied for the visitors.
The Blizzard got off to a strong start, dominating in all aspects of the game. The Edmundston players headed to the dressing room with a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. It was Néka Jean’s goal at 4:24 of the second period that made the difference. The Lightning came back strong in the third period with a series of offensive threats, but Cédric Massé was on his toes.
Massé earned the first star for the third consecutive game, a team record. He also set a new Blizzard record for the longest consecutive minutes without allowing a goal, a streak that ultimately ended at 146 minutes and 55 seconds. The previous record was held by Ewan MacDonald (136 minutes and 40 seconds).
Fournier was awarded second star honors, and Jean earned third star, scoring his third goal in as many games since being acquired by the Blizzard.
The Blizzard will return to the ice at the Jean-Daigle Centre on Saturday, November 1st (7:30 p.m.) when they face off against the West Kent Steamers (6-7-3-0).
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Photo
Cédric Massé stole the show once again on Thursday, blocking 26 shots. Photo Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, communications – Edmundston Blizzard (506) 253-7741