EDMUNDSTON, N.B. – After a much more offensive game the day before in Fredericton, the defense was in the spotlight Sunday night at the Jean-Daigle Centre when the Edmundston Blizzard won 3-2 in overtime against the Red Wings in a MHL preseason game.
Defenseman Vincent Bujold put an end to the suspense with 49 seconds left in the three-on-three deciding period. The veteran rearguard rushed in front of the goal to get his chance. He received a sharp pass from Alex Savoie and Bujold’s low shot deflected on the post to enter the net. A spectacular end to the game. Mitchell McLeod also had an assist on the game-winning goal. Bujold earned the game’s first star.
Tristan Therrien and Tristan Fortin scored for the Blizzard in regulation. Kobe Burt and Sasha Charbonneau imitated them in the Red Wings camp.
Raphaël Audet stood out in his first start of the preseason in front of the Blizzard net. He was brilliant, depriving the visitors of a few goals with sensational saves. He rightfully deserved the second star of the game. The third star went to Wings defenseman Malcolm Burns.
The slight difference in shots on goal indicates the pace of the game. Fredericton had the advantage 34-33. The Red Wings presented a roster that gave the Blizzard a hard time. The tight forward-checking style practiced by the visitors left little room for Blizzard attackers.
It was the Blizzard’s fourth consecutive pre-season win. Edmundston will play its final two preseason games next Friday and Saturday when they host the Campbellton Tigers.
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Photo
Goalkeeper Raphaël Audet prepares to block a shot from forward Sasha Charbonneau (86) while Vincent Bujold (55) also tries to put the brakes on the Red Wings forward. Bujold brought the fans out of their seat by scoring in overtime and providing a well-deserved victory for his goalkeeper. Photo Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone