EDMUNDSTON, N.B. – It was a night of firsts for forwards Louis-Jacob Beauregard and Nathan Crane, who scored their first goals of the season to help the Edmundston Blizzard defeat the Grand Falls Rapids 4-2 in a Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) game played on Thursday, October 9, at the Jean-Daigle Centre.
The Blizzard (5-3-0-1) won their fourth consecutive game and moved within two points of third place in the Eastlink North Division, currently held by the Rapids (6-2-1-0).
Beauregard, from Donnacona, Québec, set the tone for the Blizzard with a spectacular goal at 2:27 of the opening period. But the Rapids bounced back quickly with Jonah Leard’s third goal of the season at 5:26.
The second period was identical to the first when Mirabel, Québec forward Justin Bouchard Trottier (3rd) gave the home team the lead at 6:25 after a second effort. Former Blizzard player Nathan Plamondon-Michaud (6th) tied the game again for the Rapids while shorthanded at 9:24.
In the third period, it was more of the same as the Blizzard regained the lead 3-2 with Crane’s goal, with the puck he shot slightly over the shoulder of the goalie who had compromised himself with his butterfly position. It was a great way for Crane of Paradise, Newfoundland, to score the winning goal. What’s more, he did it in front of his parents, who made the long trip to cheer him on.
With 10 seconds left in the third period, Charles-Éric Tremblay (3rd), from Saguenay, Québec, scored into an empty net.
The Blizzard had 27 shots on goal to the Rapids’ 26 in what was ultimately a very close game between the two Northwest rivals. Earlier in the season, the Rapids had won 2-1 in a shootout in Grand Falls.
Solid once again, Cédric Massé earned his fourth win in goal for the Blizzard. The Rimouski, Québec, goaltender continues to dominate the MHL with a 2.02 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage. Adam Lecours was in net for the Rapids.
Éliott Guénette (1 point) was named the game’s first star, followed by Crane (2nd) and Plamondon-Michaud (3rd).
The Blizzard played without William Labranche, who will suit up for a few games with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the QMJHL.
Edmundston will host the Yarmouth Mariners (3-4-1-0) in its next game on Saturday, October 11 (7:30 p.m.).
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Photo
Nathan Crane (14) celebrates after scoring what would prove to be the winning goal midway through the third period. His teammate Nicolas Dubé joins him in the celebrations. Photo by Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, communications – Edmundston Blizzard (506) 253-7741