MIRAMICHI, New Brunswick – Justin Trottier scored the most important goal of his junior career when he beat Miramichi Timberwolves goaltender Jack Flanagan on a penalty shot with 2:01 remaining in the third period, giving the Edmundston Blizzard a 3-2 victory Saturday night in Miramichi.
The 18-year-old Mirabel forward blocked a Miramichi defenseman’s shot at the Blizzard’s blue line and raced into the opposing zone, but was held up by an opponent preventing him from getting off a decent shot. Trottier was not to miss his chance on the penalty shot, foiling Flanagan with a deft feint.
The many Blizzard fans at the Miramichi Civic Centre jumped out of their seats, having been loud throughout the game. After all, it was the first penalty shot goal in the Blizzard’s playoff history.
The loss hurts the Timberwolves, who now trail 3-1 in the 4-of-7 Eastlink North semi-final series. The Blizzard will try to finish it off on Sunday (7:30 p.m.) at the Jean-Daigle Centre.
The Timberwolves had built up a 2-0 lead that held until the 17th minute of the second period.
Easton Schlender (2nd), at 3:42, and Kaden McNeil (1st), at 16:46 of the first period, beat goaltender Austin Caley who closed the door to the Timberwolves afterwards. The Texas goalie faced 22 shots to Jack Flanagan’s 34.
Jérémy Fortin (2nd), at 17:30, and Émile Fournier (5th), at 19:39, replied in the second period. Fortin’s shorthanded goal gave the Blizzard wings. Fournier scored his goal on the power play.
Trottier (1st, winning goal), Schlender (2nd, 1g, 1a) and Philippe Collette (3rd, 1a) earned the stars of the game played in front of 954 spectators.
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Photo
ustin Trottier was the hero Saturday night in Miramichi, scoring the winning goal on a penalty shot. Photo archives Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, communications co-ordinator – Edmundston Blizzard – 506 740-0623 – (cell.)