EDMUNDSTON, N.B. – Edmundston Blizzard fans will be thrilled to hear that star scorer William Labranche is returning to the team for the rest of the season.
The 19-year-old forward from Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Québec, has had two stints with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the QMJHL. After 11 games with the Québec team, Labranche informed Blizzard management of his intention to finish the season in Edmundston.
Labranche was on an exceptional streak when he was called up a second time by the Drakkar in early December. He had recorded at least one point in his last six games with the Blizzard before his recall to Baie-Comeau. He is currently on a five-game streak with at least one goal.
In 18 games with the Blizzard, he has scored 17 goals and 11 assists. Even though he missed 14 games with Edmundston, his 17 goals place him ninth among the Maritime Junior Hockey League’s (MJHL) top scorers. In addition, he leads the league in goals per game average with a rate of .944.
The return of number 79 to the lineup will certainly be welcome, as the Blizzard scored only 15 goals in six games during his absence in December. Labranche ranks second in team scoring behind Darien Thomson (21g, 18a).
The Blizzard kicks off the 2026 season with two games at the Jean-Daigle Centre on Friday, January 2, and Saturday, January 3, against Chaleur and Campbellton, respectively. Both games start at 7:30 p.m.
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Photo
William Labranche will be back in the Blizzard uniform on Friday, January 2, against the Chaleur Lightning. Photo archives Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, communications – Edmundston Blizzard (506) 253-7741