EDMUNDSTON, N.B. – William Labranche once again impressed the crowd by scoring three goals and adding an assist, leading the Blizzard to an important 5-2 win over the Campbellton Tigers on Sunday afternoon at the Jean-Daigle Centre.
The Blizzard (11-9-1-2) snapped out of their slump of five straight losses. What’s more, this win moves them up to fourth place in the Eastlink North Division, two points ahead of the Tigers (10-9-2-1), who still have a game in hand.
Émile Fournier (7th) gave the Blizzard the lead at 10:33 of the first period. A total of five goals were scored in the second period. William Labranche (11th) found the back of the net at 3:25, but the Tigers responded in a flash with two goals, one by Adam Véronneau (14th at 4:35) and the other by Nathan Rhodes (8th at 6:06). Labranche took control again with his 12th and 13th goals of the season (at 10:44 and 13:37) to double the Blizzard’s lead (4-2).
Nathan Crane sealed the game in the third period at 6:04 with his third goal of the season.
Labranche was the logical choice for first star. Second star went to goaltender Cédric Massé, who shone by stopping 30 of 32 shots by the Tigers. Defenseman Zachary Robichaud earned the third star, recording two assists and showing great character after suffering a facial injury. He returned to the game shortly afterwards wearing a full visor and continued to stand out for the rest of the game.
The Blizzard fired 33 shots at Niko Boudreau.
Edmundston will try to tie the West Kent Steamers (11-8-3-2) for third place in the division when the Southeastern New Brunswick team comes at the Jean-Daigle Centre on Thursday, November 27 (7:30 p.m.).
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Photo
William Labranche (79) literally knocked out the Tigers on Sunday, scoring three goals in the second period, including the game-winner. Labranche has now 13 goals in 15 games this season. Photo Nui Lapyingyong
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, communications – Edmundston Blizzard (506) 253-7741