The 17-year-old from Clarenville, Newfoundland, had a four-point night (one goal and three assists) and completely stunned Turo’s defense by his offensive flair and quick execution.
Frédéric Beauchesne-Dubuc also had a great night with a goal and two assists.
Beaten 2-0 the previous day by Pictou County, the Blizzard struck early in the game (6:17) when Beachesne-Dubuc deflected a shot from the point by defenseman Alex Lavoie. At 14:21, Riley Baggs leveled the score 1 to 1 and the first 25-minute period ended with a tie.
The Blizzard came on strong in the second and final period by scoring three goals. Alex Lavoie gave the Blizzard a 2-1 lead at 4;15 after a shot from the point on a play prepared by Beauchesne-Dubuc and Leonard.
Maxime Grandmaison then extended the Blizzard’s lead to 3-1. Dominic Hachey and Leonard had the assists. For Grandmaison, it was his second winning goal of the season.
At 3-1, the game seemed out of reach for the Bearcats but they came to life thanks to the goal of Cameron Macleod registered at 20:18. But with a man advantage, Leonard delivered the final blow with 40 seconds left. Beauchesne-Dubuc and Kyle Ward got the assists.
Goaltender Francis Asselin once again shined in front ot the Blizzard net. He blocked 21 of the 23 pucks he faced. He was brilliant on many occasions. His opponent, Kevin Resop, faced 18 shots.
The three stars of the game: Liam Leonard (1st), Frederic Beauchesne-Dubuc (2nd) and Maxime Grandmaison (3rd).
The Blizzard will play its next game at the Palladium of Saint-Jacques on Friday, October 13 at 7 :30 pm when it hosts the St. Stephen Aces.
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone