EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – Junior A hockey fans were in for a treat when two games featuring all-star players from both divisions of the Maritime Hockey League (MHL) were presented on Tuesday, February 11, at the Jean-Daigle Centre.
As part of the MHL’s first Metalfab All-Star Evening, the 1,525 spectators in attendance were able to applaud the prowess of the Young Guns (16-18 years) in the first game, won 8-4 by the Southern representatives, and the second game, featuring the Senior Stars (19-20 years), which ended in a shootout victory for the Northern team.
In the Young Guns game, the goals by the Eastlink South Division players were scored by Isaac Arsenault (2g), Ryan Fletcher (1g, 2a), Andrew Thompson (1g, 1a), Jack Hayne (1g, 1a), Braylan Fitzgerald, Brennan O’Donnell, and Drew Lutz.
In the Eastlink North Division camp, William Labranche made his presence felt with a goal and two assists. Blizzard teammate Émile Fournier had a goal and an assist. Other goal scorers were Jonah Leard and Blizzard defenseman Zachary Robichaud.
The game’s best players were named as follows: best defenseman: Aiden Diamond (North); best goaltender: Niko Boudreau (South); best forward: William Labranche (North); most valuable player: Isaac Arsneault (South); and the grittiest player: Drew Lutz (South).
The second game, with the Senior Stars, was more hotly contested and focused on offense despite the low score. The four goalkeepers were particularly outstanding.
Nathan Plamondon and Justin David hit the target for the North team. For the South, Dominik Godin and Zachary Marquis also scored. Since there was no winner after the two 25-minute periods, a shootout was necessary. Jacob Lafontaine scored the winning goal to end an excellent evening.
Game honors went to the following players: best defenseman: Drew Mattigan (South); best goalkeeper: Jack Milner (South); best forward: Robbie Rutledge (South); MVP: Adam Rouleau (North); and the grittiest player: Nathan Plamondon (North).
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Photo
Ethan Dickson, left, congratulates Isaac Arsenault after his goal gave the Young Guns South a 2-1 lead in the first period. Photo Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, communications co-ordinator – Edmundston Blizzard – 506 740-0623 – (cell.)