EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – The Edmundston Blizzard took advantage of the few chances they had and were able to withstand the gradual comeback of the Grand Falls Rapids to finally win 4-3 Thursday evening in front of 1,283 fans gathered at the Jean-Daigle Centre in Edmundston.
Goalkeeper Ewan MacDonald picked up where he left off last season by making a number of key saves. He repelled 31 of the 34 pucks shot against him. His counterpart, Nolan Boyd, faced 26 shots.
Tristan Gagnon (breakaway), Tristan Mercure, Josh Nadeau and Aaron Brown (game winner) scored for the Blizzard, who led 4-1 until late in the second period. Dawson Wood (twice) and Ronan Rhéaume scored Rapids’ goals.
Spectators enjoyed the tremendous talent of 15-year-old Josh Nadeau, who displayed tremendous offensive qualities with a great vision to create scoring opportunities. With a little luck, he could have finished the game with a hat trick.
Mercure (1st star, Blizzard), Wood (2nd star, Rapids) and Isaac Chapman (3rd star, 2 assists, Blizzard) were rewarded for their brilliant efforts.
Blizzard and Rapids will clash again in an exhibition matchup next Sunday in Grand Falls (7:30 pm). Edmundston will conclude its preseason calendar by hosting the Campbellton Tigers on Tuesday, September 10 (8:30 pm).
– 30 –
Photo
Defenseman Tristan Mercure was selected the game’s first star. (photo archives Digiphoto)
– 30 –
Contact: Hugues Chiasson, Edmundston Blizzard vice-president communications; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone