EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – The Edmundston Blizzard started the playoffs as they ended the regular season, with a shutout!
In front of 2,563 pumped-up fans at the Jean-Daigle Centre, the Blizzard played a flawless game to defeat the Miramichi Timberwolves 5-0 in Game 1 of the best-of-seven Eastlink North division semi-final series of the MHL Metalfab Cup.
Austin Caley earned his second straight shutout. He turned aside all 24 shots he faced. Although he made some spectacular saves, he got some help from his posts on a few occasions.
Jérémy Fortin and Zachary Lessard led the Blizzard attack with a goal and an assist each. Carl-Anthony Massé, Émile Fournier and Will Carroll (empty net) also beat goaltender Jack Flanagan, who was bombarded with 50 pucks. Philippe Collette, who always excels in the playoffs, collected three assists.
Lessard (1st), Fortin (2nd) and Caley (3rd) earned the game’s stars.
The Blizzard are on an exceptional run, having scored 16 consecutive goals, a team record. The previous mark was 13 straight goals, achieved first in October 2021 and again in March 2024. The streak of 16 unanswered goals began on March 7, when the Blizzard transformed a 3-0 deficit against Miramichi to a 5-3 win. On March 9, the Blizzard blanked the Campbellton Tigers 6-0.
Game two of the series will be played at the Miramichi Civic Centre on Sunday (7 p.m.). Both teams will return to the Jean-Daigle Centre next Thursday (7:30 p.m.) for game three of the series.
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Photo
In addition to playing great on defense on Friday, defenseman Zachary Lessard (22) contributed to the attack with a goal and an assist. In the photo, he keeps a close eye on Timberwolves captain Eliott Robert. Photo Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, communications co-ordinator – Edmundston Blizzard – 506 740-0623 – (cell.)