PICTOU COUNTY, Nova Scotia – Goaltender Nicholas Sheehan turned in another masterful performance, paving the way for the Edmundston Blizzard’s 3-2 win over the Pictou County Weeks Crushers in an MHL game played Sunday night at the Pictou County Wellness Centre.
Used for a second game in as many nights and a third in four days, Sheehan held off a well-drilled and potent attack with a series of spectacular saves. Sheehan stopped 34 of the 36 shots he faced and easily earned the game’s first star. In his first appearence in front of the Crushers’ cage, former Rapid Gio DiMattia (2nd star) also excelled, turning aside 35 of the 38 pucks he faced.
Félix Bédard opened the scoring with his 27th goal of the season at 10:29 of the first period. Pictou County struck back at 8:15 of the second period thanks to Bryson Boudreau (3rd). But exactly one minute later, Edmundston regained the lead for good thanks to Justin Hébert’s 10th goal of the season. After 40 minutes of play, the Blizzard were ahead 2-1.
Colby Morin put in his third goal of the campaign at 11:47 of the third, an insurance goal that proved to be the winner as the Crushers were able to cut the gap to one goal with 43 seconds left in the contest following Nick Mahar’s goal (18th).
Félix Bédard (3rd star) finished the game with a goal and an assist. His 62 points (27g, 35a) give him a one-point lead over Carter McCluskey (29g, 32a) at the top of the MHL scoring race. McCluskey, however, played one game less. Justin Hébert also collected two points on Sunday night (1g, 1a).
The Blizzard (23-9-1-0 = 47pts) moved to within three points of the West-Kent Steamers (24-8-2-0 = 50pts) and first place in the Eastlink North division. Edmundston has a game in hand.
Edmundston plays its next game on Friday, January 12, hosting the Miramichi Timberwolves (18-12-1-1). Game time is 7:30 p.m. at the Jean-Daigle Centre.
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Photo
Nicholas Sheehan registered his 17th win of the season in front of the Blizzard net on Sunday in Pictou County. Photo Percy Picard
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone