EDMUNDSTON, N.B. – “We were in the dressing room, we weren’t having our shoulders down. We knew we had played two good periods. The fact that the whole team believed it, that’s how we came out victorious. ”
Those are the words of forward Tristan Fortin, author of two goals and the game’s first star in the Edmundston Blizzard’s extraordinary 8-5 victory over the Grand Falls Rapids (2-3-0-0).
The Blizzard erased a 5-1 deficit to eventually turn things around and win in a spectacular fashion with seven unanswered goals, the last two of which were in empty nets. This is the second time in its history that the Blizzard has managed to erase a four-goal deficit for victory. On February 21, 2020, the Blizzard trailed 4-0 in the second period in Fredericton to ultimately win 5-4 in a shootout.
One thing is certain, head coach Emery Olauson’s speech after the second period ignited the enthusiasm of his players who rebounded like crazy.
Mitchell McLeod also scored twice for the Blizzard (3-2-0-0). Four other Edmundston players scored their first career MHL goals: Peter Amanatidis, Noah Gibbs, Jake Measel (winning goal) and Drake Flynn. Tristan Therrien (2nd star) and Brendan Sibley completed the evening with two assists each.
Rapids’ goals came from Adam Fowlow (2g, 1a, 3rd star), Dominic LeBlanc (2g, 1a) and Spencer Desveaux.
After opening the scoring at 3:11 of the first period, the Blizzard saw the visitors take a 5-1 lead with just 5:21 played in the second period. It was going to be a long night for the Blizzard players and some fans who have decided to leave the venue. It was bad for them when they learned at home that the Blizzard had finally made their victorious comeback. A good lesson for hockey fans who must always line up behind their team …
The Blizzard fired 48 shots, including 22 in the third, against Nolan Boyd who saw pucks flying all over him. At the other end, Raphaël Audet held the fort in front of the Blizzard net. He faced 31 shots.
After four consecutive games at home, the Blizzard will play its next three games on opposing rinks, October 22 (at South Shore), October 23 (at Yarmouth) and October 29 (at Grand Falls).
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Photo
Tristan Fortin is jubilant after scoring one of his two goals on Saturday night. He is greeted in his arms by Tristan Therrien (17) as Ethan Johnson (8) prepares to join them. Photo Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone