GRAND-BOUCTOUCHE, New Brunswick – The Edmundston Blizzard got a taste of the same medicine they’ve given their opponents in recent victories. Trailing twice by two goals (2-0 and 3-1), the West Kent Steamers bounced back with three consecutive goals to run away with a 4-3 win on Friday evening at the J. K. Irving Centre in Grand-Bouctouche.
The Blizzard (27-4-1-1 = 56 points) suffered their fourth regulation setback this season in 33 games. The Steamers (21-8-2-1 = 45 points) moved to within 11 points of Edmundston at the top of the Eastlink North Division.
Will Allen scored his 15th and 16th goals of the campaign for the Blizzard in the first period. The hosts showed encouraging signs to their fans in the middle frame with goals from Lucas Byrne (17th) and Aiden Diamond (2nd). Émile Fournier found the back of the net for the eighth straight game, his 26th goal of the season. After two periods, the Blizzard led 3-2.
In the third period, the Steamers scored two goals in the first nine minutes. Brandon Cormier (3rd) and Jérémy Thériault (6th) took turns scoring for West-Kent. Blizzard goalkeeper Frédéric Cousineau, who had made some sensational saves earlier in the contest, would certainly like to see Steamers’ third goal again after conceding a weak rebound.
For the 32nd time this season, the Blizzard dominated the shot column with a 35-27 advantage. Steamers’ goaltender Olivier Dallaire earned first star honors, followed by Will Allen (2nd) and Steamers’ Jake Beardsmore (3rd with 2 assists).
The Blizzard will continue their trip south when they visit the Amherst Ramblers on Saturday, January 4 (7 p.m.).
– 30 –
Photo
Will Allen (14) was the spark plug in the offensive zone for the Blizzard with two goals on Friday. Photo archives Percy Picard
– 30 –
Source: Hugues Chiasson, responsable des communications – Le Blizzard d’Edmundston; 506 740-0623 – (tél. cell.)