GRAND-BOUCTOUCHE, N.B. – A strong team effort combined with a great comeback in the second and third periods gave the Edmundston Blizzard a 5-2 victory in Grand-Bouctouche against the West-Kent Steamers. The Blizzard takes a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastlink North division semi-final series of the Metalfab MHL Cup.
After conceding the first goal in the opening period to Austin Sanchez (15:10), the Blizzard took control over the next 40 minutes. Edmundston tied the game in the second period with a blue line shot by defenseman Lucas Fortin (4:31), followed by a goal from Justin Trottier (12:56). But before the second period ended, the Steamers tied the game on a goal by Sam Bowness (17:23).
Michael Ward’s squad scored three unanswered goals in the third period. Noah Larochelle got the game-winner at 8:48 after a tight interception at the blue line by Émile Fournier, who passed to his teammate, who, left alone, skillfully shot the puck past the opposing goalie. Forty-five seconds later (9:33), the Blizzard dealt a heavy blow to the Steamers by doubling their lead. Michael Arsenault put the game away by scoring the fifth goal into an empty net at 18:16.
The Blizzard owes a debt of gratitude to their goaltender, Cédric Massé, who was solid throughout the game. He faced 27 shots compared to 31 for his counterpart, Xavier Farrah, who didn’t have a bad game either.
The game’s three stars were awarded to Blizzard players: Michael Arsenault (1st – 1g, 1a), William Labranche (2nd – 1g), and Noah Larochelle (1g).
The two teams will face off at the Jean-Daigle Centre for game 2 of the series on Tuesday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m.
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Photo
With a goal and an assist, Michael Arsenault (71) was named the first star of Saturday’s game. Photo archives Percy Picard.
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, communications – Edmundston Blizzard (506) 253-7741