EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – More opportunistic, more on point in their finishing work and inspired by a solid goaltender who stopped almost everything, the Summerside Western Capitals won their first set of the weekend, Friday night at the Jean-Daigle Centre, thanks to a win 6 to 2 against the Edmundston Blizzard.
The two teams will meet again in less than 24 hours, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Edmundston.
Though being outshot 43-26, the Capitals showed their teeth at every opportunity, building a 3-0 lead late into the second period. But the Blizzard made a comeback by reducing the gap to one goal in the 6th minute of the third (3-2). Unfortunately, a few defensive mistakes cost the hosts dearly and, the visitors capitalized with three consecutive goals in less than nine minutes.
Marc Richard (32nd and 33rd, 1st star), Sasha Charbonneau (7th), Tate Brenner (6th), Landon Clow (4th) and J.D. Shoniker (5th) beat goaltender Thomas Boucher.
In contrast, Chad Arsenault (3rd star) blocked everything he could see. The two goals he allowed (Alex Arsenault, 20th, and Evan Gass, 3rd) were scored when he was screened.
By his aggressiveness and his great breakthroughs on the offensive, Jérémy Fortin deserved the second star. He picked up an assist.
This victory is important for the Western Capitals (22-10-1-0) who are now four points behind the Blizzard (24-12-0-1), leader of the Eastlink North division. Summerside also has four games in hand over Edmundston.
Blizzard saw its winning streak stopped at six. With an assist, Olivier Coulombe brought to 22 his streak with at least one point.
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Photo
Jérémy Fortin was one of the Blizzard’s best offensive players. His efforts earned him the second star of the game.(Photo Percy Picard)
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone