RAPIDS DEFEAT STEAMERS ON THE ROAD
BOUCTOUCHE – The Grand Falls GreenFoot Rapids scored two power play goals, while adding a shorthanded tally, in a 6-4 victory over the West Kent Steamers Thursday night in Bouctouche.
Zackarie Michaud scored two goals, twice with the man advantage, leading the way offensively for the Rapids who registered their 5th victory of the season and their first in three games against the Steamers this season. Grand Falls is currently tied with the Campbellton Tigers for 5th spot in the Eastlink North division standings with 13 points. Both teams will square off on Friday night.
Despite some untimely penalties and playing catch-up on the scoreboard until the final seconds of the second period, the Rapids were the most opportunistic team, taking advantage of their special teams. They took the lead with 5 seconds remaining in the middle frame and were able to hold on for the road victory.
The Steamers opened the scoring in the first period on a goal from Nathan Vincelette as both teams sent 10 shots each on net.
In an offensive minded second period, the visitors tied the score at 2:28 when Zackarie Michaud’s shot found the back of the net on the power play.
West Kent quickly regained the lead on a power play goal of their own. Samuel Fontaine’s one-timer gave the Steamers a 2-1 lead at 4:12.
At 8:05, Hudson Adams scored his first MHL goal for Grand Falls, beating netminder Samuel Pitcher with a low shot.
Then only 28 seconds later, Noah Breau gave West Kent a 3-2 lead.
However, the Rapids responded with two goals before the end of the middle frame. Declan Kennedy and Carter McIllwraight fought their way into the Steamers’ zone with McIllwraight scoring on a nifty move to tie the score at 12:15.
With only 5 seconds remaining in the period, Zackarie Michaud added his second power play tally of the night to give the Rapids their first lead of the game.
Grand Falls led 5-4 through two periods of play.
The Rapids were able to defend a two-man advantage for West Kent mid-way in the third period, and eventually scored shorthanded on a goal from Declan Kennedy who received a great pass in front of the net from Louis-Carl Tremblay at 11:01.
After Zachary Paulus reduced the margin for the Steamers, Antoine L’Italien added the insurance goal at 18:13, his 8th of the season.
Dax Robichaud earned the victory between the pipes making 20 saves.
Note that Jonah Leard also contributed offensively with two assists.
Declan Kennedy (1g 2a) was named the game’s first star while Zackarie Michaud was the second star with two PP goals.
It was an important win for Jeff Cowan’s squad who was playing its first of five consecutive road games.
The Rapids will return to action on Friday night (7pm) in Campbellton as they visit the Tigers.
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
| 1st | |||
| 13:34 | WKS | Nathan Vincelette (1) ASST: Zachary Paulhus (5), Jean-Christophe Gemme (10) | |
| 2nd | |||
| 2:28 | GFR | Zackarie Michaud (5) ASST: Antoine L’Italien (9), Jonah Leard (6) (PP) | |
| 4:12 | WKS | Samuel Fontaine (6) ASST: Olivier Leblanc (10), Austin Sanchez (4) (PP) | |
| 8:05 | GFR | Hudson Adams (1) ASST: Kaden Bell (4), Declan Kennedy (4) | |
| 8:33 | WKS | Noah Breau (4) ASST: Olivier Leblanc (11), Samuel Nowlan (7) | |
| 12:15 | GFR | Carter McIllwraith (4) ASST: Declan Kennedy (5) | |
| 19:55 | GFR | Zackarie Michaud (6) ASST: Jonah Leard (7), Thomas Morin (9) (PP) | |
| 3rd | |||
| 11:01 | GFR | Declan Kennedy (1) ASST: Louis-Carl Tremblay (4) (SH) | |
| 13:27 | WKS | Zachary Paulhus (8) ASST: Noah Breau (5), Nathan Vincelette (6) | |
| 18:13 | GFR | Antoine L’Italien (8) ASST: Patrick Baxter (5) |