RAPIDS DEFEAT WESTERN CAPITALS IN OVERTIME
GRAND FALLS – Mathis Cyr’s overtime goal gave the Grand Falls Rapids their 6th victory of the season on Friday night as they upended the Summerside Western Capitals by a score of 4-3. Greg Leland’s squad remains undefeated on home ice and has picked up at least 1 point to the standings thus far after in its first 7 games of the season.
Cyr left his post at the blueline following an odd man rush into Summerside territory, beating netminder George Gallant on a backhand shot at 1:20 of play and bringing the hometown crowd to its feet. The Rapids are now the only MHL team to stay undefeated in regulation time since the start of the season.
As expected, it was a tough defensive battle which also had its share of physical play. Discipline was a key factor in the contest; the Rapids were the most opportunistic team on the power play, scoring on two occasions.
The Western Capitals took a 1-0 lead mid-way in the opening period on a goal from Andrew Thompson, a wrister from the slot that got by Rapids’ goalkeeper Jeremy Thibodeau-Soucy who was making his second start of the season between the pipes.
The Rapids tied the score at 17:44 when Brody Pare was able to get by the two defensemen, sending a perfect shot to the back of the net.
Grand Falls capitalized on a power play at 11:31 of the second period. Zackarie Michaud scored on a one-timer for his 3rd of the season.
However, with only 1 second remaining on the clock in the period, the visitors tied the game on a goal from Matthew MacLean. The score was even 2-2 after two periods of play.
The Rapids regained the lead at 7:10 of the third period on Nathan Plamondon-Michaud’s team-leading 5th goal of the season. Plamondon-Michaud scored on a one-timer from the top of the faceoff circle.
Once again, the Western Capitals were able to tie the score on a tip in front of the net from Brett Arsenault at 15:17.
A total of seven shots on goal were registered in the overtime frame, favoring Grand Falls 4-3.
The final tally was also to the advantage of the Rapids, 31 to 30.
EXTRA NOTES …
*It was the Rapids’ second overtime victory this season, both registered on home ice.
*Zackarie Michaud finished the game with a performance of 1g 1a for the Rapids while Loic Francoeur earned 2 assists.
Ethan Dickson was the only player from the Western Capitals to register 2pts on the night with a couple of assists.
*Nathan Plamondon-Michaud (1g) was named the game’s first star. Julien Avignon-Bourque received second star honors while the third star went to Summerside’s Ethan Dickson.
*The Rapids will play their next game on Sunday as they clash against the West Kent Steamers. Puck drop is at 6pm in Bouctouche.
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
| 1st | |||
| 10:06 | SWC | Andrew Thompson (1) ASST: Jordan Shaw (3), Ryder Howatt (6)-PP | |
| 17:44 | GFR | Brody Pare (3) ASST: Jonah Leard (4), Anton Topilnyckyj (4) | |
| 2nd | |||
| 11:21 | GFR | Zackarie Michaud (3) ASST: Loic Francoeur (3), Oliver Plante (3)-PP | |
| 19:59 | SWC | Matthew MacLean (2) ASST: Simon Mullen (13), Ethan Dickson (7) | |
| 3rd | |||
| 7:10 | GFR | Nathan Plamondon-Michaud (5) ASST: Loic Francoeur (4), Reid Calder (1)-PP | |
| 15:17 | SWC | Brett Arsenault (4) ASST: Coen Miller (10), Ethan Dickson (8) | |
| 1st OT | |||
| 1:20 | GFR | Mathis Cyr (1) ASST: Zackarie Michaud (5) |