GRAND FALLS – The Miramichi Timberwolves scored four times in the opening period, as they skated away to a 6-2 victory Friday night in the Rapids last home game of the 2023-2024 season.
It was also the last MHL game for three players who were at their last season of eligibility at the junior A ranks. Forwards Jérémy Boulanger, Tristan Sanchez and Colin Parker were introduced to the crowd before the contest while a video tribute was presented on the scoreboard.
The Timberwolves didn’t waste any time to get on the board and they did so on a power play at 1:44 of the first period. David Doucet’s wrist shot from the slot gave the visitors the lead. Then at 8:08, Zachary Aprea-Ricard completed a great pass from Hugo Audette in front of the net, putting Miramichi ahead by two goals.
Doucet would score again at 9:47 on a breakaway while the Timberwolves were playing shorthanded.
The Rapids got on the board at 15:45 of the opening frame when Nick Beatty took control of a rebound in front of the crease for his first tally of the season.
But with less than two minutes remaining, the Timberwolves added their 4th goal of the period on Zachael Turgeon’s backhand shot.
The Rapids were the only team to score in the middle frame. Well-positioned to the side of the net, Luc Ruff beat Miramichi netminder Adam Rouleau to cut the deficit to two goals.
Shots on goal through two periods of play were 32 to 21 in favour of the Timberwolves.
Miramichi added two more goals in the final frame. Tim Porter scored on a shot to the top corner of the net at 8:37 while Owen Graham beat Rapids’ goalkeeper Adam Lecours on the glove side at 11:51.
Special teams worked to perfection for the Timberwolves as they went 1 for 2 on the power play while scoring once with a man short.
The final tally in shots on goal was 43 to 33 for Miramichi.
A nice crowd of 923 spectators was on hand to cheer the final home game of the season for the Rapids at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre.
The Rapids will play their final game of the regular season schedule on Sunday afternoon as they travel to Fredericton to play the Red Wings. Puck drop is at 2 pm at the Grant-Harvey Centre.
GAME NOTES:
*Four Timberwolves’ players finished the game with 2 points: David Doucet (2g), Tim Porter (1g 1a), Justin David and Hugo Audette (both 2a).
*The Rapids went 0 for 5 on the power play.
*Game attendance: 923
*Three stars of the game: 1- David Doucette (MIR) 2- Hugo Audette (MIR); Adam Rouleau (MIR)
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
1st
1:44 MIR David Doucet (12) ASST: Justin David (40), Jeremy Duhamel (35) (PP)
8:08 MIR Zachary Aprea-Ricard (5) ASST: Hugo Audette (45), Tim Porter (23)
9:47 MIR David Doucet (13) ASST: None (SH)
15:45 GFR Nick Beatty (1) ASST: Marcellus Francis (7)
18:53 MIR Zachael Turgeon (8) ASST: Hugo Audette (46), Mitchell Wagner (23)
2nd
10:03 GFR Luc Ruff (2) ASST: Tristan Sanchez (7), Colin Parker (11)
3rd
8:37 MIR Tim Porter (7) ASST: Ludovic Dufort (36), Justin David (41)
11:51 MIR Owen Graham (7) ASST: None