AMHERST – The Amherst Ramblers scored five unanswered goals, including three in a span of 1:48 in the second period, which was enough for a 6-3 victory over the Rapids on Sunday afternoon in Nova Scotia.
Jack O’Blenis scored twice for the Ramblers while Jérémy Boulanger, Jonah Leard and Tristan Sanchez each found the back of the net for Grand Falls who finish off the month of December with a record of 8-19-3 for a total of 19 points.
After Alex Christmas gave his team the lead in the opening frame with his 8th goal of the season, the Ramblers took control of the game in the middle frame by scoring three quick goals. Mark Corbett made it 2-0 as he sent a wrist shot between the pads of Rapids’ goalkeeper Adam Lecours at 13:47. Then at 15:10, Alex Christmas sent a perfect pass to Drew MacIntyre in front of the net, giving Amherst a 3-goal cushion. Then only 15 seconds later, Jack O’Blenis sent a wrist shot past Lecours, giving the Ramblers a 4-0 lead.
A couple of turning points occurred in the second period: the three unanswered goals scored by Amherst and a missed opportunity on a breakway by Bryce Thomson of the Rapids with his team down only 1-0 early in the frame.
Shots on goal through two periods of play were 29 to 17 in favour of the Ramblers.
Five goals were scored in the third period, including three by the Rapids.
Coen Strang put Amherst in front 5-0 at 10:28, but netminder Jack Howatt’s shutout bid would be foiled at 15:20 following a scramble in front of his crease. Jérémy Boulanger scored the Rapids’ first goal at 15:20, his 10th of the season.
A few seconds later, Amherst would add to their lead as Jack O’Blenis scored his second of the game.
The Rapids added two goals before the end of the contest. Jonah Leard would take advantage of a bad bounce off the back boards, scoring his 6th of the season at 17:14. Then with only 30 seconds remaining, Tristan Sanchez took control of a rebound in front of the net, scoring the Rapids’ third goal and his 6th of the campaign.
The final shots on goal were 43 to 28 for the Ramblers. Note that the Rapids went scoreless in 5 power play opportunities.
The Rapids close out the year with a 6th-place standing in the Eastlink North division and 4 points back of the Campbellton Tigers for 5th spot.
Grand Falls will play their first game of 2024 next Thursday as they make the short trip to Edmundston to play the Blizzard. Then on Saturday (Jan.6th), the Rapids will be in Miramichi to face the Timberwolves.
GAME NOTES:
*Three Ramblers’ players finished the game with 2 points: Jack O’Blenis (2g), Drew MacIntyre (1g 1a) and Alex Christmas (1g 1a).
No players from the Rapids had more than 1 point to their record.
*The Ramblers were the only team to score on the power play; they were 1 for 3 with the man advantage.
*Game attendance: 635
*Three stars of the game: 1- Jack O’Blenis (AMH); 2- Alex Christmas (AMH); 3- Drew MacIntyre (AMH)
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
1st
5:23 AMH Alex Christmas (8) ASST: Drew MacIntyre (11), Matthew Hunter (4)
2nd
13:47 AMH Mark Corbett (2) ASST: Aiden Dufault (10), Brandon Cormier (7)
15:10 AMH Drew MacIntyre (9) ASST: Anthony Gaudet (10), Alex Christmas (14)
15:25 AMH Jack O’Blenis (6) ASST: Christian Reardon (15)
3rd
10:28 AMH Coen Strang (9) ASST: Owen Sparkes (4), Cooper Cormier (17)
15:20 GFR Jeremy Boulanger (10) ASST: Colin Parker (6)
16:14 AMH Jack O’Blenis (7) ASST: Joachim Matulu (11), Jonah Jelley (23) (PP)
17:14 GFR Jonah Leard (6) ASST: Luc Morais (2)
19:30 GFR Tristan Sanchez (6) ASST: Devin Johnson (4)