GRAND FALLS – Three goals in the second period by the Miramichi Timberwolves helped them break a 1-1 tie, guiding them to a 6-2 victory Friday night in the Rapids’ home opener of the 2024-2025 MHL regular season.
A total of 1017 spectators were in attendance at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre. TheTimberwolves, the defending MHL champions, showed that they will once again be a force to be reckoned with this season in the league.
The Rapids trailed by only one goal late in the second period before the visitors scored three unanswered, including two in the final frame.
Bates Ling got the Timberwolves on the board at 3:51 of the opening period before Brayden Campbell tied the score for the Rapids on a drop pass from linemate Cole MacWilliam.
The Rapids had their chances to take the lead in the second period. Jonah Leard was denied on a breakaway with under 13 minutes to play.
It was on a breakaway however that Miramichi took a 2-1 lead at 8:55 on a goal from Will Allen while both teams were playing four on four.
At the 14-minute mark of the frame, Justin David scored on a rebound in front of the netto give the Timberwolves a 3-1 lead.
The Rapids replied immediately. Only 31 seconds later, Brody Pare scored on a backhander to bring the score to 3-2.
Miramichi would regain a two-goal cushion at17:54 on a goal from Sam Rocca on a one-timer.
Eliott Robert and Noah Woodard completed the scoring for Miramichi in the third period.
Will Allen, the first star of the game, finished with 1g 2a.
Brayden Campbell took second star honors, scoring the first goal of the game for Grand Falls.
Jack Flanagan (MIR) and Adam Lecours (GFR) were between the pipes for their respective teams.
The Rapids return to action on Sunday afternoon as they host the EdmundstonBlizzard. Puck drop is at 3pm at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre.
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
1st |
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3:51 |
MIR |
Bates Ling (1) ASST: Zachary Duguay (1) |
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13:24 |
GFR |
Brayden Campbell (1) ASST: Cole MacWilliam (1) |
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2nd |
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|
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8:55 |
MIR |
Will Allen (1) ASST: Luke Orr (1) |
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14:01 |
MIR |
Justin David (1) ASST: Caleb Van De Ven (1), Jacob Lafontaine (1) |
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14:32 |
GFR |
Brody Pare (1) ASST: Will Morrison (1), Damian Metastasio (1) |
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17:54 |
MIR |
Sam Rocca (1) ASST: Will Allen (1), Luke Orr (2) |
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3rd |
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10:37 |
MIR |
Eliott Robert (1) ASST: Will Allen (2), Sam Rocca (1) |
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13:27 |
MIR |
Noah Woodard (1) ASST: Caleb Van De Ven (2), Thatcher Hughes (1) |
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