RAPIDS DROP SEASON OPENER TO AMHERST
AMHERST – Despite allowing 49 shots on goal, the Amherst Ramblers skated away with a 5-1 victory Saturday night on home ice against the Grand Falls Greenfoot Rapids. It was the season opener for both teams as they will meet again next Friday night, but this time at the E&P Sénéchal Centre.
Zach Wheeler led the way offensively with two goals and one assist while Jonathan Lau and Brock Lyons both finished the contest with one goal and two assists.
Defenseman Loic Gallant was the only player to score for the Rapids, which occurred at the 8-minute mark of the final frame.
Zach Wheeler scored his first of the game at 3:58 of the opening period on a rebound in front of the net.
It was the only period in which Amherst led in the shots on goal department (12-9).
The Ramblers added two more goals in the second period. Elliot Wright scored on a back hand shot at 8:28, followed by Brock Lyons’ goal at 18:33 on a wrist shot from the slot.
Amherst went ahead by four goals early in the third period on Zach Wheeler’s second tally of the night.
Loic Gallant scored for the Rapids at 8:14 on a wrist shot from the point that found its way through traffic.
Then with less than 5 minutes remaining, Jonathan Lau added the Ramblers’ fifth goal to bring the final score to 5-1.
Final shots on goal were 49 to 33 in favor of the Rapids. Brandon Lavoie was solid in net for the Ramblers. Dax Robichaud made his first MHL regular season start between the pipes for Grand Falls.
Both teams spent many minutes in the penalty box in the final frame as many roughing minors and misconduct penalties were assessed. As previously mentioned, both teams will square off again next Friday night in the Rapids’ home opener.
The Rapids will in the meantime play another road game as they travel to Miramichi on Sunday for a 2 pm start against the Timberwolves.
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
| 1st | |||
| 3:58 | AMH | Zach Wheeler (1) ASST: Christian White (2), Brock Lyons (1) | |
| 2nd | |||
| 8:28 | AMH | Elliot Wright (1) ASST: Zach Wheeler (2), Jonathan Lau (1) | |
| 18:33 | AMH | Brock Lyons (2) ASST: Jonathan Lau (2) | |
| 3rd | |||
| 1:57 | AMH | Zach Wheeler (2) ASST: Elliot Wright (2), Coen Miller (1) | |
| 8:14 | GFR | Loic Gallant (1) ASST: Declan Kennedy (1) | |
| 15:54 | AMH | Jonathan Lau (1) ASST: Brock Lyons (2), Ty Peddigrew (1) |