GRAND FALLS – With a solid performance on the defensive front and on special teams, the Edmundston Blizzard defeated their Northwestern rivals on Sunday afternoon by a score of 4-0.
Close to 800 spectators were on hand for this contest played at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre.
Simon Couroux stopped all 24 shots he faced, earning the shutout.
It was Edmundston’s second consecutive victory after starting the season at 0-4. Grand Falls lost for a third time this season on home ice in as many games.
Tristan Fortin, who was credited with the game winning goal, gave the Blizzard the lead in the first period with the man advantage. His one-timer from the face off circle beat netminder Frédéric Plourde who was making a third consecutive start between the pipes for the Rapids.
During the first twenty minutes of play, the Blizzard dominated time of puck possession and in shots on goal (18 to 4).
Only 21 seconds were played in the second period before the visitors added to their lead. Marco Martin’s shot found the far corner as Edmundston went ahead 2-0.
The Blizzard added a third goal at 4:04 following a bench minor penalty to the Rapids for too many men on the ice. Mathieu Pelletier, who is from St.Jacques, scored his first goal of the campaign. It was also Edmundston’s second power play goal of the contest.
With a three-goal advantage heading into the third period, the Blizzard played a more defensive game. The Rapids did obtain their best scoring chances during the final frame, but goaltender Simon Couroux stood tall in net. He was also well supported by his defensive unit, notably on a couple of power plays where Grand Falls came close to getting on the board.
Mid-way in the period, Peter Amanatidis added the Blizzard’s fourth goal following a rebound in front of the Rapids’ net.
The final tally in shots on goal was 35 to 24 in favour of the Blizzard.
Three Edmundston players were honored with the three-star selections: with a performance of 1 goal (including the game winner) and 1 assist, Tristan Fortin was named the first star while Olivier Beaudoin received the second star and goaltender Simon Couroux the third star.
The Rapids will return to home ice for two more games next weekend. On Friday night (7:30 pm), they will host the Campbellton Tigers while on Sunday afternoon (3 pm), the Rapids and the Blizzzard will clash once again at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre.
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
| 1st | |||
| 6:10 | EDM | Tristan Fortin (4) ASST: Alex Arsenault (5) (PP) | |
| 2nd | |||
| 0:21 | EDM | Marco Martin (1) ASST: Noah Matulu (1) | |
| 4:04 | EDM | Mathieu Pelletier (1) ASST: Mitchell McLeod (4), Noah Matulu (2) (PP) | |
| 3rd | |||
| 10:38 | EDM | Peter Amanatidis (4) ASST: Tristan Fortin (5) |