GRAND FALLS – The Rapids suffered a tough loss on Sunday afternoon after seeing a two-goal lead vanish in the third period.
Ahead 4-2 after forty minutes of play, the Miramichi Timberwolves scored three unanswered goals, including the game winner by Zachael Turgeon at 13:56, breaking a 4-4 tie and skating away with the victory.
The Rapids controlled the pace of the game throughout most of the contest. They held a 3-0 lead after one period, leaving their opponents on their heels. However, after falling into penalty trouble early in the second period, the Rapids saw the Timberwolves score twice and take momentum of the game.
Miramichi dominated the third period of play, outshooting the Rapids 12 to 4 and scoring on three occasions.
As mentioned, the Rapids jumped early into the lead. Jeremy Boulanger got things going by scoring on a breakaway at 1:35. Then Jonah Leard would add Grand Falls’ second goal at 12:44 with a tip in front of the net. Before the end of the period (17:37), Brayden Campbell (an affiliate player) scored his first MHL goal with a perfect shot over the glove of Miramichi netminder Jack Flanagan who was then replaced by Adam Rouleau.
The Timberwolves scored their first goal on a power play at 4:18 of the second period on Jeremy Duhamel’s 16th of the season. Then only 1:21 later, Hugo Audette scored from the slot, cutting the Rapids’ lead to a single goal.
Grand Falls would however regain a two-goal cushion at 8:33 on a two-on-one rush. Captain Jeremy Boulanger sent a perfect pass in front of the net to Ty Hunter who scored his 4th of the season, putting the Rapids ahead 4-2.
Miramichi applied relentless pressure in the third period, controlling play while preventing their opponents from getting some good scoring chances.
Eliott Robert got the Timberwolves to within one goal at 5:34, his first of the season. Then the tying goal came at 10:43 on a great passing play completed by Cole Foston.
The winning tally was scored at 13:56 by Zachael Turgeon, beating Rapids’ goalkeeper Adam Lecours after completing a great effort by the explosive duo of Justin David and Jeremy Duhamel.
Miramichi led 36-28 in shots on goal.
For the Rapids, it was a 24th defeat this season, but they do remain 4-points back of the Campbellton Tigers for 5th spot in the Eastlink North division standings.
The Rapids will return to action next weekend with two road games in Edmundston (Friday) and Campbellton (Sunday).
GAME NOTES:
*Forwards Zacharie Charest and Marcellus Francis were out of the lineup on Sunday, both injured.
*Jeremy Duhamel led the way offensively for Miramichi with a 2g 1a performance.
Jeremy Boulanger and Jonah Leard both finished the game with 1g 1a for the Rapids.
*The Timberwolves were 1 for 7 on the power play. The Rapids scored once on 2 PP opportunities.
*Game attendance: 811
*Three stars of the game: 1- Jeremy Duhamel (MIR); 2- Jonah Leard (GFR); 3- Eliott Robert (MIR)
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
1st
1:35 GFR Jeremy Boulanger (11) ASST: Jonah Leard (6)
12:44 GFR Jonah Leard (8) ASST: Ethan Johnson (19), Raphael Denis (12) (PP)
17:37 GFR Brayden Campbell (1) ASST: Colin Parker (7), Raphael Denis (13)
2nd
4:18 MIR Jeremy Duhamel (16) ASST: Tim Porter (17) (PP)
5:39 MIR Hugo Audette (10) ASST: Kaden McNeil (6)
8:33 GFR Ty Hunter (4) ASST: Jeremy Boulanger (25), Nicholas Brennan (9)
3rd
5:34 MIR Eliott Robert (1) ASST: Jeremy Duhamel (25), Justin David (26)
10:43 MIR Cole Foston (11) ASST: Eliott Robert (6)
13:56 MIR Zachael Turgeon (2) ASST: Justin David (27), Jeremy Duhamel (26)