*Following is a modified version of the weekly report. The regular complete version will return next week as more MHL news and stats are available.
The Rapids returned to action following the Christmas break with two games to close out the 2023 calendar year.
Grand Falls came up short on both occasions despite battling until the very end.
With 30 games played thus far this season, the Rapids have a record of 8 victories, 19 losses and 3 shootout defeats for a total of 19 points. They are 4 points behind the Campbellton Tigers for 5th place in the Eastlink North division and 13pts back of the Fredericton Red Wings for the 4th and final playoff spot.
Greg Leland’s squad will square off for a total of 9 games in January, starting Thursday night in Edmundston against their Northwestern rivals. Note that all 9 games played this month are against teams from the Eastlink North, which opens up the opportunity for the Rapids to gain some ground in their division. They will be playing at home four times until the end of the month; next home game is scheduled for Jan.12th when the Fredericton Red Wings come to town for an important matchup.
GAME RECAPS:
Despite a 4-2 loss Saturday night on home ice to the West Kent Steamers, the Rapids were only down by one score late in the third period despite being held to only 14 shots on goal.
Adam Lecours was once again instrumental in keeping his team in the game until the late stages of the contest. Jérémy Boulanger lit up the light on two occasions, his 8th and 9th goals of the season.
Then on Sunday afternoon in Amherst, the Rapids fell behind by a score of 4-0 through two periods of play before scoring three times in the final frame in a 6-3 defeat against the Ramblers.
Jérémy Boulanger scored his 10th of the campaign. Jonah Leard and Tristan Sanchez completed the scoring for Grand Falls who went 0 for 5 on the power play while being outshot 43 to 28.
Patrick Thibault
TEAM NEWS AND STATS:
*After30 games, the Rapids have allowed a total of 121 goals while scoring 86 goals. Their plus/minus differential is at -35, which is ranked 6th in their division.
Grand Falls has a home record of 4 wins, 9 losses and 2 shootout defeats for 10 points while on the road, their record is at 4 wins, 10 losses and 1 shootout defeat for a total of 9 points.
*Following are the team leaders among different statistical departments:
-points: Jérémy Boulanger (30)
-goals: Jérémy Boulanger (10)
-assists: Jérémy Boulanger (20)
-power play goals: Tate Brenner, Jérémy Boulanger and Ethan Johnson (3)
-power play points: Ethan Johnson (14)
-shorthanded goals: Zacharie Charest and Tristan Sanchez (1)
-winning goals: Zacharie Charest (3)
*Adam Lecours is 7th in the league in goals-against average with 3.20 and 8th in save percentage at 0.904.
THE RAPIDS UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
*Thursday January 4: Rapids vs Edmundston (7:30 pm)
*Saturday January 6: Rapids at Miramichi (7:00 pm)