The Rapids were in action twice on home ice last weekend to kick-off the 2024-2025 MHL regular season schedule. Facing fierce opponents, including the defending champs, Grand Falls dropped both contests, allowing 6 goals per game.
As expected, there will have to be an adjustment period due to many new players entering the lineup this season. Getting time to adapt to the level of play of the league and getting to know their teammates is what the new additions will have to work on in the upcoming days.
Of those who played at least one game last weekend, only two defensemen are making a return while six forwards are also among those who played on the team last season.
Last Friday in the season opener, the Rapids were able to tie the score 1-1 in the opening period, but Miramichi scored three times in the middle frame to capture a 6-2 victory. Brayden Campbell and Brody Pare were the goal scorers for Grand Falls who was outshot 41 to 26.
Then on Sunday afternoon, once again at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre, the EdmundstonBlizzard sent a total of 63 shots on goal as they went on to win by a score of 6-1. Nicholas Brennan scored the Rapids’ goal.
If there is one stat that needs to be better for the upcoming games, it has to be the number of shots allowed to opponents.
Greg Leland’s squad will be on the road this weekend for two games. Saturday night, they travel to Fredericton to meet the Red Wings at the Grant-Harvey Centre (7pm) while on Sunday at 4pm, Grand Falls will visit the West-Kent Steamers.
The Rapids will aim to get in the win column and try to finish off the first month of the season on a winning note.
Patrick Thibault
TEAM NEWS AND STATS
*Adam Lecours was in goal for the two games played by the Rapids, posting a saves percentage of 0.885.
*The Rapids were penalized for 82 minutes in total during the first two games of the season, allowing two power play goals.
*The Rapids’ organization announced that they have traded 2005-born forward Marcellus Francis to the Yarmouth Mariners. In return, the Rapids receive a 2025 7th-round draft pick.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE:
*The Edmundston Blizzard and MiramichiTimberwolves are off to a flying start to their season, having both won their first two games as they sit atop the EastLink North division standings.
The Yarmouth Mariners have also won twice as they take an early lead in the EastLink South.
*Scoring was at its best to start off the season; a total of 10 players registered at least 5 points already to their records.
The first week scoring leader is Thomas Larouche of Yarmouth who finished with a 3g 3a performance for 6 points. He is followed by Matt McRae of Fredericton (1g 5a) and Jaden Reyers of Amherst who scored 5 goals in only one game played.
Jack Flanagan of the Miramichi Timberwolves is the only netminder to have won two starts, posting a 1.00 goals against average.
THE RAPIDS UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
*Saturday September 21: Rapids at Fredericton vs Rapids (7:00 pm)
*Sunday September 22: Rapids at West Kent(4:00 pm)