AMHERST – Ben Berisha continued his torrid scoring pace, firing two goals as the Amherst Ramblers defeated the Weeks Crushers 3-2 in Maritime Junior Hockey League action here Saturday.
Berisha, who had two goals and an assist in Friday’s 4-2 in over the Bridgewater Lumberjacks, scored on a nice setup from Maxime Richard late in the first period after rookie Josh Pugsley tipped a Cam McDonald point shot just 23 seconds into the game.
“It was a big win,” Ramblers’ captain Kody Orr said. “We knew it was going to be a physical game and we came out hard and jumped on them early. The boys battled hard the whole game, you can’t ask for anything more.”
Orr said the team put in a solid defensive effort, especially in the third period when the Crushers were pushing for the equalizer.
“They’re a feisty team. We buckled down after they made it 3-2 and tightened up defensively,” he said.
Orr said the two wins were key as the club, allowing the Ramblers to keep pace with both Truro and Yarmouth.
“We know they are playing good hockey right now and we have to keep winning to stay with them,” Orr said. “This was a huge win for us.”
Pugsley picked up his second goal of the season and credits linemates Jeff MacPherson and Brett Shute for the success he has had so far.
“We’re playing really good right now. Everyone is working hard and it’s paying off,” Pugsley said. “It’s important to get wins right now.”
John Mullaley and Jordan McInnis scored for the Crushers, who made things interesting in the final 10 minutes of the game.
Richard Tingley faced 24 shots to earn the win, while Brandon Thibeau took the loss. He faced 30 shots.
The Ramblers are home Wednesday to face the Miramichi Timberwolves. Game time is 7:30 p.m. The club is in Woodstock on Friday and in Truro to face the Eastlink Division-leading Bearcats on Sunday.
On Friday in Bridgewater, Berisha had two goals and an assist for the Ramblers. Richard and Ryan Caswell also scored. McDonald had two assists and Patrick Harrison, Brock Morrison and Dylan Brake each had one assist.
Jeremy Butterworth and Cody Coffin scored for Bridgewater.
Tingley earned the win in goal for the Ramblers.
dcole@amherstdaily.com
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