SPRINGHILL – The Cumberland County Blues returned to hockey action Friday night against the Antigonish Bulldogs on their home turf at the Springhill arena.
The Blues took an early lead in the game when Serge Boisvert, assisted by Michael McLure, and Ryan Ingraham, assisted by Devon Despres, scored two goals in the first period.
Jessie Colburne brought in the second period’s first goal, unassisted, for the Blues, during the power play. The Bulldogs took advantage of the five-on-three power play and scored their first goal of the game, scored by Bobby Hammer, assisted by Christopher Alguire and Will Bursey, bringing the score to 3-1.
The Blues continued with their lead, bringing in a fourth goal scored by Zac Black, with Nicholas Doucet and Jessie Colburne earning assists. Boisvert scored the Blues’ final goal of the night with McLure and Black both earning assists, bringing the score to 5-1. But the Bulldogs weren’t ready to throw in the towel and scored the final goal of the game, scored by Steven MacGillivray.
Blues coach Rob McLure couldn’t have been more pleased with the win.
“It was a long lay off so they had to come up with a plan and they had to play hard,” said McLure. “We had to keep it simple. They had to take possession and jump on their chances. They had to remember their defensive plan and put in a good effort.”
McLure said he was pleased to have the newest addition to the Blues line up, Nicholas Doucet, out on the ice and earning an assist on a goal.
“He helped a lot,” the coach said. “My lines are starting to gel and we had some great pick ups from some of our other new players.”
The coach was equally pleased with goal tender Mathieu Caron’s performance.
“We stuck to the plan and played great,” said Caron. “I was there and made some great saves for my team and they were there for me too. I made a couple of saves; a couple of rebounds and the defence was there to clear out. (The win) feels good and we needed it.”
McLure and Caron both said they feel the team is getting stronger with their game, especially after the latest trades.
After their Friday night win, the Blues now trail two points behind the Bulldogs for a playoff spot.
The Blues travel to Antigonish Sunday night in another face off against the Bulldogs.
jturner@amherstdaily.com
