Rapids take 2-0 series lead over Hurricanes in ECJLL Semi-Finals
SAINT JOHN, N.B. — The Saint John Rapids are one win away from punching their ticket to the East Coast Junior Lacrosse League Finals after taking a 2-0 series lead over the Halifax Hurricanes this weekend at the Lord Beaverbrook Rink.
Saint John exploded for a dominant 14-6 victory in Game 1 on Saturday afternoon before clawing their way to a thrilling 10-9 comeback win in Game 2 on Sunday.
Game 1: Rapids surge past Hurricanes with second-period outburst
In Saturday’s series opener, the Rapids and Hurricanes were tied 4-4 after 20 minutes, but it was all Saint John from there. The Rapids poured in seven goals in the second period, including three straight powerplay markers and a shorthanded tally, en route to a 14-6 win.
Riley Bissett led the offensive charge with four goals and three assists, while Drew Mason dished out seven helpers and added a goal for an eight-point performance. Kyristan Moffatt also chipped in with a hat trick and three assists.
Goaltender Noah Fletcher stood tall, stopping 47 of 53 shots in the win.
Saint John outshot Halifax 56-53, including a 20-16 edge in the third period. The Rapids held the Hurricanes scoreless in the final frame.
Jack Cowan paced Halifax with a hat trick, while Ben Eisner added two goals.
Game 2: Aldridge’s four-goal effort lifts Rapids in nail-biter
Sunday’s Game 2 was a different story. The Hurricanes threatened to even the series, but Chase Aldridge’s four-goal outing, including two in the third period, helped the Rapids hold on for a tight 10-9 win.
The Rapids built a 3-2 lead in the first before trading punches in a wild second period. Halifax scored four times in the middle frame—including two by Jack Cowan—to tie the game 6-6 heading into the third.
Saint John opened the third with three straight goals, capped by back-to-back markers from Aldridge just 19 seconds apart. Halifax responded late, but the Rapids held their ground defensively to seal the win.
Mason and Aldridge combined for 10 points, while Joseph Webster quietly added four assists.
Fletcher made 35 saves on 44 shots in the crease.
Cowan again led Halifax with three goals and three assists, while Declan Pettit and Kylian Holloway each had multi-point efforts.
What’s next
The best-of-five semi-final shifts to Halifax for Game 3. The Rapids can clinch a berth in the ECJLL Finals with a win. Game time is set for Saturday, July 26 at 3 p.m. at the Spryfield Lions Rink.
(PHOTO: Jason Greeley)
