The Acadie-Bathurst Titan completed an impressive comeback in their thrilling 4-3 victory over the Halifax Mooseheads, marking a significant moment as it was the final regular season matchup between the two teams in franchise history. As the Titan prepares to relocate to St. John's, Newfoundland, to become the Regiment at the end of the season, this game will hold a special place in the history books.
The Mooseheads started strong, establishing an early lead in the first period by dominating their opponents. Within the first six minutes, the Herd scored three goals, showcasing their offensive prowess. Braeden MacPhee initiated the scoring frenzy with a precise shot from the left faceoff circle, netting his 16th goal of the season. Following MacPhee's goal, Callum Aucoin quickly added to the Mooseheads' tally by scoring two goals in swift succession. The first goal came as he managed to flick the puck over the pad of Titan goaltender Joshua Fleming, and just 20 seconds later, Aucoin found the back of the net again by sliding a shot through Fleming's pads.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the third period as the Acadie-Bathurst Titan mounted a formidable comeback. Tyson Goguen played a pivotal role in this resurgence, scoring the first two goals for the Titan. His performance on the ice revitalized his team, fostering a sense of hope among the players and fans alike. In a nail-biting finish, with only three seconds remaining in regulation time, Colby Huggan netted the equalizer, sending the game into overtime and leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Overtime saw a continuation of intense action, and it was Emile Perron who ultimately sealed the victory for the Titan. His goal during extra time clinched the hard-fought win for Acadie-Bathurst, who have now showcased their capability of winning consecutive games by scoring crucial last-minute goals in regulation and then securing victories in overtime.
With the loss, the Halifax Mooseheads fell to a record of 17 wins, 32 losses, and 8 overtime losses. In contrast, the Titan improved their standings to 30 wins, 24 losses, and 2 overtime losses, highlighting their ascent in the league as they near the end of the season.
The game also saw individual accolades awarded to the players. Tyson Goguen's standout performance earned him the first star of the game, while Colby Huggan's impactful play was recognized with the second star. For the Mooseheads, Callum Aucoin received the third star, celebrating his first multi-goal game in the QMJHL, an achievement that contributed significantly to his team's early lead.
Looking ahead, the Mooseheads will return to action on Friday, March 7th, as they conclude their New Brunswick road trip by facing off against the Saint John Sea Dogs at TD Station. Puck drop for this highly anticipated game is set for 7 p.m., and fans can catch all the action on 95.7 NewsRadio.