The Saint John Rapids lit up the scoreboard Saturday night with an explosive 18-14 victory over the St. Margaret’s Bay Rebels

The Saint John Rapids lit up the scoreboard Saturday night with an explosive 18-14 victory over the St. Margaret’s Bay Rebels in a high-octane ECJLL showdown at Spryfield Lions Rink. 

The Rapids came out flying, erupting for seven first-period goals in a back-and-forth opening frame. After falling behind early, Saint John responded with a relentless offensive surge led by Ben Rooney, Felix Harding, and Chase Aldridge. Harding buried a pair in the opening period, while Sawyer King quarterbacked the attack with several key assists as the Rapids carried a 7-6 lead after one. 

The second period was every bit as intense, with both clubs trading goals in rapid succession. St. Margaret’s Bay briefly grabbed momentum midway through the frame, but the Rapids answered in dominant fashion. Harding completed his hat trick and kept rolling, Rooney found the back of the net for the eventual game-winner, and Aldridge added another clutch marker during a five-goal burst that swung the game firmly back in Saint John’s favour. The Rapids outscored the Rebels 7-5 in the middle frame to take a 14-11 lead into the third. 

Saint John refused to let up in the final period. Rooney and Aldridge continued their standout performances, while Morgan Mackinnon capped the night with a late goal to seal the statement win. The Rapids showed poise under pressure and continued to answer every challenge thrown their way in one of the league’s most entertaining contests of the season. 

Harding finished with six goals and multiple assists in a spectacular offensive performance, while Rooney recorded four goals, including the game-winner. Aldridge added four goals of his own, and King piled up assists throughout the night to fuel the Rapids’ transition game and offensive pressure. 

With the victory, the Rapids continue building momentum early in the ECJLL season and once again proved they can win high-tempo battles against tough competition.

PHOTO CREDIT - SHOTSBYSHELLEY