Ramblers Fall 3-2 to Crushers in Season Opener

NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — The Amherst Ramblers opened the 2026-27 Maritime Hockey League regular season Thursday night, falling 3-2 to the Pictou County Weeks Crushers at the Pictou County Wellness Centre.

After a scoreless opening period, Pictou County broke the deadlock early in the second, scoring twice in a span of just over a minute to take a 2-0 lead. The Ramblers answered late in the period when Coen Miller found the back of the net on the power play at 18:21, with assists from Elliot Wright and Ty Peddigrew, cutting the Crushers’ lead to 2-1 heading into the third.

Pictou County restored its two-goal advantage early in the third period, but Amherst continued to battle. Brock Lyons brought the Ramblers back within one at 14:15, scoring off assists from Ben Manos and Zach Wheeler. Amherst pushed for the equalizer late, but Crushers goaltender George Gallant turned aside all remaining chances to preserve the 3-2 victory.

Brandon Lavoie made 35 saves for Amherst in the loss, while Gallant stopped 28 of 30 shots for Pictou County. The Ramblers went 1-for-1 on the power play, while the Crushers were held scoreless on two opportunities. Amherst returns to action Saturday, September 12, when the Ramblers host the Grand Falls Rapids in their home opener at Amherst Stadium.