Ramblers Open Home Schedule with 5-1 Win Over Rapids

AMHERST, N.S. — The Amherst Ramblers opened their home schedule with an impressive win Saturday night, cruising to a 5-1 victory over the Grand Falls Rapids at Amherst Stadium.

The Ramblers wasted little time getting on the board, with Zach Wheeler opening the scoring at 3:58 of the first period. Wheeler took a feed from Elliot Wright and Brock Lyons to give Amherst a 1-0 lead heading into the second period.

Amherst added to its advantage in the middle frame. Wright doubled the lead at 8:28, assisted by Wheeler and Jonathan Lau, before Lyons made it a 3-0 game late in the period with a goal at 18:33, set up by Lau.

Wheeler struck again just 1:57 into the third period, scoring his second of the night with assists from Wright and Coen Miller. Grand Falls would get on the board at 8:14, but the Ramblers quickly restored their four-goal advantage when Lau scored at 15:54, with Lyons and Ty Peddigrew picking up the assists.

Brandon Lavoie turned aside 34 of the 35 shots he faced to earn the victory for Amherst, while Grand Falls goaltender Dax Robichaud made 24 saves. The Ramblers finished the night 0-for-4 on the power play, while the Rapids went 0-for-3 with the man advantage.

Wheeler and Lyons were named two of the game’s three stars, with Lavoie also earning star honours. A crowd of 775 was on hand at Amherst Stadium for the Ramblers’ home opener.

The victory gives Amherst its first win of the 2026-27 Maritime Hockey League season following Thursday night’s 3-2 loss to the Pictou County Weeks Crushers.