Ramblers Rally for 5-4 Shootout Win Over Valley

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BERWICK, N.S. — The Amherst Ramblers battled back from multiple deficits Wednesday night, earning a thrilling 5-4 shootout victory over the Valley Wildcats at the Kings Mutual Century Centre.

Amherst got off to a quick start, with Zach Wheeler scoring just 34 seconds into the game. Coen Miller and Elliot Wright picked up assists on the opening goal. Valley responded with two goals of its own before Amherst drew even late in the opening period. Elliott Duval scored on the power play at 15:53, with Brock Lyons and captain Jeremie Richard recording the assists, sending the teams to the first intermission tied 2-2.

The Wildcats regained the lead midway through the second period, scoring on the power play at 6:29. Despite several opportunities, the Ramblers were unable to find the equalizer in the middle frame and entered the third period trailing 3-2.

Amherst came out strong in the third, with Miller tying the game at 9:19 after taking a pass from Nathaniel Noah. Just over a minute later, Elliot Wright put the Ramblers ahead 4-3, with Lyons and Owen Dyke assisting.

Valley refused to go quietly, however, tying the game with just 1:52 remaining in regulation to force overtime. Neither team was able to find the winner during the five-minute extra frame, sending the game to a shootout.

Amherst goaltender Brandon Lavoie stood tall in the shootout, while Jonathan Lau and Miller both converted their attempts. Christian White was unable to convert on Amherst’s third attempt, but Valley’s shooters were unable to beat Lavoie. Aidan Bent scored for the Wildcats, but Felix Pronovost and Ryan Fletcher were both stopped, giving the Ramblers the 5-4 victory.

Lavoie turned aside 39 of 43 shots over 65 minutes to earn the win and was named one of the game’s three stars. Valley goaltender Jack Bell stopped 27 of 32 shots in the loss.

Both teams finished 1-for-5 on the power play. Amherst was assessed 14 minutes in penalties, while Valley had 16 minutes. The victory improves the Ramblers’ record to 2-1-0 on the 2026-27 season.