Ramblers Stun Crushers with Overtime Comeback

The Amherst Ramblers continued their 2025–26 preseason action tonight in New Glasgow, storming back from a two-goal deficit to defeat the Pictou County Crushers 4–3 in overtime Wednesday night at the Pictou County Wellness Centre.

Amherst wasted little time getting on the board. Just 1:52 into the first period, Owen Aura buried the season’s first goal, with Cooper Cormier and Elliot Wright picking up the assists. The Crushers answered on the power play later in the frame, as Matthew McDonald tied the game at 14:46, and the teams went to the intermission deadlocked at 1–1.

Pictou County took over in the second period, scoring twice to seize momentum. Alex Christmas gave the Crushers the lead at 13:37 off a setup from Trent Stewart and Ben Wallace, and Logan Crosby extended it just a few minutes later, finishing a feed from Cade Moser and Kingsley Austin to make it 3–1 heading into the third.

The Ramblers turned the tide in the final period. Bailey Shortall got Amherst back within one with a power-play goal at 8:58, assisted by Cooper Cormier and Anthony Gaudet, before striking again with just over five minutes remaining to even the score at 3–3. Ethan Fraser and Odile Greiner drew helpers on the tying goal as Amherst forced overtime.

With the game on the line, it was Cooper Cormier who played hero in extra time. At 2:51 of overtime, he beat the Crushers’ goaltender off a feed from Anthony Gaudet and Ryan Dawe, completing the comeback and sealing a dramatic win for the Ramblers.

Despite being outshot 40–25, Amherst got strong performances in goal. Lyam Leblanc made 30 saves on 33 shots through regulation before Hudson Bradley came in and turned aside all seven shots he faced in the thrid and overtime. Pictou County’s Yanni Karkoulas stopped 21 of 25 in a losing effort.

The Ramblers’ power play finished 1-for-4 on the night, while the Crushers went 1-for-3 with the man advantage.

Amherst now looks to build on the thrilling win as they continue their preseason schedule on Saturday as the Crushers roll into town.