That was more like it.

The Lewiston Maineiacs made the long drive worthwhile for the three dozen or so fans who made the long drive to see the team play, turning a goal each from Etienne Brodeur, Stefan Fournier and Michael Chaput and a 28-save effort from Nick Champion into a 3-1 victory over the Halifax Mooseheads at the Halifax Metrocentre on Thursday.

“We really did play well overall, Nick Champion made some big saves and we played well with the lead,” Maineiacs’ coach J.F. Houle said.

Brodeur’s goal, only 10 seconds into the second period, was his 48th of the season, setting a new team single-season record.

“I honestly didn’t even see his goal go in,” Houle admitted. “It’s great for him to get the record. We’re all happy for him.”

Lewiston dominated the first period, but had little to show for it. The Maineiacs carried the momentum into the locker room, though, after killing off a 5-on-3 during which Champion made two stellar sliding saves.

“That was huge for us, for the momentum,” Houle said. “Those were big saves at a good time.”

Brodeur stunned the Mooseheads with a goal just 10 seconds into second on a feed from Olivier Dame-Malka, putting the Maineiacs in control.

Fournier added his later in the frame, this one on the power play with help from Bryce Milson.

“He stuffed at it and jammed at it until it went in,” Houle said. “That was a big one.”

Bigger still was Chaput’s tally, his 23rd of the season, less than eight minutes into the third.

“After he got that one, we played well with the lead,” Houle said. “We gave up one goal, but Champion made some good saves, too.”

Francis Turbide netted the Mooseheads’ lone goal later in the third to cap the scoring.

The Maineiacs next play a pair of road games in Prince Edward Island against the Rocket, Friday night and Saturday night, before returning home for a pair against Gatineau on March 11 and 13.