BLADES PLAYOFF HOPES DROWNED BY LAKERS

The Blenheim Blades had 2 games remaining in their season and needed all four points to have a shot at getting into this year’s playoffs, but it would be an uphill battle all the way as the final two games for the Blades would be against The Wallaceburg Lakers and the Belle River Canadiens.

Pre-game ceremonies were held before The Blades Final Home Game and The Community Futures Development Corporation of Chatham-Kent presented The Blenheim Blades with a cheque for $9,100.00 that will be used towards new flooring in The Blades Dressing Room. The Executive, Management and Players of The Blenheim Blades would like to thank The CFDCCK for the funding support and their continued contributions towards the development of youth in our communities.

The Blades started strong against The Lakers coming out and getting the first goal of the game as Thomas Innes too a nice feed from Jamie Aikin and Alex Seguin and then fired a wrist shot over the Wallaceburg Goalie at 5:26. However penalty trouble near the end of the period would put Blenheim one goal down giving up power play goals at 18:16 and 19:30 of the first period.

The Blenheim “Hips” held a 10 minute exhibition during the first intermission perhaps showcasing some future Blades Talent.

The Blades would come out hard and fast in the second realizing their playoff lives were at stake and at 7:17 The Blades would pull even. Taylor Phillips took a pass from Jamie Aikin and Jarrod Oliphant to break in alone and was able to get the Wallaceburg Goalie moving and slid the puck into the net while The Blades were short-handed. Despite their strong play in the second period The Lakers just proved to be too much for The Blades to handle. Brian Hopkins scored to restore the one goal lead for Wallaceburg at 14:57 and Norm Leger followed with a goal at 17:41 giving Wallaceburg a 4-2 lead going in to the final period.

Butzer’s Home Improvements sponsored the traditional Chuck-A-Puck in the second intermission providing one FREE puck to everyone 16yrs old and young that were attending the game. Thanks to Butzer’s Home Improvements for their continued and generous support of The Blenheim Blades Organization.

Once again The Blades came out firing in the third period and again they were rewarded when Taylor Phillips tipped home a Dan Paget shot from the point pulling The Blades within one at 7:12 of the third. Johnathan Croley drew the other assist on Phillip’s second goal of the game. The Blades would keep pressing hard but just couldn’t catch a break and then at 14:01 Ryan Lounsbury scored taking all of the wind from The Blades sails and drowning any hope of post season play this year.

Blades Captain Dan Paget, Assistant Captain Aaron Blonde & Jamie Aikin will all play in their final Junior “C” Hockey Games this Friday when The Blades finish up their 2009-2010 Season in Belle River against Les Canadiens. The Blenheim Blades Executive, Management and Coaching Staff would like to thank Dan, Aaron & Jamie for their dedication, leadership and commitment to The Blenheim Blades Organization and wish them the very best as they move forward in life. Also to note, 16 year old rookie Alex Seguin will try and add to his outstanding season totals on Friday as he currently sits in third place for overall league scoring. Friday’s Game Time is scheduled for 7:30PM.

Last Sunday evening the Blenheim Blades Junior 'C' Hockey Club gratefully accepted support from the Community Futures Development Corporation of Chatham-Kent together with the Federal Economic Agency for Southern Ontario and Industry Canada. Funding for the program was made possible through Canada's Economic Action Plan. Presenting a cheque of $9,100 to Blades President Matthew Frain and Assistant Captain Aaron Blonde, is Christine Muckle - Treasurer CFDCCK and Carol Emery - Executive Director CFDCCK. The funds will be used towards new flooring needed in the Blades dressing room.