Blenheim Blades Drop Shootout Thriller to Essex

Blenheim's Ben Campbell dashes in on an Essex defender - Photo by Ian Kennedy

The Blenheim Blades welcomed the Essex 73s to town Sunday night in Great Lakes Junior C action. After falling 5-1 to the Mooretown Flags Saturday, the Blades were hoping to redeem themselves in front of their home crowd, however, Blenheim fell 6-5 to Essex in a dramatic shootout.

Blenheim got out to an early 2-0 lead off goals from Ben Campbell and Taylor Phillips, however the experienced Essex 73s squad fought back to tie the game only minutes later. With 14 seconds remaining in the first period, John McKillop scored for Blenheim, a goal which should have been called off as the net was off before the puck crossed the line.

Ben Campbell finished the game for the Blades with a goal and two assists.

In the second period, Tyler Clarke and Neven Wiebenga helped Blenheim maintain their lead, before Essex tied the game midway through the third. Blenheim goaltender Dylan Vanderpol stood on his head in the third period as the Blades were outshot 18-5.

After overtime solved nothing, the Blades and 73s headed to a marathon shootout totally 14 shooters per team. Finally, Essex defenseman Tyler Raymont solved Vanderpol lifting the Essex 73s to a thrilling shootout win.

Blenheim next travels to Dresden, Friday, September 30 to face the Kings.