Game, Set, Match, Dresden Kings

Nothing could stop the Dresden Kings in their opening round series against the Blenheim Blades. And for Dresden goalie Brent Paxton on Tuesday in Blenheim, there was nothing he couldn’t stop.

Paxton starred for the Dresden Kings throughout their best-of-seven series, but made a statement Tuesday night stopping all 28-saves he faced, leading the Kings to a 2-0 win in front of nearly 800 fans in Blenheim.

The win lifted the Kings to a 4-1 series win and moves them on to the second round of the Great Lakes playoffs, where they will face the Essex 73s.

After playing two scoreless periods, Dylan Mertz scored unassisted for the Dresden Kings, sending the Dresden faithful who made the trip south of the 401 to cheer on their team, into a frenzy.

Midway through the third period, after both teams exchanged chances, James Shelton scored what would be the final goal of the game, and a dagger into the Blenheim Blades’ side.

Dresden will now advance to play the first place Essex 73s, starting the series on the road in Essex.

In the other remaining series, Belle River eliminated the Wheatley Sharks, winning the series Tuesday evening by defeating Wheatley 4-3.