Blades Hand 73s Rare Loss

The Essex 73s have yet to lose in regulation, but the Blenheim Blades handed the powerhouse their first loss in overtime.

After Chatham’s Brett Clarke took a penalty late in the game for Essex, that carried into overtime, Blenheim defenseman Corbin Hagerman potted the game winning goal, lifting Blenheim to a 5-4 overtime win.

In the opening frame, Blenheim’s big names hit the scoresheet when needed. A trio of Chatham-Kent skaters, Drew Marlatt of Chatham, hometown boy Cam Aitken of Blenheim, and Jordan Durston of Wallaceburg all scored for the Blades to give the Blades a 3-2 lead after one.

Following a scoreless second period, Essex tied the game and temporarily took the lead before Durston scored his second of the game to send the game to overtime where Hagerman ended things.

Goalie Justin Pratt was solid between the pipes for the Blades, stopping 38 shots in the win.

Blenheim is about to enter a busy week, playing five games in eight days, including a road game in Amherstburg Saturday, and a home game against Dresden this Sunday.