Blades Edge Kings 4-2, Advance

The Blenheim Blades beat the Dresden Kings 4-2 Friday to advance to the second round against Amherstburg – Photo by Heather Jones/ Blenheim Blades

The Blenheim Blades have advanced to the second round of the Great Lakes Jr C playoffs after a 4-2 win in Dresden Friday night, winning the series by the same score.

More than 1,100 people crowded into the Lambton Kent Memorial Agriculture Centre to see Drew Marlatt lead the way for Blenheim with two goals in the series clincher, including a dagger on a giveaway in the Dresden zone with 2:02 left in regulation. Marlatt’s second of the game sealed the 4-2 final.

Dustin Maines and Nick Delyzer also scored for Blenheim while Dillon Liberty and Steven Funk each scored first period goals for Dresden.

Blenheim’s starting goaltender Klinton Kenney was pulled after giving up Dresden’s second goal – an unassisted coast to coast effort from Funk at the 7:52 mark of the first. Eric Stewardson replaced Kenney and was a stalwart between the pipes, turning away all 34 shots he faced, including several quality scoring opportunities from the Kings.

Travis Moore was solid in the pipes for Dresden in Game 6 and throughout the series. Moore turned away 27 of 31 shots.

Senior players from Dresden who suited up for the last time include Taylor Sisson, Derrick VanEvery and Derek Daly.

Blenheim will open the second round at home against the Amherstburg Admirals on Tuesday night. Amherstburg swept Wheatley 4-0 and outscored the Sharks 24-7 in the opening round.

Essex awaits the winner of Mooretown and Lakeshore, tied at three games after a 4-3 Canadiens win Friday night.