Blades Take Series Lead with Double OT Win

Matt Clark hid his red cape underneath his Blenheim Blades jersey, scoring in double overtime on Saturday night to give the Blades a 6-5 win and a 2-1 series lead over the Dresden Jr Kings.

Clark had already had a memorable evening with a shorthanded goal and two assists before he netted the game-winner in an epic playoff encounter. One of Clark’s assists helped set up Brayden Hopkins’ game-tying goal with 25 seconds left in regulation, forcing overtime.

Clark’s four points on the night have him tied at the top of the playoff scoring list with two goals, five assists and seven points through three post-season games. Team mates Brayden Hopkins and Drew Marlatt are right behind him with six points.

That trio (Clark, Hopkins and Marlatt) combined for 12 points in game three. Hopkins also had four points on the night – a hat trick and an assist on Clark’s OT winner. Marlatt had four helpers in the win. Former Wallaceburg Laker George Wood scored the other Blades goal. Klinton Kenney turned away 38 shots.

Kevin Ritzer opened the scoring for the Jr. Kings. Taylor Sisson (power play goal) and Isaac McLean (short handed goal) helped out on the special teams front, with Dillon Liberty and Will Tetzlaf also finding twine for Dresden. Kings captain Derrick VanEvery had three assists. Sisson and Liberty each finished with one goal and an assist for Dresden. Travis Moore made 42 saves.

The Blades offensive depth has been a story-line througout the season, and has been matched by the Jr Kings throughout the last two games, providing some very entertaining hockey with a promising finish awaiting local fans.

Game 4 is Friday in Dresden at 7:30. The game can be heard live on 99.1 CKXS and streamed online at www.ckxsfm.com