After suffering a defeat last Sunday the Blades won three consecutive games, so the 2018 winning streak continues. It started Thursday night in Newmarket's Ray Twinney Sports Complex when the Blades beat the Hurricanes 6-3.
Finally, they finished off with 2 victories against their West Division rivals, Georgetown Raiders. On Friday night the score was 4-1 on home ice. In Burlington on Saturday night, the Blades won 3-1. A great way to finish off 2018.
Blades' Spencer Kersten Return
Veteran Blades player Spencer Kersten returned on Thursday night . Kersten was away in Alberta, where he played with Team Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge. With a massive tournament, Spencer recorded five points. He tied for second place in points.
At the tournament, Spencer wasted no time recording three points with his line mate University of Toronto hockey team Kyle Potts. Kyle recorded his first Ontario Junior Hockey League Hat-Trick in the 6-Goal rout. Ryan Nicholson, Thomas Maia and Captain Peyton Reeves all scored in this one as well.
Friday's Game
Oakville Blades' Peyton Reeves #28 of battles with Raiders' Jaden Condotta #40 on December 21st; Photo Credit: Ryan McCullough- OJHL ImagesOakville Blades' Peyton Reeves #28 of battles with Raiders' Jaden Condotta #40 on December 21st; Photo Credit: Ryan McCullough- OJHL Images
On Friday evening, the Raiders played the Blades in the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. It was a very calm with only six penalties between the rivals.
Raiders forward Andrew Horsley scored the first goal of the game. In the first period the Blades' rookie forward Ryan O’Hara tied the hockey game. It was all Oakville from there on. Harrison Israels added his 16th goal of the season. Rookie Tanner McEachern scored, assisted by captain Peyton Reeves. With hard work, Reeves slotted the puck into the empty net icing the game in the third frame.
Saturday's Game
At Gordon Alcott Arena on Saturday night, the Blades visited the Raiders to complete their 3 in 3 week.
After being held pointless Friday night, Spencer Kersten got back on the score sheet with two assists. It began when he set up Holden Doggett who scored in the first period. The first goal for the Blades.
Former Georgetown Raiders forward Josh Nixon scored in the second period on the power play with a nice tap in at the side of the net. A major goal for him. It was an amazing goal against his former club.
Georgetown captain, Jake Payette gave the Raiders some life. He scored during a power-play goal late in the third frame. However, it was once again captain Peyton Reeves who slotted the puck into the empty net. The goal sealed the game for the Blades.
2018 Winning Streak Continues
Saturday's win closed out an undefeated week. Three wins in a row.
The Oakville Blades enter the Christmas break in first place in the OJHL...13 points ahead of the West Divisions Buffalo Jr. Sabres.
The Blades are the first team to reach 63 points with 30 wins.
They scored the most goals in the league, and gave up the third least goals against.
The Blades special teams are also clicking. They are the second best power play in the league and are in the top 10 for penalty killing. With seven shorthanded goals, the Blades also lead that category for the entire league this season.
Let’s not forget the Blades also close out 2018 ranked 3rd according to the weekly Canadian Junior Hockey League Rankings.
Next Game
Their first game of 2019 for the Blades will be back at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. It is on Friday, January 4, 2019 when they play the Brampton Admirals. The puck drops at 7pm.