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Blades Drop 2-1 Decision to Aurora, Shift Focus to Playoffs

Kamil Tkaczuk (8) escapes an opposing Aurora defenseman during the third period. | Scott Ellis - The Hockey House
Kamil Tkaczuk (8) escapes an opposing Aurora defenseman during the third period. | Scott Ellis - The Hockey House

The Oakville Blades were unsuccessful in defeating the league leading Aurora Tigers on Saturday, dropping a 2-1 decision on the road during the final regular season match of the year.

The hometown Tigers got off to a strong start. With the very first shot Oakville native and NHL draft prospect Callum Fryer took a solid wrist shot from the point, beating Brendan McGlynn over the glove for the first goal of the game.

The Blades were left with five defenseman early on in the contest. Austin Broadhurst was given a game misconduct with seven minutes off the clock in the period, after hitting a Tigers attacked hard into the boards from behind. A few minutes later, Brandon Hughes was clipped in the face from an opposing stick, but fortunately was able to stick around for the remainder of the game.

The Blades had a few good scoring chances early on, but Marcus Semiao was up to the challenge. Oakville’s best chance came at the halfway mark when Max Lindsay broke in all alone on the breakaway. Unfortunately for Lindsay, Fryer caught up just in time, forcing Lindsay to shoot early. The shot wasn’t a bad one, but Semiao was right there to make the big blocker stop.

With five minutes off the clock in the second, the Tigers were able to snag a two goal lead. McGlynn had made some solid stops during the first few minutes of the second, but a crease crashing effort by Michael Laidley paid off as the Little Current, Ontario native was able to put one home for the 2-0 lead.

Neither team were able to add to the scoreboard late in the second, but a quick chance by Aurora almost made it 3-0. Vince Figliomeni, a trade deadline acquisition by the Tigers from the Mississauga Chargers, was able to beat McGlynn on the doorstep. It was ruled no good due to the net coming off its moorings.

The Blades were finally able to get on the board with under ten minutes remaining. Speedy star Ross Sloan was unsuccessful on his scoring attempt, but Semiao deflected the puck right to Kamil Tkaczuk who was able to knock in the puck on the doorstep. Brandon Hughes was just inches away from tying it up two minutes later, but unlike Tkaczuk, the scoring chance proved to be unsuccessful for the Blades sharpshooter.

With 1:25 left in the contest, the Blades made a last ditch effort to tie it up. With the net empty, Oakville recorded a couple quick scoring chances. The Blades had a few really good attempts at tying the contest up, but the attack proved to be too late as Aurora came out on top with the 2-1 victory.

The Blades will return to the ice for the opening round of the Ontario Junior Hockey League playoffs next Friday when the Orangeville Flyers come to town to begin the best-of-seven event. Hope to see you there!

Playoff schedule:

 

Friday, February 27th: Sixteen Mile Sports Complex

Saturday, February 28th: Alder Street Recreation Facility

Monday, March 2nd: Sixteen Mile Sports Complex

Wednesday, March 4th: Alder Street Recreation Facility

Friday, March 6th: Sixteen Mile Sports Complex

Saturday, March 7th: Alder Street Recreation Facility

Monday, March 9th: Sixteen Mile Sports Complex


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