The Blades had a very successful two days at the OJHL’s Governors’ Showcase in Buffalo. The squad was able to come away from the tournament with some great individual performances, but more importantly, 4 points on the heels of back-to-back wins. The Blades have been playing strong ever since their win against league leading Collingwood (still the only loss that team has through 11 games) and now have built a 3-game win streak and tons of positive momentum.
Here’s a recap of what happened at the Governors’ Showcase:
Sept. 27th @ Haliburton Huskies (Governors’ Showcase)
Blades Top Players:
Johnston 1G, 2A
Taylor 1G, 2A
Donohoe 1G, 1A
The Oakville Blades saw the scoresheet get filled by their veterans once again as Donohoe, Clarke, Johnston and Taylor combined for the 4 goals Oakville scored on 26 shots. Those same veterans also combined for 9 points that night in a fantastic performance in front of the scouts. As a Blades fan, this is something that we love to see because we all know a strong veteran presence is necessary for deep playoff pushes. The overwhelmingly positive early returns are ideal to help the younger players relax and settle in a little before they can begin to provide supplementary scoring and make this team even more dangerous. A great win overall. The scouts were out in big numbers outside the Blades’ dressing room following the strong performance.
Sept. 28th vs Georgetown Raiders (Governors’ Showcase)
Blades Top Players:
Christensen 33/35 SVS .943 SV%
Johnston 1G, 2A
Clarke 2A
Another great game showcased two firsts in the OJHL. Firstly, Silas Crawford, who was acquired from the Elliott Lake Red Wings, now Vikings (NOJHL) potted his first goal in the OJHL in this showing. Beyond that, it would be very easy to sit here and highlight the outstanding performances produced once again by the more experienced Blades players, instead let’s talk about the youngest player on the team. Clarke and Johnston have been off to incredible starts to the OJHL season, but just as impressive was the performance of 16-year-old goalie Mikkel Christensen. Far and away the youngest player on the team, Christensen played his 1st game of the season (2nd OJHL game ever) in net and was stellar. Being put in the net for your first game as a rostered player is difficult, now add the pressure of the bright showcase lights and a historically strong team in Georgetown. #30 in net rose to the occasion making 33 saves and collected his first OJHL win! Throughout the entire game he looked very active in his net, shifting his weight laterally with speed and precision without sacrificing his positioning. Remember the name, Blades fans.
Up next:
Your Oakville Blades will be headed right back to the LECOM Harborcenter for the 2nd meeting of the season against the Buffalo Jr. Sabres. The game will take place Oct. 4th at 7:45PM where the Blades will look to avenge their double overtime loss earlier this season. After that matchup, the team will play Friday and Saturday games at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex against a bitter rival the Burlington Cougars for the annual ‘Pink in the Rink’ game in support of Wellspring Birmingham Gilgan House in Oakville sponsored by Remax Team Logue, and the first ever game against the Leamington Flyers! Plenty of Blades hockey to get excited about this week! Go Blades Go!
By Ty Brooks
