Admirals Pick Up Signature Win Over Blenheim, Fall In Close Game vs. Essex

The Amherstburg Admirals put forth an incredible third period comeback to defeat the Blenheim Blades this past Thursday, before dropping a close game against the Essex 73’s at home on Saturday.

Trailing 4-1 heading into the third period in Blenheim, the Admirals closed the deficit to one before the Blades regained their two-goal lead with 2:17 remaining in the game. Picking up a penalty following the Blenheim goal, Amherstburg would miraculously score two goals shorthanded, including a hat-trick goal by Jake Archer, to tie the game and force overtime. In extra time, Ryan Dufour converted a well-placed shot for the game-winner and an exciting and unlikely comeback victory.

Archer’s three goals led the offense, while linemate Stefan Jacobs had 1 goal and 2 assists. Dufour had a goal and an assist, while forward Owen Papulkas and defenseman Jadyn each had a pair of helpers. Josh Courtney made 26 saves to earn the win in goal.

Remkarably, It was the first win of the year by one of the bottom four teams in the Stobbs West division over one of the top four teams.

Returning to home ice on Saturday to take on the second-place Essex73’s, the Admirals continued to show signs of their much improved play. Essex’s Liam Hall and Amherstburg’s Braeden Armstrong traded goals in the first period to leave the score tied at 1-1 throuh 20 minutes of play. 73’s captain Gabe Piccolo scored two goals four minutes apart midway through the second, until Admirals forward Layne Crispin went coast-to-coast for one of the nicest goals of the year to put the score at 3-2 in favour of the visitors through two periods of play.

Goaltender Josh Courtney kept it a one-goal game for much of third, until Carter Dembinski got one by him for the all important insurance marker at 13:56 of the period. Piccolo would later compelte his hat-trick with a shorthanded goal and the final scoring play of the night in a 5-2 73’s win. Courtney was stellar throughout for the Admirals, making 35 saves and earning the game’s 3rd star.

Now trailing Dresden by just one point for sixth in the Stobbs division, the Admirals will play two key games next week. The team will be in Mooretown for the final time this regular-season on Saturday night, and will then host Dresden in a vital game on Sunday night,. Game-time at the Libro Centre on Sunday night is 7:00 PM.