Admirals Drop Entertaining Game Against Blenheim

The Amherstburg Admirals started the new year with challenging games against two top teams in the Stobbs Division, ultimately dropping both to the Lakeshore Canadiens and the Blenheim Blades.

On Friday night in Lakeshore, rookie forward Ryan Dufour scored twice in a 8-3 loss to the first-place Canadiens. Goaltender Josh Courtney made 39 saves in defeat as Lakeshore outshot the Admirals 47-21 overall, on route to their twenty-first consecutive victory. Veteran forward Mitch Demelo, playing in just his third game of the season, scored the other Amherstburg goal.

The Admirals were back in action the following night as they played host to the Blenheim Blades. In what was the most entertaining game of the season at the Libro Centre, the Admirals held a 4-2 advantage after Connor Demelo scored his first of two on the night midway through the second period. That lead would quickly be squandered however, as the Blades went on to score five goals over the final 28 minutes of the game and took a spirited contest by a 7-5 final score.

Connor Demelo’s two goals earned him second star honours, while linemate Owen Papulkas’ three assists earned him first star in the loss. Ryan Dufour and Mitch Demelo each scored for the second straight game, with rookie blueliner Travis Knight finding the back of the net as well.

Despite the two losses, the Admirals showed that they are capable of pushing some of the league’s top teams, particularly in the game against Blenheim. The return of front-line centre Mitch Demelo has bolstered the club’s offense and depth, as they continue to get healthier from their season-long injury woes.

The Admirals and Blades will meet again this upcoming Thursday in Blenheim, before the Essex 73’s invade the Libro Centre on Saturday night.