Admirals Drop Pair To Start 2024-25 Season

The Amherstburg Admirals dropped both of their season-opening games this weekend in losses to the Lakeshore Canadiens and Dresden Kings.

On Friday night in Lakeshore, the Admirals turned in a solid first game against the defending Ontario-champions. After falling behind 3-0 in the first period, two power-plays goals from Dallas Kelly and Drew Booker brought the visitors within a goal, but the Canadiens would respond quickly to get their two-goal cushion back. Trailing 6-2 in the third, Brett Jones got one back for the Admirals but it would be as close as they would get in a 6-3 Lakeshore win.  Drew Booker had a goal and an assist, while Russell Vaughan made 27 saves in goal.

The Admirals were back in action the following night as they hosted the Dresden Kings in the team’s home-opening game at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg. After some good chances and a scoreless opening 10 minutes, the visiting Kings scored 23 seconds into the middle frame and then struck again less than two minutes later to take a 2-0 lead. From there, there were able to hold the fort, largely in thanks to goaltender Ty Golden who turned aside all 34 Admirals shots, including some close calls around his crease. The Dresden goalie was the difference in the game and was easy choice as First Star. Overall for the game the Admirals had the edge in shots and chances but could not solve Golden and the buzzer sounded with the visitors leaving the ice with the win.

Admirals rookie netminder Russell Vaughan helped keep his team in the game, stopping 27 of the 29 Dresden shots and earning Third Star of the game. Fellow rookie Rory Sandison also turned in a strong game up front.

The Admirals will now prepare for a challenging three-game road set this week where they will travel to Walpole Island on Thursday, Mooretown on Saturday, and then will close out the weekend with a trip to Blenheim to take on the Blades on Sunday night.