Sep 27, 2014 | dstevens | 349 views
Blues Drop Regular Season Opener to Blades
The Dundas Blues Bantam AE squad opened their 2014/2015 regular season on September 27th at the Market Street Arena, dropping a tight 3-1 decision to the Lincoln Blades. The visitors scored an empty netter in the final minute to seal it.
Off the opening face-off, both teams came out skating. The Blades, who only dressed 9 skaters, were the more impressive side in the first period, outshooting the Blues 9-7, but the game remained scoreless after one.
Just over five minutes into the second period, the visitors struck first. Dundas held the edge in play for the rest of the period, but the Lincoln goalie was outstanding, including a highlight reel save on a great 2-on-1 play by Willie Tanner and Kevin Rorie. Great pass, great finish, but unfortunately for the home side, better save. Finally, in the waning seconds of the frame, the Blues got on the board, as Tommy Stevens held the puck in at the blueline, and Jaden Vallentin found Mason Baker in the slot. Baker's shot glanced off a Lincoln defenseman and into the net, tying the score with a period to play.
Early in the third, the Blades notched the winner on a nice odd man rush. Dundas outshot the visitors the rest of the way, but were unable to solve the Lincoln netminder. The empty netter sealed the win for the Blades.
The Blues held a 31-22 edge in shots on goal, but at the end of the day, the visitors worked harder, despite being outmanned.
Dundas returns to action on September 30th, when they travel to St. Catharines, to face Garden City Merritton AE. They return home on Saturday, October 4th, for an 8:30pm puck drop with Niagara On The Lake.