September 30, 2017 - Saturday night, the Blades came back to the Four Seasons Centre looking to bounce back from a tough loss against the Moose last weekend. This was the Blades first test at home of the 2017-18 season against the Dells Ducks, who eliminated the Blades from playoffs last season. The Blades succeeded in their pursuit, prevailing 3-2. The Blades came out with a purpose, looking for vengeance, which was evidenced in the final two periods, as well as overtime. The Blades fought hard and dominated the Ducks in every zone with the end result turning in their favor. The Blades were able to bounce back from an early deficit to win the game 3-2 in overtime.

The game began slow, with both teams exchanging a few scoring opportunities. The Ducks ultimately struck first at the 12:53 mark of the first on a goal from the Ducks’ Stone Stelzl. Off the ensuing faceoff, the Ducks struck again just :13 after their first goal, as a puck rolled off of Ducks’ Alec Scarsella’s stick between Blades’ goaltender, Vinny Cappezza’s, legs. While the Ducks held a 2-0 for the majority of the first period, the Blades were able to strike at the end of the period, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Blades forward, Kyle Wadden, was able to bang home a rebound off a shot from Blades forward, Zach Bettmeng.

From the beginning of the second period until the end of the game, the Blades were in total control. In the final two periods and overtime, the Blades outshot the Ducks 34-12. The second period saw the Blades strike again at the 18:59 mark of the second period. Blades forward, Cody Arbelovsky, buried a shot on the powerplay with linemates, Zach Bettmeng and Kyle Wadden, receiving the assists.

On the scoreboard, the third period remained all square between both teams, but that was the extent that the game remained even. The Blades continued their domination, keeping the puck in the Ducks zone for the majority of the third period. When overtime came along, the Blades furthered the pressure and were able to outmatch the Ducks in overtime. On the first shift, Blades Defenseman, Luukas Kallioinen, ripped his first goal of his junior hockey career, with the assist going to Zach Bettmeng.

The Blades are back in action Saturday, October 7th at the Four Seasons Ice Center East. The Blades are, once again, looking to settle scores from last season, as they face one of their biggest rivals, Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings (4-0). Come out to watch your Blades take on a team that has yet to be dealt their first loss of the 2017-18 season.