SWMHSHL Tourney: Blades 9 United 1

The second game of the SWMHSHL playoffs began in unusual fashion tonight. Kalamazoo United, the leagues last place team, jumped ahead on the scoreboard when Brian Phillips beat Blades goaltender John Lloyd on the short side for a 1-0 lead. It was a shorthanded goal for Phillips with Matt Shettner earning the only assist. United then had 2 more great scoring chances on the same penalty kill, but Lloyd shut them down.

The Blades then took control of the game with 9 unanswered goals and the game was stopped with 4:05 remaining in the third period. Tyler Hatfield led the Blades with 3 goals and 2 assists giving him a five point evening. His final goal was scored on a penalty shot when a United defender was called for covering the puck with his glove in the goal crease. Hatfield made a nifty move to pull United goalie, Alex Westfall, far to his left. He then deposited the puck into the upper right corner to complete his Hat Trick. Jon Slhlden added 2 goals and an assist. Dan Merkle also scored 2 goals for the Blades. Jamison Russell and Zeke Bell rounded out the scoring for the Blades.

The Blades advance to the League Semi Finals this Saturday and will face Portage Northern. Game time is 5:00pm