Blenheim News Tribune

04/20/2024

The Blenheim Blades' family is in mourning again as they learned of the passing of former player Thomas Innes at age 33. Innes played four years for the Blades and was the Great Lakes Jr. C scoring champion in 2011-12. He returned to Blenheim every year to play in the alumni game. The Blenheim News-Tribune extends its condolences to the Innes family and to the Blades' family.

04/20/2024

https://www.alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca/obituaries/Craig-Spence?obId=31235800&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3xCl-###8gAYdqK1wVElfj0HuUw5scQQriTpH47Izce0GWY6doPU543f4_aem_Ad_Lo1lg7NgrvR32E6APcw14DkQnO3PuzKYvtQHRV8Dssn9ghRQLmYqsn7r4KfbecAWq2MzxvJIlaVSmmKwcmkr9 #/obituaryInfo

View Craig Spence's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/17/2024

The Blenheim News-Tribune extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Craig Spence and to the entire Blenheim Blades' family after the tragic loss of The Captain on Tuesday. While he was only a Blade for a short period of time, it was very apparent the kind of person Craig was by his leadership skills on and off the ice, his determination and commitment to his teammates and organization, his genuine friendliness with fans, and his politeness and respect he showed everyone. He made a positive impact on the Blades and the community.

04/15/2024

CHANGES TO GARBAGE COLLECTION

Garbage Remindersm the do’s and dont's of residential and business garbage collection.
• Garbage bags are no longer acceptable as curbside containers. Only automatically serviceable carts (toter carts) will be acceptable.
• Any material that prevents the lid of the wheeled garbage cart (toter cart) from closing flat is considered excess. If you have excess garbage, your wheeled garbage cart will not be emptied.
• Material placed in the wheeled garbage cart must be contained in a bag or in a box.
• Wheeled garbage carts that are not properly placed at the curb will not be emptied, and they are the property owner's responsibility. For more information, see our Wheeled Garbage (Toter) Cart Placement Instructions
• You can request the curbside collection of up to three bulk items, such as furniture, appliances, mattresses, etc., once every quarter. This service is separate from your weekly garbage limit.
• To book your pickup, please submit a request at least seven days before your collection date through Recycle Coach's web-based or mobile app. You can also ask our customer service reps for help with Recycle Coach.
• Excess garbage is the responsibility of the property owner. Excess garbage in moderate amounts can be taken to Harwich Transfer Station or Wallaceburg Transfer Station for disposal. Cash-only fees will apply.
• The Municipality reserves the right to clean up or collect garbage left at the curb and invoice the property owner accordingly.
• Litter that is created as a result of crows or animals ripping garbage bags open or turning over containers is the owner's responsibility to clean up.
• Appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, freezers, washing machines, etc., are not accepted at the curb. Please refer to transfer stations for disposal options or consider donating.
• E-waste, tires and scrap metal items are also not accepted at the curb. Please refer to transfer stations for disposal options.
Photo shows furniture and bags of leaves.
Remember that this WILL NOT BE PICKED UP

03/27/2024

Security beefed up at Council meetings
Municipal administration has beefed up security at the Civic Centre on Council nights in advance of a safety report that is expected to be finalized next month.
Michael Duben, Chatham-Kent Chief Administrative Officer, said at the start of Monday night's meeting that safety measures were put in place immediately.
“We have unfortunately and regrettably, over the last little while, have had incidents of suspicious behaviour in the building in and around council meetings,” Dubin said.
At the end of the March 18 Council meeting, Mayor Darrin Canniff asked Councillors to remain seated while clearing spectators and media from the chambers, saying “there is something we need to talk about very briefly.”
It has been learned that during the meeting, police twice escorted a suspicious man from the Council chambers.
People attending Monday night's meeting were met by a security guard at the front entrance to the Civic Centre as passes were issued to all visitors and media.
Duben said the purpose is to keep track of who and how many people are in the building.
“We feel pretty strongly that we need to make people feel secure while they're in the building,” Duben said.
“This is about the safety of not just Council but staff and visitors that come here to participate in the process.
“Unfortunately this is not just an issue in Chatham-Kent, there have been a number of municipalities that have had to deal with violent behaviour in Council chambers.”
Duben said staff has already been working on a safety plan with recommended changes to the physical space of the Council chambers.
“We had planned on coming forward with a report to Council in five or six weeks, but rather than wait for that report to be ready, we thought we'd take some temporary steps for now,” Duben said.
“We have an obligation to keep people secure and safe.
“We were hoping we wouldn't have to get to this but given some of the situations we've had to deal with, we really don't have any choice,” Duben said.
There have been a number of contentious issues that have come before Council since returning to full in-person meetings coming out of the pandemic that have caused division in the community and led to threats against Councillors.
There were no issues at Monday's meeting, which was over in 48 minutes.

03/23/2024

The Chatham-Kent Police would like to thank the public, as the missing youth has been found safe.

03/18/2024

And just like, one of the most successful seasons in Blenheim Blades history came to a sudden end with a four-game sweep by the Essex 73's in the PJHL Stobbs semifinals.
The 73's defeated the Blades 4-1 in front of 735 fans at The Rec Centre on Sunday night.
Landon Hoskins' power-play, on a great feed from Andrew Goulet, pulled the Blades even at one early in the second period – moments after goalie Jake Vancoillie made three big saves to deny the 73's a shorthanded goal and 2-0 lead.
But that was all the offence could muster as Seth Martinueau scored on an Essex power-play just past the midway mark of the second period to take a 2-1 lead, then tacked on two goals in the third for the finishing touches on the Game 4 victory and series win in four games.
Vancoillie was outstanding for a second straight night as the 73's held a 46-17 edge in shots.
The 2023-24 Blades had the most regular season wins (28) and points (58) in team history but ran into a more experienced team in the 73's, who will go on to meet the Lakeshore Canadiens for the sixth straight time in the championship final.
Congratulations to the Blades on a great season and for the excitement they brought to the fans and the entire community.
See the Wednesday, March 20 edition of The Blenheim News-Tribune for full Blades coverage.

03/17/2024

The Blenheim Blades will be fighting for their playoff lives when they host the Essex 73's on Sunday night at the Rec Centre.
The 73's took a 3-0 lead in the PJHL Stobbs Division semifinal with a 3-1 win in Essex tonight.
Jake Vancoillie stopped 48 shots in the Blades' net and kept the 73's off the board until Nate Dowling's goal at 16:12 of the second period tied the game at one.
Vancoillie kept the game tied when he stopped Gabriel Piccolo's penalty shot eight seconds into the third period.
But Dowling and Conor Dembinski scored goals 37 seconds apart midway through the third period to give the 73's their two-goal lead.
Matt Hayter put the Blades ahead five minutes into the second period.
The 73's outshot the Blades 51-19 on the night.
Game-time Sunday is 7 p.m. as the Blades will be trying to force the series back to Essex for Game 5 on Tuesday.
The series winner meets the Lakeshore Canadiens in the final as the four-time reigning champions completed a four-game sweep of the Wheatley Sharks with a 7-1 win earlier today.

03/15/2024

The Blenheim Blades find themselves in an 0-2 hole after falling 5-2 to the Essex 73's in Game 2 of the PJHL Stobbs Division semifinal in front of 909 fans at the Rec Centre tonight.
The Blades will try to get back in the series in Game 3 on Saturday at Essex at 6:30 p.m. with Game 4 back at The Rec Centre on Sunday at 7 p.m.
Liam Hall and Kale Couvillon scored in the first period and Nate Dowling gave Essex a 3-0 lead before the second period was two minutes old.
Joey Hayter scored his seventh of the playoffs at the five-minute mark to put the Blades on the board.
Five minutes later, Luke Sherk restored the 73's three-goal lead, which they upped it to four on Dowling's second of the night midway through the third.
Breck Rainey scored on a power-play, his first goal of the playoffs, with 1:16 left for the Blades' final goal.
Essex won the opener 4-3 at home on Tuesday with two unanswered third-period goals.

03/13/2024

Two third-period goals proved to be the difference as the Essex 73's rallied for a 4-3 win over the Blenheim Blades in the opening game of the PJHL Stobbs Division semifinal in front of 819 fans in Essex on Tuesday night.
The Blades had leads of 2-0 and 3-2 before Conor Dembinski's power-play goal 64 seconds into the third period tied the game and Nate Dowling scored the game-winner 7:01 later as the 73's drew first blood in the best-of-seven.
Rookies Everitt Swayze, at 1:15, and Andrew Goulet at 11:40 gave the Blades a 2-0 lead as they scored twice on just three shots in the opening period.
Dembinski put the 73's on the board at 12:31 of the first and the 73's pulled even when Nate Dowling scored 8:01 into the second.
The Blades took a 3-2 lead on Zach VanBoxtel's power-play goal with 1:19 left in the second.
Owen Lemieux stopped 38 of 42 shots while the Blades were only credited with 13 shots.
The Blades will try to even the series when Game 2 is played Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Rec Centre.
Admission, which is set by the PJHL for the second round, is $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, $7 kids under 12. Single game and season passes are not accepted in the playoffs.

03/08/2024

The schedule has been set for the PJHL Stobbs Division semifinal series between the third-seed Blenheim Blades and second-seed Essex 73's.
Game 1 – Tuesday, March 12 at Essex, 7 p.m.
Game 2 – Thursday, March 14 at Blenheim, 7 p.m.
Game 3 – Saturday, March 16 at Essex, 6:30 p.m.
Game 4 – Sunday, March 17 at Blenheim, 7 p.m.
*Game 5 – Tuesday, March 19 at Essex, 7 p.m.
*Game 6 – Thursday, March 21 at Blenheim, 7 p.m.
*Game 7 – Sunday, March 24 at Essex, 2:30 p.m.
(* - if necessary)

03/08/2024

A four-goal spree in the first six minutes of the third period powered the Blenheim Blades to an 8-5 win over the Amherstburg Admirals and a date with the Essex 73's in the second round of the PJHL Stobbs Division playoffs.
Down 5-4 after two periods, Tate Bowden and Brad McAlpine scored 11 seconds apart before the third period was a minute old to put the Blades in the lead for good.
Cameron Robertson scored his first of the series at 2:51 before Joey Hayter netted his second of the night at the 5:39 mark to put the Blades up 8-5 – a lead they protected over the final 14:21 to win the best-of-seven quarterfinal in five games.
Darby Lemieux, Justin Ewald and Zach Van Boxtel staked the Blades to a 3-1 first period lead and Hayter – who scored a goal in all five games – gave Blenheim a 4-3 lead midway through the second.
The Admirals scored a pair less than a minute apart midway through the period to take a 5-4 lead.
It was the Blades' first series victory since 2017 when they eliminated the Dresden Kings in six games in the quarterfinals, only to lose to the Lakeshore Canadiens in six in the semifinals.
The 73's ousted Dresden in four straight in their quartefinal, shutting out the Kings in the final three games.
Check back to the Blenheim News-Tribune page for dates of the 73's-Blades semifinal series.

03/07/2024

The Chatham-Kent Police are treating the suspicious death of a man at a home in Erie Beach as a homicide.
Michael Allard, 40, of Windsor, has been identified as the victim.
No information was included in the CKPS update on circumstances surrounding the murder or possible suspect(s) in a media release that was provided just after 1 p.m. on Thursday.
Police responded to a call at 12:42 a.m. Tuesday for person requiring emergency services from a gun shot wound at a residence on Towanda Boulevard.
The man was found deceased.
The CKPS reiterates that this is an isolated incident with no concern for public safety.
The Chatham Kent Police Service encourages anyone with information or surveillance video footage related to this on-going investigation to contact Detective Cole Abbott at [email protected] or 519-436-6600 ext. 80262.
You can provide information anonymously by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

03/06/2024

The Blenheim Bobcats came oh so close to pulling off the upset of the century.
The Bobcats played Sarnia Northern in Tuesday's SWOSSAA girls curling final in Leamington – the only team to beat Blenheim all season.
Both games were lopsided as Northern won the regular season game 12-0 in January and the rematch in the title-game last week 10-2.
But in the SWOSSAA final, the Bobcats shocked the Vikings as they led 6-2 after five ends.
Northern's experience – with five players back from their 2023 SWOSSAA champions – paved the way for a 7-6 comeback win, scoring two points in the eighth end.
The runnerup Bobcats had no reason to hang their heads,
“The Bobcats are incredibly proud of having pushed the defending champs to have to work so hard for their repeat title,” said BDHS head coach Karen Sullivan.
“The coaches are immensely proud of this group of girls and all that they accomplished this season.”
See the March 13 edition of The Blenheim News Tribune for more coverage.

Pictured: Front row, left: Kaylie Vaughan, Lucia Mele and Jordyn Burton. Back: Skip Jordyn Postma, Scarlette Tozer and coach Karen Sullivan.

03/06/2024

Chatham-Kent Police Service are continuing their investigation after the suspicious death of a Windsor man in Erie Beach early Tuesday morning.
Police responded to a call at 12:42 a.m. Tuesday for person requiring emergency services from a gun shot would at a residence on Towanda Boulevard in Erie Beach.
Based on initial information received, officers secured the scene and ensured there was no threat to public safety.
A 40-year-old Windsor man was found deceased.
This is considered an isolated incident with no concern for public safety.
As the investigation continues, there will be a noticeable police presence in Erie Beach.
The Blenheim News Tribune visited the scene on Tuesday afternoon but police did not provide any information, saying a media release would be issued when more facts were available.
The CKPS said in today's media release that no specific details will be released at this time to maintain the integrity of this ongoing investigation.
However, the Chatham Kent Police Service encourages anyone with information or surveillance video footage related to this case to contact Detective Cole Abbott at [email protected] or 519-436-6600 ext. 80262.
You can provide information anonymously by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Lynette Rosina, CKPS Public Information Officer, told the Blenheim News Tribune there is no evidence to believe that another incident on Sheldon Ave. in Chatham earlier today is connected to the Erie Beach case,
The Erie Beach case is the second major incident involving a gun in South Kent in less than a week.
Last Friday morning, the CKPS locked down a section of northeast Blenheim for a barricaded gunman, as the 45-year-old Blenheim man surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.

03/06/2024

Put the brooms back in the closet ... there will be a Game 5.
Finnegan Russett's goal at 11:46 of overtime gave the Amherstburg Admirals a 4-3 win over the Blenheim Blades on Tuesday.
The Blades were looking to complete a four-game sweep but will instead host Game 5 in the PJHL Stobbs Division quarterfinal on Thursday night at 7 p.m. at The Rec Centre.
Joey Hayter scored for the fourth straight game for the Blades, who also had goals from veterans Craig Spence, his fourth of the series, and Tate Bowden, his first.
Spence's power-play goal with 3:42 left in regulation forced overtime. He also had an assist as the team captain has 10 points in four games.

03/04/2024

Justin Ewald scored three goals – and has six goals in three games – and Joey Hayter scored for the third game in a row as the Blenheim Blades knocked off the Amherstburg Admirals 6-2 on Sunday night in front of 557 fans at the Blenheim Memorial Arena Rec Centre on Sunday night.
The win gives the Blades a commanding 3-0 lead in the PJHL Stobbs quarterfinal as they will be looking for a sweep on Tuesday night in Amherstburg.
Matt Hayter had a goal and two assists and Gavin Meriano also scored for the Blades.
Jake Vancoillie stopped 38 shots for the win in his first playoff start and made several key saves in the second period after Admirals made it a one-goal game after the Blades scored three times on their first nine shots before the game was 12 minutes old.
Game 5, if necessary, is Thursday night, 7 p.m. at the Rec Centre.

Photos by Pete Laurie

Justin Ewald (24) scored twice in the first period and again in the second for a three-goal night.

Joey Hayter (3) has goals in all three games.

Cameron Robertson (43) drives to the net from his defensive position.

03/03/2024

Craig Spence scored three goals, Justin Ewald had two and Joey Hayter had the other goal as the Blenheim Blades defeated the Admirals 6-2 in Amherstburg on Saturday night.
Owen Lemieux made 38 saves as he was especially sharp in a scoreless first period when the Blades were outshot 17-7.
The Blades outscored the Admirals 3-1 in both the second and third periods to take a 2-0 lead in the PJHL Stobbs Division quarterfinal.
Game 3 is tonight, 7 p.m. at the Blenheim Memorial Arena.

Craig Spence gets a free hat after scoring his third goal. (Heather Smith Photo).

03/01/2024

UPDATE – STAND-OFF SITUATION RESOLVED
Chatham-Kent Police issued an 'all clear' at 9:39 a.m. in a stand-off situation on northeast Blenheim.
Police locked down the area of Lumley Street, Hall Street, Sandys Street North, and Hannibal Street as they responded to a 'dangerous situation' earlier this morning.
A heavy police presence was in the area, including the CIRT's armoured vehicle.
Police were able to resolve the situation peacefully.
The individual involved has been taken into custody safely.
The area is now safe for the public.
“We appreciate the community’s cooperation and understanding during this incident,” read a statement from Sgt. Lynette Rosina, CKPS Public Information Officer.
“Thank you for your support.”

03/01/2024

The Blenheim Blades opened their 2024 PJHL Stobbs Division playoffs with a 5-3 home-ice win over the Amherstburg Admirals in front of 439 fans at the Rec Centre Memorial Arena on Thursday night.
Zach Van Boxtel scored two power-play goals while Joey Hayter, Brad McAlpine and Ayden McKinlay had the other Blades' goals.
Hayter tied the game at one six minutes into the first period before Van Boxtel scored power-play goals late in the second period and early in the third for a 3-1 lead.
After the Admirals made it a one-goal game, McAlpine and McKinlay scored 57 seconds apart for a three-goal lead as the Blades killed off the final six-plus minutes after an Amherstburg power-play goal.
Owen Lemieux made 17 saves for his first career playoff win for the Blades.
Game 2 in the best-of-seven quarterfinal is Saturday in Amherstburg with Game 3 back on Blades' ice Sunday at 7 p.m.

Zach Van Boxtel goes through the reception line after his second power-play goal of the night gave the Blades a 3-1 lead early in the third period. (Heather Smith photo).

02/27/2024

During tonights (Monday night)
Chatham Kent Council approved the recommendation to proceed with the reconstruction/relocation of Talbot Trail in the closed section east of Coatsworth Road to permit the Municipality to re-open this section of Talbot Trail between Coatsworth Road and Stevenson Road.

In July 2019, the section of Talbot Trail east of Coatsworth Road was closed because of the risk of slope and road failure due to the regressing/unstable bluff slope in this area. Talbot Trail is currently only open to local traffic east of Coatsworth Road and west of Stevenson Road and is physically closed at approximately 500m east of Coatsworth Road.

As a result of this road closure, the Municipality initiated a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study in February 2020 to develop a long-term transportation plan for Talbot Trail, which was completed in May 2023. The Long-Range Technically Preferred Alternative is to construct a new 2-lane rural arterial roadway from Ellerbeck Road to Stevenson Road, following the existing 2nd Concession Line. This requires significant property acquisition, road improvements, and utility relocations.

In May 2023, Council further approved a motion to investigate an interim solution for this area to permit the Municipality to re-open Talbot Trail between Coatsworth Road and Stevenson Road. On February 26, 2024 Council received a recommendation from staff to approve the Interim Solution of reconstructing/relocating Talbot Trail in the closed section east of Coatsworth Road. Council further approved that the Mayor prepare a Letter to the Province requesting funding assistance for the Talbot Trail relocation project to help mitigate the impacts of erosion, as this is a former Provincial Highway.

Following Council endorsement, the Environmental Assessment Study Addendum will be finalized and notices will be sent to all property owners within the study area as well as stakeholders and agencies to notify them of the completion of this study and initiate the 30-day review period. Following this period, the Municipality will begin detailed design for this project, with construction of these improvements planned for 2025.

A copy of the finalized report will be published to the Talbot Trail Environmental Assessment Lets Talk page. See Wednesdays News Tribune for complete coverage

02/26/2024

Help support the South Kent (Over Hall Homes/Wayne's Pizza) U-11 Rep Lightning in their Chevrolet Canada Good Deeds Cup contest as they currently sit sixth in all of Canada in their quest for a chance to win $100,000 for local charities. Drop off a pet food item or toy before their playoff game this Wednesday at the Rec Centre at 7 p.m. against South Huron. The players will be at the arena starting at 5:30 p.m. to accept your donations - and they invite you to stay for the game and cheer them on to victory on the ice, as well saluting these kids for their great work off the ice. See this week's Blenheim News-Tribune for the full story.
NOTE - The original post inadvertently listed an incorrect sponsor. Our apology to Wayne's Pizza, co-sponsor with Over Hall Homes

02/23/2024

Next stop, the playoffs.
The Blenheim Blades ended their record-setting PJHL Stobbs Division regular season on Thursday night, a 3-0 loss to the two-time reigning division champion Lakeshore Canadiens.
It was a must-win for the Canadiens, who moved into first place by one point over the Essex 73's with one game left for each team.
The game had no bearing on the Blades – other than the pride factor of beating Lakeshore for the first time this season – since they have been locked into a third-place finish for over two weeks.
Blenheim goalie Jake Vancoillie made 36 saves and was named the second star as the Blades were outshot 39-27 and were shut out for only the second time all season (4-0 at Essex on Oct. 24).
The Blades finished with a franchise record 28 wins and 58 points (28-12-1-1).
They will meet the sixth-place Amherstburg Admirals in the best-of-seven quarterfinals beginning next Thursday night at the Rec Centre, 7 p.m.
Game 2 is Saturday, March 2 in Amherstburg with Game 3 at the Rec Centre on Sunday, March 3.
See the Feb. 28 edition of The Blenheim News-Tribune for more Blades coverage.

The Blades' overagers Tate Bowden, Zach Van Boxtel and Darby Lemieux are pictured with their parents, receiving framed jerseys prior to Thursday's game on Overagers' Night. Craig Spence, the team's fourth overage player, did not play. (Photo courtesy of Heather Smith).

02/14/2024

Precious Cargo and MOM 2 now open

02/09/2024

The Blenheim Bobcats advanced to the LKSSAA 'A' senior girls volleyball semifinals as they will visit the second-seed Lambton-Kent Cardinals on Monday.
The winner advances to the championship game on Thursday, Feb. 15 against the winner of the McGregor Panthers-Chatham Christian Flames semifinal.
The Bobcats swept the Sarnia St. FX Chevaliers in three straight sets (25-16, 25-15, 27-25) in Thursday's quarterfinal at BDHS.
The Flames upset the third-seed Pain Court Patriotes 3-2 in the other quarter-final.
Top-seed McGregor and second-seed Lambton-Kent earned byes to the semifinals.
Meanwhile, the Junior Bobcats host the Tilbury Titans on Monday at 4:30 p.m. in the LKSSAA 'A' junior girls volleyball quarterfinals.

02/09/2024

Popcorn anyone, now available locally

02/09/2024

Municipal buildings to undergo assessment

A number of municipal buildings in Blenheim and South Kent will be assessed for their state of condition as a part of a municipal-wide check up of facilities.
Chatham-Kent Council approved $441,000 to be awarded to Pinchin Ltd. to conduct Building Condition Assessments of 108 municipal buildings and facilities.
Samuel Nwaogu, Coordinator of Building Compliance, said in his report to Council that the BCA is a systematic inspection, review and report on the state of a building’s structure and systems.
The evaluation will assess liabilities, understand short-term and long-term capital requirements and to provide information necessary to conduct informed strategic planning
The BCAs will assist the Infrastructure & Engineering Services teams in making informed decisions about the best ways to efficiently maintain and improve municipal buildings and facilities.
The assessment also allows for early identification of any potential issues a facility may have, providing an opportunity to make repairs before they become larger problems.
The Blenheim Service Centre, including the Police Station and Library, Rec Centre Memorial Arena, Gable Rees Rotary Pool and Fire Station 18 will all be a part of the BACs, along with all other service centres, arenas, pools and fire stations in Chatham-Kent.
Transfer stations and garages across the municipality, including the Harwich and Kent stations on Communication Road, will also be assessed.
Nwaogu pointed out in his reoport that this will be first assessment for many of municipal buildings.
He also said the results of the assessments will be used for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan that is expected to begin later this year.
The BACs will begin in April with a report coming back in June.

02/08/2024

The Blenheim Bobcats host the Sarnia St. FX Chevaliers on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in the LKSSAA 'A' senior girls volleyball quarterfinals.
The Bobcats finished fourth and the Chevaliers fifth in the regular season.
The winner advances to the semifinals next Monday, with the championship game on Thursday, Feb. 15.
Meanwhile, the Varsity Bobcats lost to the Chevaliers 52-27 in their final LKSSAA 'A' senior boys basketball regular season game in Sarnia today.
The loss eliminates the Bobcats from playoff contention as they finish tied for fifth at 2-5.

02/02/2024

The Blenheim Blades set two new franchise records with a 4-0 win over the Walpole Island Wild tonight.
The win was the 27th of the season for a new single-season team record.
And the two points gives the Blades 56 on the season, another franchise mark.
The 1978-79 and the '94-95 Blades shared the former records with 26 wins and 55 points.
Nick Cameron scored in the first period, Tate Bowden and Justin Ewald in the second and Ryan Sanders capped the scoring in the final frame.
Jake Vancoillie stopped 25 shots for his fourth shutout of the season.
The 56 points moves the Blades to within one point of second-place Lakeshore and three back of first-place Essex, but Blenheim has played five more games that the Canadiens and three more than the 73's.
The Blades are now 13 points ahead of fourth-place Wheatley.
The Blades host the 73's on Sunday, 7 p.m. at The Rec Centre. Blenheim won the last meeting 3-0 in Essex on Jan. 2.

01/25/2024

Two Blenheim teams helped the Chatham-Kent Special Olympics raise over $70,000 at the seventh annual Polar Plunge at Sons of Kent Brewery this past Saturday.
Members from the Blenheim Blast Swim Team and Life By Design's Underground Fit Club were among the more than 200 people who braved the sub-zero temperatures by jumping into a pool of ice-cold water – all to help raise funds for the 2024 Ontario Special Olympics Student Games coming to Chatham and Ridgetown June 12-14.
One of the Blast jumpers was Blake Arens, who appears to be standing on the water by the timing of the photograph as she jumps in the pool.
See the Wednesday, Jan. 24 edition of the Blenheim News-Tribune for the full story and more pictures of the Polar Plunge plus more coverage of local news and sports.