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By Jon Kuiperij BEAVER SPORTS EDITOR In a season already filled with ups and downs, the Oakville Blades might have hit a new low last weekend. The defending Provincial Junior Hockey League cham- pions early-season struggles continued with a pair of loss- es. Oakville was defeated 4-1 by the Georgetown Raiders Friday at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, then fell 6-3 to the Orangeville Flyers Saturday in Orangeville. The loss to Orangeville was particularly vexing for the Blades, considering that the Flyers entered the game with a 3-10 record. Oakville is now 8-6-1 through 15 games, the teams worst start since going 6-7-2-1 out of the gate in 2005. The Blades were 12-3 after 15 games last year. Were definitely frustrated. Everyones working, every- ones putting in the effort, Oakville captain Nick Rivait said at the teams practice Monday. Maybe because of last year, some of the guys came in and thought wed be better than we are. We have all the players. We have the right pieces to have a good team... now its a matter of everyone coming together as a team instead of a bunch of individuals. The Blades have shown flashes of potential in the first two months of the season. They have played the league- leading Markham Waxers (16-3) tough in both meetings between the clubs this season, including a 5-2 win over Markham earlier this month. They have also defeated the Newmarket Hurricanes and Burlington Cougars, teams with a combined record of 26-7-1. But Oakville has struggled against the leagues bottom- feeders. The Blades needed overtime to beat the 3-13-2 Milton IceHawks a couple weeks ago, then were doubled up by the Flyers Sunday. I think were playing to the level of the teams were playing. Were not being consistent. Were not playing our game for 60 minutes, said Rivait. When we do play our game, you can see were all over teams. We shut them down and get scoring chances. We have to focus on every team that comes to the rink. If they dont, changes to the roster could soon be in store. Blades general manager Carlo Coccimiglio hinted Monday that he was considering a few significant roster moves. I still have every intention of being in first and winning our league, Rivait added. Thats still in the sights for me. I dont think anyone has packed it in yet, but if they do, those are the things that will change. The Blades hope to start turning things around this weekend. Oakville will look to avenge Saturdays embarrass- ing loss when it hosts Orangeville Friday at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, then is home to the Buffalo Jr. Sabres Saturday. Both contests are slated for 7:30 p.m. starts. The Blades will then visit the Stouffville Spirit Sunday afternoon. NOTES: Blades defenceman Phil Hampton has been named to the Team Canada East squad that will compete in the 2010 World Junior A Challenge in Penticton, B.C. Local resident Scott Wilson, who plays for the Georgetown Raiders, was also named to the team... Stephen Hickey had Oakvilles only goal in Fridays loss to Georgetown. The Blades outshot the Raiders 40-30 on the night... Kyle Lysaght scored twice and Brandon Denham also tallied for Oakville against Orangeville. The Blades outshot their hosts 40-24. www.aplushomes.ca Adam Campbell Broker of Record 905-844-4444 B R O K E R A G ER E A L T Y C O R P . INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATEDSportsOakville Beaver SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 201026 NO DICE: Georgetown Raiders goalie Michael Nishi (in white) denies Oakville Blades forwards Blake Roubos (89) and Mark McGowan during Fridays Ontario Junior Hockey League clash at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. Nishi stopped 39 of the 40 shots he faced in Georgetowns 4-1 win. Orangeville deals latest blow to struggling Blades EAMONN MAHER / SPECIAL TO THE OAKVILLE BEAVER