Defending champs Whitby Warriors back in business with Convincing 9-5 Win over Burlington Blaze

Last season the Whitby Warriors lost just one game at Iroquois Sports Park. With a 1-2 home record this season, the reigning Minto Cup Champions were in tough Tuesday night against the second place Burlington Blaze. Putting together a late run, the Warriors handed the Blaze their second loss of the week, 9-5. 

It was Burlington that would score first in Alex Marinier – his thirteenth of the season, and first of four on the night. Riley Knox and rookie Dillon Magee answered for Whitby, to lead 2-1 after the first. 

In the second, it was Marinier again scoring twice, the first shorthanded. Again though, both goals were answered, this time late in the period. Knox scored with 1:22 to play and Owen Tapper’s buzzer beater kept the Warriors on top 4-3 heading into the final frame. 

After Josh Rosa tied the score less than two minutes into the third, it was another Whitby rookie, Owen Lee, with his second of the season. Knox’s hat trick completing goal gave the lead back to Whitby – a lead that wouldn’t be relinquished, despite Marinier’s fourth goal in response. Putting the game away were three returnees from last year’s champions; Jake Doolittle, Knox and Gabriel Sorichetti, making the final 9-5 for the Warriors. 

Kaleb Martin made 50 saves for his second consecutive win, lowering his ERA to 7.25 – second amongst OJLL goalies with over 100 minutes, behind Orangeville’s Chris Origlieri (4.79). Thomas Kiazyk is now fifth on that list with an even 8.00. He stopped 56 of 65 shots faced. 

Riley Knox’s four goals led the Warriors, while Ryan Langille and Lucas Littlejohn each had three assists. 

Alex Marinier’s four goals were tops on the Blaze and it was Chuck Rawson who had three helpers. 

Both teams are off until they head on the road on Friday – Burlington heading to Orangeville (6-0), and Whitby to Kitchener-Waterloo (0-6).