Mountaineers Reach New Heights, scale second place Oakville buzz 19-12

PHOTO: COLLEEN GRIMES

Last season, the Oakville Buzz roared out to a powerful start winning seven of their first ten games. However, they limped into the playoffs going 4-6 to close out the season. In 2023, the Buzz won their first five but on Wednesday night were trying to avoid losing a third straight home game, this time to the Mimico Mountaineers. The two QEW rivals went back and forth but in the end, Mimico proved too much, winning 19-12. 

Both teams came into the game near the top of the league in power play goals. Mimico were given two early opportunities, which Finlay Thomson - the OJLL points leader - capitalized on both. He’d complete his hat trick shorthanded for the sixth Mountaineers goal of the period. Ryan Barker’s first OJLL goal, and Will Sheehan’s eleventh of the season were all the offence from Oakville who trailed 6-2 after one. 

The lead was nearly wiped out just over a minute into the second. A major penalty to Atkin Dwyer turned into a three goal run for the Buzz, including back-to-back power play markers from Sheehan. After Mimico got one back, OJLL goals leader Isiah Moran-Weekes scored his twentieth 25 seconds later. Mimico would close out the period with a five goal run, including Aiden MacDonell’s first OJLL goal to help the Mountaineers to a 9-5 period, and 15-7 lead overall. 

Dean George’s offense wasn’t done there. Lucas Dudemaine and Justin Tavares completed hat tricks in a four-goal Mimico third period. The Buzz did win the frame with five goals – a pair from each of Sheehan and Riley Ford – but the Buzz dropped their third in four games, 19-12. 

Finlay Thomson registered nine points (4 goals, 5 assists) for the second straight game. Impressive, yes, but he did it in three straight games last season (9 vs Six Nations, 11 vs Brampton and 13 vs St Catharines from June 26-30). He now has 47 points in seven games, which is tops in the OJLL and eight more than second place – Orangeville’s Joey Spallina. Lucas Dudemaine (3 goals, 3 assists), Justin Lee and Justin Tavares (3 goals, 2 assists each) all had hat tricks. Oddly enough, it’s just the second game of the season Isiah Moran-Weekes (1 goal, 2 assists) did not score a hat trick. 

Will Sheehan also finished with nine points (5 goals, 4 assists). He’s third in the OJLL with 15 goals behind Moran-Weekes and six players who have 16. Brian Jackman had a hat trick (and 2 assists) and Riley Ford had six points (2 goals, 4 assists). 

Oakville will travel to Peterborough (2-5) on Friday night, while Mimico hosts the Toronto Beaches (3-4) in Game One of the Crombie Cup on Saturday.