Oakville Buzz Use Strong Second To Down Whitby Warriors

Photo: Ryan McCullough / OJLL

The Whitby Warriors travelled to the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre on Thursday night looking to avoid becoming the first team in the OJLL with two losses. Under new head coach and general manager Troy Cordingley, the Oakville Buzz defended home floor with a fast-paced, end-to-end, 10-8 battle.

In the first the 2022 Minto Cup champion Warriors capitalized on two power play chances (while killing two penalties of their own) to eventually lead 3-1. Jake Wright, who scored Oakville’s opener, answered fifteen seconds after Riley Knox opened the two-goal lead. With Whitby calling timeout and pulling the goalie for the extra attacker, Will Sheehan intercepted a pass and ran the floor with a defender all over his back. His bounce shot crossed the line with four seconds to play, tying the game at three after the first.

The second started with Knox taking a five-minute crosschecking major. Although Oakville was only able to score once, the goal got Jack MacAlpine into the game. Multiple chances followed for the graduating senior before his second finally fell, converting a quick-stick cross-floor pass. A late pair from Sheehan put Oakville up 7-3. Off a Jack Oldman faceoff win the ball quickly worked to Lucas Littlejohn who stepped into a shot that beat Evan Costantopoulos with just nine seconds on the clock – the only goal he’d surrender in the period.

Whitby continued to press in the third with Littlejohn adding three of the Warriors’ four goals. However, Sheehan scored again, as did Riley Ford twice to help Oakville win their home opener, 10-8.

Lucas Littlejohn had a huge night with seven points (5+2). He now has seven goals on the season and 10 points, both leading the OJLL. Riley Knox was the next highest producer with four points (1+4). Ryan Langille added three assists. Ethan Harwood lost his second game of the season despite stopping 26 of Oakville’s 36 shots.

Will Sheehan scored four times, adding two assists for six points. Also with six points was Jack MacAlpine (2+4). Riley Ford had four points (2+2). Buffalo Bandits’ overall pick No 38, Evan Constantopoulos stopped 36 of 44 shots faced.