ST CATHARINES ATHLETICS WIN SECOND IN A ROW AT HOME AGAINST OAKVILLE
Although the St Catharines Athletics opened a five-game home stand with a loss to the Whitby Warriors Wednesday June 12, they won their next 7-6 over Six Nations. With the Oakville Buzz travelling to Canada Games Arena on a three-game losing skid, the Athletics took advantage for a 7-5 win.
The Athletics opened the game with Carson Robins scoring on a five-on-three power play three minutes into regulation. The score remained the same until six minutes left Zackary Toll and Colin French scored in quick succession ended the first 3-0 for St Catharines.
Oakville’s first goal came 2:14 into the second period, off the stick of Brian Jackman. Robins matched it less than a minute later. Two minutes after his goal Will Sheehan scored, only to be countered in just over a minute by Christian Lefeuvre. The goal sparked a scrap between Eddy Ferrede and Coltin Armitage, which would lead to multiple penalties throughout the period. With just over two minutes to play, and an As player in the box, Xander Derkatz scored, but his Buzz still trailed 5-3 after two.
The scoring started midway through the third period where the teams traded goals twice. First, Eric McDonald scored unassisted just before Tye Steenhuis netted what would be the game winner. Jackman followed on the power play, as did French to cap a 7-5 win, the first back-to-back win for St Catharines this season – a feat they only accomplished three times in 2023.
Carson Robins (2+1) and Colin French (2+0) both scored twice for the Athletics. However, Zackary Toll (1+3) and Keaton Zavtiz (0+4) led the team with four points. It’s the third straight appearance where goaltender Oliver Vanyo has allowed just five goals, but his first playing 60 minutes. This is the second time in his career he’s secured a five-goals-against win (10-5 vs. KW, May 26, 2023).
Oakville was led by Brian Jackman’s four points (2+2) and Will Sheehan’s three (1+2). Dante Mancini now has a 1-1 record in two starts, but a 8.07 GAA.
