The Dark Empire Strikes Again as Northmen Defeat Buzz 12-5

A pair of unbeaten teams squared off at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre on Wednesday night in a rematch of 2022’s opening round of the playoffs. Unlike the close, five-game battle between the Oakville Buzz and Orangeville Northmen last season, Orangeville scored early and often to win their fourth game of the season, 12-5. 

The Northmen led 4-0 after the first period thanks to goals from Liam Matthews and Jameson Bucktooth 1:39 apart, Joey Spallina and former Buzz Amos Whitcomb. Spallina’s goal was part of three points in the opening frame. 

That lead stretched to 8-0 when Whitcomb and Aiden Long scored 35 seconds apart to cap a four goal run to open the period. Evan Constantopopolous replaced starter Dante Mancini who allowed eight goals on 27 shots. On the ensuing Oakville possession, Brian Jackman opened the Buzz scoring. At the end of the second though, it was Spallina again followed by Cohen Jennings scoring in a 16 second span to lead 11-2 after two. 

Oakville were able to string a three-goal run together late in the third with goals from Eddie Qu, Xander Derkatz and Will Sheehan, but they could not overcome the early deficit, dropping their first game of the season 12-5. 

Both Liam Matthews (3 goals, 2 assists) and Jameson Bucktooth (2 goals, 3 assists) registered five points for Orangeville. Koleton Marquis, though, led the Northmen with six assists. 

Will Sheehan’s four points (1 goal, 3 assists) topped the Buzz. 

Both teams play again Friday night when the Northmen host the Peterborough Lakers (0-4) and the Oakville Buzz travel to Kitchener-Waterloo (0-4).