Toronto Beaches Swat Away Buzz

Heading into Tuesday night’s fourth game between the Toronto Beaches and Oakville Buzz, the road team had won every matchup in the series. Looking to head back to the Minto Cup for the second time in their history, and second consecutive year, the Toronto Beaches bucked the trend winning at home 11-4 and advancing to the second round.

Despite having to kill off a full two minute five-on-three power play, the home side exploded for a 6-0 lead after the first period. Willem Firth and Matt Collison combined for nine points in the opening frame alone.

In the second, it was the Buzz’s turn to kill off a late two-man advantage. Jack MacAlpine scored twice in what was a 3-1 Oakville period, but the Buzz still trailed 7-3.

It was more Collison in the third. He scored his third and fourth in quick succession, part of a four-goal Beaches run, that saw them eventually win 11-4.

Matt Collison ended the night with seven points (5 goals, 2 assists) to give him the OJLL playoff points lead with 22 in four games. Just one point behind is teammate Willem Firth who had five (2 goals, 3 assists) on Tuesday.

Jack MacAlpine led Oakville with three points (2 goals, 1 assist). Evan Costantopopoulos took the loss despite making 45 saves off 56 shots.

There will be no rematch for the Oakville Buzz. Instead, it will be the Toronto Beaches who draw the undefeated Orangeville Northmen in the second round. Follow @TheOJLL on social media for the entire second round schedule, including the other semi-final featuring the Mimico Mountaineers and Burlington Blaze.