Unstoppable Blaze Defeat Athletics 13-6, Remain Undefeated

The Burlington Blaze travelled to St. Catharines on Wednesday night to try and remain undefeated on the season. Headed to Canada Games Park with a 3-0 record and led by an eight point night from Ryan Brooks, the unstoppable Blaze earned their fourth win of the season, 13-6 to move into second place in the OJLL standings. 

The game was close through most of the first period with the hometown St. Catharines Athletics scoring twice on delayed penalties. Ty Steenhuis’ second of the period came from a low outside shot, as he was getting hit and knocked down. It was the A’s only lead of the night. Josh Rosa tying the game at two kick-started a four goal Burlington run, capped by a pair of goals from Alex Marinier and a Coltrane Tyson buzzer beater. Burlington led 5-2 after one. 

Continuing in the second, Alexis Simard knocked an errant pass free and ran the floor to score in transition, followed 37 seconds later by Ty English. Steenhuis and third overall OJLL pick Zachary Toll answered both of those goals, but a pair from Brooks led to Athletics’ coach Steve Toll replacing starter Ollie Vanyo with another draft pick, Ty Wilson (fourth overall). St Catharines saw four of their six picks play in the game. Wilson was solid, making nine stops to close out the period, but couldn’t prevent Brooks from completing his hat-trick. The Blaze won the period 5-3, to lead 10-5 heading into the final frame. 

Tyson, Brooks and Will McLeod all scored in the third for Burlington. Steenhuis would complete his hat-trick but it was not enough to deny the Blaze a perfect 4-0 record with a 13-6 final score. Burlington outshot St. Catharines 21-10 in the third, and 57-37 overall. 

Next to Ryan Brooks’ eight points (4 goals, 4 assists), Coltrane Tyson led the Blaze with six (3 goals, 3 assists). Alex Marinier also had six points (2 goals, 4 assists).  

Tye Steenhuis was the Athletics’ top points scorer with five (3 goals, 2 assists). 

Both teams play again Friday night with St. Catharines travelling to Brampton, and Burlington hosting Six Nations.