The first game of a 3-in-3 weekend couldn't have started any better for the Oakville Blades, beating the Toronto Jr. Canadiens by a score of 6-1 on Friday.
It didn't even take five minutes for one of Oakville's depth players to put the team up ahead. Known for his strong forecheck and tough, physical play, Peyton Reeves got his fourth goal of the season after taking the puck off of Brendan Doherty on the faceoff and sending it flying over Brendan Bonello for the first Blade's goal.
Two minutes later, Eric Holland contributed to the lead. A quick moving winger with great hand-eye coordination, Holland lost control of the puck for a short period of time before kicking it up to his stick. Then, Holland was able to get the Jr. Canadiens' goalie, Bonello, out of position, before firing it blocker side that gave the Blades a 2-0 lead.
Oakville wouldn't escape the first period without allowing a goal. With 2:13 left in the first, Andrew Pucci beat Brendan McGlynn with a fast wrist shot that found its way over the goalie's glove and made it 2-1.
The second period was all about Eric Holland. Fresh off a first period goal, Holland would complete the hat-trick with a pair of markers in the second, easily making him the first star of the game. First, Bryce Misley and Ryan Foss, who both had been having strong games of their own, would end up setting up Holland's second of the night at 8:30 in the second. Six minutes later on the power-play, Holland scored after Misley fed Holland who then shot in front. The score was 4-1 Blades.
Two more goals in the third period easily put the Blades in a position where the Jr. Canadiens had no chance of catching up. After 7:24 of play in the third, Oliver Benwell converted a pass from Brendan Doherty into Oakville's fifth goal of the game. Two minutes later, Team Canada East hopeful Tyler Rollo capped off Oakville's tremendous outing and scored the sixth and final goal.
The win helped begin what should be an exciting weekend for the Blades, who will have a rematch with Toronto on the road at 8:00 pm on Saturday. Then, the Blades will make another trip to Toronto, this time to meet with the St. Michael's Buzzers for a 2 pm match on the road. We hope to see you out and supporting our hometown Blades!