Kevin Sousa - OJHL Images
Bryce Misley exits the defensive zone with the puck.
Oakville's third home game of the season at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex resulted in a disappointing 4-0 decision at the hands of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.
The first period of the game featured very few scoring chances, with the Canadiens taking the 10-3 shot advantage after one period. The end of the frame did see some strong penalty killing by the Blades, who lost Tyler Hildebrandt for a head contact misconduct and Bryce Misley for tripping within the final minutes. The Blades kept the shots away thanks to the strong efforts of Daniel Jelic and Drew Worrad up front, as well as Christopher Elliott between the pipes.
But after just 30 seconds of play in the second, the Jr. Canadiens found themselves on the board first. Artur Terchiyev would get credit for the goal after jamming in the puck between the legs of Elliott, over the crease and in for the 1-0 goal early in the period.
The Blades would fall down by two goals at the seven minute mark of the period. After going in on a strong rush to the net, Matteo DiGiulio would let go a hard wrist shot from just outside the hash marks and beat Elliott, top corner, extending JRC's lead to two.
Oakville was put in a tough position with 15 minutes done in the second. Jackson Bales was able to score, beating Andrew Cipollone on the doorstop on Oakville's eighth shot of the game. Unfortunately, despite the net never coming out of position after further review, the goal was waved off due to the net getting knocked off from Cipollone shuffling over to the post. It was a difficult moment for the Blades, who couldn't find a way to battle back when it mattered most. Toronto would get two more with the two-man advantage late in the game to take the 4-0 lead and the victory in the process.
The Blades are back in action on Sunday when the Blades travel to North York to face the Rangers at 3:00 PM. Oakville's next home game will take place at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex next Friday against the St. Michaels Buzzers, a 7:30 PM start. Hope to see you there!
