In a hard-fought, defensive battle, the Oakville Blades and the Lindsay Muskies skated to a 1-1 tie after double overtime at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex on October 19, 2024. Both teams displayed grit and determination throughout the contest, with strong goaltending performances and physical play taking centre stage. The Muskies struck early in the first period, but the Blades fought back in the third to level the score. Despite several power-play opportunities and chances in overtime, neither team could secure the win. The Blades will be back on the ice Thursday, October 24th, as they travel to Caledon to face the Admirals at the Mayfield Recreational Complex. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m.
First Period: Lindsay Takes Early Lead
The game started with an explosive pace, and it didn’t take long for the Muskies to make their mark on the scoreboard. Just 2:34 into the first period, the Lindsay Muskies took advantage of an Oakville turnover during a Blades’ power play. Joaquin Gonzalez broke free down the ice, with linemates Nolan Connolly and Owen Dawson assisting on the play. Gonzalez finished off the short-handed opportunity, deking past Oakville goaltender Alex Armellin to give Lindsay an early 1-0 lead.
The Muskies’ aggressive forecheck disrupted Oakville’s offensive rhythm early on. The Blades, despite a series of power-play opportunities throughout the period, including penalties to Lindsay’s Owen McKinnon, Owen Dawson, and Nathan Taylor, could not capitalize. Lindsay’s penalty-kill unit, anchored by strong goaltending from Jason Tremblay, successfully thwarted every Oakville attempt to equalize. Tremblay made several key saves, frustrating the Blades’ shooters and keeping the Muskies in the lead.
Oakville’s efforts were further dampened when Brady Charlton was sent to the box for slashing at 16:44. Though the Blades successfully killed off the penalty, they struggled to generate consistent offensive pressure. The period ended with Lindsay holding onto their slim 1-0 lead.
Second Period: Defensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities
The second period saw Oakville pick up the pace as they sought to claw their way back into the game. The Blades pushed the tempo, outshooting the Muskies 12-7 in the frame, but Jason Tremblay remained a wall in the net for Lindsay. The top line of Oakville, captained by Kyle Kussmann, created a lot of chances, but Tremblay’s goaltending and Lindsay’s robust defence kept the Blades at bay.
Both teams exchanged hits and penalties during the period, which was becoming more physical. Early in the period, Lindsay’s Calvin Coppess was penalized for head contact, receiving both a minor penalty and a 10-minute misconduct at 7:07. Despite the man-advantage, Oakville failed to convert, continuing their power-play struggles.
A flurry of penalties followed as tempers flared. Roughing minors were handed out to Oakville’s Nicolas Maria and Lindsay’s Nole Faulkner and Joaquin Gonzalez at the 10:34 mark, leading to a heated sequence where neither team could break through. Oakville’s frustration grew as Ben Theron was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct at 11:51, further stifling the Blades’ offensive flow. The Muskies, too, found themselves in penalty trouble, with Calvin Coppess and Nolan Connolly both receiving minors for roughing at 14:56.
Despite the multiple penalties and scoring chances, neither team could add to the score. Armellin was solid for Oakville, turning aside all seven shots he faced in the period. However, the Blades’ inability to capitalize on their power-play opportunities continued to haunt them, as the second period ended with the Muskies still clinging to their 1-0 lead.
Third Period: Oakville Finds a Way
The third period began with Oakville showing a renewed sense of urgency. Less than two minutes into the period, the Blades finally found the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1. At 1:57, Marcus Hookong and Nicolas Maria assisted Ben Theron in scoring the equalizer. Theron’s goal came after sustained pressure in Lindsay’s zone, with a slick pass from Hookong allowing Theron to snap a quick shot past Tremblay, igniting the home crowd and bringing the Blades back into the game.
With the game tied, Oakville continued to push for the go-ahead goal, but Tremblay remained sharp, denying several quality chances from the Blades’ forwards. Lindsay, meanwhile, struggled to generate much offence as Oakville’s defence, led by Cormick Smallegange and Luke Allison, tightened up, limiting the Muskies to just nine shots in the period. Both teams played a disciplined defensive game in the final minutes, unwilling to give an inch as the game headed into overtime with the score knotted at 1-1.
Overtime: Blades Push, Tremblay Holds Firm
The first overtime period saw Oakville dominate possession, outshooting Lindsay 4-1. The Blades’ speed and skill began to wear down the Muskies, with several close calls coming from Oakville’s top line. However, Tremblay was the hero for Lindsay, making key stops to keep the game alive, including a highlight-reel save on a breakaway chance by Jack Dean.
Lindsay had a brief chance to steal the game when Owen McKinnon was sent to the box for interference at 9:39, giving Oakville a power play late in the first overtime. Despite having the advantage, Lindsay’s penalty-kill team, under the command of Tremblay’s excellent goaltending, held firm.
Second Overtime: Both Teams Hold on for the Draw
The second overtime period continued much like the first, with Oakville pressing hard for the game-winner. Tremblay, however, refused to be beaten, turning aside all three shots he faced in the period. The Muskies, clearly fatigued, managed only a single shot in the second overtime, but Armellin was equal to the task, keeping the game tied.
As the final whistle blew, both teams had to settle for a 1-1 draw after 80 minutes of hard-fought hockey. Despite Oakville’s dominance in the latter stages of the game, Lindsay’s Tremblay was the difference-maker, ensuring his team escaped with a point.
Looking Ahead
With the draw, the Oakville Blades will look to regroup as they prepare for their next game. They are back on the ice Thursday, October 24th, where they will travel to Caledon to face the Admirals at the Mayfield Recreational Complex. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m., and the Blades will be eager to bounce back and secure a win after this tough contest against the Muskies.
