In a thrilling overtime contest, the Oakville Blades edged out the King Rebellion 3-2 at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex on October 12, 2024. The Blades battled from behind twice during regulation, with a game-winning goal in the second overtime period, capping off a match that saw intense physicality and outstanding goaltending performances from both sides. Oakville goaltender Chris Quizzi was a key figure, making 46 saves, while King’s Carter Bickle was stellar as well, stopping 24 shots, though he ultimately took the loss in net.
First Period: King Draws First Blood
The game began with both teams cautiously probing each other’s defences, with the play tilting slightly in favour of the visiting King Rebellion. Quizzi stood strong between the pipes to keep the game scoreless for the majority of the opening frame, while Oakville’s defence, under the leadership of captain Kyle Kussmannan, did well to thwart several early scoring chances.
At 15:31, King broke through with the game’s first goal. Lucas Texmo opened the scoring, taking a feed from Dylan Coers and Milo Tian and firing a shot that beat Quizzi on the glove side. Texmo’s goal gave King a 1-0 lead, and though Oakville pressed for an equalizer, they were unable to capitalize on a power play opportunity that arose after King’s Spencer Vandenberg was penalized for holding at 10:55.
The Rebellion’s defence, backed by strong goaltending from Bickle, effectively neutralized Oakville’s offence for the remainder of the first period, as the Blades struggled to find their rhythm. The period ended with King up 1-0 and Oakville heading to the locker room, needing to regroup and find a way to generate more offensive pressure.
Second Period: Oakville Strikes Back
The Blades came out in the second period with renewed energy and determination. Their aggressive forecheck led to multiple scoring chances early on, forcing Bickle to make a series of saves. Brady Charlton scored the tying goal, with his first of the year, at 4:45 with help from Kussmann and Tavio Kauzlaric, showing that Oakville’s perseverance had paid off. The equalizer came on the power play, as King’s Dylan Coers was in the penalty box for cross-checking.
Charlton’s goal lifted the Blades, who continued to press for the go-ahead marker. Despite Oakville’s increased pressure, Bickle stood tall, making key stops to keep the game tied. In the meantime, Oakville’s tenacious defence and penalties made it difficult for King to generate consistent offensive pressure of their own.
The physical play escalated during the second period, with both teams trading hits and getting involved in scrums after the whistle. Oakville’s Nicolas Maria and King’s Mason Goodfellow both found themselves in the penalty box after a roughing incident at 3:33. This set the tone for the remainder of the game, as both teams played with an edge, vying for control of the ice.
Despite Oakville’s momentum, they were unable to take the lead, and the period ended with the teams locked in a 1-1 tie.
Third Period: A Tense Battle Continues
As the third period began, it was clear that both teams were determined to break the deadlock. Oakville had their chances early, particularly when King’s Simon Wang was penalized for interference at 4:57. However, despite multiple power-play opportunities, Oakville struggled to get pucks past Bickle, who continued his strong performance in net.
Midway through the period, the physical play caught up with King once more, with two quick penalties for tripping against Milo Tian and Evin Kojokaro at 10:20 and 12:27, respectively. This gave Oakville an extended 5-on-3 power-play opportunity, which they capitalized on. At 13:04, Matthew Indovina scored a crucial power-play goal with help from Jack Dean and Smallegange, giving Oakville their first lead of the game at 2-1.
However, the lead was short-lived. Just 21 seconds later, King responded with a goal of their own. At 13:25, Goodfellow assisted former Oakville Blade, Aidan Russell in scoring, tying the score at 2-2. The equalizer stunned the Oakville crowd, who had barely finished celebrating Indovina’s goal.
Both teams pushed hard in the final minutes of regulation, but neither was able to find the back of the net again. The third period ended with the game tied 2-2, sending the contest into overtime.
Overtime: Drama Builds
The first overtime period saw Oakville take control, outshooting King 7-0, but despite their dominance, they were unable to put the puck past Bickle, who made several clutch saves to keep his team alive. The Blades’ relentless pressure was thwarted time and again by Bickle’s acrobatic goaltending, as the game headed into a second overtime.
Second Overtime: Oakville Seals the Victory
In the second overtime, the Blades finally broke through, ending the marathon contest in dramatic fashion. Theron and Maria assisted Indovina in scoring his second goal of the game at 9:44 of the second overtime period. Indovina’s game-winner sent the Oakville bench into a frenzy, as they swarmed the ice to celebrate the hard-fought victory.
The goal capped off an exciting and physically intense game, with Oakville’s persistence ultimately paying off. Indovina, who had been a key player throughout the night, delivered when his team needed him most, lifting the Blades to a 3-2 win.
Conclusion: Oakville Prevails in a Hard-Fought Battle
The Oakville Blades’ victory over the King Rebellion was a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Despite falling behind twice, the Blades kept their composure and fought their way back into the game, eventually emerging victorious in double overtime. With standout performances from Quizzi in net and Indovina leading the charge offensively, Oakville showed why they are a formidable team in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
For King, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, particularly after Bickle’s heroic efforts in goal. The Rebellion’s defensive discipline kept them in the game, but in the end, it was Oakville’s relentless pressure and timely scoring that proved the difference.
With this win, Oakville will look to carry their momentum into their next match as they travel to Milton Memorial Arena on Friday, October 18th, to take on the Milton Menace. Puck drops at 7:30pm.
