Oakville scores early and often to advance to quarters
The Oakville Rangers scored early and scored often as they beat TPH 5-1 to advance to the quarterfinals at the 2024 OHL Cup presented by FPS Payment.
Greg Najda (1) got the scoring started for Oakville under two minutes into the game, followed by goals from Rowan Sang (3) and Evan Headrick (4) to put the Rangers up three after the opening period. Top prospect Ethan Belchetz (3) and Ryder Carey (5) would give Oakville their fourth and fifth goals. In addition to the Rangers strong offensive performance, goaltender Jacob Saldanha stopped 15 of 16 shots in the win.
Nashville Jr. Predators forward Hudson Lohse scored the lone goal for TPH. While forward and Oakland Jr. Grizzlies player Nick Bogas earned Zephyr Player of the Game honours for TPH.
As Saldanha highlights getting up early was big for the Rangers in a win and you’re in game, “I thought we got up on them early and just didn’t give them the chance to get in the game, we stuck to the game plan, executed it today, and hopefully we can keep it rolling into tomorrow.”
“Obviously this is a huge tournament. It’s what you’re looking forward to the whole year. This was in the script the whole time and our team is excited to play in a big game tomorrow,” said Saldanha. Speaking about what it means to his team to be moving onto the quarterfinals. Oakville will be playing the Lindros Division winner Barrie Jr. Colts in quarterfinal #3 Thursday morning at 10:00am, in what will be their third matchup of the season.
TPH finish their 2024 OHL Cup schedule with a record of 2-2, with St. Louis Jr. Blues product Luke Broadhead (1G, 3A) leading the team in scoring with four points in as many games.
Zephyr Player of the Game
Oakville – Jacob Saldanha (G) – 15 SV
TPH – Nick Bogas (F)