Chiefs top Bulldogs in Michelino Finals Rematch

With Bellmore-Merrick trying to build on momentum it gamed at the end of the second period, cutting a two-goal deficit to one, Massapequa’s Bobby Oldmixon cooled the Bulldogs’ comeback with a remarkable individual effort.

Five minutes into the third with Massapequa on the powerplay, Oldmixon controlled the puck in the offensive zone and settled in the corner to the right of Bellmore-Merrick goalie Jacob Smart. There, he skated back-and-forth along the boards looking for an open teammate, but with no passing lanes available he carried the puck toward the face-off circle, squared himself to the net, and fired a low wrist shot past Smart to give Massapequa a commanding 3-1 lead.

“I was coming off the boards in traffic and nobody was open so I went toward the middle and it found its way,” Oldmixon said. “I was looking for some guys driving to the net but when they did they took the defenseman with them so it opened up the shot for me.”

The Chiefs tacked on another goal late in the third and defeated Bellmore-Merrick 4-1 Monday night at Newbridge Arena in Bellmore. The win puts Massapequa (4-2, 8 points) ahead of Bellmore-Merrick (3-2-1, 7 points) in the Michelino Division standings in what was the first meeting between the two teams since last season’s Michelino Division Championship series that the Chiefs took in two games.

Nick Mangone, Patrick Luongo and Nick Walker also scored for Massapequa, while Dominic Albi scored the lone goal for Bellmore-Merrick. Massapequa outshot Bellmore-Merrick 35-25.

“We were excited to play today,” Oldmixon said. “We came out energetic and I tried to hype up the team [with my play] and tried to lead by example. … I take pride in playing hard.”

Both Massapequa and Bellmore-Merrick have a new look this season. Each team lost 13 seniors from last year’s championship-contending squads and both teams are still trying to settle in and find their identities early on.

“This really was a great game for us,” Massapequa coach Tony DeMayo said. “When we want to play we can really play. We have a good team but we have to be more consistent.”

“Last year we were very focused on individuals and this season we’re more team-oriented,” Bellmore-Merrick coach Chris Patten said. “We’ll play four lines and three defensive pairs and try to work as a team. We’re not rebuilding, we’re re-teaching.”