DDO Civics vs Backdoor Bandits | June 21, 2026

DDO Civics snapped an 0-4 slide with a 14-13 regulation thriller over the Backdoor Bandits at Hockey Etcetera - Saputo. It was an all-out offensive brawl — defenseman Liam Baum paced the visitors with a four-goal clinic while Matthew Itzkovitz led the Bandits' furious reply. The victory gives DDO Civics their first win and evens the season series 1-1 against the Bandits. Period 1: From the opening seconds both teams traded blows. Michael Guluzian opened the scoring 8 seconds in, Matthew Itzkovitz answered, and a flurry of goals from Justin Schwartz, Jason Dankner, Jake Newman and Liam Baum turned a frantic start into a 5-3 edge for DDO Civics after one period. Period 2: The offensive pace didn't relent — a six-goal frame apiece featured more markers from Itzkovitz and a pair from Stefano Pietrantonio for the Bandits, while Baum, Guluzian and Matthew Goldenberg kept the visitors ahead. DDO Civics took an 11-9 lead into the third. Period 3: Baum added two more to extend his night, and Jake Newman delivered another dagger, but the Bandits mounted a late surge with goals by Pietrantonio, Itzkovitz and Lukas Royko. Despite the comeback, Backdoor Bandits goalie Ryan Velan was lit up for 14 goals as the visitors held on 14-13. This was a statement win for DDO Civics' attack and a stark reminder to the Backdoor Bandits that elite scoring can't mask defensive holes. The three stars — Matthew Itzkovitz, Liam Baum and Michael Guluzian — were fitting picks in a night defined by offense and urgency.