The game between the Buffalo Jr. Sabres and the Toronto Patriots was tight through all 60 minutes, but in the end Buffalo emerged with a 6-4 win.
The Jr. Sabres gained the winning advantage on a goal by Griffin Lunn 8:21 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.
Buffalo got the win on the strength of a great game by Christopher Berger, who had one goal and two assists. Berger scored on the power play 16:01 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Buffalo. The Jr. Sabres had gotten the advantage when Toronto Patriots’ Connor Beck was sent off for tripping. Zach Evancho provided the assist.
Buffalo’s penalty kill excelled, as the Jr. Sabres gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.
Buffalo kept the Patriots’ goalie busy throughout the game, and Sean OReilley made 34 saves on 40 shots.
Buffalo also got points from Tim Nicksic, who also had one goal and one assist, Michael Benaquist Jr., who also tallied one goal and one assist, and Ryan Wheeler, who also registered one goal and one assist. Buffalo also got a goal from Joshua Biasillo as well. In addition, Buffalo received assists from Wilson Vershay, Christian DiFelice, and Nicholas Bondra, who contributed one each.
Toronto Patriots’ offense rang up 36 shots on the Jr. Sabres’ net.
The Patriots were helped by Jason DiPerna, who racked up one goal. DiPerna scored 16:01 into the third period to make the score 5-4 Buffalo. Jeremy Pullara assisted on the tally. Toronto Patriots additionally got points from Tyler Currie, who also finished with one goal and one assist and Michael Siddall, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Marco Bozzo also scored for Toronto Patriots. More assists for Toronto Patriots came via Louis DiMatteo, who had two and Andrew Green and Nicholas Ursitti, who each chipped in one.
Brian Kowalski recorded 32 saves for Buffalo. The Jr. Sabres incurred 28 minutes in penalty time with four minors. For Buffalo, Brenden Dunning was ejected from the game. Toronto Patriots incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.
