The Milton Icehawks fell behind early, and the Buffalo Jr. Sabres kept piling on the points on the way to a 7-1 victory.
Milton was stymied by Buffalo’s netminder Tucker Weppner, who stopped 30 shots during the victory. Weppner certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 2.79 entering the contest.
The Icehawks’ power play was ineffective against the Jr. Sabres’ penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.
Buffalo kept Milton’s goalie busy throughout the game, and Anthony Coletta made 48 saves on 55 shots. The Jr. Sabres surpassed their usual scoring output this season. This season, Buffalo averages 4.3 goals per contest. The Jr. Sabres struggled to stay out of the sin bin throughout the game as they finished the game with 28 penalty minutes for seven opposing power plays.
Buffalo was helped by Aaron Reinig, who registered one goal. Reinig scored on the power play 15:14 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Buffalo. The Jr. Sabres had gained a power play chance when Coletta was whistled for roughing. Zach Evancho assisted on the tally. Buffalo additionally got points from Tim Nicksic, who also finished with one goal and one assist, Christopher Berger, who also racked up one goal and one assist, Nicholas Alfieri, who also had one goal and one assist, Nicholas Bondra, who also registered one goal and one assist, and Dylan Seitz, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Ryan Cox also scored for Buffalo. More assists for Buffalo came via Griffin Lunn, who had two and Evan Bennett, Bryce Ferrell, and Ryan Wheeler, who each chipped in one.
Buffalo was unable to stop the Icehawks from sending pucks towards the net, and Milton eventually piled up 31 shots on goal. The Icehawks could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 32 minutes in penalties during the game.
The Jr. Sabres registered two goals on seven power play opportunities.
