The Pickering Panthers failed to take advantage of their power play opportunities and the Buffalo Jr. Sabres shook off a number of penalties to win, 5-2.
Buffalo was led by Wilson Vershay, who registered one goal. Vershay scored 7:35 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Buffalo. Joshua Biasillo picked up the assist.
The Jr. Sabres could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 30 minutes in penalties during the game.
Buffalo also got points from Griffin Lunn, who also had one goal and one assist. Buffalo also got a goal from Tim Nicksic as well. In addition, Buffalo received assists from Dylan Seitz, who had two and Matthew Buchbinder, Bryce Ferrell, and Ryan Wheeler, who each chipped in one.
Pickering put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Buffalo to score on any of its five power plays. The Panthers forced the Jr. Sabres goalie Tucker Weppner to work between the pipes, taking 37 shots. Pickering could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 26 minutes in penalties during the game.
The Panthers were led by John Hudgin, who racked up one goal and one assist. Hudgin scored on the power play 5:59 into the second period to make the score 2-2. Pickering had gotten the advantage when Buffalo’s Ferrell was sent off for roughing. Tiger McDonald provided the assist. Mackenzie Heber also scored for Pickering. Other players who recorded assists for Pickering were Davis Kuksis, who had one.
The Jr. Sabres’ Weppner stopped 35 shots out of the 37 that he faced. Troy Paquette made 21 saves for the Panthers on 25 shots. Pickering registered one goal on six power play opportunities.
