A hat trick by Shane Bennett was the highlight in Icehawks’ 6-2 win against the Buffalo Jr. Sabres.
Bennett got on the scoresheet 3:09 into the first period. He then added goals at 19:27 into the second and at 40 seconds into the third.
The Milton Icehawks kept Buffalo’s goalie busy throughout the game, and Joseph Pianta made 31 saves on 37 shots. Milton surpassed its usual scoring output this season. This season, the Icehawks average 3.2 goals per contest.
Milton additionally got points from Kane Elliot, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Milton included Evan Denley and Stephan Templeton, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Milton were Alex Riche, who had two, Jeremy Gottzmann, who had three, and Cooper Richards and Josh Pace, who contributed one a piece.
The Jr. Sabres could not produce up to they normal offensive output. Buffalo puts an average of 4.6 pucks into the net per game. Milton was unable to stop the Jr. Sabres from sending pucks towards the net, and Buffalo eventually piled up 34 shots on goal.
The Jr. Sabres were helped by Michael Ederer, who finished with one goal. Ederer scored on the power play 12:27 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Milton. Buffalo had gained a power play chance when TJ Fergus was whistled for interference. Nico Gonzalez picked up the assist. Pat Egan also scored for Buffalo. In addition, Buffalo received assists from Mason Evans, Max Mikowski, and Nolan Sheeran, who each chipped in one.
The Icehawks’ Tyler Lewis stopped 32 shots out of the 34 that he faced. Milton incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Jr. Sabres incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.
