(Mississauga, ON) – The Buffalo Junior Sabres spotted the host Mississauga Chargers two goals before scoring six unanswered tallies to win Saturday night, 6-2, in Port Credit Arena.
Ryan Schmelzer (left photo) scored a hat trick while newest Jr. Sabre Nick Scamurra (right), who was acquired from the Hamilton Red Wings earlier in the week, added three assists in his first game with his new team.
Lucas Venuto opened the scoring for the hosts just under two minutes into the contest. The 1-0 lead held through the end of one period. Just 44 seconds into the second period, Anthony Latina scored a power play goal to increase Mississauga’s lead to 2-0.
Buffalo roared back. On the power play, Alex Dagnal got Buffalo on the scoreboard with a goal at the 5:35 mark. Tyler Gjurich scored his 33rdgoal of the season at the 8:33 mark of the second to tie the game at 2-2. Schmelzer’s goal at the 14:43 mark, the first of his three and also on the power play, proved to be the game winner.
Schmelzer scored his other two goals in the third period, with Pat Egan chipping in a goal as well.
Parker Gahagen stopped 32 shots to earn the win. He and Gjurich will be honored Tuesday prior to the start of the team’s next game, at home against the Toronto Lakeshore Patriots, beginning at 6:30pm in the Northtown Center at Amherst.
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Tuesday night’s game against Toronto Lakeshore is also Teddy Bear Toss night, sponsored by Dent Neurologic Institute. Fans are asked to bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear to the game. When Buffalo scored its first goal, fans are encouraged to toss the bears on the ice. All toys collected will be given to the Buffalo Sabres Alumni, who along with Buffalo Police will distribute them to local families to add some holiday cheer.
The Buffalo Sabres are providing prizes to give away and to raffle off. Sabretooth , the Sabres’ popular mascot, is scheduled to appear as well.
Fans will also receive a coupon from Theodore’s Red Hots good for one complimentary hot dog with the purchase of a regular hot dog and a large soft drink.
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