AMHERST – The Georgetown Raiders survived a determined comeback attempt by the Buffalo Jr. Sabres on the way to a 4-2 win in Game Three of their Ontario Junior Hockey Playoff series, putting the Raiders into a 2-1 series lead after Buffalo took the opener.
A goal by Liam Board put Georgetown up 4-1 in the third period, but Buffalo pulled to within two on Nico Gonzalez‘s tally 9:17 into the third period.
The Raiders’ penalty kill proved most effective, as Georgetown gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.
The Raiders were helped by Ryan Smith, who grabbed one goal. Smith scored on the power play 19:52 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Georgetown. Georgetown had gotten the advantage when the Jr. Sabres’ Gonzalez was sent off for slashing. Anthony Marra picked up the assist. Georgetown also got points from Steve Hladin, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Steven Mueller also scored for Georgetown. Other players who recorded assists for Georgetown were Gavin Shantz, Liam Clare, Brendan Jacome, John Adams, and Andrew Court, who each chipped in one.
Buffalo forced the Raiders goalie Michael McNiven to work between the pipes, taking 32 shots.
Buffalo also got a goal from Nick Desimone as well. More assists for Buffalo came via Nolan Sheeran, who had two and Max Mikowski and Pat Egan, who contributed one each.
Michael McNiven made 30 saves for Georgetown on 32 shots. The Raiders incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. The Jr. Sabres’ Joseph Pianta stopped 13 shots out of the 17 that he faced. Buffalo incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.
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Photo: Buffalo Jr. Sabres forward Nico Gonzalez carries the puck. Gonzalez had one of Buffalo’s two goals in their 4-2 loss. By Timothy T. Ludwig, OJHL Images.
