The Buffalo Jr. Sabres pulled out a 4-3 (OT) overtime victory over the Hamilton Red Wings on a clutch goal by Zach Evancho.
Evancho had a great game for Buffalo, netting two goals. Evancho found the back of the net 1:56 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Buffalo and again while 1:45 into the fifth to make the score 4-3 Buffalo.
The Jr. Sabres’ penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Hamilton power plays. Buffalo kept Hamilton’s goalie busy throughout the game, and Jordan Cartney made 34 saves on 38 shots.
Buffalo also had goals scored by Josh Gabriel and Justin Cmunt, who each put in one. More assists for Buffalo came via Daniel Lafontaine, who had two and Wilson Vershay, Michael Bevilacqua, Brenden Dunning, Tim Kielich, and Ryan Kuhn, who contributed one each.
The Red Wings were led by Ryan Erickson, who tallied one goal and one assist. Erickson scored 10:02 into the second period to make the score 2-2. Kris Hamlin assisted on the tally. Others who scored for Hamilton included Josh LaFrance and Laine McKay, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Hamilton were Joseph Mitchell and Carl Greco, who each chipped in one.
The Jr. Sabres’ Alex Connal stopped 23 shots out of the 26 that he faced. Buffalo incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Hamilton incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.
