(Hamilton, ON) – The Buffalo Jr. Sabres further cemented their hold on third place in the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s West Division thanks to a Monday night win in Hamilton over the host Red Wings, 5-2.
The Wings opened the scoring with 10:14 remaining in the first on Benjamin Walsh’s goal. Buffalo struck back with two quick goals about three minutes later. With 7:27 remaining in the opening period, Alex Dagnal tied the game with his goal, asssted by Shane Bennett and Max Mikowski. Bennett then scored and gave the guests the lead just 25 seconds later, assisted by Derek Patterson.
Neither team scored in the second period. Just 15 seconds into the third period, Josh Kielich built Buffalo’s lead to 3-1 with his quick goal, assisted by Bennett. Jake Ledyard increased Buffalo’s lead to 4-1 on his unassisted shorthanded goal with 15:48 remaining in the third. Tim Kielich added an unassisted goal just over two minutes later to make it 5-1 in favor of Buffalo. Oliver Hyman then scored for Hamilton to cut the lead to 5-2. Assisting on Hyman’s goal was West Seneca, New York native Jim Roll (who earlier in the evening was briefly credited with the goal until it was adjusted).
Jr. Sabres goaltender Parker Gahagen faced 28 shots and made 26 saves, while his Hamilton counterpart Paul Orlando made 24 saves on 29 Buffalo shots.
The hosts racked up 58 minuted in penalties, while the Jr. Sabres tallied 28 minutes. These included misconducts by both sides.
The Jr. Sabres return to game action tomorrow night at home against the Milton Icehawks, who are hoping to climb as high as fourth place in the OJHL West Division while in a three-way race for with Hamilton and Burlington for that position.
