Ayrton Valente netted a hat trick to lead the Mississauga Chargers over the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, 8-3.
Valente got on the scoresheet 1:16 into the second period. He then added goals at 4:59 into the second and at 21 seconds into the third.
The win moved Mississauga to down 2-1 in the best of seven series.
The Chargers put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Buffalo to score on any of its three power plays. Mississauga’s offense rang up 45 shots on the Jr. Sabres’ net. The defensemen of the Chargers were also effective in Buffalo’s zone, and came away with three goals.
Mississauga also got points from Lucas Venuto, who also had one goal and three assists to lead the team in points. Mississauga also had goals scored by Trevor Warnaar and Thomas Lattavo, who scored two goals each. In addition, Mississauga received assists from Mitch Mehling, who had three, Austin Galli, Jackson Howe, Ryan Harrison, Vince Figliomeni, and Matt Hore, who contributed one each, and Joseph Molinaro and Cory Hyashi, who each chipped in two.
The Jr. Sabres kept Mississauga’s goalie busy throughout the game, and Austin Washkurak made 49 saves on 52 shots.
Buffalo was helped by Nolan Sheeran, who racked up one goal. Sheeran scored short handed 4:30 into the first period to make the score 1-1. The Jr. Sabres were on a disadvantage when Max Mikowski went off the ice for tripping. Others who scored for Buffalo included Ryan Schmelzer and Dylan Gamble, who each put in one. More assists for Buffalo came via Michael Ederer, Nick Desimone, and Nathan Black, who contributed one each.
The Chargers incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Joseph Pianta recorded 37 saves for Buffalo. The Jr. Sabres incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.
