The Mississauga Chargers gutted out a close 4-2 win against the Buffalo Jr. Sabres.
Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Trevor Warnaar‘s goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.
After the loss made the series score 2-3 in the best of seven series, Buffalo faces elimination next time out.
Mississauga got the win thanks to a great game by Warnaar, who had two goals and one assist. Warnaar scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 14:57 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Mississauga. The Chargers had gotten the advantage when the Jr. Sabres’ Dennis Gilbert was sent off for tripping. Patrick Mooney assisted on the tally. Warnaar’s next tally on the power play made the score 4-2 Mississauga with 4:52 left in the third period. Mississauga earned a power play opportunity when Nico Gonzalez was put in the box for roughing. Mitch Mehling picked up the assist.
The Chargers kept Buffalo’s goalie busy throughout the game, and Joseph Pianta made 41 saves on 45 shots.
Mississauga additionally got points from Mehling, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Mississauga also got a goal from Matt Hore as well. More assists for Mississauga came via Lucas Venuto, who had two and Jackson Howe and Nick Tetley, who each chipped in one.
Mississauga was unable to stop the Jr. Sabres from sending pucks towards the net, and Buffalo eventually piled up 47 shots on goal.
The Jr. Sabres were led by Tim Kielich, who tallied one goal and one assist. Kielich scored 19:01 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Buffalo. Ryan Schmelzer provided the assist. Michael Ederer also scored for Buffalo.
The Chargers’ Austin Washkurak stopped 45 shots out of the 47 that he faced. Mississauga incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Buffalo incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. For the Jr. Sabres, Max Mikowski was ejected from the game.
