Christian Rajic gave the Oakville Blades the lead in the first period, and the Buffalo Jr. Sabres was never able to catch up in a close game that ended 3-1.
Oakville took over the lead for good with a goal by Rajic at 4:20 in the first period. Josh Kosack assisted on the tally.
Buffalo was stymied by the Blades’ netminder Brendan McGlynn, who stopped 39 shots during the victory. The solid play of McGlynn will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 3.02.
The Jr. Sabres’ power play was ineffective against Oakville’s penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.
The Blades were helped by Drew Worrad, who tallied one goal. Worrad scored on the power play 13:19 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Oakville. Oakville had gained a power play chance when Zach Evancho was whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct. Bryce Misley picked up the assist. Oakville also got points from Kosack, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. More assists for Oakville came via Patrick Kudla, Ryan Foss, Jackson Bales, and Ryan Garvey, who contributed one each.
Buffalo did not reach the goal total it has come to expect this season. The Jr. Sabres average 4.3 goals per game. Buffalo forced the Blades goalie McGlynn to work between the pipes, taking 40 shots.
The Jr. Sabres were led by Brenden Dunning, who scored the team’s only goal. Dunning scored on the power play 1:41 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Oakville. Buffalo had gotten the advantage when Oakville’s Foss was sent off for roughing. Griffin Lunn provided the assist.
The Blades incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Tucker Weppner made 17 saves for the Jr. Sabres on 20 shots. Buffalo ended with 17 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one major. The Jr. Sabres ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Wilson Vershay was ejected from the game.