The game between the Pickering Panthers and the Buffalo Jr. Sabres was tight through all 60 minutes, but in the end Pickering emerged with a 3-2 win.
Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and BJ Salerno secured the win for the Panthers with a goal in the second period.
Pickering was led by Salerno, who registered one goal and one assist. Salerno scored 16:28 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Pickering. Blake Coffey picked up the assist.
Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 19:45 into the second period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with three game misconducts.
The Panthers put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Buffalo to score on any of its five power plays.
Pickering also had goals scored by Lucas Condotta and Nicholas Lepone, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Pickering were Kevin Dimagno, Barnes, and Chris Sekelyk, who contributed one each.
The Jr. Sabres were helped by Zach Evancho, who grabbed one goal. Evancho scored 11:40 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Dan DeFranco assisted on the tally. Buffalo also got a goal from Christopher Berger as well. In addition, Buffalo received assists from Tim Nicksic, Kenny Tencza, and Ryan Kuhn, who each chipped in one.
Pickering’s Jordan Cartney stopped 25 shots out of the 27 that he faced. The Panthers totaled 16 minutes in penalty time with three minors and two majors and went 0-for-1 on the power play. Pickering ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Mark Tenuta was ejected from the game. Nate Skidmore made 22 saves for Buffalo on 25 shots. The Jr. Sabres ended with 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major. For Buffalo, DeFranco was ejected from the game.
