(MIlton, ON) – Less than 24 hours after grabbing two points in an exciting win at the OJHL Governor’s Showcase, the Buffalo Junior Sabres finished their weekend road swing with a Sunday afternoon tilt in Milton against the host IceHawks, featuring former Jr. Sabre Shane Bennett, who came out eager to face his former teammates.
Milton opened the scoring early in the first period, with Spencer Gourlay beating Buffalo goalie Parker Gahagen at the 1:49 mark. Jr. Sabres forward Josh Kielich responded at the 3:59 mark, his goal assisted by cousin Tim Kielich. Milton’s Bennett then gave the IceHawks another lead, scoring at the 10:28 mark of the first period.
Bennett later assisted Gourlay’s second goal of the game, which happened at the 4:16 mark of the second period. Buiffalo cut the lead to 3-2 with Tim Kielich’s goal, assisted by Josh Kielich and Sean Federow.
David Seward’s power play goal at the 3:36 mark of the third period (assisted by Josh Kielich and Ryan Schmelzer) evened the score. Just seconds later, though, Milton’s Bryce Abraham put the hosts back in the lead for good with what proved to be the game winning goal. Kane Elliot and Ryan Burns scored seconds apart in the 14th minute of the third period to ensure the IceHawks’ win.
Gahagen turned aside 36 Milton shots, while IceHawks netminder Justin Urquhart stopped 31 shots on goal by the Jr. Sabres.
Buffalo returns to game action on Wednesday evening against the Burlington Cougars at the Northtown Center at Amherst.
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Forward David Seward has enjoyed a productive streak, averaging a point a game over the past five games. Those points include three power play goals, including one scored Saturday against the Flyers at the Governor’s Showcase and one in Sunday’s game at Milton.
Also remaining a steady point contributor is defenseman Sean Federow. Only once in his last 11 games has he been held without a point. His production streak was highlighted on Friday, October 12 with his hat trick in Buffalo’s loss at home to the Hamilton Red Wings.
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The injury big hit the team again Saturday night, as defenseman Darrin Trebes went down with a leg injury. Pending the results of further tests, it appears Trebes will be out of the lineup for a significant period of time. The injury comes one week after forward Alex Dagnal went down with a leg injury of his own.
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