In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the St. Michaels Buzzers escaped with a 5-3 victory over the Buffalo Jr. Sabres.
Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Dalton Barnes‘s goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.
Barnes had a great game for St. Michaels, netting two goals.
Buffalo was stymied by the Buzzers’ netminder Mark Manolescu, who stopped 25 shots during the victory. Manolescu managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 3.31 prior to the game.
St. Michaels’ penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Buffalo power plays.
St. Michaels additionally got points from A.J. Dorazio, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Others who scored for St. Michaels included Noah Jordan and Cameron Wright, who each put in one. More assists for St. Michaels came via Sean Kohler, who had one, Mark Paolini, who had two, and Luke Branco and Thomas Beretta, who each chipped in three.
The Jr. Sabres excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. Buffalo forced the Buzzers goalie Manolescu to work between the pipes, taking 32 shots.
The Jr. Sabres were led by Zach Evancho, who racked up one goal and one assist. Evancho scored 1:51 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Buffalo. Brenden Dunning picked up the assist. Buffalo also had goals scored by Aaron Reinig and Bryce Ferrell, who scored one goal each. In addition, Buffalo received assists from Tim Nicksic, Nicholas Bondra, and David Baskerville, who contributed one each.
St. Michaels incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Brian Kowalski made 24 saves for Buffalo on 29 shots. The Jr. Sabres incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors.