The Buffalo Jr. Sabres tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Toronto Patriots Patriots held on for a 4-2 victory.
Toronto Patriots took a 4-1 lead during the second period, only to have Buffalo storm back on a Aaron Reinig goal 10:36 into the third period to pull to two goals down.
The Patriots were led by Colton Kalezic, who finished with one goal. Kalezic scored on the power play 10:17 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Toronto Patriots. Toronto Patriots had gotten the advantage when the Jr. Sabres’ Griffin Lunn was sent off for tripping. Daniel Barnes picked up the assist.
The Patriots’ penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Buffalo power plays.
Toronto Patriots additionally got points from Nick Stuckless, who also grabbed one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Toronto Patriots also had goals scored by Lee Lapid and Jordan Anderson, who each put in one. More assists for Toronto Patriots came via Louis DiMatteo, Mario Ferraro, Logan Blaser, Noah Robinson, and Jack Lyons, who each chipped in one.
Buffalo could not produce up to its normal offensive output. The Jr. Sabres average 4.4 goals per game. Buffalo forced Toronto Patriots goalie Jacob Standen to work between the pipes, taking 50 shots.
The Jr. Sabres were helped by Zach Evancho, who registered one goal. Evancho scored 9:21 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Toronto Patriots. In addition, Buffalo received assists from Wilson Vershay, who had one.
The Patriots’ Standen stopped 48 shots out of the 50 that he faced. Toronto Patriots incurred 30 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Brian Kowalski rejected 21 shots on goal for Buffalo. The Jr. Sabres incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.