After a 5 hour drive to Pittsburgh on Friday November the 6th the Minor Atom AA Flamborough Sabres started their Veterans Cup tournament quest against the Scarborough Young Bruins. The game was closely contested with chances at both ends with the Sabres finally breaking through late in the third with a goal by Spencer G. Only moments later Kyle S. sealed the victory on a gritty goal from the slot. Alexander O. stood tall in goal to earn the shut-out in the 2-0 win. Later that evening the Sabres suited up again against the Tecumseh Shoreline Eagles. The Sabres struck first only seconds into the game with another goal by Spencer G. The game was a see-saw affair with Sabres goals from Ben H. and a pretty goal by Maddox S-D assisted by Brian C. In the third period Tecumseh pulled ahead based on numerous powerplay opportunities. The Sabres made it close with a late goal from Spencer G. but fell short in a 5-4 loss. In game 3 The Sabres squared off against the Ashburn Extreme from West Virginia. After going down 2-0 early the Sabres continued to battled back and got 2nd a second period goal by Riley E. in no small part due to the heroic efforts of Josh B. fending off numerous defenders. Late in the second, Spencer G. evened the score with yet another tally. After a closely contested third, the game ended in a 2-2 draw. In the Saturday night game the Sabres faced the Georgina Blaze. The Sabres were victorious in a dominant performance allowing only 4 shots on goal and seeing two goals from Josh B. Strong play by the defensive core of Harris R, Eric G, Owen B, Mitchell W and numerous outstanding plays at the blue line by Colin R helped to seal the victory and the shutout for goalie Colby B.
On Sunday the Sabres were forced to wait until late in the day for the championship game against the Ashburn Xtreme. The game started with great intensity but it was the Xtreme who struck first. The Sabres battled back with yet another goal by Spencer G. The Xtreme pulled ahead to make it 2-1 but the Sabres again battled back with a goal by Jack G. to make it 2-2. The Xtreme pulled ahead in the third to make it 3-2 and looked to seal the victory but missed on a penalty shot. The Sabres showed their resilience with hard work from Carter W. leading to a late goal by Maddox S-D to tie the game at 3 and force overtime. After tense moments and chances at both ends the Xtreme scored with only 13 seconds left in the 4 on 4 overtime frame. It was a tough loss to swallow, but we couldn’t be prouder of our 2006 Minor Atom AA Sabres for the effort and resilience showed in the Veterans Cup tournament. The boys returned home and look to build on their strong showing in Pittsburgh with their next home game against the Centre Wellington Fusion at Harry Howell Arena at 5:30pm this Saturday. Go Sabres Go!!!