Buffalo Jr. Sabres (MM) relied on the scoring touch of MICHAEL BENAQUIST, who netted two goals, to beat Colorado Thunderbirds (MM), 5-2.

BENAQUIST found the back of the net 3:19 into the first period to make the score 1-1 and again while 3:32 into the first to make the score 2-1 Buffalo Jr. Sabres (MM).

Buffalo Jr. Sabres (MM) put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Colorado Thunderbirds (MM) to score on any of its four power plays. Buffalo Jr. Sabres (MM)'s offense rang up 39 shots on Colorado Thunderbirds (MM)'s net.

Buffalo Jr. Sabres (MM) also got a goal from MITCHELL CULVER as well. In addition, Buffalo Jr. Sabres (MM) received assists from Michael Bevilacqua, JOSEPH SCHULER, MATTHEW BUCHBINDER, Ryan Peters, and JEFF RYMARCZYK, who contributed one each.

Colorado Thunderbirds (MM)'s penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on six Buffalo Jr. Sabres (MM) power plays.

Colorado Thunderbirds (MM) was helped by Jack Doremus, who registered one goal. Doremus scored 3:07 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Colorado Thunderbirds (MM). Christopher(CJ) Dodero picked up the assist. David Marabella also scored for Colorado Thunderbirds (MM). More assists for Colorado Thunderbirds (MM) came via Brendon Carlstrom, who had one and John Greer, who had two.

BRIAN KOWALSKI made five saves before being replaced by NICHOLAS VILARDO, who took the win and made 18 saves. Buffalo Jr. Sabres (MM) incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Colorado Thunderbirds (MM)'s Ben Roberts stopped 34 shots out of the 39 that he faced. Colorado Thunderbirds (MM) incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors.