The Buffalo Jr. Sabres gutted out a close 5-3 win against the Hamilton Red Wings.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Ryan Kuhn secured the win for Buffalo with a goal in the second period.

The Jr. Sabres were led by Josh Gabriel, who tallied one goal. Gabriel scored 12:04 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Buffalo. Aaron Reinig picked up the assist.

Buffalo excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. The Jr. Sabres forced Hamilton goalie Jordan Cartney to work between the pipes, taking 35 shots.

Buffalo additionally got points from Christopher Berger, who also registered one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Buffalo also had goals scored by Brenden Dunning and Tim Kielich, who each put in one. In addition, Buffalo received assists from Aiden Salerno, Daniel Lafontaine, Justin Cmunt, and Zach Evancho, who each chipped in one.

The Red Wings were helped by Laine McKay, who racked up one goal. McKay scored 7:13 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Buffalo. Josh LaFrance assisted on the tally. Others who scored for Hamilton included Otis Goldman and Rylee St. Onge, who scored one goal each. More assists for Hamilton came via Jeff Joynt, Joseph Mitchell, Joel Knight, and Carl Greco, who contributed one each.

Nate Skidmore rejected 27 shots on goal for Buffalo. The Jr. Sabres incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Cartney recorded 30 saves for Hamilton. The Red Wings ended with 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major. For Hamilton, Matteo Condotta was ejected from the game.