Menace Analyst – Mikayla Guarasci
Milton Menace Preview: Menace at Buffalo Jr. Sabres – December 20, 2023
We are down to the final two games of 2023 for the Milton Menace, as they are finishing the year on the road. The Menace are heading to Buffalo, NY, on Wednesday to take on the Jr. Sabres for the third time this season.
The Menace come into Wednesday looking for their sixth win in a row as they beat the Mississauga Chargers 5-3 on Saturday to extend the streak. The Chargers scored the lone goal of the first period, but Sett Ursomarzo and Gavin Sheehan scored in the second to give the Menace the lead going into the third. Anthony Di Trani’s hat trick was not enough for the home team to win, as Alexander Siletsky, Connor Driscoll, and Travis Houle scored in the third to ensure Milton came out on top. Menace goaltender Ariel Zaslaver made 23 saves in the win. Milton is nine points back of the Collingwood Blues with two games in hand for first place in the West Conference.
The Jr. Sabres’ last game was on Saturday against the Toronto Patriots. They won 4-3 and are riding a six game win streak dating back to December 6th. Wednesday’s game will be their last until the new year, and they have a 20-12-0-2 record this season, sitting fourth in the West Conference. The Georgetown Raiders are right on their heels, so every win is consequential for Buffalo, and they’ll look to go into the break on a high note.
Milton and Buffalo have met twice this season, with the Menace coming out victorious in both. Their last meeting was at the Lecom Harborcenter in Buffalo on November 8th, and Milton won 6-5 in overtime. Both games were tight, with each team getting plenty of quality chances, so Milton will need a full team effort to leave Buffalo with the win.
Wednesday’s game will begin at 7:45 p.m. in Buffalo. If you aren’t making the cross-border trip, be sure to stream the game on FloHockey and keep an eye on the Menace’s social media accounts for live updates.
