White Sabres edge Stars

The White Sabres and Stars played an exciting first game of the season. The White Sabres won 5-4.

The first period was like a chess match with both teams playing solid defense and good offense. The first goal of the game was scored by the Sabres' James Bassett off of a nice pass from Dan Dirrigl.

The Stars came back 19 seconds later with a spectacular effort by Jim Kirkpatrick to tie the game up at 1-1. The Stars continued the pressure in the first half of the second period by scoring two goals. Justin Bystrak scored unassisted and Jim Kirkpatrick scored his second goal of the game thanks to the hard work of Jon Held.

The Sabres' Alex Jackson made some great saves to keep the score close until the Sabres were able to get their offense going. Dan Dirrigl struck for the Sabres assisted by James Bassett. James Bassett tied the game up off a rebound off his own shot. Dan Dirrigl scored off a pretty play from Ethan Evenson to give the Sabres the lead with five seconds left in the second period.

Stars goalie Christian Aichinger made great saves to keep the Stars close. The offensive pressure of the Stars paid off early in the third period as Ben Warda scored to tied the game up. Both teams had great play throughout the remaining third period.

The Sabres' Jamey Irish-Ryan, Samantha Johnson, Joe Philipps and Jacob DiStasio played outstanding defense. The Stars' AJ Aquilina, Ben Bataglia, Dan Bounds, Heather Casselman and Christian Cretella made many great plays. The Sabres' line of Jon Utech, Chris Comtois and Justin Lamonto were on the ice the last minute of the game and it was their determination that paid off as Jon Utech scored the game winner for the Sabres with 50 seconds left in the game.

The Sabres' George Korn, Jim Roberto, Dan Corosi and Alley Lillis were big contributors during the game. The Stars' Samantha Degan, Neil Greiner, Pat Irving, Craig McCabe and Steve Zaprrowski put pressure on the Sabres all game.