Bassett’s hat trick helps White Sabres tame Wolves

James Bassett’s hat trick led the White Sabres past the Wolves, 6-3, in a Squirt Division game in the Amherst Hockey Association played on Dec. 23.

Bassett opened the scoring midway through the first period when he beat goaltender Dennis Yelin on a breakaway. Jim Roberto made it 2-0 on a pass from Alley Lillis. Bassett notched his second with time running out in the first period. Jamey Irish-Ryan and Dan Carosi picked up assists.

Early in the second period, the White Sabres made it 4-0 when Jonathon Utech scored on a pass from Bassett. The Wolves then scored three

consecutive goals. Anthony Carbone tallied an unassisted goal late in the second, beating Alex Jackson with a nice move. Nolan Burch then scored back to back goals in the third period to make it 4-3.

On Burch’s first goal, Max Macarthur picked up an assist while Matt Werwinski assisted on the second.

Forty-seconds after Burch’s second goal, Bassett gave the White Sabres some breathing room when he completed his hat trick with an assist to Jacob DiStasio. When the Wolves pulled their goalie, Utech scored in the empty net for his second of the game. George Korn was credited with the assist.

The White Sabres’ Iris-Ryan played an outstanding defensive game, foiling many Wolf opportunities. Also helping goaltender Alex Jackson with some excellent defensive plays were Samantha Johnson and Joe Phillips. Dan Dirrigl and Justin LaMonto chipped in with some solid offensive play.

For the Wolves, Britt Baker, Austin Abbarno, Ron Martin, Zack Serotte and Adam Teach made some outstanding defensive plays. On the offensive side, Ryan Burns, Erica Dombrowski, Derek Hofner, and Connor Juenker had solid games.