From the local Kingston Whig Standard;

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finally. In their 18th game of the Ontario Junior A Hockey League schedule, the Kingston Kimco Voyageurs tasted defeat for the first time last night.

Ironically, on a day they were ranked No. 1 in Canada for the second week in a row, the Vees (17-1) dropped their first contest of the season in the United States.

The Buffalo Junior Sabres, the lone American team in the Ontario Junior A, beat the visiting Vees 4-1.

Kingston ended Buffalo's shutout bid when Adam Pyymaki beat goalie Derek Mohney with just 1:17 left, but the Sabres scored a couple of empty-net goals to seal it.

"I told them to hold their heads up," Vees coach Evan Robinson said when asked what message he gave the players after the game.

"The season started in early September and we did a real good job keeping our goals against down. They conducted themselves real well (in the opening 18 games of the season).

"We now have a new challenge (Thursday at the Invista Centre against the Aurora Tigers), coming off a loss."

Sabres star Nick Melligan scored both empty-netters, while AJ Moyer and Ben Certo also scored for Buffalo.

"It should motivate us," Robinson said. "Sometimes you have to feel the pain. Guys are upset and disappointed, but you have to get up from the pain. You're not going to win every game in the playoffs."

Buffalo is coached by former National Hockey League Sabre Grant Ledyard.



Sabres 4 Voyageurs 1

FIRST PERIOD

1. Buffalo, Moyer 10 (Melligan, Certo) 13:47 Penalties -- Levac Kgn (interference) 1:11, Laliberte Kgn (hooking) 14:16

SECOND PERIOD

2. Buffalo, Certo 4 (Moore, Melligan) 17: 26 (pp) Penalties -- Agnew Kgn (interference) 4:31, Hughes Buf (roughing) 9:47, Welch Buf (roughing) 9:47, Evans Kgn (roughing) 9:47, Matecki Buf (tripping) 10:47, McMullen Kgn (tripping) 16:39, Hughes Buf (roughing) 17:41

THIRD PERIOD

3. Kingston, Pyymaki 9 (Melancon, Geldart) 18:43

4. Buffalo, Melligan 12 (Zappla) 19:01 (en)

5. Buffalo, Melligan 13 (Mohney) 19:51 (en) Penalties -- Arniel Buf (hooking) 4:22, Burton Kgn

(interference) 8:09, Conte Buf (slashing) 15:31, Crawford Kgn (roughing) 15:31, Levac Kgn (abuse of officials game misconduct) 15:31

Shots on goal by

Kingston 6 9 15 -- 30 Buffalo 8 7 9 -- 24

Goal-- Kingston: Vienneau (L, 11-0); Buffalo: Mohney (W, 6-6-1)

Power plays (goals-chances) -- Kingston: 0-4; Buffalo: 1-6.

Buffalo's 4-1 decision stopping the Vees' streak a 17 was the Vees' first loss by one goal decision this year (two empty netters by Buffalo). They had won in the previous six one goal-decision games.

I cannot help but think of SMC 's timely observances of some Buffalo fans who were more impressed with the Aurora Tigers than they were with the Kingston Voyageurs.

Their Junior Sabres have certainly made a case for it.

The Vees, barely beat the Junior Sabres early in the year 2-1 in the showcase tourney. Now the Buffalo team has returned the favour.

It is true that some teams just seem to have the other's number. That might be true of the Junior Sabres. This team started out well but faded lately. This is a big win for them.

I hope effenyankee sticks around on this forum to keep us posted of the Junior Sabres' progress.

Isn't it ironic that when K2four started inquiring about records, Kingston's streak stops at 17?

Wellington's 2002/2003 streak of 26 and Aurora's 2003/2004 streak of 22 are safe.

I am looking forward to the game Thursday night at the Invista. So much so, that I will be bringing out a good friend of mine and also my 34 year soccer phenom son who is a champion in his own right.

I fully expect the Vees to bring it this night as well.If they do not, they'll be hearing from me.

Stay tuned.





Wayjoy

Happy Birthday ..... Wayjoy !! Enjoy your day sir ....

Anyway you want to frame it, it is not a one goal decision game. Emptynetters are real goals.

if smc57 tried that spin about a one goal game in talking about the Tigers the thread would have been much longer by now.

when the buzzer sounds if you need more than one goal to tie the game, then it isnt a one goal game.

still 17 with out a loss to start the season is nothing to be unhappy about.
i saw kingston in collingwood this year and was impressed.

Except in Wellington, right Dukester

Hahahah so true isnt sabath ....

i hear detective wex and dukstar are investigating Belarus ! what for ? They have both come across evidence that the players are getting payed !

Thanks Kimbo my friend.

I miss you Sabath but I am getting some great reports that the Port Hope team is doing great in the junior "C" loop.

Check in and let us know how periodically.

Wayjoy

Wayne, Wellington's 2002/2003 streak was 29 games without a loss (28 wins and one tie  3-3 to Sting at Quinte Sports Centre). They lost game 30 3-1 to the Sting, and ended regular season with a 47-1-1 record. The Sting also pushed the eventual Dudley Hewitt champs to 7 games in East final, by far their toughest series prior to RBC where they lost 3-2 in the semi-final to eventual national champs Humboldt, who scored game winner with less than three minutes remaining. By the way, the Dukes, with eight 16 year olds on their roster, were the youngest team in Canada that season.

Never have I heard anyone but now Kingston call a 3-1 loss a one goal game. I suppose they can predict the future. If Kingston had not pulled their goalie Buffalo would never have scored. The Vees are very good for sure but are they mystical!! LOL

Actually it is quite common to refer to a game that has empty net goals as "one goal games". It merely describes the fact that the team was behind by one when they pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker.

I am pretty sure that an empty net goal does not count against the goaltender who played so the one goal game moniker is appropriate in those situations.

Of course when it comes to Vees fans vs Dukes fans the gloves are always off (he says with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek).

See you in Kingston tonight Wayne!