Springdale Braves continue winning ways against Northeast Sabres

Braves back in front in senior intermediate hockey

P.J. Budgell of the Northeast Sabres controls the puck, with Alex Goudie and Jeremy Drover of the Springdale Braves in close pursuit during weekend action in the Central Senior Intermediate Hockey League. - Coretta Stacey photo

SPRINGDALE, NL — The Springdale Braves kicked their four-game losing streak in Central Senior Intermediate Hockey League action by continuing their dominance over the Northeast Sabres last weekend.

A pair of road victories — 7-4 Sunday and 4-2 Saturday night — against the previously first-place team out of Baie Verte has the Braves in first place again, albeit with two games in hand.
It also clinches a playoff spot in the five-team league for the first-year entry from Springdale.

Four of the Sabres’ five losses this season have come at the hands of the Braves, with Springdale winning all four games against their neighbouring rivals.

Braves 7, Sabres 4

Josh Osmond of the Braves ended a scoreless hockey game just over halfway through the first period, and Springdale jumped out to a 3-0 lead going into the first intermission.
The Sabres would mount a second-period comeback that led to a one-goal deficit (4-3) after two periods, but the Braves sealed the victory early in the third period.

Sherman McKay and Ryan Cull each scored twice in the win, while teammates Osmond and Damien Simmons had a goal and an assist each. Chris Budgell also scored for the Braves.

Jeff Quigley had a goal and two assists for the Sabres in the loss, while Jordan Cramm, Nathan Mayo and Cory Barker rounded out the scoring for the hometown team.

Rick Canning of the Northeast Sabres skates through the offensive zone as Springdale Braves players Jeremy Drover and Trenton Johanson keep a close eye on him during weekend action in the Central Senior Intermediate Hockey League.

Braves 4, Sabres 2

Wayne Clarke of the Braves and Rob Roberts of the Sabres held the game scoreless until Trentan Johnson scored the game’s first goal with 9:16 to go in the second period.
Jarvis Budgell quickly tied the game 15 seconds later.

The teams exchanged goals again in the second period, with Johanson netting his second to put Springdale back in front and Jordan Cramm tying things again.

Just over six minutes into the third, Jordan Snow scored the eventual game-winner.
Scott Doody sealed the win with seconds to go.

Johanson had two goals for the Braves, while Snow picked up a goal and an assist. Doody had the other Springdale goal.

Budgell and Cramm were the only goal scorers for the Sabres.

The Sabres will be on the road against the Exploits Blades next weekend.
The Braves have back-to-back weekends off before ending their season with a pair of games against the Blades Feb. 10/11.