NEWS

Everybody that knows hockey understands that talent without a compete-level to match is pretty much useless.
(pictured - Adam Valadao of the North York Rangers fights-off Buffalo Jr. Sabres defenders and scored two goals during game four of the series - photo credit: Tim Bates/OJHL Images)

On Tuesday night, the North York Rangers showed that they have both in spades as they cruised past the Buffalo Jr. Sabres by the score of 4-1 in game four of the best-of-seven South-West Conference semi-final series.

After the contest, North York bench boss John Dean praised the battle level of his troops, “I love effort level on our team. This team always gives effort, they are made of effort. The only thing sometimes is that the effort level is misplaced, but I love the compete level and other than the second period, we were fine.”

Michael Giacometti’s bullet from the point at 2:07 of the first period on the power play got the scoring started for the Rangers, and then Adam Valadao deflected his first of two on the night with 50 seconds remaining in the frame to double the lead.

Valadao tipped his second in 44 seconds into the middle period to make it 3-0 North York (both of his goals coming with the man advantage), and then OJHL playoff scoring leader Corey Kalk made it four at 12:12 with a sweet move to cut into the middle before firing it past Buffalo netminder Parker Gahagen.

North York, back-stopped brilliantly by Jason Pucciarelli, who had a 41 save performance, grinded and held off the Jr. Sabres the rest of the way, only allowing a single goal to regular season scoring champion Tyler Gjurich at 14:32 on the power play.

Valadao’s contributions (two goals and one assist) to the team, should not come as a surprise to anyone.

“Valadao is not quiet to me and he’s not quiet to any of his teammates,” Dean said. “I think anybody inside the locker room knows what he provides to the team and I think Kalk and (John) Carpino would say the same thing. He does so much, sometimes out of nothing, to get them the puck and let them do their magic. He definitely deserved what he got today and I’m happy for him.”

Special teams played a key role in the game with North York going 3-for-5 with the man advantage on the night, looking extremely dangerous when up a player all contest long.

With the victory, the Rangers take a 3-1 series lead with a chance to finish it on Wednesday night at the First Niagara Centre (home of the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres) in game five.

For a full game summary, please CLICK HERE.

SW Conference Semi-Final:
Game One    North York 5 @ Buffalo 1 (NYR leads series 1-0)
Game Two    Buffalo 2 @ North York 4 (NYR leads series 2-0)
Game Three    North York 4 @ Buffalo 5 (OT) (NYR leads series 2-1)
Game Four    Buffalo 1 @ North York 4 (NYR leads series 3-1)
Game Five    North York @ Buffalo    March 20
Game Six    Buffalo @ North York    March 22 (if necessary)
Game Seven    North York @ Buffalo    March 23 (if necessary)