by Jamie Neugebauer
When facing a team like the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, you better keep your foot on the gas for 60 minutes, because they certainly will.
Buffalo head coach Mike Peca and company ruined North York’s home opening party Sunday, rallying to beat the Rangers 4-2 in front of a large crowd at the Herb Carnegie Centennial Arena.
Gabriel Valenzuela opened his North York account off a beautiful set-up on the power play from Zach Fung to give the Rangers the lead at 8:08 of the second period, but four unanswered Sabres goals turned the tables in favour of the visitors.
Anthony Latina deflected in a shot-pass from Patrick Piacentini at 16:49 to attempt to precipitate a late North York rally, but two late Ranger penalties snuffed out any chance at a comeback.
Latina led the attack with a goal and an assist in his first game with the club after being acquired from Mississauga in the off-season, while Michael Giacometti also had two assists on the afternoon.
Valenzuela scored his first as a Ranger as well as the 19 year old was acquired from Milton in the summer.
Head coach John Dean’s team will renew hostilities with the St. Michael’s Buzzers on Friday night at St. Mike’s Arena before returning home Sunday afternoon to take on the North Division’s Aurora Tigers.
