The 1st Hockey Saints showcased more than scoring touch on Friday night at La Brier Family Arena—they displayed defensive discipline and structure that carried them to a convincing 4–1 victory over the Fort Erie Meteors.
From the outset, the Saints were sharp without the puck. Defensemen Evan Pahanich, Jack Young, Charlie Sullivan, Luca Diplacido, Conor Dervin and Captain Finn Keanrs anchored a blue line that moved pucks quickly and denied Fort Erie sustained zone time. That stability translated into offense, as Nate Feiner opened the scoring just three minutes into the first. Even as penalties mounted, SAC's penalty killers rose to the challenge, frustrating the Meteors on all six of their power play opportunities in the game.
The second period highlighted SAC's defensive commitment. After Nolan Long doubled the lead early, Fort Erie briefly cut the margin in half with R.J. Schmidt's tally. But the Saints responded with poise, particularly during a stretch of back-to-back minor penalties that gave the Meteors extended power play time. SAC's killers blocked shots, cleared lanes, and forced rushed decisions, ensuring Fort Erie never built momentum. Nolan Long's buzzer beater power-play strike at 19:59 restored control heading into the third.
The Saints closed it out—being organized, disciplined, and hard to penetrate. Jacob Bultje's insurance goal midway through sealed the result, while goaltender Noah La Gambina turned aside 20 of 21 shots with calm efficiency. Fort Erie managed just 21 total shots compared to SAC's 33, a testament to how rarely they found clean looks.
Friday's win was more than a home opener—it was proof the Saints can dictate games through structure, discipline, and elite defensive play. The Saints finish up a busy opening week with a road trip to the historic William Allman Memorial Arena in Stratford, Ontario to face the Warriors. The Saints will be looking to avenge their Eli Palfreyman Memorial Tournament final loss from two weeks ago. Puck drop is at 7:30 PM. Catch it on www.flohockey.tv
