Sabers Vegas Series

GAME 1 - SABERS VS. OUTLAWS, 3-2 Sabers

The San Diego Sabers secured a 3-2 win over the Isanti Outlaws on Sunday in a tightly contested matchup.

San Diego struck early, scoring twice in the first period while outshooting Isanti 26-9. Opening the scoring was #94 Sam Bailey assisted by #4 Aidan Cosgrove and #6 Knut Hornkvist. #11 Liam Krupcynzski scored again for the Sabers in the first period with assists from #94 Sam Bailey and #6 Knut Hornkvist. In the second period, the Isanti Outlaws scored one goal, but #4 Aidan Cosgrove responded with a goal for the Sabers assisted by #11 Liam Krupcynzski and #6 Knut Hornkvist, bringing the score to 3-1 Sabers. The Isanti Outlaws added a second goal in the third period and outshot the Sabers 14-12, but San Diego’s defense held strong to seal the win.

Both teams went 0-for-3 on the power play and logged six penalty minutes each. The Sabers outshot the Outlaws 51-35, controlling the pace to secure the victory.

GAME 2 - SABERS VS. TOTEMS, 1-0 Totems

The San Diego Sabers dropped a 1-0 match to the Seattle Totems in a defensive game on Monday.

Seattle broke the scoreless tie in the third period, securing the game’s only goal despite the Sabers’ 29-shot effort. Both teams struggled on the power play, going 0-for-4, and matched each other with eight penalty minutes. Seattle outshot San Diego 42-29, applying pressure throughout the game and ultimately finding the breakthrough to claim the win.

GAME 3 - SABERS VS. ROYALS, 5-1 Sabers

The San Diego Sabers cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Rouge Valley Royals on Tuesday, fueled by a relentless offensive attack.

The Sabers jumped out to a 2-1 lead in the first period with #6 Knut Hornkvist scoring both first-period goals. He was assisted by #4 Aidan Cosgrove, #11 Liam Krupcynski, and #94 Sam Bailey. Sabers #11 Liam Krupcynski added another goal, assisted by #6 Knut Hornkvist and #94 Sam Bailey. The third period solidified the Sabers’ win, with two more goals from #11 LIam Krupcyznski and #94 Sam Bailey, making the final score 5-1. The Sabers outshot Rouge valley 53-10. Despite going 0-for-3 on the power play and racking up 14 penalty minutes, San Diego controlled the game from start to finish. Rouge valley struggled to generate offense, managing just 10 shots on goal.

GAME 4 - SABERS VS. YETI, 7-2 Sabers

The San Diego Sabers overwhelmed the Iron County Yeti with a 7-2 victory on Wednesday, showcasing their offensive depth and defensive strength.

The Sabers started the game with a 2-0 lead in the first period with scoring from #11 Liam Krupcyznski and #6 Knut Hornkvist. They extended their advantage in the second period with two more goals from #11 Liam Krupcyznski and one goal from #13 Devlin Morgan. Aiding these goals was #54 Hudson Azar, #44 Kai Shepherd, #8 Bryce Alexander, #10 Jeremy Adkins, #6 Knut Hornkvist, and #4 Aidan Cosgrove. In the third period, the Sabers added two more goals by #94 Sam Bailey and #6 Knut Hornkvist, solidifying their 7-2 win. They outshot the yeti 41-18, keeping steady pressure throughout the game.

Despite going 0-for-3 on the power play and serving 12 penalty minutes, San Diego’s balanced attack and strong defense proved too much for the Iron County Yeti. 

The Sabers will look to carry their winning form into the new year as they return to action in Las Vegas this January 10, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. at America First Center Rink 1. 

Photos by Emily Ferguson