Thursday, September 25, 2008

9/25 Recap: Schiestel ready to fire

Niagara's Drew Schiestel (+1) appeared in his first game after returning from Sabres camp, assisting on the first Dogs goal in their 3-2 overtime loss to Oshawa. Top 2009 prospect John Tavares had a goal and an assist for the Generals. The two clubs will play it back tomorrow in Oshawa. Relative to Schiestel's return, the St. Catherines Standard followed up on his camp experience with an article in yesterday's run.

Schiestel felt he more than held his own, particularly in the skating department where he finished third overall in an obstacle course drill designed to measure speed and agility.

"That turned out well, I was happy with that," he said. "I tried to show a little more this year. It was my second year and you want to make a bit of an impression."

Now that he's back with the IceDogs, Schiestel will attempt to do exactly what the Sabres have asked of him -- strive to get better each shift and each game.

That shouldn't be an issue for the mobile rearguad who has increased his points total each of his first three seasons in the OHL. He had eight goals and 37 points in 68 games last season.

"I think being well rounded and becoming a better player translates into better stats," he said. "If you pay attention to everything on the ice, you'll get more points and your plus-minus will go up. If you become a better all around player, it will help you in every other situation."

Niagara general manager Dave Brown has seen Schiestel make huge progress in a number of areas since drafting him in the third round of the 2005 OHL draft.

"When he came to our team he was a 160-pound, thin kid with his eyes wide open," Brown said. "He's improved head and heels physically and his maturity is helping him as well. It's just a matter of honing in on his hockey skills and developing more pro-like hockey skills."

In the SEL, LD Dennis Persson (2 PIM, 2 SOG) continued his steady increase in shifts, logging a total of 16:15 of time as Timra fell to Brynas, 3-2. Much of tonight's spike is likely the result of Timra's other defensemen combining for six minor penalties. The loss drops the Eagles to 2-1 on the season.