11/19 Recap: Schiestel rumors fueled; Adam, Byron repeat

Rumors of a Drew Schiestel-to-Windsor deal gained a little more mo' on Wednesday when the defenseman was left out of Niagara's lineup in a tilt with Belleville. The omission of the swift skating rearguard showed on the scoreboard as the Dogs ended on the wrong side of an 8-1 decision. Recently returned Alex Pietrangelo (STL) scored the lone Dogs goal, while Bryan Cameron (LOS) and Eric Tangradi (ANA) paced the Bulls with two goals and three assists each. Two weeks ago, rumors surfaced that Windsor was looking to beef up their back end, and that Schiestel was on their short list. Trade flames were later fanned when the leadership trio of Schiestel, Matt Piva, and Andrew Merrett were scratched in a game with Owen Sound. The club claimed a "flu" bug went about the team. However it seems that it was neither a deal nor a bug, as sources close to the Dogs suggest it was a disciplinary measure after a curfew violation. While we're not downplaying the possibility that Schiestel is actually ill or injured this go round (he might), we will suggest that something may still be brewing in Southern Ontario. Schiestel to the Spits makes a lot of sense for both sides. Staying in the O, Nick Crawford continued his steady play, finishing +1 in Saginaw's 3-2 win over Owen Sound. Edward Pasquale ('09) earned the game's #1 star with 37 saves and the win. Crawford and teammate T.J. Brodie (CAL) will now head to Guelph to represent the OHL for Thursday's Game Three of the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge. Game Two of the Challenge was played this evening in Saint John, with Russia earning the split with Team QMJHL in a 4-3 win. After the pair scored in a Game One win on Monday, Luke Adam (Montreal) and Paul Byron (Gatineau) again collected goals for Team Q. Pavel Chernov had two goals and an assist to lead Team Russia. Tyler Myers is also in action this evening as Kelowna hosts Tri-City in a key WHL match-up.