9/24 Recap: Q forwards impress

Jacob Lagacé continued his hot start on Thursday, scoring a goal and adding an assist as Chicoutimi dropped a 4-2 decision to Val-d'Or. The reigning QMJHL Offensive Player of the week now has four goals and four assists in his first three games. Also in the Q, Luke Adam posted an assist in Cape Breton's 2-1 win over Gatineau. The big center had another strong all-around effort, showing dominance at the dot by winning 15 of 21 draws, while also pacing the Eagles with four shots on goal and four hits. In the OHL, Zack Kassian (-2) picked up an assist as Peterborough lost to Sault Ste. Marie, 5-3. The Petes held a 2-0 lead after the first period, but were outworked in the final forty minutes on home ice to take their first loss of the year. Nick Crawford was even as Saginaw remained undefeated with a 6-1 drubbing of Plymouth. 2010 eligible Ivan Telegin scored twice for the Spirit. In the KHL, Vjacheslav Buravchikov played even over 16:44 of action as Ak Bars defeated Barys in overtime, 5-4. The defenseman again skated bottom pair minutes with 23-year old Montreal Candiens prospect, Alexei Emelin. -------------------------------------- The USHL Fall Classic kicked off Thursday morning in Sioux City with the Chicago Steel falling to Sioux Falls, 3-1. Steel defenseman Mark Adams was -1 with a shot on goal in the loss. Russian scorer Andrei Kuchin had Chicago's lone goal, while Grand Island, NY native Matt Zarbo had two assists and team-best five shots on goal for the winners. Zarbo will join brother Joe next fall at Clarkson. The Fall Classic is highly scouted preseason tournament with all 14 clubs participating under two roofs. NHL teams will have eyes in the stands, as will all of the major NCAA D-I and D-III programs. The Steel open the regular season next Friday against Team USA. ------------------ Also of note, undrafted summer camp invite Michael Fine was sent home earlier this week by the Soo Greyhounds for disciplinary reasons. The 5'11 Fine will likely be traded to another OHL club this weekend as all parties agree that's the best option moving forward. With locker room troubles plaguing the Hounds last season, Fine reportedly had issues with attitude, focus, and committment in the early goings this year. He was moved from his natural center position in camp, and may have felt that his role was being diminished after not being selected for a shootout over weekend. This is the second early departure in the past six months for the skilled forward, who left Canada's U-18 camp last spring due to family issues. This can be a breakout year for the North York, Ontario native once he lands back with another team.