1/30 Recap: Myers fights to a +5; Byron, Ennis extend

Paul Byron clicked in the third period with a goal and an assist as Gatineau skated to their eighth straight win with a 7-4 victory over Quebec. The reigning Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week is on a five-game point streak, with six goals and eight assists in that span. He sits fourth in league scoring with 28 goals and 50 assists for 78 points in 51 games this season. 2007 pick J.S. Allard scored the first Remparts goal, his 12th of the year, in the loss.

In the WHL, Tyler Myers was +5 with an assist as Kelowna stomped Medicine Hat, 10-1. The big rearguard also had his first fight (with instigator) since November. Tigers speedster Tyler Ennis (-3) had an assist to extend his point streak to seven games as the Rockets handed Medicine Hat their worst defeat since 2001.

Also from the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé netted his 19th goal of the season as Chicoutimi lost to Baie-Comeau, 3-2. The shootout loss for the tenth in row for the struggling Sagueneens.

Jordon Southorn picked up an assist as PEI dropped a 6-5 decision to Acadie-Bathurst.

In NCAA play, Alex Biega had two assists as Harvard topped Union, 3-1. The Quebec-born defenseman intercepted a clearing pass to set-up the first scoring play, while his second point came when his point-shot was tipped on it's way to the net. Biega remains atop Crimson scorers with 14 points in 20 games.

Drew MacKenzie was even with a shot on goal as #6 Vermont lost to #13 New Hampshire, 3-2. The Connecticut-born freshman was on for the first (even strength) and last (power play) goals against, as well as a even strength goal from his Catamounts. MacKenzie's former Waterloo (USHL) teammate Blake Kessel sealed the Wildcat victory with 2:02 to play.

Matt Generous was -1 with 4 PIM as St. Lawrence shocked #4 Cornell, 8-1.

Justin Jokinen was even as Minnesota State dumped #5 Minnesota, 6-2. The freshman appeared in his fourth consecutive game for the first time since the season opening sets against Bemidji and North Dakota.

Brad Eidsness allowed three goals on 18 shots while #12 North Dakota could not score on any of their 36 attempts in their 3-0 shutout loss to St. Cloud State. The loss was the first in nine starts for freshman netminder. Corey Fienhage was a scratch for the Sioux.

In his first start since January 10th, Nick Eno made 27 saves and assisted on the only Falcons goal as Bowling Green stumbled against #10 Miami, 6-1. Eno still looks rusty with his positioning after missing the first half of the season with a high ankle sprain.

Andrew Orpik registered two shots on goal as #11 Boston College played to a 2-2 tie with Providence. The senior forward finished even after being on the ice for goals for and against in the opening 20:00.

In the OHL, Nick Crawford was even as Saginaw held off Mississauga, 6-4.

Drew Schiestel (-3) was held without a point in the Niagara's 5-3 loss to Sudbury.

On Thursday, Schiestel was -2 in Niagara's 5-3 loss to Erie.

In Germany, Philip Gogulla had two shots on net as Cologne lost to Wolfsburg, 4-0. The league will now break until February 10th. EDIT: Gogulla not participating in All-Star festivities.

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Tropp speaks out, suspended (again)

In a move that safeguards the league from resembling the LNAH, the USHL on Thursday suspended Sioux Falls forward Corey Tropp for two games. The decision gives the league time to formally evaluate Tropp's actions from last weekend's Michigan State/Michigan contest before officially granting the former Stampede forward a return to the club.

"We are as concerned as everyone in the hockey community that the on-ice actions of Mr. Tropp be recognized as fundamentally unacceptable to the game of hockey at any level," said Commissioner Skip Prince. "We have spoken with officials at both the CCHA and Michigan State to understand better the circumstances of the incident in Ann Arbor last Saturday evening. We believe it is only fair to meet with Mr. Tropp as well. Given the timing of this matter, that hearing will not occur until after this weekend's USHL schedule has been completed. The determination as to what further sanctions, if any, are appropriate will be concluded prior to the re-commencement of the USHL season after our All-Star break."

Prince further noted, "We note that this is a case of first impression for the USHL – that is, we've not had to address the question of a player joining our league following a suspension at the NCAA level. There is nothing in our rules or regulations regarding the matter, so was both well within the rights of the Sioux Falls Stampede, and appropriate, for them to add Mr. Tropp to their roster pending the League's decision as to appropriate suspension. We're all trying to do the right thing here."

SabresProspects respects the league process, and fully expects Tropp to be cleared given his previous record.

Upon his return to Sioux Falls, Tropp spoke with Matt Zimmer of the Argus Leader about what transpired and what the future may bring for the Sabres third-round pick in 2007.

AL: Did you consider dropping out of school?

CT: No, absolutely not. I weighed certain options, I just felt like coming back here and doing that whole deal would be more beneficial than trying something else.

AL: I would think this is a good situation for you. You’re familiar with this team, and Coach Hartzell and (CEO Gary Weckwerth) and you know the people around here. Are you looking forward to getting into a hopefully comfortable situation?

CT: Oh, yeah, definitely. I hope everything works out.

AL: Are you worried about how people will react to this? People booing you or having a problem with you being on the ice?

CT: You know, everyone can have their opinion. You know yourself best, you can’t really worry about what other people think. Obviously there will be quite a spotlight, watching over me making sure I’m doing things right. I’ve just got to make sure I’m doing things right so that people who don’t like me right now can look back and say, ‘Maybe he’s not that bad.’

AL: Will it affect the way you play hockey? People could be taking cheap shots at you to try to get you to retaliate. Do you have to be careful about dropping the gloves or throwing an elbow?

CT: Ah, I’m not too worried about that. I’m pretty confident there’s a time and a place for things that are going to take place. I made one mistake, hopefully I’m going to learn from that and go forward. In a couple years from now maybe I’ll look at it as a bump in the road.

AL: Are you confident you can concentrate on hockey? Will this be a distraction for you on the ice?

CT: I’m pretty confident with myself. Pretty much everyone in hockey goes through some kind of difficulty. Life’s not always easy. I think getting back on the ice will be the best thing for me.

AL: Do you want to go back to Michigan State next year?

CT: Oh yeah. The plan right now is we’ll sit down and talk at the end of the season. They have to make a decision and I’ll have to make a decision on what I think’s best for me.

AL: You still have a bright future. You’re a third-round NHL draft pick. Are you still confident you career can get to where you wanted it to be all along?

CT: Absolutely. I don’t have any doubt in my mind. The only one that can control that is me. You can’t let other people not let you do what you want to do. If you work hard enough, I’m pretty confident in myself. Hopefully one day I’ll have an opportunity to keep moving up in hockey.

React:

1/27-28 Recap: Key players heating up

In Wednesday QMJHL action, Paul Byron set-up both Gatineau goals on the power play as the Piques edged Moncton, 2-1. Pushing his season point total to 76, Byron also had a game-best six shots on goal for the Western Division leaders.

Luke Adam scored his 22nd goal of the year and had his first fight of the season as Montreal buried Rouyn-Noranda, 6-1. T.J. Brennan (+1) added an assist in the win. The Junior (25-20-1-2) slide into a tie with the Huskies (23-21-4-3) for second place in the West. Both teams are seven points back of Byron's Olympiques.

Also from the Q, Jordon Southorn was -1 with three hits in PEI's 3-0 shutout loss to Saint John.

In the WHL, Tyler Myers (+2) had two even-strength assists in Kelowna's 4-1 win over Prince George. The solid two-way effort was rewarded with the game's #1 star, with the pair of helpers giving him seven points in nine games since returning from the World Juniors.

The game's #2 star, Tyler Ennis scored his 24th goal of the season just 1:49 in, yet Medicine Hat came up short at Vancouver, 4-3. Ennis now has 13 points over his current six-game streak.

On Tuesday, Ennis flexed the Tigers' claws in the third period with a pair of goals 2:14 apart in their 5-4 win over Seattle. The goals, one coming shorthanded with the second being the game winner, were Ennis' 22nd and 23rd of the season. The Edmonton native also had an assist for his sixth game of three points or more on the season.

In the DEL, Philip Gogulla had the only Sharks goal as Cologne fell to Sinupret, 2-1. Gogulla has points in 10 of his last 12 games including a current five-game point streak that has seen him compile three goals and four assists in three Sharks wins.

Also from Tuesday, Jacob Lagacé (+1) had two assists as Chicoutimi overcame a 4-1 deficit, but still lost to Rimouski, 5-4 in a shootout. The 2008 fifth rounder was stopped as the third Sags shooter in the deciding frame.

Adam (1 SOG) and Brennan (3 SOG, 3 hits) were even as Montreal was blanked by Val-d'Or, 3-0. Foreurs netminder Raffaele D'Orso made 48 saves to earn the shutout.

React:

Tropp back to USHL

After a few days of deliberation, former Michigan State forward Corey Tropp is heading back to the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League. Tropp spent the past season-and-a-half in E. Lansing where he tallied 28 points (9g, 19a) in 63 games, but was forced to look for other options after last weekend's unfortunate events at Joe Louis Arena.

Tropp played with the Stampede from 2005 to 2007 and was an integral part of the Stampede’s first Anderson Cup and Clark Cup championships. He led the team in scoring with 62 points (26g, 36a) in 54 games during the 2006-07 season and was the league’s leading scorer in the playoffs with 13 points (4g, 9a) in eight games. He was also named MVP of the USHL All-Star Game in Waterloo that season.

"We are excited to have Corey back with us, but at the same time saddened it's under these unfortunate circumstances,” said Stampede CEO Gary Weckwerth. “I have reviewed the tape from the game and our staff has had many conversations with Corey, his family and officials at Michigan State about the situation. While Corey apologized for his actions, it's my opinion that he is a victim of other circumstances off the ice that do not reflect on Corey's true character. In his two years with our franchise Corey played the game within the rules and spirit that hockey is. He is a good person who knows he is family with the Stampede. We know what Corey is about and are saddened that the entire situation even took place. We welcome him back. We want hockey to be fun for Corey again.”

Meanwhile per The Ann Arbor News, authorities have determined that Tropp and exiled Andrew Conboy will not be subject to criminal charges for the punch and slash incident with Michigan's Steve Kampfer. They also stated that finality in the situation with Kampfer's father going after Tropp will be coming shortly.

Brown said police determined the actions of Conboy and Tropp during Saturday's game at Yost Ice Arena did not merit criminal charges. She also said police did not have a complainant.

After the incident, Bruce Kampfer, father Steve Kampfer, physically confronted Tropp in the Spartans' locker room just before the game ended.

Brown said the investigation into that incident will be completed any day and will be turned over to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office for review.

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Tropp no longer a Spartan

Yesterday suspended for the rest of the season, today done for good?

Per The Detroit News, Michigan State sophomore Corey Tropp will no longer be a part of the Spartans hockey program.

Michigan State hockey players Andrew Conboy and Corey Tropp are no longer on the team after their violent actions in Saturday's game at Michigan, MSU coach Rick Comley said Tuesday.

"It was a tough decision, but the right decision," Comley said. "I don't think the kids are bad kids. I don't think (their actions) were premeditated."

There's more to come on this. Tropp is staying in school while addressing options (juniors, professional contract, sit-and-transfer), but for now the dust will have to settle before a decision is made. The Sarnia Sting (OHL) would have dibs if he was looking at major junior.

The Lansing State Journal is suggesting that a relationship between Tropp and the Spartans may not be 100% over.

Tropp, who was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round of the 2007 NHL draft from Grosse Pointe Woods, is talking with his parents about his future.

"If he stays in school, I would be willing to sit down with him in the spring and discuss his status with him,'' Comley said.

Senior goalie Jeff Lerg, the Spartans' captain, said he and former MSU standout Justin Abdelkader talked with Tropp on Monday.

"We told him that you don't want to ruin your hockey career because of one thing,'' Lerg said. "If you have to work through some tough times, you'll probably be better for it.

"I think it's good for him to take a couple days and let it sink in and look at his options.''

React:

Tropp done for season

Michigan State sophomore Corey Tropp has been suspended for the remainder of the season after his Saturday night slashing major on Michigan's Steve Kampfer. Teammate Andrew Conboy was also ordered to shut it down for giving Kampfer a clothesline punch from behind just before Tropp went Hanson on the fallen defenseman.

A product of the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL), Tropp had three goals and 11 points in 21 games this season. He missed five games due to mono in December, a situation that certainly contributed to what appears to be the worst Michigan State hockey club since they joined the CCHA in 1981.

Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said he and Comley agree what the Spartans players did "were spontaneous, emotional actions carried out during a highly competitive game."

"But their actions were completely inappropriate and reflect poorly on our program," Hollis added.

Michigan coach Red Berenson said, "I think it's in good hands. The system will work. It's just a bad mistake."

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Byron named QMJHL Offensive Player of the Week

Congratulations to Gatineau forward Paul Byron on being named QMJHL Offensive Player of the Week.

Byron collected five goals, including two game-winners, and added five assists in four Olympiques wins. Furthermore, he posted a +7 rating. The winger enjoyed his best game of the week on Friday, registering five points, including the game-winning goal in the third period, in a 6-4 victory over the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. Gatineau sits in first place in the TELUS Western division standings with 58 points.

Byron oozes with puck skills, but the truth is that he's become proficient at both ends of the rink, making up for any perceived shortcomings (size/strength) with hard work and preparedness. At 5'9, 170 pounds, the Ottawa native uses speed to hit seams, and likes to initiate contact to make his case. He's currently 4th in Q scoring with 27-47-74 in 49 games, and tops among those that matter with an astounding 23.1 snipe %.

How effective he'll be at the next level remains up for debate, but with Byron on his way to 100 points in a season that has seen a guy of a similar ilk and pedigree, David Desharnais, earn a deal with Montreal, it's a fair assumption that he will be able to produce in the AHL. Granted, Desharnais had to tear up the "coast league" for a year before earning his look.

Byron, who at the time stood 5'8, 135 pounds, was drafted in 2007 (6th round) for his hands. Unless Buffalo brass projected six inches and 60 pounds of growth by now, one could argue that his production has exceeded expectations. There's a difference between good junior players and those who project to be professionals, and Byron is an interesting subject. He's historically risen to the occasion, making us confident that the Sabres will not let his first three years of development come on another team's dime.

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Tropp out for two; Kampfer comments

Michigan defenseman Steve Kampfer (ANA) has spoken to The Detroit Free Press regarding the events of Saturday's UM/MSU battle that have left him with a strained neck and hope that he can tie it on next weekend.

For his actions, Rick Comley will keep Corey Tropp out of action for at least two games until an official league ruling is handed down.

Kampfer said he didn’t know if Tropp intentionally tried to hit him in the neck.

“It’s not like people didn’t know I had that injury,” Kampfer said. “If that was his true intention, that’s uncalled for. I don’t know what (Tropp) was thinking at the time. Obviously, I’m disappointed.”

Kampfer watched the replays Sunday.

“It’s something that shouldn’t have happened,” Kampfer said. “It just shows the lack of sense that people have. I don’t think two-handing someone over the neck when someone has had previous injuries is right or necessary.”

Asked if he thought the players should miss more time, Kampfer said: “That’s not up for me to decide. I’m biased because it happened to me. It’s up to (CCHA commissioner) Tom Anastos and the refs to decide.”

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1/25 Recap: Byron blazin'; Crawford creepin'

Paul Byron had a goal and two assists to send Gatineau to a 5-4 OT win over league doormat Val-d'Or. Byron's shortie, his 27th goal of the season, came unassisted in the first period. He later added the assists to up his season line to 27-47-74 in 49 games, and create another #1 star performance.

In the OHL, Nick Crawford got in on all of Saginaw's goals as the Spirit defeated Sault Ste. Marie, 3-1. Two goals came from tips of Crawford shots while another came off a rebound. The three-assist night was Crawford's third such output of the year, elevating his season numbers to 4-26-30 which is quietly good for the third-best points-per-game among Sabres D prospects.

The leading defensive scorer among Sabres prospects, Drew Schiestel, had a regulation assist as Niagara dropped a 5-4 decision to Mississauga in a seven-round shootout. The helper was Schiestel's 19th with the man advantage, which ranks fourth in the OHL, and his 40th point overall. The 6'2 defenseman was also one of two Dogs (Alex Pietrangelo was the other) to connect in the shootout.

In an ESPNU afternoon tilt, Alex Biega had two power play assists 1:09 apart as Harvard mounted a third-period comeback to tie Dartmouth, 5-5. With his fourth multi-point effort of the season, the Montreal-born junior ups his team-leading point total to 12 (3+9).

J.S. Allard (+1) had two assists in Quebec's 6-4 win over Saint John. Allard's 38 points rank him as the seventh leader scorer on the Remparts roster.

Andrew Orpik was the only prospect in action to not net a point on Sunday, finishing even as Boston College defeated Maine, 4-1.

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Lo-fi clip of Tropp incident from Saturday

Not the greatest quality, but here is a clip of what the CCHA and state of Michigan hockey circles are discussing after the Wolverines 5-3 win over Michigan State on Saturday.

Details of the play can be found in our recap (two posts down).

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Gragnani en route; Tyler keep your phone on

The Buffalo Sabres have recalled defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani from the Portland Pirates (AHL). In his second professional season, the 6'2 Quebec native has four goals and 26 assists and is +3. This is the second NHL call-up for Gragnani, and his first of the 2008-09 season.

A puck moving defenseman drafted in the 3rd round in 2005 (PEI - QMJHL), Gragnani scored 14 goals and 52 total points for Rochester in 2007-08 while playing the majority of his shifts as a forward as the year wore on. In a two-game stint with Buffalo as a left wing, Gragnani was called for a pair of hooking minors.

Allowed to focus on just one position this season, Gragnani has settled into a better defensive posture while excelling on the power play. Expect a better player with this visit.

Buffalo was forced to make a call after Henrik Tallinder injured his shoulder in a mid-week loss at Tampa. The organizational depth is running on fumes with Andrej Sekera, Teppo Numminen, Mike Weber, and Mike Funk also banged up, and Mike Card ill. First-year man Mike Kostka is the only healthy contract on Portland's blueline at the moment.

Aside from Kostka's availability, what would happen if another injury were to take place? I think there are two options to consider. The easy, financially responsible scenario is that, just like Gragnani and Nathan Paetsch, Mark Mancari has some two-way experience and it still shows in his game. Perhaps a hole could be patched on an emergency basis.

The other, more intriguing emergency option would be to to call Tyler Myers out of Kelowna (WHL). Yes it is early, but those who don't think he's going to make a push to be in Buffalo next season after another eight months of development would benefit from a mid-season temperature check on his progress.

The World Juniors is not the NHL, but his gold-medal showing was a solid step in the right direction, and a brief, well-managed call would be another confidence builder for the 12th overall pick last June. Heck, with a two-game swing through Alberta this week, it'd be a short, familiar trip for the 6'7-1/2 Calgary native.

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1/24 Recap: Pairs of assists and DQs for Tropp

Corey Tropp (+2) had a pair of assists and may be on his way to a CCHA suspension as Michigan State lost to top rival Michigan, 5-3.

Things got ugly with :53 to go when Tropp received a pair of game disqualifications after slashing at a downed Steve Kampfer. The Wolverine defenseman delivered a check on Tropp at center ice, and while skating back into play took a right-handed punch to the head from behind by the Spartans Andrew Conboy. With Kampfer going down along the boards after the blow, Tropp appeared to strike him with his stick in the neck area to earn five minutes and a pair of game disqualifications. Kampfer, who was helped off the ice by teammates, looks to have sustained a neck injury, while Conboy and Tropp will likely face disciplinary measures of some capacity.

If the name Steve Kampfer sounds familiar, you may remember him as the UM hockey player on the receiving end of a vicious assault a few months back.

After the game, a Michigan parent made his way down to the Michigan State locker room, reportedly in an attempt to fight the Sabres 2007 third-rounder. Police were needed to keep order.

In the WHL, Tyler Ennis (+3) had two assists as Medicine Hat cruised past Prince George, 5-2. With 48 points on the season, Ennis has collected nine of those in his past five games.

Tyler Myers had an assist and was +1 as Kelowna rode a three-goal first period to a 5-2 victory over Kamloops. The rearguard had 12 PIM on the evening, including ten for chirping at the officials in the second period. The Rockets decision over the Blazers snaps a four-game winless skid.

In Saginaw, Nick Crawford had an assist as the Spirit pumped 59 shots on goal but still lost to Peterborough, 5-4. The Caledon, Ontario native got in on the barrage, firing a point shot that was tipped by Jack Combs to give the Spirit an early 1-0 lead. 2009 eligible Zack Kassian scored the go-ahead goal for the Petes at 11:50 of the third period before the teams traded goals in the final minute of play.

Jordon Southorn was +2 with three shots on goal as PEI destroyed Baie-Comeau for the second night in a row, 11-2. The Rocket outscored the Drakkar 18-4 over the Friday-Saturday set.

T.J. Brennan (+1) and Luke Adam (-2) were both held without points as Montreal lost to Lewiston, 3-2 in a shootout.

J.S. Allard did not score as Quebec shut down Moncton, 2-0.

At the Ralph, Brad Eidsness was the player of the game, making several big saves among his 38 stops as North Dakota tied Denver, 2-2. Eidsness was a much needed backbone as the Sioux had trouble applying heat despite taking three weekend points from the WCHA's top team. The affair also saw Denver coach George Gwozdecky get ejected after walking on to the ice to dispute a non-call.

Andrew Orpik had an assist as Boston College doubled up Maine, 6-3. The East Amherst, NY native now has four points in his last four appearances, and a total of 12 on the year.

In Canton, Matt Generous (+1, 3 SOG) saw his five game point streak come to an end as St. Lawrence defeated Union, 5-2.

Nick Eno relieved Jimmy Spratt to start the second period as Bowling Green got clobbered by Lake Superior, 8-4. Eno made 16 stops while allowing three goals goals over the final 40:00. The game was marred by a nasty collision between BGSU's Brandon Svendsen and Lake State goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson that saw the netminder get taken off the ice on a stretcher with a neck injury. He was taken to a hospital but looks to be OK.

Drew MacKenzie was even in Vermont's 1-1 tie with Massachusetts. The freshman was on the ice killing a penalty when Casey Wellman tied it up for the Minutemen with 8:00 to play in regulation.

Justin Jokinen was -1 as Mankato lost to Duluth, 7-4.

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Gerbe, Kennedy to sit out of All-Star festivities

Planet USA teammates Nathan Gerbe and Tim Kennedy of the Portland Pirates will miss the AHL All-Star Game on Sunday due to health reasons.

Gerbe leads Portland with 19 goals, but missed his third straight game on Friday due to the flu bug that has traveled about the team.

Kennedy has played in the last two Pirates games, but is scheduled to undergo two more dental procedures to repair damage from the two-hander he took in a game against Manchester last Saturday.

Fourth-year man Mark Mancari, who leads the Pirates in scoring with 42 points in 37 games, will play for the Canadian team for the second year in a row.

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Persson dogged by shoulder

It's hasn't been a good week for Buffalo's Swedish-born defensemen. Skating in a game with Timra's J20 squad earlier in week, Dennis Persson took a pop to the shoulder that should keep him off the ice for at least two weeks. Positive x-ray results revealed no breaks, but the 20-year old has been in considerable pain with a minor separation (AC joint).

Persson has averaged 11:51 of work in 38 games this season. It's been a rough January for the 2007 first rounder, as he was just recovered from a bout with tonsillitis when the injury occurred. The SEL takes a 10-day break to start February, so Persson will essentially be out of action until February 12th at the earliest.

Persson's shoulder bump comes in the same week that defenseman Henrik Tallinder went down with a right shoulder injury in Tampa.

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1/23 Recap: Byron leads charge with five-point night

Paul Byron had a hat trick and two assists to lead Gatineau past Rouyn-Noranda, 6-4. Trailing 4-2 with 14:00 to play, Byron steered a three-goal outburst with two assists and the game winner to close the game out. The +4 effort made Byron an easy choice for first star of the game.

Drew Schiestel scored two goals to earn the game's #1 star as Niagara defeated London 6-4 to sweep the home-and-home. Schiestel has been at the forefront of a strong defensive unit that has pushed the Dogs to five straight wins, including the pair over London that saw top prospect John Tavares accumulate a -7.

Tyler Myers (+2) had a goal and an assist as Kelowna lost a 5-4 shootoout to Chilliwack. Myers has a goal and three assists in six games since returning from the World Juniors.

In PEI, Jordon Southorn (+3) earned a fighting major as PEI smoked Baie-Comeau, 7-2. After watching goaltender Bobby Nadeau get run late in the game, Southorn showed great character by dropping his gloves and making 16-year old Simon Darveau accountable with the fight and misconduct.

J.S. Allard (+1) had an assist in Quebec's 5-2 win over Halifax.

Jacob Lagacé was +1 as Chicoutimi lost a 3-2 overtime decision to Drummondville.

In DEL play, Philip Gogulla (+1) had an assist in Cologne's 5-2 win over Augsburger.

Brad Eidsness made 25 saves as North Dakota put a 8-3 beatdown on WCHA leader Denver. The Sioux are now 6-0-1 in their last seven, and 12-3-1 since late December. Corey Fienhage did not play for North Dakota.

In Joe Louis Arena, Corey Tropp was kept off the scoresheet in Michigan State's 6-2 loss to Michigan.

Drew MacKenzie assisted on the game winning goal in Vermont's 2-1 win over Massachusetts. The power play point was the fourth of the season for the freshman.

Matt Generous (-3) had a power play assist as St. Lawrence lost a wild 7-6 decision to RPI in overtime. The senior rearguard now has points in five straight games (2+3).

Justin Jokinen was -1 with a shot on goal as Mankato was shutout by Duluth, 4-0. The appearance was his first Friday night contest since December 5th.

Nick Eno backed up Jimmy Spratt as Bowling Green defeated Lake Superior, 4-3.

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Enroth shuts out Bridgeport

Jhonas Enroth made 29 saves as Portland only needed Mark Mancari's 18th goal of the season to defeat Bridgeport, 1-0. Tim Kennedy and Marc-Andre Gragnani had assists on the power play tally.

The shutout was Enroth's third of the season, moving the rookie's record to 16-11-0-2.

The Rundown:
Mancari: 1G, 7 SOG
Gragnani: 1A
Kennedy: 1A
Schutz: 2 Sog
Kostka: 1 SOG
Whitmore: 2 SOG
Enroth: 29 saves, SO

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Adam scores

Luke Adam (+1) scored the only Montreal goal as the Juniors lost to Drummondville, 4-1. The goal was Adam's 21st of the year, and 43rd point overall. T.J. Brennan finished -1 in the loss.

Drew Schiestel saw his point-shot tipped in for the second Niagara goal in the Dogs 5-2 win over London. Marco Insam paced the victors with three goals and an assist, while 2009 top prospect John Tavares was -4 for the Knights in defeat.

Dennis Persson did not play in Timra's 4-1 win over Brynas.

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1/21 Recap: Byron, Ennis keep producing

Paul Byron scored a goal and an assist as Gatineau defeated Val-d'Or, 4-1. Byron's 23rd of the season in the second period proved to be the game winner and helped the flashy scorer earn the #1 star of the game.

J.S. Allard was -2 as Quebec got pummeled at Cape Breton, 6-1.

In the WHL, Tyler Ennis (-2) scored a power play goal and an assist as Medicine Hat lost to Lethbridge, 7-5.

Tyler Myers was -2 as Kelowna dropped a 6-4 decision to the league's #1 team, Vancouver.

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1/20 Recap: Four point night for Ennis

In Tuesday WHL play, Tyler Ennis scored his 19th and 20th goals of the year to go along with a pair of assists to guide Medicine Hat to a 6-5 shootout win over Chilliwack. Ennis also added a goal in the shootout to earn the game's #1 star. The four-point effort puts Ennis back as the Tigers leading scorer with 44 points in 37 games.

Paul Byron scored the only shootout goal as the Gatineau overcame a three-goal deficit to defeat Rouyn-Noranda, 4-3. The Ottawa native is currently fourth in Q scoring with 64 points in 46 games.

Now 19-4-1-1 after a 13-game losing streak, Gatineau (24-20-2-2) slides into a first-place tie with the Huskies in the Western Division with the win. Both clubs are two points up on Montreal (T.J. Brennan, Luke Adam), who has four games in hand on both teams.

React:

Pirates lose; Kennedy on the mend

Mark Mancari put Portland up 1-0, but Hartford closed with three unanswered goals to beat the decimated Pirates, 3-1. The goal was Mancari's 17th on the season, with assists going to Marc-Andre Gragnani and Mathieu Darche. Jhonas Enroth made 27 stops in the loss.

Add Tim Kennedy to the Pirates injury heap that already includes Mike Weber, Mike Funk, Dylan Hunter, Paul Baier, and Adam Dennis. Kennedy missed the game after having a number (7?) of teeth knocked out after taking a high stick from Gabe Gauthier in the Pirates Saturday loss to Manchester. Gauthier received a double minor on the play. Kennedy received oral surgery.

With injuries and illness abound (Gerbe missed the contest due to sickness), Portland went to battle with just 16 skaters for the Monday afternoon tilt. The loss makes the Pirates 1-4 in their last five home games.

The Rundown:
Mancari: 1G, 4 SOG
Gragnani: 1A, +1
Zagrapan: +1
Kostka: -1
Card: even
Whitmore: 3 SOG
Schutz: -2

React:

1/18 Recap: Lagacé, Ennis approach 20

In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé scored his 18th goal of the season, fired seven shots, and blocked another five as Chicoutimi dropped a 3-2 shootout loss to Baie-Comeau. The rounded effort earned Lagacé the #2 star.

J.S. Allard scored his 11th goal of the season as the Quebec defeated Saint John, 5-2. The winger has now connected for six points in his past three games.

In Medicine Hat, Tyler Ennis (+1) scored his 18th goal of the season as the Tigers cruised to a 5-1 win over Red Deer. The Edmonton native's laser from the point put the Tigers up 4-0 in the second period.

Nick Crawford (-1) scored a power play goal for Saginaw in their 6-3 win over Kingston. The goal, his fourth of the season, opened the game's scoring with 2:18 to play in the first period. 2009 eligible Ethan Werek had an assist for the Fronts to move his season numbers to 19-19-38.

In the DEL, Philip Gogulla was -1 as Cologne dropped a 4-1 loss to the Metro Stars.

On Saturday, Dennis Persson returned from a weeklong bug but did not see any time as Timra beat SSK, 4-2.

React:

Weber out after surgery; trade coming?

Portland defenseman Mike Weber is set to miss three weeks of action after getting his knee scoped earlier in the week.

The leg was bothering the Pittsburgh native for quite some time, and could potentially force the Sabres into a trade with Andrej Sekera and Teppo Numminen injured, Craig Rivet still sore, and rookie Chris Butler already with Buffalo.

The puck moving Marc-Andre Gragnani would be next on the call-up list, but Portland is already thin on the blueline with Mike Funk still shaking cobwebs from a concussion and Paul Baier out with a broken jaw. Nathan Gerbe could fill a roster spot as a forward, but that of course does little to alter the d-landscape.

Currently seventh in the conference with a two-point lead over eighth-place Florida, the Sabres are about to embark on a six-game road trip with some holes on the blue. Per Lindy Ruff, Numminen will miss "some time" after taking a puck to the face in Saturday's win. It doesn't seem long term, but trade winds could be more of a reaction to Sekera's ankle injury. The Slovakian was logging monster minutes when healthy, and we're not too sure if Nathan Paetsch has enough in the tank to steady things in relief.

Speaking of such a deal, The Toronto Sun states that league scuttlebut has Matthieu Schneider getting sent to Buffalo for the maligned Maxim Afinogenov.

The chatter is the Atlanta Thrashers are going to send veteran Mathieu Schneider to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for winger Maxim Afinogenov. Buffalo wants a blue-liner and hasn't been able to give away Afinogenov because no other team wants to pick up his $3.5-million salary ...

React:

Monarchs come back to defeat Pirates

Jhonas Enroth made 32 saves including a stop on a penalty shot, but Manchester rode a trio of third period goals to edge the Pirates, 3-2.

Mark Mancari blasted a slapper from inside the left point to notch his 16th goal of the year, while Tim Kennedy and Derek Whitmore picked up helpers in the loss.

Enroth stopped Trevor Lewis with a pad save after throwing his stick to thwart a near-goal with :01 left in the second period. The stop held Portland's lead at 1-0 after two periods before the wheels came off in the third.

Marc-Andre Gragnani, the Pirates top scoring defenseman with 28 points, missed the contest due to a flu bug.

The Rundown:
Mancari: 1G, +1, 4 SOG
Kennedy: 1A, +1
Whitmore: 1A
Gerbe: -2, 5 SOG
Kostka: 2 SOG
Schutz: 2 SOG
Zagrapan: -2
Card: -2
Enroth: 32 saves, L

React:

1/17 Recap: Eidsness blanks; Southorn bringing the body

Freshman Brad Eidsness had to make just 14 saves to earn his first collegiate shutout as North Dakota defeated Michigan Tech, 5-0. Eidsness moves to 14-7-2 on the year with a 2.51 goals against average and .908 save percentage. Freshman Sioux defender Corey Fienhage was a scratch for the 10th straight contest.

Fellow WCHA frosh Justin Jokinen scored a late power play goal for Minnesota State in their 7-1 conference win over Anchorage. The Mavericks inserted four different skaters into their Saturday lineup (including Jokinen) after a less-than-savory effort on Friday.

Matt Generous (+1) picked up an assist as St. Lawrence erased a two-goal deficit to tie Yale, 2-2. While playing four-on-four late in the first period, Generous picked up his third point in as many games when he started a two-man break with a crisp headman pass.

In Oxford, Corey Tropp collected just one shot on goal as Michigan State was dumped by Miami, 6-1.

Vermont defenseman Drew Mackenzie was even as the Catamounts outshot Northeastern 40-22 to earn a 4-2 Hockey East win.

Andrew Orpik and Nick Petrecki (SJ) were scratched as Boston College lost to crosstown rival Boston University, 5-2.

Nick Eno watched as Jimmy Spratt earned a second straight start in Bowling Green's 1-0 shutout loss at Michigan. Spratt shut the door the night before in a 3-0 win over the #6 Wolverines.

In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé had a pair of assists as Chicoutimi dropped 6-5 OT decision to Saint John.

Jordon Southorn (+2) had an assist while recording another five-hit night as PEI shutout Cape Breton, 5-0. 2009 eligible Benjamin Casavant paced the Rocket with a goal and two assists.

Luke Adam (1 SOG) and T.J. Brennan (4 SOG) were each a -2 as Montreal fell to Rouyn-Noranda, 3-1.

WHL rearguard Tyler Myers (+1) was named the #3 star with an assist and solid play alla round as Kelowna was wept by Prince George, 3-2 in a shootout.

In the SEL, Dennis Persson again sat out to due illness as Timra stopped Modo, 4-2.

On Friday, Philip Gogulla assisted on the overtime winner as Cologne defeated Iserlohn, 2-1.

React:

When all said and done, Schiestel happy to stay

As the dust from the OHL trade period settles, the St. Catherines Standard ran a follow-up earlier in the week regarding Drew Schiestel remaining with the Niagara Ice Dogs despite various rumors in the weeks heading up to deadline.

"It's my last year in the league. I went in there and told them I was open to anything. I told them if it benefits you guys and it gives me a chance to win, I'd take it."

Many of the 19-year-old's thoughts were formulated during the team's recent seven-game losing streak, including six losses before the Christmas break and one after.

"Now, after Christmas, we've been playing pretty good and I'm happy with the decision," the Hamilton native said.

With Schiestel staying put, the 19-year old will combine with Alex Pietrangelo (STL) to steady the blueline as the sixth-place IceDogs eye a spot in the playoffs.

In 38 games, Schiestel sits eighth in scoring among OHL defencemen with three goals and 35 points. He feels he has played much better since a nagging shoulder injury healed.

"On the whole, I've been having a pretty good year and I've been happy with the way I've been playing the last 1 1 /2, two months."

The Sabres have yet to give Schiestel any indication of their plans for him.

"I'd like to continue to play well, sign that contract at the end of the season and be with their AHL affiliate next season in Portland."

IceDogs head coach Mario Cicchillo is sticking with the prediction he made last season that Schiestel would be in the NHL within three years.

"He skates so well, he anticipates so well. I tell the younger guys to watch Drew when he kills penalties."

To get to the NHL, he needs to get stronger physically.

"As he matures, he is going to get a lot stronger," Cicchillo said.

React:

Gerbe, Zagrapan lead Pirates past Providence

Nathan Gerbe scored twice, and Marek Zagrapan capped the come-from-behind effort with the game winning goal, his 13th of the year, as Portland defeated Providence, 5-3. Marc-Andre Gragnani added three assists from the back end to help pace the victors.

Jhonas Enroth got the nod in net, making 37 saves to push the Pirates to their first road win in eight games.

Portland played without the services of Tim Kennedy (hip), Mike Weber (leg), and Dylan Hunter (consussion symptoms).

The Rundown:
Gerbe: 2G, +2
Zagrapan: 1G, 1A, -2
Schutz: 1G, +3
Mancari: 2A, +1
Gragnani: 3A
Card: 2PIM
Whitmore: 1 SOG
Kostka: +1
Enroth: 37 sabes, W

React:

1/16 Recap: Tropp leads Spartans in victory

Corey Tropp had his first two-goal game of the season as Michigan State defeated #9 Miami, 4-1. Tropp showed his quick release wrister when he blazed down the left side and buried one far side for the eventual game winner. The win was the first for the Spartans on the road, while Miami suffered its fifth straight loss.

Matt Generous (+1) scored a goal as St. Lawrence cruised to a 6-1 win over Brown. The goal, Generous' fifth of the year and second in as many games, came on a blast from the faceoff dot to give the Saints a 4-1 lead.

Andrew Orpik had an assist as Boston College lost in overtime to Lowell, 4-3. Orpik was chugging at both ends for the Eagles before Nick Schaus (Orchard Park, NY) scored the OT winner for the River Hawks.

Drew MacKenzie was even with a minor penalty as Vermont lost at Northeastern, 3-1.

In WCHA action, Brad Eidsness made 19 saves while letting three goals past him as North Dakota played to a 3-3 tie with Michigan Tech. The decision moves the freshman netminder's record to 13-7-2. Corey Fienhage did not dress for the Sioux.

Also watching from the pressbox was Justin Jokinen as his Minnesota State Mavericks lost to Anchorage, 4-2.

Nick Eno was the back-up to Jimmy Spratt as Bowling Green shutout Michigan, 3-0.

In the QMJHL, Paul Byron factored into all of Gatineau's marks with two regulation goals and an assist on the overtime winner in their 3-2 win over league power Shawinigan. The 'Piques catalyst, Byron earned the game's #2 star in the win.

J.S. Allard (+2) had two assists, including the primary on the game winner, as Quebec edged Drummondville, 4-3.

Luke Adam had a pair of even strength assists in Montreal's 5-4 win over Val-d'Or. T.J. Brennan (-1) added an assist on Angelo Esposito's second power play goal of the game in the first period

Jordon Southorn was -1 with a team-high five shots on goal as PEI fell to Cape Breton, 4-1. The Pincourt, QC native also added five hits for the Rocket in defeat.

Jacob Lagacé finished -1 as Chicoutimi was beaten by Rimouski, 5-2.

In WHL play, Tyler Ennis was -1 as Medicine Hat was shut down by Saskatoon, 5-0.

Tyler Myers was -2 as Kelowna suffered a road loss at Prince George, 5-2.

In the OHL, Drew Schiestel played even as Niagara lit up Jaroslav Janus for four goals over a period and a half in their 4-2 win at Erie.

Nick Crawford was even in Saginaw's 3-2 OT win at Ottawa.

React:

1/13-15 Recap: A week of assists

Time for a little catch-up on a relatively light week before the Friday action hits. I’ll be posting reaction from the CHL Top Prospects Game later this weekend as SabresProspects gets ready to open its 2009 Draft coverage, all the while putting the final touches on the winter prospect rankings. Stay tuned.

In the OHL, Drew Schiestel assisted on the lone Niagara goal as the Dogs defeated Mississauga, 2-1. The power play helper ups the 6’2 defenseman’s point total to 36 in 39 games this season.

Nick Crawford had an assist and finished +3 as Saginaw cruised to a 5-2 win at Peterborough.

On Wednesday, Tyler Myers had an assist as Kelowna rode a three-goal third to a 3-2 win over Tri-City. Coming on the power play, the assist was his 21st point of the year.

On Tuesday, Tyler Ennis (+1) had an assist as Medicine Hat was stifled by Vancouver, 6-2. Ennis set-up Colton Grant's shorthanded goal to open scoring at 14:15 of the first period.

Dennis Persson has missed two SEL games this week due to illness.

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1/11 Recap: Gogulla in gear; Adam nets winner

Philip Gogulla (-2) scored a pair of power play goals and set up another as Cologne defeated Duisburg, 4-3. The three-point effort was Gogulla's third in his last six games, while he has picked up 12 of his 31 total points in his last eight. Gogulla is shooting the puck more often, and the goals are coming.

In an ESPNU televised contest, Matt Generous scored the first goal of the game to help St. Lawrence sweep their weekend set with Clarkson, 2-1. The senior snagged his fourth of the season when he whistled a shot past Knights netminder Paul Karpowich at 8:54 of the first period, and later earned a roughing minor after a second period scrum.

In QMJHL play, Luke Adam scored the overtime winner to go along with an assist as Montreal downed Rouyn-Noranda, 4-3. The power play walk-off was the team-leading 20th of the season for the Newfoundland born forward, who was also named the #2 star of the game. Defenseman T.J. Brennan added an assist for the Juniors.

Paul Byron opened scoring with his 20th of the season, but previously hot Gatineau gave up eight unanswered goals en route to getting trounced by Saint John, 8-1. With Matthew Pistilli (SHA), Felix Petit (BC), and Nicholas Petersen (SHA) failing to register points on Sunday, the 5'9 Byron is now ranked 4th in league points with 62.

Jordon Southorn had an assist as PEI fell to Acadie-Bathurst, 4-3. The game's #3 star, Southorn also picked up a five-minute major after an exchange with 16-year old Vincent Arensault.

In Chicoutimi, Jacob Lagacé (+1) had an assist as the Sags lost to Halifax in overtime, 4-3. The grinding forward saw more time at the dot, winning just three of 13 draws in the loss.

In the OHL, Drew Schiestel was kept off the scoresheet as Niagara defeated Kingston, 4-3. Playing his old team just a week after being traded, Hamburg, NY native John Cullen was named the game's second star while his replacement, Jeremy Smith, was named the #3 star.

Nick Crawford was even as Saginaw dropped a 3-2 decision to Kitchener.

React:

Zagrapan the man in Pirates win

Marek Zagrapan continued to play his best hockey in three seasons, netting two goals and an assist as Portland downed Springfield, 5-2. The Slovakian center has points in 10 of his last 11 games, a stretch that has seen him rack up 14 of his 25 on the year.

Nathan Gerbe added three assists to complement Mathieu Darche's four-point night. Jhonas Enroth made 31 saves to earn his 14th win of the season.

Mike Weber (leg) and Tim Kennedy (upper body) sat out the win with day-to-day injuries.

The Rundown:
Zagrapan: 2G, 1A, +3
Gerbe: 3A, +2
Mancari: 1G, +1
Schutz: 1A, +1
Gragnani: +3
Card: +1
Hunter: -1
Kostka: +2
Whitmore: -1
Enroth: 31 saves, W

React:

1/10 Recap: Ennis with bookends in return

In his first game since returning from the World Juniors, Tyler Ennis (+1) scored a pair of goals to steer Medicine Hat to a 5-1 win over Swift Current. The Edmonton native scored the first and last Tiger tallies to raise his season total to 17.

Jean-Simon Allard connected for three assists as Quebec routed Rouyn-Noranda, 9-0. The Remparts answered the bell after after a poor effort ended their nine-game winning streak a night earlier.

Paul Byron scored his 19th goal of the season and added an assist as Gatineau won at Saint John, 4-3. The two-point night ups the Ottawa native's total to 61 on the season.

Jordon Southorn fired seven shots for PEI in their 3-1 loss to Moncton. His 118 shots on goal rank fourth among all QMJHL defenseman.

Luke Adam won eight of ten draws and blocked three shots, while T.J. Brennan finished +1 as Montreal defeated Lewiston, 4-2.

Rounding out the Q, Jacob Lagacé was -1 with five shots on goal as Chicoutimi lost to Shawinigan, 4-1.

Brad Eidsness made 24 saves as North Dakota swept #3 Minnesota with a 6-1 victory. Eidsness held the door closed for nearly two-and-a-half periods before the Gophers, playing without top scorer Ryan Stoa, cracked the shutout in the mid-third. The game between the WCHA rivals featured over 100 penalty minutes. Corey Fienhage was a scratch for the Sioux.

Drew MacKenzie was +1 as #12 Vermont defeated #9 Boston College, 4-2. Andrew Orpik was -1 for Boston College.

Matt Generous (+2) picked up an assist as St. Lawrence defeated North Country rival Clarkson, 5-1.

Alex Biega had an assist, three shots on goal, and a boarding minor for Harvard in their 6-2 loss to Yale.

Justin Jokinen had two shots on goal as Minnesota State defeated Colorado College, 3-1.

Nick Eno made 21 saves in his first start of the year as Bowling Green lost to Ohio State in overtime, 4-3.

Tyler Myers was again given a rest as Kelowna dropped a 4-3 decision to Prince George.

Dennis Persson (sick) sat out of Timra's 4-2 win over Djurgarden.

React:

1/9 Recap: Orpik chips in; Eno returns

Andrew Orpik had a pair of assists for #9 Boston College in their 3-3 tie with #12 Vermont. BC looked to have a big Hockey East win locked up until West Seneca, NY native Brian Roloff tied the game with :01 to play. The third multi-point night of the season raises Orpik's total to 10 on the year. Freshman rearguard Drew MacKenzie was -1 with three shots on goal for the Catamounts.

In a highly entertaining battle, Brad Eidsness made 21 saves as North Dakota defeated #3 Minnesota, 6-3. With a slew of roughing minors in the final two minutes of Friday night's game after over 150 minutes in penalties were called in their previous meeting, one may wonder if the Sioux consider inserting toughness in the form of Corey Fienhage into the lineup when the two teams play it back on Saturday.

Sophomore Nick Eno saw his first action of the season, giving up a goal in 28:23 of relief action as Bowling Green fell to #16 Ohio State, 8-5. Falcons starter Jimmy Spratt gave up six goals on 16 shots through a period and a half, allowing Eno to get ready for his first start on Saturday after suffering a high ankle sprain in an early season practice.

Alex Biega was +1 with five shots on goal as Harvard played to a 1-1 tie with Brown. The Crimson (4-10-3) outshot the Bears (1-9-4) by a 51-29 margin, but couldn't close the deal.

Freshman Justin Jokinen sat as Minnesota State fell to #10 Colorado College, 5-2.

J.S. Allard went high glove side as the fifth Quebec shooter, but rang his shot off the post, as the Remparts lost in the shootout to Rouyn-Noranda, 3-2. Allard contributed four shots on goal in home loss, and was named the gamne's first star for his effort.

Also from the Q, Paul Byron was limited to a single shot on goal, but Gatineau still defeated Moncton, 2-1.

In OHL play, Drew Schiestel had another power play assist for Niagara in their 6-2 loss to Ottawa. The Hamilton native now has a total of 32 assists on the season, good for 8th in the OHL, with half of them coming with the man advantage.

Nick Crawford (+1) had an assist as Saginaw defeated Sarnia, 4-3.

In the DEL, Philip Gogulla was -1 with four shots on goal in Cologne's 3-2 loss to Hamburg.

In the WHL, Team Canada members Tyler Myers and Jamie Benn were given a rest as Kelowna downed Portland, 5-4 in a shootout.

React:

Gerbe pots pair in Pirate loss

Nathan Gerbe scored a pair of goals, and Derek Whitmore added his fifth of the year as Portland stumbled against Lowell, 7-3. The goals give Gerbe a team-leading 17 on the year. With Adam Dennis done for the season (hip), Jhonas Enroth stopped 33 of 40 shots in his 12th consecutive start.

Mike Card played his first game in nearly two months after missing time due to his third concussion in two seasons.

The Rundown:
Gerbe: 2G, +1, 6 SOG
Whitmore: 1G, -1
Gragnani: 1A, +2, 5 SOG
Zagrapan: 1A, 4 SOG
Hunter: 1A, -1
Kostka: 1 SOG
Card: -1
Kennedy: -1
Mancari: -1
Schutz: -2
Enroth: 33 saves, L

React:

Biega on early Hobey ballot

Congratulations to Harvard defenseman Alex Biega, who as one of 11 ECAC icers to make an appearance on the phase 1 ballot for the 2009 Hobey Baker Award. In 17 games this season, the junior has three goals, nine points, and 40 shots on goal for the Crimson.

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Quick hits with Byron

The QMJHL website has posted a short interview with Gatineau forward Paul Byron.

You enjoyed a seven-point night last week, the first one in the QMJHL in over two years. Did you ever think that you would go off like that offensively?

"Not at all, everything was just going well for me. Obviously, preparation plays a big part, but you never imagine of having a game like that."

Why is your line (Paul centers a line with Jean-Philip Chabot and Alexandre Quesnel) playing so well right now?

"We have really good chemistry off the ice and I think that’s important. Alex and I are really good friends and we all sit together on the bus. It’s like last year when I was paired with Claude Giroux and Matthew Pistilli. We got along great off the ice and it helped us on the ice."

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1/8 Recap: Persson points; Byron, Schiestel stay put

On Thursday, Dennis Persson (+1) assisted on the third period equalizer in Timra's 1-1 tie with HV71. Persson, who sat out practice earlier in the morning with a sore throat, saw his point-shot rebound punched in for his fifth point of the year (1+4).

After he and fellow defenseman Alex Pietrangelo stated their preference to remain with Niagara past the Friday OHL trade deadline, Drew Schiestel played even in Niagara's 1-0 win over Barrie. Dogs goalie Jeremy Smith (NAS) made 33 stops to earn the shutout in his first game after being dealt to Niagara from Plymouth.

In late Wednesday action in the WHL, a spent Tyler Myers (+1) returned to the Kelowna lineup in their 5-2 win over Seattle. Myers finished +1, but did turn the puck over to create the first Seattle goal in the third period.

Tyler Ennis returned home to Edmonton with his gold medal, but decided to take a rest as Medicine Hat won a 5-4 shootout over Red Deer.

Also worth noting is that Gatineau's Paul Byron was not moved at the noon QMJHL on Thursday.

React:

1/7 Recap: Byron nets 18th before deadline

Paul Byron (+1) scored a power play goal for Gatineau in their 3-2 loss to Cape Breton. The goal was Byron's 18th of the year, and gives him 59 points in 40 games this season, tying him for 4th overal in QMJHL scoring.

With the trade deadline coming on Thursday, it should be interesting to see if Byron stays put in Gatineau, or waives his no trade clause to enter a winning situation. It has been rumored that he'd prefer to be dealt to Shawinigan where he'd join ex-teammate Matthew Pistilli, but time will tell.

J.S. Allard (+2) scored his 10th goal of the season in Quebec's 5-2 win over Chicoutimi. Jacob Lagacé was -3 for the Sags in defeat.

React:

Gerbe named Planet USA starter, Kennedy to join

Nathan Gerbe and Tim Kennedy have both been named to the Planet USA roster for the AHL All-Star Game on January 26th.

In 23 games with Portland this season, Gerbe has recorded 15 goals, including seven on the power play, and 10 assists. His 25 points is fifth among AHL rookies.

Kennedy has 28 points, five goals and 23 assists, in 33 games with the Pirates. He is second among rookies in scoring and ninth in the league with 13 power play assists.

Both have earned calls to Buffalo in their rookie professional seasons.

React:

Zagrapan stays hot as Pirates fall to Devils

Marek Zagrapan potted a pair of goals to lead Portland in their 3-2 loss to Lowell. Nathan Gerbe, who was named a Planet USA starter for the AHL All-Star Game earlier in the day, assisted on both Zagrapan goals.

Zagrapan raised his goal total to 10 on the year after seeing his seven game point streak snapped last week.

Jhonas Enroth made his 11th straight start for the Pirates, stopping 36 shots in the loss.

The Rundown:
Zagrapan: 2G
Gerbe: 2A
Kennedy: 5 SOG
Mancari: 1 SOG
Gragnani: -1
Schutz: 2 SOG
Kostka: 2 SOG
Weber: 1 SOG
Hunter: -2
Whitmore: -1
Enroth: 36 saves, L

React:

Mancari named Team Canada All-Star

Portland's Mark Mancari was named to Team Canada for the AHL All-Star Game. Mancari leads the Pirates with 14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points in 28 games. Mancari has a plus-12 rating, also tops on the team.

The Planet USA roster will be released on Wednesday. Tim Kennedy and Nathan Gerbe have a good shot at joining Mancari for the contest on January 25th in Worcester.

Team Canada:

Forwards (13): Steve Downie (Norfolk), x-Alexandre Giroux (Hershey), x-Claude Giroux (Philadelphia), Mike Iggulden (Bridgeport), Jason Krog (Manitoba), Corey Locke (Houston), Brett MacLean (San Antonio), Mark Mancari (Portland), x-Chris Minard (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton), Cal O'Reilly (Milwaukee), Teddy Purcell (Manchester), Martin St. Pierre (Providence), Mike Santorelli (Milwaukee).

Defensemen (8): x-Johnny Boychuk (Providence), Kyle Cumiskey (Lake Erie), Cody Franson (Milwaukee), Bryan Helmer (Hershey), x-Derek Joslin (Worcester), Andrew MacDonald (Bridgeport), Brett Palin (Quad City), Danny Syvret (Philadelphia).

Goaltenders (3): Mike Brodeur (Rochester), Barry Brust (Houston), x-Brian Elliott (Binghamton)

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1/6 Recap: Southy cruising; Gogulla can't finish six-pack

Jordon Southorn picked up an assist as PEI held on to defeat Moncton, 5-4. The defenseman added three shots on goal and two hits in the win, and now has 32 points in 41 games after netting 31 all of last season.

Philip Gogulla saw his five-game point streak snapped as Cologne fell to Frankfurt, 2-1. The 6'2 wing had nine points (4+5) over his run, and ranks fourth on the Sharks in points with 28.

On Monday, Dennis Persson contributed three shots on goal in 16:36 of work as Timra beat Modo, 4-1.

React:

Myers, Ennis get gold

Congratulations to Tyler Myers and Tyler Ennis who, as members of Team Canada, helped the red and white win their fifth consecutive World Junior Hockey Championship with a 5-1 win over Sweden.

The 6'7 Myers was perhaps the steadiest Canadian defenseman throughout the medal round. He increased his physical play with each game, and was very effective in getting the puck out of his end quickly all tournament. The Calgary native finished the gold medal game with a +2, and was a +5 overall in the tournament

I didn't count shifts for Ennis, but his line with Jamie Benn and Brett Sonne was limited as Myers gained more steam. The shifty left wing produced in pool play, finishing with three goals, four assists, and 13 shots on goal in the six Canada wins.

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1/4 Recap: Byron rolls a 7; Gogulla stays hot

On Sunday, Paul Byron (+5) scored four goals and added three helpers as Gatineau smoked Drummondville, 10-2. The speedster also racked up six blocked shots to earn the obvious #1 star of the game.

Elsewhere in the Q, Luke Adam (+1) had both Juniors goals on a game-high eight shots on net as Montreal fell to Baie-Comeau, 3-2. Adam aslso added seven blocks en route to being route to earing first star honors. T.J. Brennan added three shots on goal for Montreal.

Jordon Southorn had two assists and six hits as PEI blanked Halifax, 4-0.

J.S. Allard had an assist as Quebec blanked Chicoutimi, 7-0. Jacob Lagacé had five shots on goal and three hits for the Sags in defeat.

In DEL play, Philip Gogulla (+2) had a goal and two assists as Cologne lost to Krefeld, 4-3. The German now has four goals and four assists in his last four games.

Nick Crawford (-1) had an assist in Saginaw's 4-3 loss to Guelph.

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1/3 Recap: Myers and Ennis ready to mine gold

On Saturday, Tyler Ennis and Tyler Myers both earned a chance to skate for World Juniors gold as Canada defeated Russia in an exciting shootout, 6-5. Trailing 5-4 in the final seconds, Jordan Eberle (EDM) punched a goal home with just :05 left to advance the game into overtime.

Myers (+1) was effective with his stick, making good decisions and asserting himself physically when needed. He made a nice break-up on a Nikita Filatov rush in the overtime period after returning from a blocked shot off the knee that sent him hobbling.

Ennis (-2) contributed three shots on goal, but has seen his ice time decrease the past two games as the Tavares, Hodgson, and Cormier lines have seemingly steered the ship into the finals.

Also from Saturday, Jacob Lagacé had an assist as Chicoutimi defeated Rimouski, 6-3.

Paul Byron (-1) had an assist in Gatineau's 2-1 OT loss to Baie-Comeau.

J.S. Allard (+2) posted an assist in Quebec's 4-2 win over Lewiston.

Jordan Southorn was +1 in PEI's 5-4 loss to Acadie-Bathurst. He also added three shots on goal and two hits.

In the OHL, Drew Schiestel had an assist for Niagara in their 6-5 shootout win over Sudbury.

In NCAA play, Justin Jokinen posted an assist, his first point since opening night, as Minnesota State defeated Nebraska-Omaha, 4-3.

Drew MacKenzie was even as Vermont took the Catamount Cup title with a 4-0 win over St. Lawrence. Matt Generous was -1 with three shots on goal for the Saints.

Brad Eidsness made 17 saves in North Dakota's 4-3 overtime win over Bemidji State. Corey Fienhage sat again for the Sioux.

Alex Biega was even with two minor penalties as Harvard lost to Princeton, 5-1.

Corey Tropp was even as Michigan State lost to Alaska, 3-1.

In the SEL, Dennis Persson was -1 in 19:10 of action as Timra lost to Rogle, 3-2.

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Apologies to all, but I will not be able to run an update until later this afternoon.

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1/2 Recap: Schiestel sharp in dog fight

Drew Schiestel (+3) had a goal and two assists as Niagara defeated Soo, 6-2. The goal was Schiestel's first in 24 games, while the Dogs victory over the Hounds ends a seven game losing streak. The gliding 6'2 rearguard now has an even 30 assists while playing on a team third from the bottom in the O. By comparison, Team Canada members P.K. Subban (Belleville) and Ryan Ellis (Windsor) lead all OHL defensemen with 33 assists each. Both are members of first place teams.

Luke Adam had a goal and assist to help lead Montreal to a 4-0 shutout win over Drummondville. With 17 goals on the year, Adam is the leading scorer for the Juniors. T.J. Brennan (+2) had an assist for the Juniors while adding four shots and two hits.

Alex Biega had a goal and an assist as Harvard lost to Quinnipiac, 5-2. The Montreal native chipped the puck ahead and shot right down the middle of the zone to bury a rebound for the second Crimson goal of the night, and his third of the season. The junior dman now has five points in his last four games, and co-leads the Harvard attack with as total of nine in 15 games played.

In DEL play, Philip Gogulla (-1) continued to stay warm, scoring a power play goal for Cologne in their 5-2 loss to Mannheim. Chosen 48th overall in 2005, the left wing now has three goals and two assists in his last three games for the Sharks.

Brad Eidsness made 22 saves, including a beauty in the final minute, as North Dakota defeated Bemidji, 4-3. The freshman ups his record to 10-7-1 on the season. Corey Fienhage did not dress for the Sioux.

At the Catamount Cup, Drew MacKenzie had a power play assist for Vermont in their 6-4 win over Colgate. The freshman defenseman now has three helpers on the year.

Also from Burlington, Matt Generous was even as St. Lawrence edged Ferris State, 5-4. The Saints will move on to face UVM in the finals.

Corey Tropp (-1) had three shots on goal as Michigan State defeated Alaska-Fairbanks, 2-1. Tropp, who missed five games due to mono, has a goal and seven assists on the year for the 6-12-3 Spartans.

Nick Crawford was even as Saginaw lost to Plymouth, 4-3.

Andrew Orpik scored a goal as Boston College dropped an exhibition contest in New Brunswick, 5-3. John Muse made his 61st straight start for the Eagles, and will get the first rest of his collegiate career when the two clubs play it back on Saturday.

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Gerbe goes back to farm

Nathan Gerbe has been returned to Portland of the AHL.

From the Sabres:

Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have returned Nathan Gerbe to the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League.

Gerbe made his NHL debut on Dec. 6 at Tampa, and finished with one assist in six games for the Sabres. Gerbe also missed six games with an upper body injury suffered on Dec. 13 at New Jersey.

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Twin Tylers help Canada advance

Tyler Ennis scored an empty netter with :10 to play to cap an exciting 7-4 Canadian victory over Team USA. Ennis had three shots on USA goalie Thomas McCollum, but they didn't come as easy as they had in the previous wins due to both fewer shifts and the decent job done by the American defense to neutralize the Canadian attack.

Tyler Myers showed up to play for Team Canada, using his long stick and poise to clean the zone. Trailing 1-0 in the first, the 6'7 blueliner got a little rough with the stick after the whistle to create a two-man advantage for Team USA, which Jimmy Hayes (TOR) would use to make it 2-0. Five minutes later, Myers and Ennis were on the ice as a 20-footer from Jim O'Brien (OTT) put the Americans ahead 3-0. He later made a nice block on a 2-1 break as Canada gained control of the pace in the second period, and looks to be ready for key minutes in the medal round.

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