Myers good to go

The WHL has announced that Tyler Myers will not be suspended for his hit from behind on Vancouver's Craig Schira in Monday's game six victory. In making their decision, the league further opined that the hit should have been ruled a double-minor as opposed to the five-minute major and game misconduct that was assessed. With their stud defenseman cleared for action, the Rockets will travel to Calgary to kick off the WHL Finals on Friday. The two clubs split the regular season series 1-1.

Myers tossed, Rockets advance

Tyler Myers received a five-minute major for checking from behind and a game misconduct, but the Kelowna battled their way to a 5-4 OT win to advance to the WHL finals where they'll face the Calgary Hitmen. Trailing 3-2 in the third period, a forechecking Myers drove Giants defenseman Craig Schira hard into the end boards, dislodging the glass, and spilling Schira's blood on to the ice. Evander Kane, who scored two goals on the night, put the Giants up 4-2 on the ensuing power play before Jamie Benn and Cody Almond scored 33-seconds apart to send the game to overtime. From there, Mikael Backlund sealed the series win with his hat trick goal. The WHL finals will start on Friday in Calgary. Meanwhile Myers, who was named the Western Conference Final MVP, will wait to see if a suspension will be handed out for the hit.

Gogulla grinds in German loss

Philip Gogulla continued his North American primer at the World Championship with a -1 in 14:12 of work as the Germans lost to Switzerland in overtime, 2-1. Skating on Germany's third line, the 6'2 left wing failed to get a shot on goal as the Swiss rode a Mark Streit power-play winner to their second straight tournament victory. Wearing an "A" for Germany, Jochen Hecht led the German attack with four shots on goal while raking in 17:33 of time, a total right on par with his 2008-09 season average of 17:23. Germany will continue pool play on Tuesday against France. ------ In other Sunday action from the Worlds, Andrej Sekera had an assist as Slovakia lost a shootout to Belarus. The helper came on a Marcel Hossa goal to force overtime with 2:46 to play in regulation. The 22-year old defenseman led Team Slovakia with 24:20 of ice time. In Saturday play, Drew Stafford (+1) picked up a goal for USA in a 4-2 win over Latvia. Thomas Vanek was -1 with two shots on net in Austria's 7-1 loss to the fluid Swedes. On Friday, Derek Roy assisted on a Dany Heatley goal as Canada rolled past Belarus, 6-1. The Canadians will face Hungary later on Sunday.

4/25 Recap: Myers #1 star as Rockets take lead

At the Pacific Coliseum, Tyler Myers saw over 27:00 of work and was named the game's #1 star as Kelowna edged Vancouver 1-0 in the pivotal fifth game of their conference final. The back-to-back shutouts give the Rockets a 3-2 series lead with the clubs heading back to Kelowna for Monday's game six. Like he has through most of the series, Myers disrupted the Giants attack by breaking up plays with his reach and quickly moving the puck out of his end. His steady play has caught the eyes of scouts who have been keying in on '09 Evander Kane's aptitude against his larger foe. While Kane, 17, has put up a fight, he has just one goal and one assist in the series as the Sabres future anchor has been winning most of the rounds. Myers' over-the-glass clear early in the third period resulted in a 5-3 power play where Kane had more than one nice chance to tie the game. With their stud in the box, the Rockets dmen blocked shots and got a few keys saves to give the Giants consecutive losses for just the second time all season.

Gogulla at Worlds; Schutz en route?

On Friday, Philip Gogulla was -1 with two shots on goal as Germany opened the IIHF World Championships with a 5-0 loss to Russia. Gogulla skated for 14:36 (20 shifts), while fellow Sabre Jochen Hecht saw just 11:20 from bench boss Uwe Krupp in his return to international play after a four-year layoff. With the Pirates being bounced from the AHL playoffs, expect Felix Schutz to join the Sabres German troupe in the next few days after his successful rookie season.

Pirates eliminated

The 2008-09 season has come to end for Portland Pirates, as the farmhands were defeated 2-1 by Providence on Friday to lose their AHL first round series by a 4-1 margin. Mike Kostka scored the only goal for the Pirates on the power play while Jhonas Enroth, who was fantastic in the Pirates net, stopped 36 of 38 Bruins shots. The Rundown: Kostka: G, -1 Gragnani: A Mancari: 4 SOG Kennedy: 3 SOG Gerbe: 2 SOG Butler: 2 SOG Schutz: 2 SOG Generous: even Persson: even Zagrapan: even Whitmore: -1 Turnbull: -1 Enroth: 36 saves, L

Allard done; Myers locked in battle

On Friday, J.S. Allard saw his season come to an end in the QMJHL semifinals as Quebec dropped a 6-1 decision to Shawinigan. The Remparts lose the series 4-1 while the Cataractes move on to the face Drummondville for the President's Cup. Allard posted a pair of assists in Thursday's 5-4 loss for his only points of the series to end the postseason with two goals and 10 assists in 16 games. In the WHL, Tyler Myers and the Kelowna Rockets have split the first four games of their Western Conference Final with the Vancouver Giants with game five coming on Saturday. Myers has been dominant defensively, earning the #2 star in Thursday's 3-0 win, and thus far handling the rush and physicality of Evander Kane with little issue as the prize prospect has scored just one goal on Rockets netminder Mark Guggenberger. Myers is +4 with one assist in the series and is currently tied for 2nd in WHL playoff scoring for defenseman with 14 points (4+10).

Myers casting shadow over Kane

As part of their WHL Western Conference Finals coverage, The Province ran a quickie in today's edition regarding the spotlight match-up of explosive Vancouver forward Evander Kane against Kelowna's workhorse, Tyler Myers.

"I'm sure I'll be seeing him every shift I'm out there," the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Kane said of Myers, who he played with at the world juniors with Team Canada but whom he maintains he doesn't know particularly well. "It's something you have to deal with. And I enjoy playing against other top players. "He's a big guy, obviously. He has a real long stick that makes it tough to get pucks behind him. You just have to play simple with him." You could argue that Kane couldn't answer anything else, that there's no way he could say publicly he didn't want to face Myers. You could try to argue that with Kane himself, too, and you'd risk getting a punch in the nose. Kane might be the most competitive player ever to wear Giants garb. He cheers goals in practice. When he came back from the world juniors, one of the first things he said to Giants coach Don Hay was: "See, I can penalty kill" -- a reference to receiving man-short minutes at the worlds when he wasn't then getting many with Vancouver. And, as much as he's too savvy already to say it, Kane, a 48-goal man in the regular season, is well aware that his stock for this coming NHL entry draft will be helped if he shows well against Myers, a Buffalo Sabres first-rounder from last summer who looks pro-ready already. Kane has been pegged as a possible top-five selection. "I think he knows he's going to face Tyler Myers a lot and he's going to have to find ways to work through that," said Hay, who did get Kane away from the big blueliner the first two games by double-shifting him. "That's a sign of a competitive hockey player -- Evander likes that challenge."

Buffalo Sabres 2009 Draft Preview, v1.0

***SabresProspects puts on its forecasting hat for phase I of the Sabres 2009 NHL draft preview. This is an early look, as a lot can and will change in the two months leading up to the selection process*** It's never too early to build a winner, so sharpen your pencil and grab a cold one. The 2008-09 Buffalo Sabres put another notch in their belt of mediocrity by remaining postseason relevant at the trade deadline, but simply not being good enough to qualify come April. Organizational weaknesses started to surface, and higher end guys regressed. Too often the defense was unwilling to protect its meal ticket after the whistle, while the skilled forwards continued to lack any physical branding to sustain a forecheck and instill fear into the opposition. Ever consistent, the club will enter Montreal in late June holding the 13th pick of the draft for the second consecutive season, and fourth time in the past six years. The Sabres are booked for a total of six picks covering all rounds but the second. The Sabres have done OK at #13 in the past, claiming Drew Stafford (2004) and Marek Zagrapan (2005), while last season bumping up one slot to #12 to select Tyler Myers. Still, #13 can be somewhat of a no-man's land, and the winds of change are swirling as the top club looks for opportunity to strengthen its foundation. So if the Sabres, who used the draft to acquire 21 of the 32 players who wore their sweater last season, are not going to attempt a radical, out-of-character shake-up by packaging the pick with a Derek Roy-type to Los Angeles in hopes of securing franchise game-breaker Evander Kane, then maybe they're best served banging the phones in hopes of dropping down for additional picks picks in the first three rounds. Whoa whoa whoa. Trade the leading scorer? The Sabres need attitude and character down the middle. There are two ways to view Roy, one of which says that the best tradeable asset for a team lacking identity is an 80-point guy under contract a $4M per year. All hands on deck. The Sabres have to splash at the draft, as there aren't any college UFA's at the level of ultra-skilled, ultra-marketable Kane, or Brandon's heart and soul power forward, Brayden Schenn. Yes, this bold scenario is extremely unlikely as it depletes scoring depth, but the point that the organization needs to ask itself a question: Do you sit back and settle for a Stafford or Zagrapan, or do you chase down something that you currently won't have in training camp this fall? The 2009 Depth Chart Strengths and Weaknesses As the Regier-led Sabres drafted with a speed-based lineup in mind, the system sacrificed size along the way. Currently the average forward clocks in just shy of 6'0 with a weight of 190 pounds. The average defenseman stands two inches taller and ten pounds heavier (6'2, 199 lbs). Like last year, the primary flavor of the draft will be size. Built for the transition game, the blueline is well stocked with 16 defensive prospects, including 10 with left-handed sticks. There are mobile puck pushers who play both sides, but aside from the size theme and the obvious preference for adding another righty, the group as a whole could stand to get meaner and more rugged regardless of curve. When it comes to forwards, size, skill, and aggression is what the Sabres should be fishing for early. The pipeline is deepest at left wing, where three of the top 10 prospects (Gerbe, Ennis, Gogulla) currently reside. With suspicion that the Sabres like Luke Adam as a left wing, that flanker side becomes even stronger. With that in mind, center and right wing are the two spots where things can be freshened up with skill and the body to dish and absorb hits. The Layout Round 1 - 13th Round 3 - 66th (from LA) Round 4 - 104th overall Round 5 - 133rd Round 6 - 163rd Round 7 - 193rd Round 2 - 43rd traded to San Jose in Craig Rivet deal Round 3 - Sabres get LA's pick from VAN in Steve Bernier trade. Round 3 - Buffalo's own 3rd was sent to LA last season when the clubs traded places so the Sabres could select Tyler Myers. This round brought to you by the letter K In the year that Kane is being suggested as a player to aggressively pursue, the first round is filled with other Special K possibilities. Drummondville's Dmitry Kulikov is a highly-talented offensive defenseman who scored 70 points as Q rookie. He makes quick decisions, and likes to shoot. As a Russian power play QB driving a high-octane QMJHL offense, his career path alone reminds of us a former Russian-born defenseman taken in the first-round (and fellow K) - Dmitri Kalinin. (note: Kalinin was drafted out of Russia before entering NA). Nazem Kadri is a six-foot center who blends great hands with excellent two-way skills. A broken jaw kept him off Team Canada at the World Juniors, but he's a do-it-all guy who, aside from his average size and strength, could fill a basic need down the middle. At 6'3, 205 pounds, Carl Klingberg is a good moving forward who can barrel around the ice and finish plays. Playing in Sweden with Frolunda, Klingberg had an impressive U18 World Championship and looks to have the frame, footwork, and offensive skill to sneak on to a team's first-round draft board. We don't think these players are going to hear their names called by the Sabres at #13. That was merely the opening act as we continue to take an early plow through the seven rounds. Let's throw some names around. Brass Tax Round 1 (13th) - Zack Kassian (RW, Peterborough - OHL), Jared Cowan (LHD, Spokane - WHL), Zach Budish (RW, Edina, Minn HS), Jacob Josefsson (C, Djurgarden - SEL), Chris Kreider (C, Phillips-Andover - Mass HS) Lots of talent will be available past pick #10. Talented shooters like Jordan Schroeder, Scott Glennie, and Louis LeBlanc could enter the discussion, but with sub-six-footers Nathan Gerbe and Tyler Ennis representing your biggest scoring threats, the need for above-average size works against these types, and all but guarantees that tiny offensive wizard Ryan Ellis (D, Windsor) will last past the Sabres into the middle of the round. John Moore of the Chicago Steel is one of the finest skaters and fastest risers in the draft. Strong on his feet and talented with his stick, the 6'2 glider is a left-hander who's probably off the board at #13, and doesn't really address the need for a physical edge on the blueline anyways. An imposing figure and supremely talented skater, Simon Despres plays a Jay Bouwmeester-type of game that might be too good to pass up. He uses his big 6'4, 214-pound body to block shots and absorb hits, and cooly carries the puck with a long, effortless stride that gives him the feel of a franchise player. Like Moore, Despres doesn't have a mean streak or fill a concentrated need, but the package is very attractive nonetheless. Everyone has witnessed what a Brendan Morrow/Milan Lucic type can do to the pace of a game by throwing his weight around. The 6'3, 212-pound Kassian had a similarly busy season, potting 24 goals and 39 assists in 63 games, knuckling up for 13 fighting majors (including 8 on the road), and knocking John Tavares from the Top Prospects Game. He doesn't have elite offensive talent, but the right wing's jam effects a game's flow, making him worthy of a look at #13. If he's there, his name is on the tip of Regier's tongue. With Kassian in the picture as a primary forward target, two other high-profile talents are helping make the #13 spot particularly interesting due to each suffering severe knee injuries in 2008-09. Entering the season, Spokane defenseman Jared Cowan was consensus top-5 selection for the 2009 draft. The 6'5, 220-pounder is a good skater, can score it, and plays a mean, physical style. However, reconstructive knee surgery in February means Cowan could realistically go as early as #3 if a team is still in love with him, or last until Buffalo at #13 if other keep climbing past him. Cowan is another left-handed defenseman who would obviously do nothing to bolster the size of your forwards, but if available, clearly would be an enticing package to someday bookend with fellow WHL bluechipper, Tyler Myers. In Minnesota, 6'4, 230-pound Zach Budish is a strong skating forward with the size, hands, and strength to dominate the tough areas. A natural leader, the hard working Budish was a raw first round talent and clear-cut favorite for the Mr. Hockey Award as Minnesota's top high school player before tearing knee ligaments during the Edina Hornets football season. The athletic right wing and former middle linebacker will attend Minnesota in the fall, and if fully recovered with a strong combine showing, be an ideal player for the Sabres to consider in the first round. A strong, quick skater who piles up offense, Chris Kreider has all the the tools to be an excellent center at the pro level. In 26 games with Phillps-Andover Academy, the dominating 6'2, 200-pounder produced 33 goals and 56 total points. With the Sabres lacking size and character in the middle of their lineup, Kreider is a natural leader who can dictate offense with his long stride and laser beam shot. Despite his advanced skill set, he won't play at Boston College until 2010, so patience will be rewarded to whoever makes the play. Saint John (QMJHL) owns his CHL rights. Both Budish and Kreider have looked like men amongst boys while competing at the high school level, and have the physical attributes to be immediate impact players in the NCAA. As mentioned, the draft combine will put the remaining pieces together. Speaking of men amongst boys, Jacob Josefsson played as a boy against men in the SEL last season, scoring five goals and 16 points in 50 top-league games. Swedish scout Bo Berglund is certainly familiar the 6'1, 187-pound center who is likely gaining steam after posting three goals and four assists thus far at the U18s in Fargo. Like many Swedes before him, Josefsson plays smart in both ends with enough offensive flair to suggest a quick transition to the North American game. We like Kassian's game immensely, but are feeling that he and Cowan (and Josefsson for that matter) will be gone, making another guy we like very much - Kreider - a surprise early target for the Sabres at #13. Knocking at the door If the Sabres are looking to move down a shade, here are some other names that deserve to be in the mix. Another big bodied right wing who is efficient at both ends, Rimouski's Jordan Caron has quick feet and slick offensive skills that could set the stage for a Memorial Cup coming out party. A late '90 birthday, the developed 6'2, 205 pounder scored 36 goals in 56 games for the Nics, including 21 in his final 25, and will only play one additional season in the Q before signing a pro deal. If Caron keeps chugging through the playoffs, his stock could creep into top-15 territory. 6'1, 190-pound Jeremy Morin is a natural goal scorer who hates to lose. The Auburn, NY native has snatched six goals and 10 points through Sunday at the U-18's in Fargo after a 2007 performance in Kazan, Russia that saw him lead Team USA with six goals and eight points. Morin will fast track to the NHL by heading to the OHL with Kitchener in 2009-10, and instantly inject offense into the organization that selects him. Kingston's Ethan Werek is not the fastest guy on the ice, but he's a gritty player who can make things happen whether skating at left wing or his natural position of center. At 6'1, 188 pounds, he pops pucks loose along the boards, and his stick skills make him a good finisher as evidenced by his 32 goals in 66 OHL games and four goals at the U18s. Added strength and defensive discipline will make Werek a solid professional prospect. He would've been a great addition to Boston University, but instead looked to maximize his draft year exposure by playing major junior. Day Two The Sabres second round pick exited in the Rivet deal, but this doesn't give team execs a ticket to sleep in. Recent success suggests that Buffalo has to find a way back in the game before pick #66 as promising hopefuls Enroth, Brennan, Schiestel, Gogulla, Weber, and Adam were plucked by Regier's staff between 31-60 in recent years after previously hiting with Derek Roy, Jason Poiminville, Henrik Tallinder, Chris Thorburn, Mike Zigomanis, and Doug Janik. Remember, Buffalo did get a second round pick from Edmonton at the deadline, but it was immediately folded into a paper airplane and shot it up-river to Toronto in exchange for Dominic Moore. Perhaps a player like Henrik Tallinder can be dangled? His exit could net additional picks, plus free up some cash to re-sign Jaroslav Spacek if the tag is reasonable. It's just an idea. Always prepared, we're calling Round 2 roll regardless of what the board currently says. Round 2 (XX) - Tomas Vincour (RW/C, Edmonton - WHL), Alex Chiasson C/RW, Des Moines USHL), Brayden McNabb (LHD, Kootenay - WHL), Ryan O'Reilly (C, Erie - OHL), Seth Helgeson (LHD, Sioux City - USHL) A rumbling skater with a thick shot, the 6'2, 203-pound Vincour got the 2008-09 season off to a bang with 27 points in his first 30 games. After an average performance at the World Juniors, the big Czech continued to grind away on the sub-.500 Oil Kings. Vincour missed a month in January/February with a shoulder separation, finishing the season with four goals and four assists in 14 games after the tournament. The RW/C totaled 17 goals and 19 assists in 49 games for the season. Another late '90 birthday, The 6'4, 187 pound Chiasson is a fantastic power forward prospect heading to Boston University in the fall. Competing hard while grinding out offense at center or right wing, the Quebec City product used excellent hands to score 17 goals and 50 points for East Division cellar dweller Des Moines. A solid faceoff performer, the USHL All-Rookie Team member can go anywhere between 25-45. Mean and tough, the imposing MacNabb is a physical force who can play in all situations. The 6'4, 200-pound left-hander scored 10 goals and 26 total points in 2008-09, while piling up 10 fighting majors. McNabb, who has put up a +5 for Canada at the U18's, will excel when playing a simple stay-at-home game, Minor concerns with his skating cause him to drop a few spots, but he needs to be considered once day two gets cooking. Erie's O'Reilly is a strong, playmaking center who's good on faceoffs. Named captain for Team Canada at the U18s, the former #1 overall pick in the OHL is extremely driven and ultra-competitive. His character, skills, and 6'2, 200-pound body make him a good fit for the Sabres down the middle. Heading to Minnesota in the fall, the 6'5, 225-pound Helgeson is an intimidating, Mike Komisarek-like presence that many teams would love to have. A physical, shutdown type, the Faribault, MN native defends his crease and will drop the mitts. The Sabres could benefit from netting a bruising blueliner at some point, and here's a willing participant who can also shoot the puck with authority. We like all of these guys, but would opt for Vincour first if you land back into the round. Vincour/McNabb. Round 3 (67) - David Savard (RHD, Moncton Wildcats - QMJHL), Tomas Tatar (C, Zvolen, Slovakia), Kenny Ryan (RW, USNTDP, NAHL), Brian Dumoulin (LHD, Jr. Monarchs - EJHL), Danny Mattson (RW/C, Holy Angels - Minn HS) A physical, shutdown player who can contribute offensively, the 6'1, 201 pound Savard scored nine goals and 35 assists for the defensively sound Wildcats. His fearless defense-first style was rewarded by being named one of three finalists for the Kevin Lowe Award for best defensive defenseman. Savard had a 50-goal turnaround in his +/- (-21 to +29) to finish as one of the league's most improved players, and looks like a solid third-rounder despite being ranked in the 160's at CSS's midterm, and #104 on their final list of North American skaters. Tatar jumped onto the scouting radar when his seven goals at the World Juniors trailed only Russia's Nikita Filatov (CLS) and consensus #1 John Tavares who each potted eight. A slashing skater who plays a gutsy, agitating style despite his smallish frame, Tatar (5'11, 176) has good hands and is always on the puck. His energy-laced game creates opportunity, making him an exciting player to watch at both ends of the ice. The 6'2, 204-pound Ryan was 2nd on the NTDP with 21 goals, consisting of an amazing break down of 16 at even strength, five shorthanded, and zero on the power play. A skilled right wing who can play a grinders role, the versatile BC recruit isn't flashy but will work hard to make things happen. He has netted four goals in six games for Team USA at the U18's. A Boston College recruit compared to Hockey East predecessor Ryan Whitney (BU), Dumoulin is a highly skilled puck mover that could be a valuable power play piece after a few years of strength development and defensive skills in Hockey East. Big, mobile and off to the NCAA, the 6'3, 197-pound offensive package may look attractive to the Sabres if other areas are addressed before hand. A slick North Dakota recruit, Mattson is a dazzling, one-on-one stickhandler who can snipe. He likes to create more than shoot, but still scored 30 goals and 69 points in his 25 games as a senior to become a Mr. Hockey finalist. Extremely talented as a puck distributor, the undersized forward is building bulk to accommodate more one-on-one wins through the WCHA's physical grind. Tatar represents an explosive element that could go a long way given the Sabres system, but the Sabres Maritime scouts could have a good enough comfort level with Savard's readiness and steadiness to make him a target. Round 4 (104th)- Ben Chiarot (LHD, Guelph - OHL), Kevin Lynch (RW, USNTDP - NAHL), Marcus Foligno (LW, Sudbury - OHL), Simon Bertilsson (LHD, Brynas - SEL), Brennan Yadlowski (RHD, Lethbridge - WHL), Chiarot is a physical, stay-at-home defenseman with decent hands on the puck. Strong on his skates at 6'3, 214 pounds, the Hamilton native has the makings of a nasty guy to play against. He logged six fights this season, and should continue to improve under the guidance of Storm assistant and Buffalo native Chris Hajt as he eases his way into the role of #1 dman. The offensively talented Lynch looks like a sleeper in waiting by following up a 19-goal USNTDP season with five goals and a +8 thus far at the U18s. The 6'1, 190-pound product of the Detroit Honeybaked program will join the Michigan Wolverines in the fall. A hard-driving, consistent role player, the 6'2, 203-pound Foligno had a successful second half to his season with Sudbury after a good showing in the CHL Top Prospects Game. He doesn't have the natural offensive knack of brother Nick, but he blends the Foligno passion with the work ethic of a wrecking ball to look like a nice middle-line LW at the professional level. Bertilsson was one of the top offensive defensemen for Brynas as a junior, connecting for 9 goals and 31 points in 30 games. The 6'1, 180-pound 17-year old earned a 21-game call to the top club in the SEL before notching an assist and solid +5 for the Swedes through Sunday in Fargo. Turning 18 the week of the draft, Yadlowski is an interesting prospect out of Lethbridge. The 6'1, 187-pounder is a puck moving defenseman who compares himself to Brian Campbell. However, the right-handed rearguard had nine fights in 2008-09 while displaying a keen shot blocking aptitude. He sees a lot of ice time, will continue to blossom with two more seasons of development in the Dub. An offensive Lynch would be a great catch in this spot, but for some reason we fear that he'll be off the board. A lot can change, but for now we're thinking that the Sabres may look to get meaner by grabbing the rising Chiarot. Round 5 (133) - Jeff Wyer (G, Reading High - Mass. HS), Micheal Fine (C, Sault Ste. Marie - OHL), Byron Froese (C, Everett - WHL), Michael Zador (G, Oshawa - OHL), Patrick Wey (RHD, Waterloo - USHL) The 6'0, 170-pound Wyer is a quick, fluid-moving goaltender scheduled to play at least one season of EJHL hockey before hitting Hockey East with New Hampshire. After leading Reading HS to Super-8 championship a year ago, the sharp Wyer posted a solid 1.50 GAA and .932 save percentage in 2008-09. Playing on the league's worst team, Fine got off to a quick start as a 17-year old by scoring 25 points through December. Tailing off with just 12 points the rest of the way, the 6'0, 190 pounder has plenty of two-way upside to work into. The pesky pivot was invited to play for Canada in Fargo before leaving the team due to personal reasons. Froese, a 5'11, 185-pound center, stepped right into a scoring role as a 17-year old rookie with Everett by scoring 19 goals and 57 points in 72 games. Not overly aggressive but consistently productive, Froese has scored four goals and seven points for Canada at the U18's and seems like a somewhat safer play if on the board. Oshawa netminder Zador has shown good progression since his trade from London. Chosen for Team Canada over Owen Sound's Scott Stajcer, Zador has posted a 1.99 GAA and .938 save percentage for Team Canada at the U18s highlighted by a 42-save performance in a 2-1 loss to the Americans. A steady defensive defenseman, Patrick Wey completed a two-year USHL stint by dropping seven goals, 34 points, 75 PIM, and an impressive +22 with the blueline factory in Waterloo. Wey is another strong Boston College recruit that is worth a look if available outside of the top 100 due to his solid all-around skill level. This is where the names will change quite a bit in the next few weeks. The 5th round would be a great spot to grab the underrated Fine, but the exceptionally talented Wyer could be the play as the Regier Sabres seem to like fifth round goaltenders. Round 6 (163) - Tommi Kivisto (LHD, Red Deer, WHL), David Pacan (C, Cumberland Grads - CJHL), Benjamin Casavant (LW, PEI - QMJHL), Andrew Agozzino (LW, Niagara- OHL), Andrej Nestrasil (LW, Victoriaville - QMJHL) Kivisto, a 6'1, 195-pound Finnish defenseman, won't turn 18 until two weeks prior to the draft, and definitely endured the mental ups and downs that a 17-year old hockey player should expect in his first North American season. A good skater who can distribute passes and hits, Kivisto accumulated 21 assists for Red Deer, and hopes that another season in the Dub unlocks his total game. Opting for the University of Vermont instead of playing in the OHL with the Niagara Ice Dogs, the 6'3, 190-pound Pacan will steadily add 20 pounds of muscle to his solid frame over the next few years. The big, offensively gifted pivot scored 22-38-50 in 48 games as a 17-year old in the CJHL, and could be a nice sleeper while he gets it going in Hockey East. A burgeoning workhorse for PEI, the 6'1, 200 pound Casavant is a grinding forward with good finishing ability down low. As a 17-year old, he finished in the top 10 in scoring on a below average Rocket club with 39 goals and 80 points. His skating and conditioning may be a concern, but the character traits are present to suggest that he's coachable and worth a shot given his offensive ability. Still fishing for offense, the Sabres could put his will to the test in conditioning camp to see if they can break his feet into those of a pro. The quick-footed Agozzino is coming off a 27-goal, 56 point campaign for the Niagara Ice Dogs. Undersized at 5'9, 188 pounds, the unrated Agozzino is a go-to, all-situations player who goes hard at both at the end and knows how to score a clutch goal. As a Q rookie, Nestrasil displayed his goal scoring touch with 22 goals and 57 total points in 66 games for Victoriaville. The 6'2, 200-pound Slovakian is all offense though, as his game is short on grit and consistent effort. Still, gaining a level of consistency could make the big left wing a future threat. Round 7 (193) - Cam Reid (C, Westside - BCHL), Matt Brown (LW, Moncton - QMJHL), Dan Delisle (C, Totino-Grace - Minn. HS), Steven Racine (G, Taft - CT HS), Gabriel Dumont (C, Drummondville - QMJHL), The 6'2, 185-pound Reid is a New Hampshire-bound power forward who could become the first ever Sabres draft pick from the BCHL - an established NCAA feeder. He compliments his playmaking style by driving hard to the net and working the tough areas to get the job done. A two-way worker, Reid caught fire after a deadline trade to Westside. The forward didn't appear on any version of a ranking list this season, but has enough game to be a formidable Hockey East forward by his junior season. Moncton's Brown is a hard-working left wing who can score and play defense. The 5'11, 190-pounder caught fire out of the gate, scoring 18 goals in 40 games before a January elbow injury put him down until the final game of the regular season. He scored one goal in nine playoff games, and will have two full years of QMJHL to get bigger and stronger Another power forward project, Delisle is a Duluth recruit with a pro offensive package of quick feet and a long reach. In 25 games this season, the 6'4, 223-pound center scored 31 goals and 53 points en route to earning a Mr. Hockey nomination. The senior captain brings character and skill, and with continued work on his defensive game, could be late-riser once he hits the collegiate circuit. The 6'2, 177-pound Racine is a Buffalo native currently uncommitted for college. The Sabres previously looked to Taft in seventh round when they chose Drew MacKenzie in 2007. Racine is a big, quick goaltender with good positioning. Diminutive yet pesky, the 5'9, 175-pound Dumont is buried as a creative middle liner on a stacked Voltigeurs club. Small but packed with energy, the longshot prospect consistently packs an exciting, opportunistic stick.

4/18 Recap: Myers, Rockets steady in win

In game one of the WHL Western Conference Final, Tyler Myers finished +2 as Kelowna dumped Vancouver, 4-2. Myers offensive contributions were mostly limited to point blasts as the Rockets anchor kept things simple while the Giants tried to double-shift leading scorer and prize '09 Evander Kane. In a "game within the game" battle, the 6'7-3/4 Myers help his ground Kane, closing him off with reach and once reacting to his forecheck by putting him on his back. Game two will be played Sunday afternoon in Vancouver.

Sabres make it official

As previously reported, the Sabres today announced the signings of T.J. Brennan and Drew Schiestel to three-year deals beginning in 2009-10. From the Sabres: Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have signed defensemen T.J. Brennan and Drew Schiestel to three-year entry level contracts that will begin in the 2009-10 season. Brennan (31st overall) and Schiestel (59th) were Buffalo's first two selections in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Brennan (4/3/1989, 6’0”, 205 lbs., shoots left) played three seasons in the QMJHL with the St. John's/Montreal franchise, finishing with 116 points (37+79) and 234 PIMs in 192 games. Brennan was the QMJHL's defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006-07 when he scored 41 points (16+25) in 68 games. A native of Willingboro, NJ, Brennan also scored 20 points (7+13) in 20 career playoff games. Schiestel (3/9/1989, 6’2”, 193 lbs., shoots left) is coming off a career year that saw him amass 48 points (10+38) in 63 games with the OHL's Niagara IceDogs. He also had eight points (2+6) in 12 games during the 2009 OHL Playoffs. In four seasons with the IceDogs, Schiestel had 111 points (25+86) and 197 PIMs in 237 games. The 20-year-old Schiestel (pronounced Shiss-tull) is a native of Hamilton, Ontario.

Pirates head home with a split

The Portland Pirates kicked off the first round of the AHL playoffs this week with a road split in Providence. On Wednesday, Marek Zagrapan had a pair of goals and Jhonas Enroth made 28 saves as the Pirates shut out the Bruins, 3-0. Felix Schutz scored his first playoff goal, while Mark Mancari picked up two assists. Recent addition Dennis Persson did not dress for Portland. The Rundown: Zagrapan: 2G, +2, 5 SOG Schutz: 1G, +1 Mancari: 2A, +2 Gragnani: A, +3 Gerbe: 4 SOG Kennedy: 1 SOG Butler: 2 SOG Whitmore: even Turnbull: 2 SOG Kostka: 1 SOG Generous: 1 SOG Enroth: 28 saves, SO On Friday, the Pirates could only muster a Tyler Bouck wrister in the third period as the Bruins evened things up with a 2-1 in. Derek Whitmore drew an assist on Bouck's short-handed goal. Enroth made 38 saves to earn the game's #3 star. Mike Kostka dinged a leg in the loss, potentially paving the way for Matt Generous or Persson to re-enter the lineup for Sunday's game three. The Rundown: Whitmore: 1A, +1 Gragnani: +1, 2 SOG Gerbe: -1, 4 SOG Mancari: -1, 5 SOG Kennedy: -1 Butler: 2 SOG Zagrapan: -1 Schutz: 2 SOG Turnbull: 1 SOG Kostka: -1 Enroth: 38 saves

4/17 Recap: Allard points as series opens

In the QMJHL semifinals, J.S. Allard (+1) assisted on the game winning goal as Quebec bested Shawinigan, 4-2. The home ice victory gives the Remparts a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-seven. The 6'2 Allard has points in two straight after a six-game drought, and is sixth in team scoring with two goals and eight assist in 13 playoff games. Tyler Myers and the Kelowna Rockets will open their WHL Western Conference Final match up with the Vancouver Giants on Saturday.

Sabres sign Brennan and Schiestel

2007 second round picks T.J. Brennan and Drew Schiestel have come to terms on entry-level deals with the Sabres. I'll edit this post as more details become available, but the defensemen are practicing with Portland (AHL). More to come. EDIT" Three-year deals beginning in 2009-10.

Captain Alex named Crimson MVP

On Monday, defenseman Alex Biega was honored as Harvard's Most Valuable Player for the 2008-09 season. In addition, the junior was named next season's team captain.

Biega, who was an assistant captain this season, is the 116th captain of Harvard men’s hockey. It will be the seventh straight season that a defenseman has served as captain, including each of the past two seasons, when a forward and defenseman shared duties as co-captains. The Montreal native was named to the New England Division I All-Star team, All-Ivy League second team, All-ECAC Hockey third team and ECAC Hockey All-Academic team as a junior. He led the Crimson with 16 assists and ranked second on the team with 20 points this season, skating in power-play, shorthanded and even-strength situations. Biega has skated in all 98 of Harvard’s games since his arrival in Cambridge, registering 13 goals and 47 assists for 60 career points.

Chosen in the fifth round in 2006, the sub-six-footer will be part of a Fabulous Biega Boys trio next season in Cambridge, as senior Alex and junior Michael will welcome freshman Danny to the fold.

2009 NHL Draft Rankings from Central Scouting

NHL Central Scouting released their rankings for the 2009 draft on Tuesday. Buffalo will hold the 13th pick this June. Final Midterm Player Position League 1 1 Tavares, John Center London OHL 2 2 Duchene, Matt Center Brampton OHL 3 3 Kane, Evander Center Vancouver WHL 4 5 Schenn, Brayden Center Brandon WHL 5 4 Schroeder, Jordan Center U Of Minnesota WCHA 6 8 Moore, John Defenseman Chicago USHL 7 12 Glennie, Scott Right Wing Brandon WHL 8 6 Despres, Simon Defenseman Saint John QMJHL 9 7 Cowen, Jared Defenseman Spokane WHL 10 24 Kassian, Zack Right Wing Peterborough OHL 11 17 Kulikov, Dmitry Defenseman Drummondville QMJHL 12 10 Ashton, Carter Right Wing Lethbridge WHL 13 18 Leblanc, Louis Center Omaha USHL 14 14 Kreider, Chris Center Andover HIGH-MA 15 11 Kadri, Nazem Center London OHL 16 15 Ellis, Ryan Defenseman Windsor OHL 17 22 Elliott, Stefan Defenseman Saskatoon WHL 18 13 Ferraro, Landon Center Red Deer WHL 19 9 Holland, Peter Center Guelph OHL 20 19 Palmieri, Kyle Right Wing/Center USA U-18 USDP 21 20 Caron, Jordan Right Wing Rimouski QMJHL 22 16 Budish, Zach Right Wing Team South West MHSEL 23 36 Button, Ryan Defenseman Prince Albert WHL 24 25 Leddy, Nick Defenseman Eden Prairie HIGH-MN 25 38 De Haan, Calvin Defenseman Oshawa OHL 26 26 Paradis, Philippe Center Shawinigan QMJHL 27 23 Olsen, Dylan Defenseman Camrose AJHL 28 32 Shore, Drew Center USA U-18 USDP 29 52 Eakin, Cody Center Swift Current WHL 30 29 Brown, Chris Center USA U-18 USDP 31 58 Clark, Matthew Defenseman Brampton OHL 32 43 Werek, Ethan Center Kingston OHL 33 21 Morin, Jeremy Left Wing USA U-18 USDP 34 34 Chiasson, Alex Right Wing Des Moines USHL 35 45 Hanowski, Ben Left Wing/Right Wing Little Falls H.S. HIGH-MN 36 30 Roussel, Charles-Olivier Defenseman Shawinigan QMJHL 37 51 Howse, Ryan Left Wing Chilliwack WHL 38 31 Gelinas, Eric Defenseman Lewiston QMJHL 39 35 O'reilly, Ryan Center Erie OHL 40 63 Bennett, Mac Defenseman Hotchkiss School HIGH-CT 41 40 Helgeson, Seth Defenseman Sioux City USHL 42 79 Vincour, Tomas Center Edmonton WHL 43 33 Birkholz, Josh Right Wing Fargo USHL 44 48 Hutchings, Alex Left Wing Barrie OHL 45 42 Latta, Michael Center Guelph OHL 46 28 Lemieux, Gabriel Defenseman Shawinigan QMJHL 47 62 Blacker, Jesse Defenseman Windsor OHL 48 50 Beck, Taylor Left Wing Guelph OHL 49 61 Bourque, Ryan Center USA U-18 USDP 50 89 Costello, Jeff Left Wing Cedar Rapids USHL 51 73 Mcnabb, Brayden Defenseman Kootenay WHL 52 37 Barrie, Tyson Defenseman Kelowna WHL 53 57 Mattson, Danny Left Wing/Center Holy Angels HIGH-MN 54 47 Wrenn, William Defenseman USA U-18 USDP 55 54 Bubnick, Jimmy Center Kamloops WHL 56 65 Ryan, Kenny Right Wing USA U-18 USDP 57 55 Haula, Erik Left Wing Shat.St.Mary's HIGH-MN 58 71 Doherty, Taylor Defenseman Kingston OHL 59 49 Deslauriers, Nicolas Defenseman Rouyn-Noranda QMJHL 60 59 Samuelsson, Philip Defenseman Chicago USHL 61 64 Dumoulin, Brian Defenseman Jr. Monarchs EJHL 62 56 Fournier, Gleason Defenseman Rimouski QMJHL 63 112 Velischek, Alex Defenseman Delbarton HIGH-NJ 64 Knight, Corban Center Okotoks AJHL 65 108 Vey, Linden Right Wing Medicine Hat WHL 66 66 Wilson, Garrett Left Wing Owen Sound OHL 67 72 D'amigo, Jerry Right Wing USA U-18 USDP 68 53 Szwarz, Jordan Right Wing Saginaw OHL 69 84 Fallstrom, Alexander Right Wing Shat.St.Mary's HIGH-MN 70 153 Yadlowski, Brennan Defenseman Lethbridge WHL 71 75 Gallimore, Burke Right Wing Saskatoon WHL 72 76 Valek, David Right Wing USA U-18 USDP 73 27 Mappin, Cassidy Left Wing Red Deer WHL 74 78 Gilbert, David Center Quebec QMJHL 75 80 Pirri, Brandon Center Georgetown OJHL 76 81 Thompson, Blake Defenseman Sioux Falls USHL 77 69 Deblois, Derek Center Hotchkiss School HIGH-CT 78 68 Daugherty, Ryan Right Wing Omaha USHL 79 100 Chiarot, Ben Defenseman Guelph OHL 80 127 Peterson, Garrett Right Wing Lincoln USHL 81 135 Florek, Justin Left Wing Northern Mich. CCHA 82 82 Oliver, Nick Left Wing/Center Roseau High HIGH-MN 83 115 Melnychuk, Brodie Defenseman Brandon WHL 84 44 Koper, Levko Left Wing Spokane WHL 85 102 Froese, Byron Center Everett WHL 86 74 Goulet, Guillaume Right Wing Baie-Comeau QMJHL 87 146 Larkin, Thomas Defenseman Exeter HIGH-NH 88 107 Gerths, David Right Wing Lincoln USHL 89 158 Mckenzie, Curtis Left Wing Penticton BCHL 90 39 Hlinka, Michal Right Wing Chicoutimi QMJHL 91 41 Dillon, Brenden Defenseman Seattle WHL 92 132 Cizikas, Casey Center Mississauga St. Michael's OHL 93 156 Novotny, Stepan Right Wing Kelowna WHL 94 150 Tipoff, Matthew Right Wing Belleville OHL 95 166 Wey, Patrick Defenseman Waterloo USHL 96 Foucault, Kristopher Left Wing Calgary WHL 97 87 Ramage, John Defenseman USA U-18 USDP 98 85 Rempel, Brendan Defenseman USA U-18 USDP 99 Beattie, Kyle Center Jr. Monarchs EJHL 100 83 Lynch, Kevin Center USA U-18 USDP 101 Dowling, Justin Center Swift Current WHL 102 101 Bourque, Gabriel Left Wing Baie-Comeau QMJHL 103 147 Schaller, Tim Defenseman Jr. Huskies EJHL 104 164 Savard, David Defenseman Moncton QMJHL 105 114 Bezzo, Paul Defenseman Owen Sound OHL 106 124 Lefebvre, Phillipe Left Wing Drummondville QMJHL 107 98 Foligno, Marcus Left Wing Sudbury OHL 108 88 Krupp, Bjorn Defenseman Belleville OHL 109 154 Flaherty, Keegan Left Wing Fargo USHL 110 Valentine, Scott Defenseman Oshawa OHL 111 181 Rintoul, Hayden Defenseman Kootenay WHL 112 97 Festler, Jared Left Wing St. Cloud State WCHA 113 206 Price, Jeremy Defenseman Nepean CJHL 114 111 Lapic, Tyler Left Wing/Center New Prague HIGH-MN 115 165 Gedig, Curtis Defenseman Cowichan Valley BCHL 116 95 Randell, Tyler Right Wing Kitchener OHL 117 162 Kane, Cory Center Vernon BCHL 118 70 Lee, Anders Center Edina High HIGH-MN 119 46 Kivisto, Tommi Defenseman Red Deer WHL 120 170 Jensen, Nick Defenseman Green Bay USHL 121 Langlois, Jeremy Right Wing New Jersey Hitmen EJHL 122 96 Fine, Micheal Center Sault Ste. Marie OHL 123 130 Megan, Wade Center South Kent School HIGH-CT 124 160 Kudrna, Andrej Left Wing Vancouver WHL 125 94 Scott, Berkley Left Wing/Center Anoka High School HIGH-MN 126 198 Hughes, Kyle Left Wing/Center Salisbury HIGH-CT 127 60 Pacan, David Center Cumberland CJHL 128 Sorkin, Nick Left Wing Team Maryland Aaa MIDGET 129 133 Judson, Luke Right Wing Belleville OHL 130 Campanelli, Joseph Right Wing Westminster HIGH-CT 131 67 Nestrasil, Andrej Right Wing/Center Victoriaville QMJHL 132 77 Coetzee, Willie Right Wing Red Deer WHL 133 110 Duprey, Luke Defenseman Andover HIGH-MA 134 122 Labrie, Hubert Defenseman Gatineau QMJHL 135 210 Moffie, Lee Defenseman Waterloo USHL 136 120 Young, Gus Defenseman Nobles HIGH-MA 137 116 Sexton, Ben Center Nepean CJHL 138 113 Delisle, Daniel Left Wing/Center Totino Grace HIGH-MN 139 105 Tochkin, Kellan Right Wing Everett WHL 140 121 Mccarthy, Chris Left Wing USA U-18 USDP 141 187 Logue, Sean Left Wing South Shore EJHL 142 93 Bennett, Spencer Left Wing Surrey BCHL 143 Carrabino, Joe Defenseman Millbrook HIGH-NY 144 128 Tardy, Max Center Duluth East HIGH-MN 145 202 Goldberg, Jacob Left Wing Berkshire HIGH-MA 146 Walsh, Dustin Center Kingston OJHL 147 117 Bowman, Collin Defenseman Kelowna WHL 148 106 Mitchell, Garrett Right Wing Regina WHL 149 125 Lessard, Jonathan Left Wing Acadie-Bathurst QMJHL 150 149 Kozun, Brandon Right Wing Calgary WHL 151 Ponich, Brett Defenseman Portland WHL 152 197 Konan, Matthew Defenseman Medicine Hat WHL 153 199 Dumont, Gabriel Center Drummondville QMJHL 154 208 Escobedo, Sean Defenseman Sioux Falls USHL 155 175 Hostetter, Tyler Defenseman Erie OHL 156 109 Lee, Oleg Left Wing Fargo USHL 157 134 Archibald, Darren Left Wing Barrie OHL 158 167 Smith, Reilly Right Wing St. Michaels OJHL 159 192 Dion, Pier-Antoine Left Wing Montreal QMJHL 160 163 Taft, Charlie Right Wing Edina High HIGH-MN 161 142 Hourihan, Mark Left Wing/Right Wing Nobles HIGH-MA 162 185 Casavant, Benjamin Left Wing Pei QMJHL 163 178 Schmidt, Nate Defenseman St. Cloud Cathedral HIGH-MN 164 193 Herrington, Brooks Center Jr. Monarchs EJHL 165 157 Mullane, Patrick Left Wing Omaha USHL 166 168 Cichy, Michael Center Indiana USHL 167 182 Bloodoff, Evan Left Wing Kelowna WHL 168 201 Andreoff, Andy Center Oshawa OHL 169 Bigos, Kyle Defenseman Vernon BCHL 170 103 Gronvaldt, Simon Defenseman Kitchener OHL 171 205 Treais, A.J. Right Wing USA U-18 USDP 172 90 Varone, Philip Center London OHL 173 91 Curadi, Luke Defenseman Hartford ATLH 174 190 Populus, Mathieu Right Wing Chicoutimi QMJHL 175 191 Murray, Jordan Left Wing U. Of Wisconsin WCHA 176 131 Mayer, Jordan Center Mississauga St. Michael's OHL 177 Smith, Craig Center Waterloo USHL 178 144 Flemming, Brett Defenseman Mississauga St. Michael's OHL 179 118 Gotovets, Kirill Defenseman Shat.St.Mary's HIGH-MN 180 126 O'connor, Gabriel Defenseman Halifax QMJHL 181 123 Everson, Marshall Left Wing Edina High HIGH-MN 182 177 Clifford, Kyle Left Wing Barrie OHL 183 194 Schwartz, Rylan Center Notre Dame SJHL 184 92 Anthony, Steven Left Wing Saint John QMJHL 185 Cantin, Marc Defenseman Belleville OHL 186 141 Maclean, Brandon Right Wing Pei QMJHL 187 Boyer, Jeremy Center Seattle WHL 188 169 Jodoin, Simon Defenseman Moncton QMJHL 189 Maggio, Daniel Defenseman Sudbury OHL 190 179 Samuels-Thomas, Jordan Left Wing Waterloo USHL 191 143 Payerl, Adam Center Barrie OHL 192 Sol, Cody Defenseman Saginaw OHL 193 Brown, Matt Left Wing Moncton QMJHL 194 145 Gurianov, Georgiy Left Wing Walpole ATLH 195 Schmitz, Beau Defenseman Plymouth OHL 196 Boyd, Ronald (R.J.) Defenseman Cushing Academy HIGH-MA 197 171 Whitney, Steven Center Omaha USHL 198 151 Henrion, John Right Wing/Center USA U-18 USDP 199 99 Ulmer, Stefan Defenseman Spokane WHL 200 119 Mcleod, Wes Defenseman Prince George BCHL 201 Berkle, Adam Left Wing Northwood School HIGH-NY 202 Connauton, Kevin Defenseman Western Mich. CCHA 203 188 Krushelnyski, Alexander Left Wing Chicago USHL 204 204 Tam, Mikael Defenseman Quebec QMJHL 205 Knodel, Eric Defenseman Philadelphia Jr. B USMAAA 206 Connolly, Mike Center U. Minn-Duluth WCHA 207 174 Yetman, Brad Defenseman Rouyn-Noranda QMJHL 208 Agosta, Justin Defenseman Berkshire HIGH-MA 209 161 Wall, Alex Defenseman Montreal QMJHL 210 172 O'donoghue, Dan Left Wing Ny Bobcats ATLH GOALIES 1 8 Hackett, Matthew Goalie Plymouth OHL 2 4 Roy, Olivier Goalie Cape Breton QMJHL 3 1 Pasquale, Edward Goalie Saginaw OHL 4 3 Lee, Michael Goalie Fargo USHL 5 2 Stajcer, Scott Goalie Owen Sound OHL 6 9 Vazzano, Alex Goalie The Gunnery HIGH-CT 7 10 Zador, Michael Goalie Oshawa OHL 8 11 Maxwell, Brandon Goalie USA U-18 USDP 9 6 Kuemper, Darcy Goalie Red Deer WHL 10 5 Berube, Jean-Francois Goalie Montreal QMJHL 11 12 Lieuwen, Nathan Goalie Kootenay WHL 12 7 Morris, Cab Goalie Hotchkiss School HIGH-CT 13 18 Janus, Jaroslav Goalie Erie OHL 14 13 Di Salvo, Peter Goalie Barrie OHL 15 Cannata, Joe Goalie Merrimack H-EAST 16 19 St-Laurent, Karel Goalie Saint John QMJHL 17 Millan, Kieran Goalie Boston University H-EAST 18 15 Groenheyde, Jon Goalie Kamloops WHL 19 999 Knapp, Connor Goalie Miami U. CCHA 20 16 Perugini, Chris Goalie Ottawa OHL 21 17 Condon, Michael Goalie Belmont Hill HIGH-MA 22 Wyer, Jeff Goalie Reading HIGH-MA 23 Milner, Parker Goalie Waterloo USHL 24 Morrison, Adam Goalie Saskatoon WHL 25 22 Valiquette, Alain Goalie Sudbury OHL 26 Cadieux, Mathieu Goalie Cobourg OJHL 27 14 Boucher, Jean-Sebastien Goalie Val D'or QMJHL 28 26 Teglia, Jeff Goalie Omaha USHL 29 25 Racine, Steven Goalie Taft School HIGH-CT 30 20 Murray, Adam Goalie USA U-18 USDP European Rankings RANK NAME TEAM, LEAGUE 1 HEDMAN, VICTOR MODO, SWE 2 PAAJARVI-SVENSSON,MAGNUS TIMRA, SWE 3 JOSEFSON, JACOB DJURGARDEN, SWE 4 EKMAN-LARSSON, OLIVER LEKSAND, SWE 2 5 ERIXON, TIM SKELLEFTEA, SWE 6 RUNDBLAD, DAVID SKELLEFTEA, SWE 7 KLINGBERG,CARL FROLUNDA, SWE JUN 8 JOHANSSON, MARCUS FARJESTAD, SWE 9 ORLOV, DMITRI NOVOKUZNETSK, RUS 10 NATTINEN, JOONAS BLUES, FIN JUN 11 RAJALA, TONI ILVES, FIN JUN 12 SILFVERBERG, JAKOB BRYNAS, SWE JUN 13 PANIK, RICHARD TRINEC, CZE JUN 14 TATAR, TOMAS ZVOLEN, SVK 15 RODIN, ANTON BRYNAS, SWE JUN 16 VATANEN, SAMI JYP FIN JUN 17 BERTILSSON, SIMON BRYNAS, SWE JUN 18 AVTSYN, ALEXANDER DYNAMO, RUS 2 19 LANDER, ANTON TIMRA, SWE 20 BURDASOV, ANTON CHELJABINSK, RUS 2 21 URBOM, ALEXANDER DJURGARDEN SWE JUN 22 LINDSTROM, MATTIAS SKELLEFTEA, SWE JUN 23 BJORKLUND, HENRIK SKARE, SWE 3 24 ANDRONOV, SERGEI TOGLIATTI, RUS 25 CHVANOV, SERGEI CHEREPOVETS, RUS 2 26 CEHLIN, PATRIK DJURGARDEN, SWE JUN 27 KARLSSON, MARTIN LEKSAND, SWE JUN 28 NAKYVA, KRISTIAN BLUES, FIN JUN 29 DROZD, SERGEI DYNAMO MINSK, RUS 30 HORAK,ROMAN C.BUDEJOVICE, CZE JUN 31 HRIVIK, MAREK SVK U20, SVK 32 LUNDBERG, MARTIN SKELLEFTEA, SWE 33 THEGEL, HENRIK BRYNAS, SWE JUN 34 SOBCHENKO, DANIIL YAROSLAVL, RUS 2 35 ERIKSSON, HENRIK DJURGARDEN, SWE 36 DVURECHENSKY, NIKITA DYNAMO, RUS 2 37 RISSANEN, RASMUS KALPA, FIN JUN 38 BOCHAROV,STANISLAV ALMETYEVSK, RUS 2 39 KOROBOV, DMITRI DYNAMO MINSK, RUS 40 BLOMQVIST, SAMI BLUES, FIN JUN 41 JOHANSSON, JONATHAN FROLUNDA, SWE JUN 42 STASTNY, ANDREJ TRENCIN, SVK JUN 43 GUDAS, RADKO BEROUN, CZE 2 44 YASHIN, OLEG MYTISCHI, RUS 2 45 JORMAKKA, PEKKA JYP, FIN 46 STYRMAN, FREDRIK LULEA, SWE JUN 47 GRONDAHL, ANDREAS SODERTALJE, SWE JUN 48 ANDERSSON, PETER FROLUNDA, SWE JUN 49 DOLEZAL, ONDREJ PLZEN, CZE JUN 50 TORNBERG, JOHANNES LULEA, SWE JUN 51 KLOPOV, DMITRI NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUS 52 POLASEK, ADAM VITKOVICE, CZE JUN 53 KANA, JAN VITKOVICE, CZE JUN 54 SCHAEPPI, RETO GCK ZURICH, SUI 2 55 SUSLO, NIKOLAI GOMEL, BLR 56 KRUGER, MARKUS DJURGARDEN, SWE JUN 57 WEISS, DANIEL EISBAREN, GER 58 GUNNARSSON, FILIP FARJESTAD, SWE U18 59 EDMAN, NIKLAS FARJESTAD, SWE U18 60 MYLLARI, ANTON VASTERAS, SWE 2 61 ALMQVIST, ADAM HV 71, SWE JUN 62 LOF, SIMON BRYNAS, SWE JUN 63 BERGER, ALAIN BERN, SUI 64 PAKARINEN, IIRO KALPA, FIN JUN 65 KARJALAINEN, JONI HIFK, FIN JUN 66 SERGEYEV, ANDREI LENINOGORSK, RUS 2 67 FROIDEVAUX, ETIENNE BERN, SUI 68 HERMAN, RADIM C.BUDEJOVICE, CZE JUN 69 BERDYUKOV, GEORGI ST.PETERSBURG, RUS 2 70 GEERING, PATRICK ZURICH, SUI 71 BOZIC, DENNIS LINKOPING, SWE 72 SOLOVYEV, STANISLAV CHELJABINSK, RUS 2 73 SALLINEN, JERE BLUES, FIN JUN 74 SVEDBERG, VIKTOR ROGLE, SWE JUN 75 BRANDL, THOMAS LANDSHUT, GER 2 76 PUSCHNIK, KEVIN MANNHEIM, GER JUN 77 RAISOV, ASLAN ALMETYEVSK, RUS 2 78 EKLUND, PATRIK MORA, SWE 2 79 OLSSON, MARTIN HV 71, SWE JUN 80 STRITESKY, MATEJ MOST, CZE 2 81 BELOUSOV, GEORGY CHELJABINSK, RUS 2 82 JERABEK, JAKUB PLZEN, CZE JUN 83 FRISK, KRISTIAN HV 71, SWE JUN 84 PALAT, ONDREJ VITKOVICE, CZE JUN 85 ERONEN, TEEMU JOKERIT, FIN JUN 86 STOOP, LUKAS DAVOS, SUI 87 VALUYSKY, SEMEN TOGLIATTI, RUS 88 KOMARISTY, ALEXANDER ORSK, RUS 2 89 ZOTOV, PAVEL DYNAMO, RUS 2 90 RASK, JOONAS ILVES, FIN JUN 91 SCIARONI, GREGORY AMBRI, SUI 92 ACKERED, CARL DJURGARDEN, SWE JUN 93 SENKERIK, PETR ZLIN, CZE JUN 94 JABORNIK, HENRICH SKALICA, SVK JUN 95 BERGER, PASCAL BERN, SUI 96 LARSSON, EDDIE LINKOPING, SWE JUN 97 AALTONEN, MIKAEL TPS, FIN JUN 98 POLETIN, MICHAL SLAVIA, CZE JUN 99 LAZAREV, ANTON MYTISCHI, RUS 100 OLSSON, FILIP AIK, SWE JUN 101 CAMPERCHIOLI, LUCA ZURICH, SUI 102 MANELIUS, NICO JOKERIT, FIN JUN 103 VIDGREN, TONY LUKKO, FIN JUN 104 SISOVSKY, PETER MARTIN, SVK JUN 105 HAVLICEK, ONDREJ USTI NAD LABEN, CZE JUN 106 ORSAVA, JAKUB TRINEC, CZE JUN 107 LOEFFEL, ROMAIN NEUCHATEL, SUI 2 108 KAGARLITSKY, DIMITRI HC RYAZAN, RUS 2 109 BRAUN, LAURIN EISBAREN, GER JUN 110 KENTOS, JOZEF USTI NAD LABEN, CZE JUN 111 BARAEV, TIMUR ST.PETERSBURG, RUS 2 112 KLYUKIN, NIKITA YAROSLAVL, RUS 113 EKHOLM, MATIAS MORA, SWE 2 114 ERIXON, SEBASTIAN TIMRA, SWE 115 EKBOM, VIKTOR OSKARSHAMN, SWE 2 116 VISHNEVSKY, DIMITRI SPARTAK, RUS 117 CHERNOV, PAVEL MYTISCHI, RUS 2 118 DUGIN, YEGOR CHELJABINSK, RUS 2 119 HYVARINEN, VILLE KALPA, FIN JUN 120 SCHERWEY, TRISTAN NEUCHATEL, SUI 2 121 SALLINEN, TOMI BLUES, FIN 122 WANNSTROM, SEBASTIAN BRYNAS, SWE JUN 123 VIRKKUNEN, VALTTERI BLUES, FIN JUN 124 LAAKSONEN, JERE LUKKO, FIN JUN 125 TIMKIN, YEVGENI OMSK, RUS 126 EL-SAYED, MARC HEILBRONN, GER 3 127 KUCHIN, ANDREI CHEKHOV, RUS 128 SCHLAGENHAUF, ROMAN KLOTEN, SUI 129 KOROTKOV, VLADIMIR KRYLJA, RUS 2 130 PASHNIN, MIHAIL MECHEL, RUS 2 131 CARNING, CASPER FROLUNDA, SWE JUN 132 VLACH, ROMAN ZLIN, CZE 133 HURRI, JOONAS PELICANS, FIN JUN 134 BIELKE, DOMINIK EISBAREN, GER JUN 135 VALERKO, ARTEM MHC KRYLJA, RUS 3 136 POLOZOV, KIRILL UFA, RUS 2 137 KUMPULAINEN, JANNE JYP, FIN JUN 138 KARLSSON, LUDWIG LINKOPING, SWE JUN 139 FOLIN, CHRISTIAN FROLUNDA, SWE JUN 140 OSTRIZEK, DAVID TRINEC, CZE JUN 141 JORG, MAURO LUGANO, SUI 142 CEDERGREN, FREDRIK HV 71, SWE JUN 143 LILJEWALL, CHRISTOFFER ROGLE, SWE JUN 144 GRUDAKOV, ALEXANDER MHC KRYLJA, RUS 3 145 NIKONTSEV, ANATOLI TYUMEN, RUS 2 146 BLOMSTERWALL, SEBASTIAN FROLUNDA, SWE JUN 147 MONS, EVGENY CHEREPOVETS, RUS 148 ANDERSEN, HENRIK LEKSAND, SWE JUN 149 GUSTAFSSON, HAMPUS MALMO, SWE JUN 150 KOVAR, JAN PLZEN, CZE 151 HORAK, OLDRICH ZLIN, CZE JUN 152 KANIA, JAKUB TRINEC, CZE JUN 153 BURSTROM, NICLAS SKELLEFTEA, SWE JUN 154 MOSER, SIMON LANGNAU, SUI 155 WIESER, DINO DAVOS, SUI 156 JENSEN, JESPER RODOVRE, DEN 157 MAROSZ, ROSTISLAV TRINEC, CZE JUN 158 STAJNOCH, MARTIN SVK U20, SVK 159 MCGREGOR, RYAN GCK ZURICH, SUI JUN 160 OLSSON, ROBIN LULEA, SWE 161 AKOLZIN, PAVEL SPARTAK, RUS 2 162 STANO, TOMAS TRENCIN, SVK JUN 163 MIERITZ, MARK FROLUNDA, SWE JUN 164 BLOMQVIST, ANTON MALMO, SWE JUN 165 SVENDSEN, SEBASTIAN FROLUNDA, SWE JUN 166 DAMGAARD, RASMUS MALMO, SWE JUN 167 VASILYEV, ROMAN DYNAMO, RUS 2 168 TARASOV, DANIIL DYNAMO, RUS 2 169 MALINOVSKY, VLADIMIR MAGNITOGORSK, RUS 2 170 HORA, DANIEL LITVINOV, CZE JUN 171 RAIS, MATUS NITRA, SVK JUN 172 KARMENIEMI, LAURI HPK, FIN JUN 173 LEHTINEN, KAI BLUES, FIN JUN 174 NORMAN, JOHN DJURGARDEN, SWE JUN 175 DULAK, MARTIN NITRA, SVK JUN 176 CIGER, JAKUB MARTIN, SVK JUN 177 YEMELIN, SERGEI UFA, RUS 2 178 BIRYUKOV, IGOR CSKA, RUS 2 179 CHUDINOV, MAXIM CHEREPOVETS, RUS 180 BRODIN, DANIEL DJURGARDEN, SWE JUN 181 TOMMERNAS, HENRIK FROLUNDA, SWE JUN 182 MANKINEN, JESSE SAIPA, FIN JUN 183 MATUSHKIN, MAKSIM BJORKLOVEN, SWE JUN 184 MYTTYNEN, MATIAS ILVES, FIN JUN 185 ANDERSSON, PATRIK BRYNAS, SWE JUN 186 UHNAK, MARTIN SVK U20, SVK 187 ZHELEZNOV, MIKHAIL CSKA, RUS 2 188 RASMUSSEN, DENNIS VASTERAS, SWE JUN 189 ZANKOVETS, VLADISLAV ST.PETERSBURG, RUS 2 190 MATTILA, RISTO KARPAT, FIN JUN 191 TUMA, DAVID SPARTA, CZE JUN 192 ZIGERLI, MANUEL BASEL, SUI 2 193 RYSER, SVEN ZSC LIONS, SUI 2 194 ASPEQVIST, CHRISTOPHER DJURGARDEN, SWE JUN 195 KRISTOF, ANDREAS DJURGARDEN, SWE JUN 196 MAJDAN, JURAJ LITVINOV, CZE JUN 197 PICHNARCIK, MICHAL KOSICE, SVK JUN 198 POTAPOV, ALEXEI NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUS 199 KUZIN, YURI PERM, RUS 2 200 NOWAK, MARCO DUSSELDORF, GER

Allard advances in Q

J.S. Allard (+1) assisted on the Remparts' first goal (and eventual game winner) as Quebec pitched a second straight against Cape Breton, 3-0. The helper was Allard's first point of the series, and 9th of the postseason, while also contiributing at the dot by winning nine of 11 draws. The win gives the Rems a 4-3 series victory over the Eagles, and a date with Shawinigan in the QMJHL semifinals.

4/13 Recap: Remparts win; Allard alive

J.S. Allard registered a shot on goal as Quebec blanked Cape Breton 3-0 in game six of their QMJHL quarterfinal match-up. The two teams will decide the series Tuesday night in Quebec City. Centering top-liners Mikhail Stefanovich (TOR) and Dmitri Kugryshev (WAS) despite not registering a point all series, Allard won 40% of his draws while playing smart early on to help propel the Remparts into game seven. As part of Patrick Roy's shake-up, former Sabres prospect Benjamin Breault acquitted himself on the bottom line after an unfinished check allowed the Screaming Eagles to score a key goal on Friday.

4/12 Recap: Myers, Rockets advance

Tyler Myers looked human on Sunday, but it didn't matter as Kelowna earned a 6-2 win over Tri City to close out their 2nd round series with the Americans. The 6'7-3/4 defenseman was +1 with an assist in the game six victory, finishing the quarterfinal round with two goals, six helpers, a few good pops, and countless key defensive plays. His 13 points this playoff season currently rank second to the 15 put up thus far by Vancouver's Jonathon Blum (NAS). The Rockets move on to the Western Conference Final where they'll face the winner of Tuesday's game seven between Vancouver and defending champion Spokane.

Playoff bound Pirates win final tune-up

AHL Rookie of the Year Nathan Gerbe scored a pair of goals, his 29th and 30th of the year, as Portland closed its regular season with a 5-4 win over Manchester. Pirates rookie Matt Generous scored his first career goal in the win. Playing his fourth game since ending his NCAA run with St. Lawrence, the Chesire, CT native also received his first fighting major at 1:51 of the first period to miss the Gordie Howe Hat Trick by an assist. Tim Kennedy added two assists, while Felix Schutz, Marek Zagrapan, Marc-Andre Gragnani, and Mark Mancari all were credited with single helpers. The win gives the Pirates the #3 seed in the AHL Atlantic Division playoffs. Portland travels to #2 Providence on Wednesday for Game 1 of the best-of-seven series. The Rundown: Gerbe: 2G Generous: 1G Kennedy: 2A Zagrapan: 1A, 4 SOG Schutz: 1A, +1 Gragnani: 1A Mancari: 1A Kostka: +1 Turnbull: -1 Whitmore: -1

4/6-10 Recap: And then there was two

My apologies to those visiting over the past week for the lack of updates. After serving an unintentional five-day misconduct, let's jump back in with a capsule of the week's action that leaves just two players competing for the Memorial Cup. In Tuesday WHL play, Tyler Myers (-1) had a goal and two assists as Kelowna rolled over Tri-City, 7-2. The win put the Rockets behind 2-1 in their best-of-seven. The following night, Myers forced overtime with a power play goal then drew an assist on Jamie Benn's game winner as Kelowna evened the series with a 4-3 win. In Friday's game five, Myers (+1) had an assist as the Rockets defeated the Americans, 5-2. Myers has four goals and eight assists while pointing in seven of the Rockets' nine postseason games. With their #1 rearguard logging monster minutes, Kelowna will look to complete the comeback on Sunday. While Myers was helping dig the Rockets out of a 2-0 series hole, left wing Tyler Ennis and the Medicine Hat Tigers were getting dominated by an offensive-minded Brandon Wheat Kings in their quarterfinal match-up. On Wednesday, Ennis was -2 as the Tigers were blown-out by the Wheaties, 6-1. Brayden Schenn, 17, had a goal and an assist for the winners, and looks like a pivot that teams will trade up for come June. Facing a 3-0 series deficit, Ennis was -3 as the Tigers season came to an end on Friday with a 6-2 loss in Brandon. Ennis ends the playoff year as the second leading scorer, potting eight goals and 11 assists in 11 games. With many Tigers dealing with flu bugs and other dings, Ennis was rumored to be nursing an injury throughout the second round. It's now time to get the contract talks going as Ennis is done as a junior. ****** In the QMJHL this week, two prospects saw their junior careers end, while one other remains in the mix to advance in the final round. On Tuesday, J.S. Allard was -1 in Quebec's 3-2 win over Cape Breton. The Remparts halved the Screaming Eagles lead in the series to 2-1 with the W. The 6'2 forward posted two shots on goal as the Rems evened things up with a 5-2 victory on Wednesday. On Friday, Allard was -1 as the Remparts dropped a 3-2 decision to the Screaming Eagles. After pointing in every game of round one, the Alma, QC native has failed to hit the scoresheet while racking up a cumulative -5 in the series. Allard and the Rems will look to stave off elimination and force a game seven on Monday. With Allard's junior hopes still alive, two other Sabres prospects saw their seasons end over the course of the week. Hot in the first round, T.J. Brennan finished -3 on Tuesday as over-matched Montreal got pounded by Drummondville, 6-1. The win put the Volts comfortably ahead 3-0 in the series. On Wednesday, Brennan would go on to notch an assist in the Juniors 5-3 loss as the Volts earned the sweep. Entering the week locked in a 1-1 series tie, Paul Byron and Gatineau lost three straight games to see their season close in a quarterfinal loss to Shawinigan. On Tuesday, Byron had a goal and an assist as the 'Piques fell to the Cataractes, 6-3. The points extended the right wing's playoff scoring streak to eight games, and a total of 15 dating back to the final regular season contests. Wednesday saw the Ottawa native's streak end as the 5'9 Byron finished -2 in a 4-2 loss in Shawinigan. Byron came back on Friday to pot an assist, but Gatineau was overwhelmed in a 5-2 loss. A year after leading the QMJHL playoffs in goals (21) en route to a Memorial Cup appearance, the speedster ends his two-round postseason with two goals and 14 assists. ****** In the OHL, a pair of Sabres hopefuls concluded their 2008-09 campaigns as their respective clubs were bounced in the quarterfinal round. On Tuesday, Nick Crawford had an assist in Saginaw's 5-2 loss to London. The Knights dominated the Spirit to earn an easy sweep, forcing Crawford and his fellow blueliners into a hesitant posture throughout the four games. Heading back to the O in 2009-10, Crawford ends his postseason at -1 with a goal and four assists in eight contests. Also on Tuesday, Drew Schiestel was -2 as Niagara lost a 5-2 decision to Belleville on home ice. With the win, the Bulls skated away with a 3-1 series lead. On Thursday, Schiestel (-2) earned in an assist in what should be his final junior hockey game as the Dogs fell to the Bulls, 5-2. With the 4-1 series loss, Schiestel finished the playoffs with two goals and six assists and now awaits a contract. ****** On Thursday at the NCAA Frozen Four in Washington, DC, Drew MacKenzie scored his first collegiate goal as Vermont lost to Boston University 5-4 in the National Semifinal. Playing well defensively throughout, the Connecticut native pumped home a screen shot at 9:40 of the third period, but saw the game-tying goal bounce off him and into the Catamount net just three-and-half minutes later as victory started to slip out of UVM's hands. For more on the ups and downs of MacKenzie's night, check out this USCHO article.

The freshman defenseman was in line to be the hero for a Catamounts’ come-from-behind victory under the bright lights of college hockey’s biggest stage. His first collegiate goal, scored with just over a half a period remaining in the third, put Vermont ahead in a see-saw affair. However, things turned against him a short time later when he redirected a rebound past his own goaltender, igniting a BU rally that put the Terriers in the title game and had the Catamounts packing their locker room. “It went from being a high point to . . letting that one go in off my stick, obviously I’m disappointed, but there’s nothing I can do about it now,” MacKenzie said. “If I could take back that goal, I would. But it happened, so you can’t do anything.”

4/5 Recap: Ennis ups ante with five-point night

In a wild western shootout, Tyler Ennis (+2) had a whopping five assists as Medicine Hat lost to Brandon, 8-6. Ennis' five-point night gives him 19 in nine games to lead all WHL playoff scorers, and comes one night after fellow prospect Paul Byron collected three helpers in a Gatineau win. Looking poised to even the series with a 5-3 lead after 20-minutes, the Tigers had trouble matching the Wheat Kings the rest of the way thanks in part to '09's Brayden Schenn (one goal, one assist) and Scott Glennie (three assists). Zdenek Okal had a hat trick and an assist for the Tigers. Series: Wheat Kings 2, Tigers 0. In the QMJHL,J.S. Allard finished -2 as Quebec lost to Cape Breton, 5-3. After marking in all four games of the Remparts' first round sweep, Allard has failed to hit the sheet in the two games of the QMJHL quarterfinal. Series: Cape Breton 2, Quebec 1. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel was +2 as Niagara shut out Belleville, 2-0. Jeremy Smith stopped all 50 shots the Bulls fired to get the Dogs on the board with a W. Series: Belleville 2, Niagara 1. Nick Crawford was even in Saginaw's 4-1 loss to London. Crawford and the Spirit will look to extend their seasons and avoid the Knights sweep on Tuesday. Series: London 3, Saginaw 0.

Pirates split weekend, remain in third

Tim Kennedy had a goal and two assists, and Nathan Gerbe and Mark Mancari each had a goal and an assist as Portland upended Springfield, 6-4. Jhonas Enroth made 33 saves to improve his record to 25-22-0-6 on the season. Going 5-1-0-1 in their last seven games, the victory moves the Pirates (37-30-3-7 - 84 points) one point ahead of Worcester for third place in the Atlantic Division. The two teams will square off on Wednesday. The Rundown: Kennedy: 1G, 2A, +2 Gerbe: 1G, 1A, +3 Mancari: 1G, 1A Zagrapan: 6 SOG Generous: 4 SOG, 6 PIM Schutz: 2 SOG Gragnani: -1 Turnbull: 1 SOG Persson: 2 SOG Kostka: +1 Enroth: 33 saves, W On Saturday, Enroth made 30 saves but the Pirates lost a 3-2 shootout to Providence. Gerbe and Marc-Andre Gragnani drew assists for the Pirates on goals by Mathieu Darche and Colton Fretter. Matt Generous finished +1 in his first appearance in a Portland sweater. Kennedy, Mancari, Zagrapan, and Gerbe could not beat Tuukka Rask in the shootout. The Rundown: Gerbe: 1A, +1, 6 SOG Gragnani: 1A, -1 Kennedy: -1 Mancari: -1 Zagrapan: -1 Generous: +1 Schutz: 1 SOG Kostka: -1 Persson: -1 Whitmore: 2 SOG Enroth: 30 saves, SOL

4/4 Recap: Byron helps thrice as Piques pull even

In the QMJHL, Paul Byron had three assists as Gatineau downed Shawinigan, 5-3. The 5'9 wing now has 13 points (1+12) in seven playoff games. The win evens the second round series at one game apiece. T.J. Brennan was +2 with a team-best three shots on goal as Montreal lost to Drummondville in overtime, 4-3. The teams will travel back to Montreal where the Juniors will try to a halve a 2-0 series deficit on Tuesday. Nick Crawford (+1) had an assist as Saginaw fell to London, 4-3. Entering the playoffs with three career postseason points, the 6'1 defender how has four points over his current three-game point streak. The loss puts the Spirit in a 2-0 hole against the stacked Knights. Tyler Myers was even as Kelowna dropped a 3-2 decision to Tri-City. The Rockets held a 2-0 lead entering the third period, but 20:00 breakdown yielded three goals against to fall behind 2-0 in the series. Tyler Ennis (-4) had an assist as Medicine Hat got doubled up by Brandon, 6-3. The Ennis-Bosch-Okal line was flat, combining for a -13 as its motor (Ennis) looks to have his hands full facing 6'6 Wheaties defenseman Keith Aulie (CAL) all series long. 2009 eligible Brayden Schenn had an assist for the Wheat Kings. The two teams will play it back on Sunday for game two.

Biega picked as New England All Star

Harvard defenseman Alex Biega has been named to the New England Division I All-Star Team.

Biega, who had previously been named to the All-Ivy League second team and All-ECAC Hockey third team, is one of four defensemen on the New England squad. They will be honored, along with the rest of the All-Stars and New England award-winners, at the New England Hockey Writers annual awards banquet Monday, April 13 at the Prince Restaurant in Saugus, Mass. Biega led the Crimson with 16 assists and ranked second on the team with 20 points this season. He served as an assistant captain and skated on the team’s top defensive pair, as well as on the power play and penalty kill. Harvard had the top power play in the ECAC Hockey regular season, converting at a 19.2-percent rate. The Montreal native tied for second in league scoring by defensemen with 16 points on three goals and 13 assists in ECAC games. Biega had a goal and eight assists and was a team-high +6 in the Crimson’s one-loss run through the final nine game of league play. He led Harvard at +8 for the season in ECAC Hockey play.

Pirates dump Devils

On Friday, Portland got a pair of goals from Mathieu Darche and 35 saves from Jhonas Enroth to defeat Lowell, 3-1. Marek Zagrapan sealed the win with an empty net goal, his 21st of the season, while Mike Kostka had a power-play assist on the first Darche goal. Portland's leading scorer among defensemen, Marc-Andre Gragnani, skated as a left-wing on the Pirates fourth line with Derek Whitmore at center. The Rundown: Zagrapan: 1G Kostka: 1A, +2 Gerbe: +1 Mancari: +1 Kennedy: +1 Schutz: -1 Persson: 1 SOG Whitmore: 2 SOG Gragnani: even Enroth: 35 saves, W

Sabres sign former Wolverine Turnbull

University of Michigan product Travis Turnbull has signed a two-year entry level contract with the Buffalo Sabres. A potential checking line center and son of former NHLer Perry, the 6'0, 193-pound Turnbull enters the pro ranks after a 166 game NCAA career that saw him pot 40 goals and 90 total points with the powerhouse Wolverines. The Sabres never had Turnbull in for a development camp, but they had a good read on him outside of their own viewings. A native of St. Louis, Turnbull, 22, was a teammate of defensemen Chris Butler with the Jr. Blues organization before the pair played together with the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) from 2003-2005. Another member of those Musketeers clubs? Current Portland forward Tim Kennedy, who went on to face Turnbull for three seasons with the rival Michigan State Spartans. Turnbull and recently-inked Matt Generous both reported to the Portland in time for their Friday contest at Lowell but did not play.

4/3 Recap: Losses across the board in the prospectsphere

In the OHL, Drew Schiestel (-1) had a pair of assists in Niagara's 5-4 OT loss to Belleville. The Dogs surrendered three goals within the first 2:49 before scoring four straight to take a 4-3 lead in the third period. The Bulls scored with 2:27 left to force OT, where P.K. Subban's power play goal gave the Bulls a 2-0 series lead. The assists, his sixth and seventh points of the postseason, push Schiestel's career playoff point total to 20 in 24 games. On Thursday, Schiestel was +1 as Niagara opened the quarterfinal with a 4-3 overtime loss to the Bulls. Also from Thursday, Nick Crawford (+1) had a pair of assists as Saginaw was doninated at London, 7-3. 2009 eligible Nazem Zadri had two goals and three assists to pace the winners, while fellow '09 John Tavares added an assist. The Spirit trail the Knights 1-0 with game two on Saturday. In Friday's WHL second round action, Tyler Myers had an assist as Kelowna started their series with a 4-3 loss to Tri-City. An aggressive Myers boarded the 6'0, 174-pound Mitch Fadden late in the third to set up the Ams game winner with 1:57 to go. In the QMJHL quarterfinal opener, Paul Byron had an assist as Gatineau lost to Shawinigan, 4-3. Former Pique Matthew Pistilli scored the game winner midway through the third period to give the Cataractes a 1-0 series lead. Byron has goal and nine assists on his five-game playoff point streak. The streak extends to 12 games total when combining the seven-gamer he ended the season with. T.J. Brennan (+1) had a late assist in Montreal's 7-1 loss to top-ranked Drummondville. The helper was Brennan's 11th playoff point. In a 4OT thriller, J.S. Allard had five shots on goal as Quebec lost 3-2 to Cape Breton. Allard has eight points in five postseason games.

Byron earns Q honors

After missing the century mark by one point (33+66), Paul Byron has been named to QMJHL Second All-Star Team. First Team All-Stars G – Nicola Riopel (Moncton Wildcats) D – Dmitry Kulikov (Drummondville Voltigeurs) D – Marc-André Bourdon (Rimouski Océanic) C – Cédric Lalonde-McNicoll (Shawinigan Cataractes) A – Mike Hoffman (Drummondville Voltigeurs) A – Yannick Riendeau (Drummondville Voltigeurs) Second Team All-Stars G – Charles Lavigne (Quebec Remparts) D – Charles-Olivier Roussel (Shawinigan Cataractes) D – Sébastien Piché (Rimouski Océanic) C – Dany Massé (Drummondville Voltigeurs) A – Paul Byron (Gatineau Olympiques) A – Nicholas Petersen (Shawinigan Cataractes) All-Rookie Team G – Christopher Holden (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles) D – Dmitry Kulikov (Drummondville Voltigeurs) D – Brandon Gormley (Moncton Wildcats) C – Ben Duffy (P.E.I. Rocket) A – Sergey Ostapchuk (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies) A – Dmitri Kugryshev (Quebec Remparts)

4/1 Recap: Gerbe, Kennedy named All-Rookie; Zagrapan hits 20

On Wednesday, Marek Zagrapan scored his 20th of the season and added an assist as Portland lost to Hartford, 5-3. Zagrapan hits the 20-goal barrier for the first time in his young career after years of 17 and 18 goals. Tim Kennedy notched his 17th goal, while defensemen Dennis Persson, Mike Kostka, and Marc-Andre Gragnani had assists in the loss. Jhonas Enroth made 26 saves to move his record to 23-22-0-5. The Rundown: Zagrapan: 1G, 1A, 5 SOG Kennedy: 1G Persson: 1A, -1 Kostka: 1A, -1 Gragnani: 1A, -3 Gerbe: 6 SOG Mancari: 8 SOG Whitmore: -2 Schutz: -1 Enroth: 26 saves Earlier in the day, Gerbe and Kennedy were both named to the AHL All-Rookie Team. 2008-09 AHL All-Rookie Team Tim Kennedy, Forward (Portland Pirates): A teammate of Justin Abdelkader's on Michigan State's 2007 national championship team, Tim Kennedy stormed out of the gate by registering a point in his first nine professional games for Portland this season. He leads all AHL rookies with 43 assists and 59 points in 66 games overall and has registered 14 multiple-point efforts. The 22-year-old made his NHL debut for the Sabres in his hometown of Buffalo on Dec. 27 and was named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week on Feb. 15 with five goals and 10 points in a four-game span. Nathan Gerbe, Forward (Portland Pirates): Nathan Gerbe has torn up the AHL for 26 goals and 50 points in just 50 games for Portland this season, including seven multiple-goal efforts and a hat trick. Drafted by Buffalo in 2005, Gerbe made his National Hockey League debut with the Sabres in December and has contributed one assist in 10 NHL games this year. A native of Oxford, Mich., the 21-year-old Gerbe reached the NCAA title game in each of his three seasons at Boston College and led the nation in scoring en route to winning the national championship in 2007-08. 2008-09 AHL All-Rookie Team Goaltender: Nathan Lawson, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (30gp, 18-9-2, 2.13gaa, .929sv%, 2so) Defenseman: Mattias Karlsson, Binghamton Senators (67gp, 8+41=49pts.) Defenseman: Yannick Weber, Hamilton Bulldogs (66gp, 14+27=41pts.) Forward: Justin Abdelkader, Grand Rapids Griffins (71gp, 22+27=49pts.) Forward: Nathan Gerbe, Portland Pirates (50gp, 26+24=50pts.) Forward: Tim Kennedy, Portland Pirates (66gp, 16+43=59pts.)

Sabres sign Generous

We all know about Miller Time, but perhaps you'd like a Genny instead. The Sabres today announced that D Matt Generous has been inked to a one-year deal for the 2009-10 season. A four-year starter who was never a healthy scratch while at St. Lawrence, Generous was named the 2009 Outstanding Defensive Defenseman after his senior season. From the Sabres:

Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have signed defenseman Matt Generous to a one-year entry level contract. Generous was Buffalo’s seventh-round selection (208th overall) in the 2005 Entry Draft. Generous will finish this season with the Portland Pirates on an AHL ATO, and his NHL contract will begin next season.