Friday, May 14, 2010

Kassian contributes as Spits roll in Cup opener

Zack Kassian scored a goal and an assist Friday as Windsor opened the 2010 Mastercard Memorial Cup with a 9-3 thrashing of host Brandon.

Kassian, who scored seven goals and nine assists in the Spits run to the OHL title, set up the game's first goal when he busted down the left side and fed a backhand pass to a crashing Kenny Ryan at the 2:01 mark. The goal from the Leafs prospect opened the floodgates as the Spitfires would cruise to a 5-0 lead at the end of the first period.

Kassian's line with Ryan and Flames prospect Greg Nemisz set a good pace in their third unit role, using their big frames to get the puck deep on the forecheck and break up plays in the neutral zone.

Kassian also saw time on the Spits second power play unit. With the game already in the bag, the 6'3 wing found himself in familiar territory near the Wheat Kings cage when he popped in a rebound to up the lead to 9-1. The man-advantage tally was Kassian's eighth of the post-season.

Taylor Hall had two goals, including one worthy of inclusion on Sportscenter's Top 10, to help pace the Spits. Hall entered the slot and slid the puck through his legs to his backhand to easily beat Andrew Hayes and give Windsor a 4-0 lead in the game's first five minutes. Adam Henrique and Scott Timmins also had pairs of markers for the defending champion Spitfires, who will next play Monday evening against WHL champs, Calgary.