Marcus Foligno scored a goal and an assist Wednesday as Team Canada executed a 10-1 blowout of Norway at the World Junior Championship. The big wing earned his points as part of Canada's six-goal first period while manning a line with Louis Leblanc (MTL) and Sean Couturier ('11). Canada was short on bodies, missing suspended Sabres prospect Zack Kassian, as well as the injured Jaden Schwartz, Cody Eakin, and Calvin de Haan. Next up for Foligno and the Kassian-less Canadians will be Team Sweden on Friday.
Brayden McNabb earned an assist to extend his point streak to nine games as Kootenay gave up a third-period lead in a 3-2 loss to Medicine Hat. The power play helper arrived with just :02 remaining in the second period, giving the Ice captain an even 30 points through 26 games and 5+8 over his current streak. The Ice (24-11-1-2) host Swift Current on Friday.
Elsewhere, Kevin Sundher was stifled with a season-low -4 rating as Chilliwack was shut out by Prince George, 5-0. After an 18-point November (11 GP, 6+12), the 6'0 center has two goals and seven assists in eleven December games. The Bruins (17-15-2-1) will close the year by hosting Moose Jaw on Friday.
Mark Pysyk finished +1 as Edmonton edged Lethbridge in overtime, 5-4. Pysyk has now gone 15 straight games with an "even" or "plus" rating. The surging Oil Kings (18-16-0-2), who have won two straight games and are 7-2-0-1 in their last ten, will face Brandon on Friday.
Riley Boychuk (-1) did not score but earned a roughing double-minor as Portland suffered a 5-1 loss at Tri-City. A Memorial Cup favorite missing their top two forwards (Nino Niederreiter and Ryan Johnasen are at the World Junior Championship), the Winterhawks (25-11-0-3) have lost three straight games and six of their last ten. They will look to end the year on a good note Friday versus Seattle.
In the OHL, Steven Shipley (-1) did not factor into the scoring as Niagara lost to Oshawa, 4-2. Heading into the final game of 2010, Shipley has 10 goals and 17 assists. At the same point last season in Owen Sound, the 6'3 forward had 12 goals and 26 assists. The loss snaps a four game win streak for the Dogs (21-9-2-2), who will next host Bellevile on Friday.
At the Florida College Classic, Connor Knapp served as backup in #6 Miami's 4-1 win over #9 Maine. Knapp is expected to take the crease when the RedHawks face St. Cloud State for the tourney title on Thursday.
Drew MacKenzie (+3, 5 SOG) scored a third period goal as Vermont rolled over the U.S National University Team, 7-1. The University team is comprised of club players that will skate at the World University Games in Turkey.
In a QMJHL note, Val-d'Or forward Cedrick Henley missed his 22nd game while recovering from wrist surgery as the Foreurs lost to Rouyn-Noranda, 5-4. The 6'4 project has been out of action since October 23rd. No official word on his progress, but his return should be considered imminent until heard otherwise as the surgery generally requires a six-to-eight week recovery.
