1/31 Recap: Adam's trick tames Tigres

Luke Adam scored his sixth career hat trick on Sunday as Cape Breton completed a weekend sweep of visiting Victoriaville, 5-3. The hatty, Adam's third of the season, gives him an even 35 goals on the year and extends his career-best streak to six straight games with a mark. The Newfoundland native rounded out his #1 star effort with seven shots on goal, seven blocks, and a 11-8 record at the dot. Jacob Lagacé provided a helper on Adam's power-play game winner, while Maxime Legault also had an assist for the Eagles.

With 10 goals in his last six QMJHL games, Adam's outburst comes up short of Tyler Ennis' torrid 10-goals-in-three-games clip from last February. If you recall, the former WHL sparkplug potted six in one night.

However if you add Adam's nine goals in six games prior to his departure for Team Canada, his current stretch of 19 in his last 13 is the most productive baker's dozen the Sabres prospect stable has seen in recent years. To compare, it's more productive than all of the following:

- Tyler Ennis' 17 goals in 13 games (including the six-goal game) with Medicine Hat in 2008-09
- Benjamin Breault's 17 goals in 13 games with Baie-Comeau in 2006-07
- Jacob Lagacé's 15 in 13 earlier this season while with Chicoutimi
- Paul Byron's 15 in 13 in both the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons with Gatineau
- Nathan Gerbe's run of 14 goals in 13 games with Boston College in 2007-08

Last season, both Ennis and Tyler Myers rode successful World Junior experiences to impressive finishes of their CHL seasons. As of now it appears that Adam is enjoying a similar ramp-up, which is certainly a delightful development for a Sabres organization in need of a hard-driving center who can finish.

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In Sunday OHL action, Marcus Foligno (-1) had an assist as Sudbury defeated Brampton for the sixth straight time this season, 4-3 in a shootout. With the Wolves trailing 2-1 in the second period, Foligno worked the puck to a charging John McFarland. McFarland took it to the paint where crashing linemate Mathias Sointu whacked home Sudbury's second goal of the game. 2010 eligible Phil Lane (Rochester, NY) scored his 14th goal of the year for the Battalion, but missed as the third shooter in the deciding frame.

Somewhat aided by a promotion to the McFarland line a week-and-a-half ago, Foligno accomplished a career first by finishing the month of January a point-per-game player with five goals and eight assists in 13 games. To put the development into perspective, it took the 18-year old banger 28 games through November to fetch his first 13 points of the season.

1/30 Recap: Adam's pair continues tear

Luke Adam extended his career-high streak to five straight games with a goal on Saturday by scoring a pair to lead Cape Breton to a 4-2 comeback win over Victoriaville. Trailing 2-1 midway through the third period, Adam tied the game for the Eagles before later finding the empty net to seal the victory with :37 to play.

The 6'2 center now has 32 goals on the year, half of which coming in his last 12 QMJHL contests. Maxime Legault offered his best all-around effort as a Screaming Eagle with an assist and several punishing hits to earn the game's #2 star. Jacob Lagacé added three shots on goal for the winning side.

Also from the Q, Jordon Southorn finished +3 as PEI bested Bathurst, 4-2. The surging Rocket have now won five straight.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb scored his 15th goal of the year as Kootenay held off Spokane, 4-3. The goal was McNabb's 10th power play mark of the 2009-10 campaign. Regina's Jordan Eberle (EDM) leads the WHL with 15.

In the OHL, Nick Crawford (+2) collected two more assists as Barrie defeated Kitchener, 5-2. Both of Crawford's helpers came at even strength to give him a distribution of 22-21 in terms of ES vs PP assists.

In NCAA play, Drew MacKenzie scored his second goal of the year as #17 Vermont played to a 4-4 tie with #19 Maine. The sophomore defenseman went straight down the seam and buried a rebound at the right post to tie the game 1-1 in the second period. MacKenzie now has points in three straight games for the second time this season.

Connor Knapp made 15 saves to up his season mark to 5-2-3 as #1 Miami edged Western Michigan, 2-1. The sophomore was beaten glove-side by a wrister in the second period to allow just his fifth goal in his last five games. The RedHawks are unbeaten in their last 18 conference tilts, while limiting 14 of their last 17 CCHA opponents to one goal or less.

At the Ralph, Brad Eidsness made 24 saves as #4 North Dakota dropped a 4-2 decision to #3 Denver. Ex-AJHL nemesis Joe Colborne (BOS) celebrated his 20th birthday by beating Eidsness for his second straight game-winning goal to give DU the first sweep of the Sioux on home ice since 2006. Corey Fienhage finished the night even on the North Dakota blueline.

At Joe Louis Arena, Corey Tropp finished -1 as #12 Michigan State lost to Michigan, 5-4. The junior will enter next weekend's set at Alaska-Fairbanks as the nation's third leading scorer with 19 goals and 38 points.

Justin Jokinen finished even as Minnesota State snapped a five-game skid with a 3-2 win over Michigan Tech. The Mavs fired a season-high 45 shots on net, with Jokinen registering one of them.

In the USHL, Roo Adams was -1 with a shot on goal as Chicago lost their second straight to Indiana, 4-3.

1/29 Recap: Tropp stops drought as Spartans top rival

Corey Tropp scored a pair of power play goals on Friday, his 18th and 19th of the season, as #12 Michigan State held off a late run to earn a 3-2 win over rival Michigan. The goals, a backhander through traffic and a tight-angle cashing of his own rebound, were his first in seven games dating back to December 29th.

The Spartans got off to a 3-0 lead before allowing the Wolverines to get back on the map with two third period goals. Michigan looked to have tied the game in the final minute, but Chris Brown's apparent marker was waved off to send MSU to victory.

The game's #1 star, Tropp below speaks about the win as part of BTN's post-game coverage:



In the OHL, Marcus Foligno scored a goal and an assist as Sudbury suffered their second defeat in as many nights in a 5-2 loss to Kitchener. Foligno, who was -1 with a pair of minor penalties in the Wolves 4-1 loss to Barrie the night before, registered his fourth multi-point game in the month of January after having just three in the 2009 portion of the season.

Nick Crawford was even as Barrie beat Mississauga, 4-0. On Thursday, the 6'1 defender racked up four assists in the Colts cruise over Foligno's Wolves. The Thursday effort, his fourth four-point game of the season, thrusted Crawford into a tie for the OHL assist lead for defensemen with 41. The shutdown dman remains as the 2nd leading defensive point-getter with 51 through 48 games played.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb collected a pair of power-play assists as Kootenay earned a 4-1 win over Prince Albert. The two-point night comes after his one goal, one assist effort in Tuesday's 6-5 OT loss to Brandon. The 6'4 McNabb is currently fourth among WHL defensemen with 48 points (14+34).

Rounding out the Friday slate, Drew MacKenzie (+1) posted an assist and four shots on goal as #17 Vermont lost to #19 Maine, 6-3. The 6'2 rearguard now has a goal and six assists this season.

Brad Eidsness stopped all nine shots he faced through 40-minutes of relief work as #4 North Dakota stumbled on home ice against #3 Denver, 2-0. The sophomore netminder was put in to spark a flat Sioux squad after freshman Aaron Dell gave up two goals on the Pioneers' first four shots. Corey Fienhage was even with a shot on goal stemming from a good opportunity off a rush.

Alex Biega was even with three shots on goal as Harvard lost to Princeton, 2-1. The loss snaps the Crimson's five-game ECAC unbeaten streak.

Justin Jokinen finished even as Minnesota State lost to Michigan Tech, 4-1. Jokinen's Mavericks have now lost five straight, while the Huskies notched their first victory in 15 games.

Per the usual, Connor Knapp watched in his Friday bench posture as #1 Miami downed Western Michigan, 4-1. The sophomore netminder is expected to vie for his second consecutive shutout when the RedHawks go for the sweep of the Broncos on Saturday.

In the USHL, Mark Adams finished -1 as Chicago got smoked by Indiana, 6-2.

In Wednesday QMJHL action, Jordon Southorn was +2 with an assist in PEI's 4-1 win over Val-d'Or.

1/24 Recap: MacKenzie pots first; Adam, Lagacé streaking

Drew MacKenzie scored his first goal of the seaon on Sunday as #17 Vermont shutdown #15 Massachusetts, 3-0. With the Catamounts on the power play, the sophomore settled a pass on the blueline and wristed a shot through traffic to net the game-winning goal at 8:29 of the first period.

In the QMJHL, Luke Adam scored his 30th goal of the year as Cape Breton closed a three-games-in-three-days journey with a 5-2 loss to Chicoutimi. The 6'2 center has collected five goals in his past four games. Jacob Lagacé assisted on Adam's power play goal, and is now amidst a six-game point streak with a goal and seven helpers, while Maxime Legault added an assist of his own with :06 remaining on the clock.

Elsewhere in the Q, Jordon Southorn registered a shot on goal as PEI defeated Halifax, 2-1 in a shootout.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno was -2 with an assist as Sudbury was defeated by Mississauga-St. Mike's, 5-2. The grinder now has points in three straight games.

1/23 Recap: Knapp freezes Nooks; Foligno fuels pack

Marcus Foligno (+3) scored a pair of first period goals on Saturday as Sudbury edged Brampton, 3-2. Foligno, who for the second straight game was placed on the Wolves' top line with Kain Allicock and top 2010 prospect John McFarland, buried a rebound at 1:42 before sweeping one in from the slot five minutes later. The 6'3 power forward has four points in his last two games, and has accumulated a +10 over his last eleven. 2010 eligible Phil Lane (Rochester, NY, Buffalo Jr. Sabres) was -1 for the Troops.

Nick Crawford was +1 with a roughing minor in Barrie's 6-3 loss to Sault Ste. Marie.

In the QMJHL, Luke Adam scored his 28th and 29th goals of the season as Cape Breton got dumped by Baie-Comeau, 8-4. Maxime Legault added his 12th of the year late for the Eagles, while Jacob Lagacé notched two assists including the primary on Adam's first goal.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb was -2 as Kootenay's franchise record winning streak ended at 14 games in a 5-2 loss to Prince Albert. The dominant run through the 2010 schedule has the Ice trailing Central Division leaders Calgary by one point entering the last third of the regular season.

In NCAA action, Connor Knapp earned his third shutout of the season as #2 Miami dictated tempo in a 5-0 win over Alaska-Fairbanks. Knapp stopped all nine shots through the first two periods before being tested for another 12 in the final twenty minutes to up his season mark to 4-2-3. The sophomore heads home for next weekend's set with Western Michigan toting a 2.17 goals-against-average and .910 save percentage.

Brad Eidsness made 15 saves as #5 North Dakota defeated #9 Cornell, 3-1. The sophomore netminder was closing in on his second shutout of the season before a Blake Gallagher turnaround shot from the right side made it through traffic with 9.6 seconds on the clock. The Big Red were skating with the extra attacker for the final two-plus minutes. Sophomore Corey Fienhage was even on the Sioux blueline.

Corey Tropp (-2) assisted on the first Spartan goal as #11 Michigan State failed to earn a CCHA weekend sweep in a 4-2 loss to Ohio State. After his penalty led to an OSU goal in the opening minutes on Friday, Tropp again watched a goal from the sin bin as his hooking minor saw the Buckeyes tie the game at 1-1 at 3:14 of the second period.

Alex Biega was +2 as Harvard played to a 3-3 tie with RPI. The senior rearguard ended the weekend +5 with two shots on goal and a game-winning assist.

In the CCHA, Nick Eno made 14 saves as Bowling Green defeated Western Michigan, 3-2. Eno has been in net for all of the Falcons (4-18-4) victories this season.

Drew MacKenzie was even with two shots on goal as #18 Vermont was upended by Massachusetts, 3-1.

In the USHL, Roo Adams was even with a checking from behind minor in Chiocago's 3-2 shootoout loss to Sioux City.

1/22 Recap: Adam hits 27; Biega keys Crimson

In Friday QMJHL action, Luke Adam scored a goal and an assist and Jacob Lagacé added a helper as Cape Breton closed out Baie-Comeau, 6-2. Adam connected for his 27th goal of the season on a feed from Lagacé for the fourth of four third period goals for the Eagles. Maxime Legault, who returned to the Cape Breton lineup after missing five games with an ankle injury, finished +2 on a line with Nick MacNeil and Brad Cuzner.

Jordon Southorn was +1 with a power play assist as PEI downed Bathurst, 4-3. On Wednesday, the 6'2 defenseman punched three shots on goal in the Rocket's 5-4 win over Shawinigan.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno collected a pair of assists as Sudbury lost to Barrie, 6-4. Foligno, who snapped a three-game point drought, raises his season line to 8-17-25. Colts defenseman Nick Crawford (+2) recorded an assist for his 47th point of the year - good for 2nd overall among OHL rearguards.

In WHL play, Brayden McNabb (+1) picked up an assist as Kootenay edged Saskatoon, 5-4. On Wednesday, McNabb was +2 with a power play goal and an assist in the Ice's 8-6 win at Swift Current. His 44 points have him slotted as the sixth highest scoring defenseman in the WHL this season.

Alex Biega assisted on the game winning goal as Harvard cruised past #13 Union, 4-1. The senior captain, who finished with a season-high +3, saw his point shot deflected in by Eric Kroshus to put the Crimson ahead 2-1 at 12:07 of the middle period. Harvard has now won four straight ECAC contests, including three straight wins against ranked opponents.

At Munn, Corey Tropp finished +1 as #10 Michigan State handled Ohio State, 5-2. The Grosse Point, MI native is currently fourth in NCAA scoring with 35 points in 27 games. With the win, MSU improves to 16-7-4 overall, and 11-4-4-1 in conference play.

Nick Eno made 32 saves as Bowling Green tied Western Michigan, 4-4. The Falcons held a two-goal lead late in the third period until the Broncos pulled their goalie and scored a pair in the final 4:10, including the game-tying tally with just :03 left in regulation.

Brad Eidsness took a rest for North Dakota as the #5 Fighting Sioux lost a tough 1-0 battle at #9 Cornell. Corey Fienhage was even in defeat as the Sioux could not get any of their 28 shots past Big Red netminder, Ben Scrivens. The two clubs will get reacquainted Saturday evening at Lynah.

Connor Knapp watched from his usual Friday spot at the door as #2 Miami skated to a 1-1 tie at Alaska-Fairbanks. Cody Recihard made 20 saves in his third straight start for the RedHawks. As of now, it is unclear if Knapp will get his Saturday post back in the tail end of the RedHawks subzero Alaskan weekend.

In the USHL, Mark Adams was +2 as Chicago earned a 5-4 overtime victory over Des Moines.

1/17 Recap: Chemistry brewing in Sydney; Foligno dinged

Luke Adam (+4, 5 SOG) scored his 26th goal of the season on Sunday, and Jacob Lagacé (+5, 5 SOG) added a pair of assists as Cape Breton pummeled Baie-Comeau, 8-0. The duo continued to skate together on the Eagles top line, and while it will eventually happen with more reps, they have yet to click for substantial offense despite Lagacé earning a helper on the Adam tally. Coach Mario Durocher inserted Viktor Hertberg as the line's third member, and the opportunistic Swede responded with two goals en route to being named the game's #1 star. The Sabres third prospect in Cape Breton, Maxime Legault, is still a few days away from returning from an ankle injury.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno left the game with an undisclosed injury as Sudbury saw their three-game winning streak end with a 8-3 blowout loss to Guelph. The 6'3 forward went hard into the boards in the first period and did not come out for the final forty minutes.

Nick Crawford was +1 as Barrie edged his former mates in Saginaw, 3-2. The steady defender has played 21 straight games without committing a minor penalty.

In WHL play, Brayden McNabb finished -1 as Kootenay downed Calgary, 3-1. Ranked fifth among WHL defenders in scoring with 41 points (12+29), McNabb has now gone eight straight contests without a goal and hasn't earned a fighting major in his past 18 games after dropping the mitts in five of his first 20.

1/16 Recap: Tropp assists pace Spartans

Corey Tropp stacked up three assists on Saturday as #7 Michigan State played to a 4-4 tie with Notre Dame. The junior helped the Spartans get off to a 2-0 lead at the end of one, and later set-up the game-tying goal with 2:21 left in regulation after the Irish uncorked four straight goals. With his eleventh multi-point effort of the year, the junior ups is total to 35 (17+18) in 26 games, good for third overall among NCAA skaters. The Spartans will host Ohio State next weekend.

As a reminder, you can cast a vote for Tropp in phase I of the Hobey Baker selection process here.

In WCHA action, Brad Eidsness made 18 saves but suffered his first defeat in his last six starts as #4 North Dakota was upset at Minnesota, 5-1. Corey Fienhage finished -1 in the loss after being on the ice for Josh Birkholz's rebound tally in the first period.

A three-goal second period paved the way for the Gophers, with the marks coming on a breakaway, a 2-1 off a turnover, and a flukey play that saw the puck float over Eidsness without him seeing it. The Sioux will look to rebound next week against #9 Cornell before taking on current #1 Denver two weeks from now.

Justin Jokinen finished even with two shots on goal as Minnesota State lost a 4-3 overtime decision to #10 Minnesota-Duluth. The Mavericks sophomore received a double minor for roughing in the second period after jostling with David Grun.

In the CCHA, Connor Knapp did not receive his usual Saturday night start as #2 Miami held on to sweep #6 Ferris State, 4-2. The RedHawks, who entered the weekend tied with the Bulldogs atop the league standings, went back to sophomore Cody Reichard after Friday's shutout victory. It was no surprise to see Enrico Blasi temporarily abandon his set rotation to stay hot on the road after being swept by unranked Robert Morris a week ago, but things could get a little hairy with Reichard emerging as a legit Hobey Baker candidate with a 12-2-1 record (10-0-1 in conference), a .932 save percentage, and four shutouts.

Elsewhere, Nick Eno made 33 saves as Bowling Green battled to a 3-3 overtime tie with Northern Michigan.

In Hockey East, Drew MacKenzie skated even as #18 Vermont trounced Northeastern, 9-2. Prospect camp veteran Brayden Irwin paced the Catamounts with a hat trick and an assist.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb assisted on the power play game-winner as Kootenay edged Spokane, 4-3.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno was even as Sudbury downed Owen Sound, 4-3 in overtime. Foligno made quite an impact on the road with his pesky play, drilling defenseman Geoffrey Schemitsch into the boards in the second period and not taking the bait to drop the gloves late in the game.

In the QMJHL, Jordon Southorn was -2 as PEI lost to Drummondville, 6-5 in a shootout. The Rocket at one point trailed 4-0 in the first period before completing a comeback with three goals in the final twenty minutes.

In the USHL, Mark Adams was -1 with three shots on goal as Chicago got smoked at Cedar Rapids, 6-1.

1/15 Recap: Eidsness sharp as Sioux tie

In a Big Ten Network match-up, Brad Eidsness made 24 saves as #4 North Dakota skated to a 3-3 tie at Minnesota. Sioux defenseman Corey Fienhage finished the night +1 with a shot on goal.

After an 11-save first period, Eidsness was beaten by a Jordon Schroeder power play shot from the right point at :53 of the second to tie the game 1-1. The Gophers would take a 2-1 lead just 1:45 later when a deflected shot landed on the stick of Patrick White in the slot for an easy goal.

The sophomore was sharp down low throughout, but also flashed some leather in a one-on-one with 2008 prospect camp invitee Jake Cepis midway through the third. The 5'10 Cepis would later score the game-tying goal on a wrister through a pair of collapsing D, and was excellent overall on a line with Schroeder and Zach Budish.

Elsewhere in the NCAA, Corey Tropp was -2 with a shot on goal as #7 Michigan State was outgunned in a 5-2 loss to Notre Dame.

Justin Jokinen was -1 as Minnesota State lost to #10 Duluth, 2-1.

Nick Eno allowed one goal in relief as Bowling Green was hammered by Northern Michigan, 6-0. Eno entered the game with 7:38 remaining in the second period after freshman Andrew Hammond surrendered five goals on 26 shots.

Drew MacKenzie was -1 as #18 Vermont lost to Northeastern, 3-1.

Connor Knapp watched as creasemate Cody Reichard made 23 saves in Miami's 4-0 shutout of Ferris State.

In the OHL, Nick Crawford (-1) picked up a power play assist as Barrie defeated Plymouth, 4-2.

Marcus Foligno played even as Sudbury needed a shootout in a 4-3 win over Oshawa.

In the USHL, Mark Adams was +1 with a checking from behind minor as Chicago lost to Sioux City, 3-2 in the shootout.

Kassian suspended; Kennedy resting

Windsor forward Zack Kassian has been suspended indefinitely by the OHL after earning a charging major in the Spits 4-2 loss to Barrie on Thursday.

And so the difficult season for the 6'3, 215-pound forward continues in a new role as spectator until the league can arrive at a defined sentence. After missing a month with a separated shoulder en route to accumulating a -18 in Peterborough, Kassian is for now missing a golden opportunity to get his development into the necessary groove with the reigning Memorial Cup champs.

Meanwhile Matt Kennedy, who received three staples in the back of his head and three stitches on his cheek, is heading home for some r&r after the brutal collision left the Eastern Conference All-Star without any recollection of getting drilled.

"I don't remember getting hit. I couldn't tell you what happened," the Barrie Colts overage forward said less than 24 hours after being crushed near centre ice by Windsor Spitfires forward Zack Kassian (and former Peterborough Petes' captain) during the second period of Thursday night's Ontario Hockey League game in Windsor.

Kassian, who was traded to Windsor on Sunday, appeared to leave his feet, and Kennedy did not appear to have control of the puck -- he was looking up for it -- when Kassian delivered the open-ice blow.

This is the second straight January that a Sabres forward prospect has been disciplined for an on-ice transgression following Corey Tropp's season ending stick incident a year ago. Tropp learned from his actions and has rebounded with a sparkling junior season at Michigan State that has him among the current favorites for the Hobey Baker award.

1/14 Recap: Kassian likely to sit after hit

Well Zack Kassian's first game in a Windsor Spitfire uniform on Thursday was certainly an interesting one.

The bruising winger, acquired in a Sunday deal with Peterborough, scored a goal and earned a game misconduct in the second period as Windsor lost to Barrie, 4-2. Defenseman Nick Crawford assisted on an empty net goal late for the Colts, while 2010 eligible Alexander Burmistrov scored the short-handed game winner.

Hitting is a big part of Kassian's game, but tonight he made a poor decision in the neutral zone as he left his feet to deliver a blow up high on Colts forward, Matt Kennedy.




Kassian is certain to earn a suspension for the hit. I won't sit on my soapbox and talk about blows to the head. Every hockey fan knows that they have no place in the sport. My initial reaction was that at least we saw some fire out a kid who was maybe trying a little too hard, but at the end of the day he will need to be spoken to and demonstrate that he has learned the boundaries of clean physical play.

In the QMJHL, Jordon Southorn was +1 with an assist as PEI defeated Cape Breton, 3-1. Jacob Lagacé assisted on the lone Eagle goal while Luke Adam had an off night with a possible World Junior hangover, finishing at -2 and having an outburst late that cost him a couple of shifts at the end of the game.

Fienhage ready for Gopher roadie

North Dakota sophomore Corey Fienhage addressed the Grand Forks press on Wednesday as the #4 Fighting Sioux readies themselves for their weekend set at rival Minnesota. The rugged blueliner speaks about his progression in his second WCHA season as well as the excitement of playing the Gophers in front of his family and friends beginning at the 10:45 mark.

1/13 Recap: Lagacé pots first as an Eagle

Jacob Lagacé scored his 31st goal of the year on Wednesday, and Luke Adam added an assist in his return to QMJHL action as Cape Breton defeated Chicoutimi, 4-2. Lagacé's quick mark at :41 of the first period, his first in new colors, came against his former club of two-and-a half seasons a week after being dealt to the the nest. Last season for the Sags, the 5'11 sniper collected 32 goals in 64 appearances. Adam was playing his first game since December 11th after joining Team Canada's WJC silver medal efforts.

On Tuesday, Alex Biega was -1 as Harvard upset #5 Yale, 3-2. Habs prospect Louis Leblanc netted a pair of goals for the Crimson (3-10-2).

Crawford earns All-Star nod

Barrie Colts defenseman Nick Crawford has been named to the OHL Eastern Conference All-Star Team. Crawford, the Sabres sixth round pick in 2008, is currently second in league scoring for defensemen with 43 points (9+34) in 40 games played.

The 2010 OHL All-Star classic will be played on February 3rd in Kingston. A skills competition will take place the night before.

Lancaster, NY native Joe Rogalski, a 6'2, 185-pound defenseman, has been selected to play for the Western Conference. The fine skating right-hander has four goals and 20 points this season for the Sarnia Sting.

Rosters:

Western Conference All-Stars

Goaltenders
Matt Hackett, Plymouth Whalers
Robin Lehner, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Defence
Jesse Blacker, Owen Sound Attack
Ryan Ellis, Windsor Spitfires
Cam Fowler, Windsor Spitfires
John Moore, Kitchener Rangers
Jacob Muzzin, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Joe Rogalski, Sarnia Sting

Forwards
Taylor Beck, Guelph Storm
Taylor Hall, Windsor Spitfires
Adam Henrique, Windsor Spitfires
AJ Jenks, Plymouth Whalers
Nazem Kadri, London Knights
Philip McRae, Plymouth Whalers
Jeremy Morin, Kitchener Rangers
Greg Nemisz, Windsor Spitfires
Tyler Seguin, Plymouth Whalers
Jeff Skinner, Kitchener Rangers
Jordan Skellett, Saginaw Spirit
Zack Torquato, Erie Otters


Eastern Conference All-Stars

Goaltenders
Tyler Beskorowany, Kingston Frontenacs
Chris Carrozzi, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors

Defence
Nick Crawford, Barrie Colts
Calvin de Haan, Oshawa Generals
Cameron Gaunce, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors
Shawn Lalonde, Belleville Bulls
Brian Lashoff, Kingston Frontenacs
Alex Pietrangelo, Barrie Colts

Forwards
Andrew Agozzino, Niagara IceDogs
Casey Cizikas, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors
Stefan Della Rovere, Barrie Colts
Alex Hutchings, Barrie Colts
Sean Jones, Brampton Battalion
Matt Kennedy, Barrie Colts
Cody Lindsay, Ottawa 67’s
Eric O’Dell, Sudbury Wolves
Devante Smith-Pelly, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors
Ryan Spooner, Peterborough Petes
Tyler Toffoli, Ottawa 67’s
Ethan Werek, Kingston Frontenacs

CSB Midterm Rankings - North American skaters

A few surprises here, mainly Kabanov slipping due to injury. Hall is the clear-cut top dog. Lots more to come on the topic, but I must first scrutinize dinner before seeing what they did here.

1 HALL, TAYLOR WINDSOR OHL 6' 0.75" 186 LW
2 SEGUIN, TYLER PLYMOUTH OHL 6' 0.75" 180 C
3 FOWLER, CAM WINDSOR OHL 6' 2" 195 D
4 CONNOLLY, BRETT PRINCE GEORGE WHL 6' 2" 181 RW
5 SHEAHAN, RILEY U OF NOTRE DAME CCHA 6' 1.5" 202 C
6 GUDBRANSON, ERIK KINGSTON OHL 6' 3.75" 195 D
7 BURMISTROV, ALEXANDER BARRIE OHL 5' 11.5" 162 C
8 GORMLEY, BRANDON MONCTON QMJHL 6' 2" 187 D
9 PYSYK, MARK EDMONTON WHL 6' 1" 179 D
10 MCFARLAND, JOHN SUDBURY OHL 6' 0" 200 C
11 FORBORT, DEREK USA U-18 USDP 6' 4.5" 198 D
12 BJUGSTAD, NICK BLAINE HIGH-MN 6' 3.75" 188 C
13 ETEM, EMERSON MEDICINE HAT WHL 5' 11.75" 190 RW
14 NIEDERREITER, NINO PORTLAND WHL 6' 1" 205 RW
15 KABANOV, KIRILL MONCTON QMJHL 6' 2" 173 LW
16 JOHANSEN, RYAN PORTLAND WHL 6' 2.25" 194 C
17 NELSON, BROCK WARROAD HIGH-MN 6' 2.5" 205 C
18 HAYES, KEVIN NOBLES HIGH-MA 6' 2.25" 201 RW
19 COYLE, CHARLIE SOUTH SHORE EJHL 6' 1.5" 202 C,RW
20 MERRILL, JONATHON USA U-18 USDP 6' 3.25" 198 D
21 PITLICK, TYLER MINNESOTA STATE WCHA 6' 1.5" 194 C
22 TOFFOLI, TYLER OTTAWA OHL 6' 0" 183 C
23 GALIEV, STANISLAV SAINT JOHN QMJHL 6' 0.5" 177 RW
24 MARTINDALE, RYAN OTTAWA OHL 6' 3" 195 C
25 WATSON, AUSTIN PETERBOROUGH OHL 6' 3" 180 RW
26 TELEGIN, IVAN SAGINAW OHL 6' 2.25" 194 RW
27 MCILRATH, DYLAN MOOSE JAW WHL 6' 3.25" 210 D
28 JOHNS, STEPHEN USA U-18 USDP 6' 3.25" 215 D
29 HOWDEN, QUINTON MOOSE JAW WHL 6' 0.75" 183 C
30 ARNOLD, BILLY USA U-18 USDP 5' 11.5" 218 C
31 BIEGA, DANNY HARVARD ECAC 6' 0" 191 D
32 LIND, KEVIN CHICAGO USHL 6' 2.5" 202 D
33 STRAKA, PETR RIMOUSKI QMJHL 6' 1" 184 RW
34 PETROVIC, ALEXANDER RED DEER WHL 6' 3.5" 192 D
35 CULEK, JAKUB RIMOUSKI QMJHL 6' 3" 175 LW
36 GARDINER, MAX MINNETONKA HIGH-MN 6' 2.5" 176 C
37 ALT, MARK CRETIN-DERHAM HIGH-MN 6' 3" 199 D
38 SPOONER, RYAN PETERBOROUGH OHL 5' 10.5" 174 C
39 BASARABA, JOE SHAT.ST.MARY'S HIGH-MN 6' 2.25" 190 RW
40 FAULK, JUSTIN USA U-18 USDP 5' 11.75" 196 D
41 SCHWARTZ, JADEN TRI-CITY USHL 5' 10" 180 C
42 TINORDI, JARRED USA U-18 USDP 6' 5.5" 205 D
43 RUTKOWSKI, TROY PORTLAND WHL 6' 1.5" 208 D
44 SHIPLEY, STEVEN OWEN SOUND OHL 6' 2" 204 C
45 WEAL, JORDAN REGINA WHL 5' 8.5" 156 C
46 HISHON, JOEY OWEN SOUND OHL 5' 9.25" 172 C
47 SKINNER, JEFF KITCHENER OHL 5' 10" 197 RW
48 BENNETT, BEAU PENTICTON BCHL 6' 0.5" 173 RW
49 BRICKLEY, CONNOR DES MOINES USHL 5' 11.5" 190 C
50 FALLON, JACOB USA U-18 USDP 5' 10" 191 C
51 SILAS, STEPHEN BELLEVILLE OHL 6' 0.25" 190 D
52 WOODS, BRENDAN CHICAGO USHL 6' 2" 188 LW
53 STONE, MARK BRANDON WHL 6' 2.25" 188 RW
54 HOLL, JUSTIN MINNETONKA HIGH-MN 6' 2.25" 170 D
55 ZUCKER, JASON USA U-18 USDP 5' 10.5" 174 LW
56 HAMILTON, CURTIS SASKATOON WHL 6' 2.25" 209 LW
57 DAVIDSON, BRANDON REGINA WHL 6' 1" 190 D
58 ARCHIBALD, BRANDON SAULT STE. MARIE OHL 6' 3.25" 203 D
59 MADAISKY, AUSTIN KAMLOOPS WHL 6' 1.75" 186 D
60 GRAVEL, KEVIN SIOUX CITY USHL 6' 4" 185 D
61 MELCHIORI, JULIAN NEWMARKET CCHL 6' 3" 186 D
62 SHUGG, JUSTIN WINDSOR OHL 5' 10.75" 184 LW
63 BEUKEBOOM, BROCK SAULT STE. MARIE OHL 6' 0.75" 197 D
64 SHALLA, JOSH SAGINAW OHL 6' 1" 194 LW
65 YOGAN, ANDREW ERIE OHL 6' 2.75" 202 C
66 SMITH, DALTON OTTAWA OHL 6' 2" 203 LW
67 SMITH-PELLY, DEVANTE MISSISSAUGA ST. MICHAEL'S OHL 5' 11.5" 214 RW
68 INGLIS, CHARLES SASKATOON WHL 5' 11" 187 C
69 ROSS, BRADLEY PORTLAND WHL 5' 11.25" 181 LW
70 GAUTHIER-LEDUC, JEROME ROUYN-NORANDA QMJHL 6' 0.5" 180 D
71 PARKS, MICHAEL CEDAR RAPIDS USHL 5' 10.5" 188 RW
72 MACAULAY, STEPHEN SAINT JOHN QMJHL 6' 1.25" 175 LW
73 CLARK, JASON SHAT.ST.MARY'S HIGH-MN 6' 1.5" 180 C,LW
74 THERIAU, ALEX EVERETT WHL 6' 1.5" 189 D
75 MOFFATT, LUKE USA U-18 USDP 6' 0.5" 187 C
76 RUST, BRYAN USA U-18 USDP 5' 11.5" 191 RW
77 PEREIRA, MIKE AVON OLD FARMS HIGH-CT 5' 10.75" 170 LW
78 BOURNIVAL, MICHAEL SHAWINIGAN QMJHL 5' 11" 184 LW
79 AGOSTINO, KENNY DELBARTON HIGH-NJ 5' 11" 190 LW
80 WIND, CAMERON BRAMPTON OHL 6' 1" 200 D
81 HRABARENKA, RAMAN PHILADELPHIA EJHL 6' 3" 202 D
82 LEVASSEUR, JULIEN RIMOUSKI QMJHL 6' 2.5" 188 D
83 CISSE, YASIN DES MOINES USHL 6' 2.75" 210 RW
84 MCNALLY, PAT MILTON ACADEMY HIGH-MA 6' 2" 180 D
85 MACKENZIE, MATT CALGARY WHL 6' 1" 193 D
86 HARSTAD, AARON GREEN BAY USHL 6' 1.5" 179 D
87 CARRICK, SAM BRAMPTON OHL 6' 0" 188 C
88 STOYKEWYCH, PETER WINNIPEG SOUTH MJHL 6' 2.25" 188 D
89 AUBRY, LOUIS-MARC MONTREAL QMJHL 6' 3" 190 C
90 ARONSON, TAYLOR PORTLAND WHL 6' 0.25" 196 D
91 WARD, BRIAN GOVERNOR'S ACADEMY HIGH-MA 6' 0.5" 191 C
92 SUNDHER, KEVIN CHILLIWACK WHL 5' 11.75" 192 C
93 MCFAULL, KENDALL MOOSE JAW WHL 6' 2" 187 D
94 MCKEGG, GREGG ERIE OHL 5' 11.75" 191 C
95 MATTSON, NICK INDIANA USHL 6' 1" 189 D
96 STAHL, TYLER CHILLIWACK WHL 6' 1.25" 180 D
97 THRUSH, CASEY TEAM MARYLAND AAA USMAAAE 6' 1" 175 LW
98 GUPTILL, ALEX ORANGEVILLE CCHL 6' 2.5" 175 LW
99 ELLIS, MORGAN CAPE BRETON QMJHL 6' 1" 197 D
100 HERBERT, CALEB BLOOMINGTON-JEFF. HIGH-MN 5' 9.5" 180 C
101 MACEK, BROOKS TRI-CITY WHL 5' 10.75" 180 C
102 HAMILTON, FREDDIE NIAGARA OHL 6' 0.75" 187 C
103 ROE, LOGAN KENT SCHOOL HIGH-CT 6' 3" 200 D
104 EMOND, ALEX RIMOUSKI QMJHL 6' 0" 197 C
105 BOSTROM, ELLIOTT TAFT SCHOOL HIGH-CT 6' 2" 193 D
106 FERRIERO, CODY GOVERNOR'S ACADEMY HIGH-MA 5' 11" 190 C
107 MCDERMOTT, EAMONN FARGO USHL 5' 9.75" 176 D
108 ABELTSHAUSER, KONRAD HALIFAX QMJHL 6' 5" 190 D
109 FAUST, JOE BLOOMINGTON-JEFF. HIGH-MN 5' 10.5" 190 D
110 DOWNING, GRAYSON WESTSIDE BCHL 6' 0.5" 167 C
111 CHAPUT, MICHAEL LEWISTON QMJHL 6' 1.5" 194 C
112 ISACKSON, CHRISTIAN ST. THOMAS HIGH-MN 5' 11.75" 174 RW
113 CURADI, LUKE PENTICTON BCHL 6' 5" 255 D
114 THOMAS, CHRISTIAN OSHAWA OHL 5' 8.5" 162 RW
115 SUTCH, GREGG MISSISSAUGA ST. MICHAEL'S OHL 6' 2" 193 RW
116 HONEJSEK, ANTONIN MOOSE JAW WHL 5' 10.5" 178 LW
117 LEVI, AUSTIN PLYMOUTH OHL 6' 3" 192 D
118 BOUTET, ETIENNE RIMOUSKI QMJHL 6' 0.75" 190 D
119 BROWN, PATRICK CRANBROOK KINGSWOOD HIGH-MI 5' 11.75" 180 C
120 BLAIN, JEREMIE ACADIE-BATHURST QMJHL 6' 2.25" 190 D
121 BARNETT, J.T. VANCOUVER WHL 5' 11.75" 191 LW
122 FERLIN, BRIAN INDIANA USHL 6' 1.5" 200 RW
123 KNIGHT, JARED LONDON OHL 5' 10.5" 186 C
124 LANE, PHILIP BRAMPTON OHL 6' 2.25" 194 RW
125 GAUTHIER, DANICK SAINT JOHN QMJHL 6' 1.25" 182 RW
126 DAUGHERTY, RYAN OMAHA USHL 6' 1.5" 191 RW
127 HELLER, THANE JUNIOR BRUINS EJHL 6' 1" 200 LW
128 NICHOLLS, JOSH SASKATOON WHL 6' 1.5" 174 RW
129 REGIMBALD, ROCK CHICOUTIMI QMJHL 6' 0.5" 180 C
130 SORKIN, NICK WATERLOO USHL 6' 2.5" 166 LW
131 GUDAS, RADKO EVERETT WHL 5' 11" 192 D
132 CLARE, KEVIN USA U-18 USDP 6' 1.5" 202 D
133 MACLEOD, ISAAC PENTICTON BCHL 6' 4" 205 D
134 CARRIER, MARC-ANTOINE NORTHWOOD SCHOOL HIGH-NY 5' 10" 170 D
135 AMIES, NICK COWICHAN VALLEY BCHL 6' 1.5" 181 D
136 STERN, BRETT CENTENNIAL HIGH-MN 6' 1" 175 D
137 HARRISON, RYAN PRINCE ALBERT WHL 5' 9.25" 185 C
138 CARRIER, SAMUEL LEWISTON QMJHL 6' 0.5" 186 D
139 DUMOND, MAXIME BROCKVILLE CJHL 5' 11.5" 179 LW
140 REARDON, MIKE NOBLES HIGH-MA 6' 0" 171 D
141 SUTTER, BRODY LETHBRIDGE WHL 6' 4" 190 C
142 ROGALSKI, JOE SARNIA OHL 6' 1.25" 195 D
143 TREMBLAY, JULIEN ACADIE-BATHURST QMJHL 5' 10.75" 173 LW
144 GAEDE, MAX WOODBURY HS HIGH-MN 6' 2" 187 RW
145 SEDLAK, ADAM PETERBOROUGH OHL 6' 1.25" 205 D
146 MESSIER, JORDAN TRI-CITY WHL 6' 2" 192 RW
147 POLK, JAMES SHAT.ST.MARY'S HIGH-MN 5' 11" 170 RW
148 O'REGAN, THOMAS ST. SEBASTIAN SCHOOL HIGH-MA 5' 11.5" 190 LW
149 BRUNELLE, JONATHAN DRUMMONDVILLE QMJHL 6' 0.5" 187 LW
150 LUUKKO, NICHOLAS THE GUNNERY HIGH-CT 6' 2" 180 D
151 CHAPMAN, MITCH KELOWNA WHL 6' 2.25" 217 D
152 GALLAGHER, BRENDAN VANCOUVER WHL 5' 8.5" 163 RW
153 CAMPBELL, COLIN VAUGHAN OJAHL 6' 0.5" 187 LW
154 FESER, JUSTIN TRI-CITY WHL 5' 8.75" 181 LW
155 PROCHNO, ANDREW MINNETONKA HIGH-MN 5' 9.75" 170 D
156 MCKINLAY, DYLEN CHILLIWACK WHL 5' 11" 162 RW
157 REINHART, MAXWELL KOOTENAY WHL 6' 0.75" 180 C
158 VERMETTE, GABRIEL CHICOUTIMI QMJHL 6' 1" 187 D
159 DALY, TIM LANGLEY BCHL 5' 10" 165 D
160 JANOSIK, ADAM GATINEAU QMJHL 5' 10.5" 170 D
161 WIEDEMANN, JARED DEXTER SCHOOL HIGH-MA 6' 3" 185 D
162 MCCAULEY, MYLES PLYMOUTH OHL 6' 0.5" 178 RW
163 LAROCQUE-MARCOUX, NICOLAS SHAWINIGAN QMJHL 5' 11" 170 LW
164 BULMER, BRETT KELOWNA WHL 6' 2.25" 175 RW
165 LAFONTAINE, JEAN-PAUL SHAT.ST.MARY'S HIGH-MN 5' 9" 168 C
166 NEILEY, ERIC EXETER HIGH-NH 5' 10" 170 C
167 ALDERSON, BRANDON SARNIA OHL 6' 3.75" 190 RW
168 RANFORD, BRENDAN KAMLOOPS WHL 5' 9.5" 182 LW
169 SCHEMITSCH, GEOFFREY OWEN SOUND OHL 6' 1" 180 D
170 DEBLOIS, DEREK CEDAR RAPIDS USHL 5' 10" 176 RW
171 MCNEILL, REID LONDON OHL 6' 3" 191 D
172 LIPPINCOTT, ALEX FARGO USHL 6' 1" 182 C
173 HATHAWAY, GARNET ANDOVER HIGH-MA 6' 1" 180 RW
174 WAMSGANZ, SCOTT WATERLOO USHL 6' 4" 180 LW
175 HYMAN, ZACH HAMILTON CCHL 6' 0" 182 C
176 MONTGOMERY, BROCK KOOTENAY WHL 6' 1.25" 187 RW
177 BRISSON, MATHIEU OMAHA USHL 6' 1.5" 189 D
178 WAGNER, CHRISTOPHER SOUTH SHORE EJHL 6' 0" 200 RW
179 EVANS, JORDAN SWIFT CURRENT WHL 6' 0.25" 178 D
180 KINDL, DENIS GATINEAU QMJHL 5' 10.25" 174 C
181 BEACH, CODY CALGARY WHL 6' 4.75" 180 RW
182 BEYERS, STEVEN ORANGEVILLE CCHL 5' 10" 176 RW
183 SGARBOSSA, MICHAEL SAGINAW OHL 5' 10.25" 171 C
184 CROTEAU, OLIVIER GATINEAU QMJHL 6' 1.5" 192 C
185 HENDRICKSON, GARRETT VIRGINIA HIGH-MN 6' 0.5" 165 C
186 MCINTYRE, PETER SOUTH SHORE EJHL 6' 4" 180 LW
187 RAMAGE, JOHN U. OF WISCONSIN WCHA 6' 0.5" 184 D
188 FERLAND, MICHAEL BRANDON WHL 6' 0.25" 195 LW
189 FROATS, DEREK KINGSTON OHL 5' 11" 173 LW
190 HICKEY, STEPHEN OAKVILLE OJAHL 6' 2.5" 189 RW
191 ASSELIN, GUILLAUME MONTREAL QMJHL 5' 10.5" 185 LW
192 MCNALLY, BRANDON BELMONT HILL HIGH-MA 6' 1" 186 LW
193 HUFF, ANDREW TRAVERSE CITY NAHL 6' 2" 210 LW
194 CORD, ALEX MISSISSAUGA ST. MICHAEL'S OHL 6' 1.5" 195 D
195 O'DONNELL, BRENDAN WINNIPEG SOUTH MJHL 6' 0" 185 C
196 CRANE, CHRIS GREEN BAY USHL 6' 0" 189 RW
197 LINELL, DAN NY BOBCATS ATLH 5' 7" 168 C;RW
198 CUNNINGHAM, CRAIG VANCOUVER WHL 5' 9.75" 180 LW
199 KRAUSE, ADAM HERMANTOWN HIGH-MN 6' 0.5" 175 C
200 HYNES, BRANDON VICTORIAVILLE QMJHL 5' 8" 175 RW
201 MARSHALL, BENJAMIN MAHTOMEDI HIGH-MN 5' 8.5" 160 D
202 SULMONTE, RUDY NJ ROCKETS ATLH 5' 8" 175 C
203 POLASEK, ADAM PEI QMJHL 6' 3" 190 D
204 CALDWELL, JOHN BELMONT HILL HIGH-MA 6' 3" 205 D
205 DORE, PATRICK QUEBEC QMJHL 6' 3" 200 D
206 PARKES, TREVOR MONTREAL QMJHL 6' 1" 170 RW
207 CZINDER, NICK YOUNGSTOWN USHL 6' 5.25" 182 RW
208 POROWSKI, MITCHELL GATINEAU QMJHL 6' 3.75" 197 LW
209 RUTT, JACOB JR. MONARCHS EJHL 6' 2" 195 D
210 SUSTR, ANDREJ YOUNGSTOWN USHL 6' 6.25" 185 D
L/V ORZETTI, CHARLES NEW JERSEY HITMEN EJHL 6' 2.75" 213 LW

* L/V: Limited Viewing

CSB Midterm Rankings - North American goalies

1 PICKARD, CALVIN SEATTLE WHL 6' 0.5" 200
2 CAMPBELL, JACK USA U-18 USDP 6' 2.5" 175
3 CORBEIL-THERIAULT, MATHIEU HALIFAX QMJHL 6' 5.75" 186
4 DOMINGUE, LOUIS QUEBEC QMJHL 6' 2.5" 185
5 GOTHBERG, ZANE THIEF RIVER FALLS HIGH-MN 6' 0.5" 177
6 BRITTAIN, SAM CANMORE AJHL 6' 2.75" 215
7 SIMPSON, KENT EVERETT WHL 6' 2.5" 182
8 VISENTIN, MARK NIAGARA OHL 6' 1.25" 185
9 GRUBAUER, PHILLIPP WINDSOR OHL 6' 0.25" 180
10 CLERMONT, MAXIME GATINEAU QMJHL 6' 0" 189
11 SADIKOV, RASMUS ERIE OHL 6' 2" 230
12 YANAKEFF, WILLIE SIOUX CITY USHL 6' 2.75" 200
13 WEDGEWOOD, SCOTT PLYMOUTH OHL 6' 0.5" 195
14 BUNZ, TYLER MEDICINE HAT WHL 6' 1.25" 196
15 COREAU, JARED LINCOLN USHL 6' 5" 195
16 MCGRATH, DALTON BARRIE OHL 6' 0.25" 188
17 OUELLETTE, MARTIN KIMBALL UNION HIGH-NH 6' 1" 160
18 HOUSER, MICHAEL LONDON OHL 6' 0.75" 185
19 WITT, CLAY SIOUX FALLS USHL 6' 1" 195
20 ANDERSON, JP MISSISSAUGA ST. MICHAEL'S OHL 5' 11.25" 192
21 BONAR, SEAN PENTICTON BCHL 6' 0.5" 179
22 NADEAU, GUILLAUME ACADIE-BATHURST QMJHL 6' 0.75" 180
23 LANIGAN, CAM EDMONTON WHL 6' 1.75" 180
24 GIROUX, SIMON BAIE-COMEAU QMJHL 5' 11.5" 196
25 BILLETT, BRIAN JR. MONARCHS EJHL 6' 1" 187
26 MRAZEK, PETR OTTAWA OHL 5' 11.5" 162
27 TREMBLAY, PHILIPPE RIMOUSKI QMJHL 6' 2" 201
28 BAILIE, KEVIN OSHAWA OHL 6' 2.5" 189
29 VIENNEAU, JOEL KINGSTON OJAHL 6' 2.75" 187
30 O'HAGAN, BRYCE SAULT STE. MARIE OHL 6' 2" 190
31 MEYERS, JACOB BENILDE-ST.MARGARET'S HIGH-MN 5' 11.5" 168
32 ANDERSON, BRANDON LETHBRIDGE WHL 5' 11.25" 170

CSB Midterm Rankings - European Skaters & Goaltenders

Aside from the nice imports on the North American list, the first two rounds will also see some talented Europeans with size will be selected from club teams overseas.

1 GRANLUND, MIKAEL HIFK FINLAND 5' 10" 180 C,W
2 TARASENKO, VLADIMIR NOVOSIBIRSK RUSSIA 5' 11" 202 RW
3 KITSYN, MAXIM NOVOKUZNETSK RUSSIA 6' 2" 194 LW
4 KUZNETSOV, EVGENY CHELYABINSK RUSSIA 6' 0" 172 C
5 RENSFELDT, LUDVIG BRYNAS JR. SWE-JR. 6' 2.75" 192 LW
6 LINDBERG, OSCAR SKELLEFTEA JR. SWE-JR. 6' 0" 187 C
7 PETTERSSON, ADAM SKELLEFTEA JR. SWE-JR. 6' 0" 186 C
8 JOHANSSON, JONATHAN FROLUNDA JR. SWE-JR. 6' 3.25" 188 C
9 ZAYTSEV, NIKITA NOVOSIBIRSK RUSSIA 6' 1" 176 D
10 KUEHNHACKL, TOM LANDSHUT CANN. GERMAN-2 6' 2" 172 RW
11 MARINCIN, MARTIN SLOVAKIA U20 SLOVAKIA 6' 4" 187 D
12 JANK, BOHUMIL C. BUDEJOVICE JR. CZREP-JR. 6' 2" 192 D
13 NEMETH, PATRIK AIK JR. SWE-JR. 6' 3" 201 D
14 DONSKOI, JOONAS KARPAT JR. FINLAND-JR. 5' 11" 165 LW
15 ALM, JOHAN FROLUNDA JR. SWE-JR. 6' 2.25" 194 D
16 KULIKOV, PAVEL NIZHNEKAMSK 2 RUSSIA-3 6' 0" 165 C
17 PULKKINEN, TEEMU JOKERIT FINLAND 5' 11" 183 RW
18 MARCHENKO, ALEXEI CSKA 2 RUSSIA-3 6' 1.75" 170 D
19 CEHLIN, PATRICK DJURGARDEN SWEDEN 5' 10" 172 RW
20 OTTOSSON, SEBASTIAN LINKOPING JR. SWE-JR. 5' 10" 180 C
21 JARNKROK, CALLE BRYNAS JR. SWE-JR. 5' 10.75" 156 C
22 LARSSON, JOHAN BRYNAS JR. SWE-JR. 5' 10" 200 LW
23 HOFFLIN, MIRKO MANNHEIM JR. GERMAN-JR. 6' 0" 174 C
24 DAHLSTROM, ANDREAS AIK SWEDEN-2 5' 11" 176 C
25 HAAS, GAETAN BIEL JR. SWISS-JR. 5' 11" 159 C
26 SALMIVIRTA, MIKAEL HIFK JR. FINLAND-JR. 6' 0" 174 C
27 FILIPPI, TOMAS LIBEREC JR. CZREP-JR. 6' 1" 178 C
28 VERMIN, JOEL BERN JR. SWISS-JR. 5' 10" 167 C
29 BARBASHEV, SERGEI CSKA 2 RUSSIA-3 5' 11.75" 165 LW
30 GUSEV, NIKITA CSKA 2 RUSSIA-3 5' 9" 155 LW
31 CINGEL, LUKAS SLOVAKIA U20 SLOVAKIA 6' 0" 180 LW
32 ROHDIN, JOACHIM BRYNAS JR. SWE-JR. 5' 11" 176 RW
33 THORELL, ERIK FARJESTAD JR. SWE JR-2 5' 10" 176 C,W
34 HALINEN, PETTERI BLUES JR. FINLAND-JR. 6' 3" 187 C
35 BITTNER, DOMINIK MANNHEIM JR. GERMAN-JR. 6' 0" 176 D
36 NEHER, LARS KLOTEN JR. SWISS-JR. 5' 9" 163 LW
37 ZEMCHENKO, IGNAT CHEREPOVETS 2 RUSSIA-3 6' 1" 179 F
38 OHMAN, VICTOR MALMO JR. SWE-JR. 6' 1" 202 C
39 LAAKSO, ALEKSI BLUES FINLAND 5' 11" 170 D
40 BRODIN, DANIEL DJURGARDEN JR. SWE-JR. 6' 1" 172 LW
41 SIMCAK, DOMINIK SLOVAKIA U20 SLOVAKIA 6' 0" 176 C
42 KULEMIN, VYACHESLAV CSKA RUSSIA 6' 1" 187 RW
43 VORONIN, ARTEM SPARTAK 2 RUSSIA-3 6' 0" 176 C
44 NORDSTROM, JOAKIM AIK JR. SWE-JR. 6' 0.75" 160 C
45 KOREN, GAL MANNHEIM JR. GERMAN-JR. 6' 1" 169 F
46 TARASOV, ALEXANDER MVD BALASHIKHA RUSSIA 6' 0" 203 D
47 KREJCI, DANIEL SLAVIA JR. CZREP-JR. 6' 2" 200 D
48 GOGOLEV, ALEXANDER SPARTAK 2 RUSSIA-3 5' 11" 172 RW
49 ZAMORSKY, PETR ZLIN JR. CZREP-JR. 5' 11" 176 D
50 HEED, TIM SODERTALJE JR. SWE-JR. 5' 11" 165 D
51 ANDERSSON, NILS BJORKLOVEN SWEDEN-2 6' 1" 165 D
52 HARI, JANOS FARJESTAD JR. SWE JR-2 5' 9" 161 W
53 KUZNETSOV, ALEXANDER CSKA 2 RUSSIA-3 5' 11.75" 180 C
54 WANNSTROM, SEBASTIAN BRYNAS JR. SWE-JR. 6' 0" 174 RW
55 LARSSON, EDDIE MODO SWEDEN 6' 1" 194 D
56 ELSNER, DAVID LANDSHUT CANN. GERMAN-2 6' 0" 185 W
57 HAUNER, NORMAN KOLN GERMANY 5' 11" 176 LW
58 BLIDSTRAND, RICARD AIK JR. SWE-JR. 6' 2.5" 202 D
59 HUHTALA, SANTTU TPS JR. FINLAND-JR. 5' 10" 165 C
60 BERTRAND, CHARLES LUKKO JR. FINLAND-JR. 6' 0" 183 LW
61 CAJKOVSKY, MICHAL BRATISLAVA JR. SLOVAK-JR. 6' 4" 198 D
62 RYS, JIRI ML. BOLESLAV JR. CZREP-JR. 6' 0" 183 LW
63 JORG, MAURO LUGANO SWISS 6' 0" 192 RW
64 NOEBELS, MARCEL KREFELD JR. GERMAN-JR. 6' 2" 192 C
65 PETRO, JURAJ SLOVAKIA U20 SLOVAKIA 6' 1" 180 C
66 RASMUSSEN, DENNIS VASTERAS SWEDEN-2 6' 3" 201 C
67 KILSTROM, LUKAS SODERTALJE SWEDEN 6' 0" 176 D
68 RACUK, MAREK LITVINOV JR. CZREP-JR. 6' 3" 194 C
69 GUNNARSSON, DANIEL LEKSAND JR. SWE-JR. 6' 3" 185 D
70 LOF, SIMON BRYNAS SWEDEN 6' 2" 172 D
71 FASTH, JESPER HV 71 JR. SWE-JR. 5' 10.75" 165 RW
72 RAUTIAINEN, TEEMU HPK JR. FINLAND-JR. 5' 10" 161 RW
73 PAKARINEN, IIRO KALPA JR. FINLAND-JR. 6' 1" 194 RW
74 CLUSEN, NIKLAS DUSSELDORF JR. GERMAN-JR. 6' 1" 189 D
75 LYUBIMOV, ROMAN CSKA 2 RUSSIA-3 6' 1.75" 191 F
76 SVEDBERG, VIKTOR FROLUNDA JR. SWE-JR. 6' 9" 223 D
77 ZOTOV, VITALY YAROSLAVL 2 RUSSIA-3 6' 2" 176 D
78 BURDASOV, ANTON CHELYABINSK 2 RUSSIA-3 6' 3" 202 LW
79 BERDYUKOV, GEORGI ST. PETERSBURG 2 RUSSIA-3 6' 0" 193 D
81 MACIK, RADOSLAV L. MIKULAS JR. SLOVAK-JR. 6' 1" 174 LW
82 HANTAK, FILIP SPARTA JR. CZREP-JR. 6' 2" 187 C
83 SALMI, JUUSO HIFK JR. FINLAND-JR. 6' 1" 189 D
84 ERONEN, TEEMU JOKERIT FINLAND 5' 11" 180 D
85 SOBCHENKO, DANIIL YAROSLAVL RUSSIA 6' 0" 180 C
86 KISELEVICH, BOGDAN CHEREPOVETS RUSSIA 6' 0" 191 D
87 BOCHAROV, STANISLAV KAZAN 2 RUSSIA-3 5' 10" 187 LW
88 OLDEN, SONDRE MODO JR. SWE-JR. 6' 3" 172 W
89 FRANZEN, MATHIAS AIK JR. SWE-JR. 5' 7.75" 151 RW
90 POCK, MARKUS KLAGENFURT AUSTRIA 6' 2" 183 LW
91 JENSEN, JESPER RODOVRE DENMARK 6' 0" 176 D
92 BJORKSTRAND, PATRICK HERNING DENMARK 6' 0" 176 C
93 LAURIDSEN, MARKUS LINKOPING JR. SWE-JR. 6' 2" 187 D
94 KUBICA, DOMINIK TRNAVA JR. SLOVAK-JR. 6' 1" 180 D
95 ASTROM, EMANUEL ROGLE JR. SWE-JR. 6' 4" 220 RW
96 WEISS, DANIEL EISBAREN BERLIN GERMANY 6' 2" 198 W
97 GEERING, PATRIK ZURICH SWISS 5' 10" 185 D
98 JERABEK, JAKUB PLZEN JR. CZREP-JR. 6' 0" 190 D
99 ATAEV, ALEXANDER DYNAMO MOSCOW 2 RUSSIA-3 5' 11" 183 D
100 STYRMAN, FREDRIK LULEA SWEDEN 5' 11" 172 D

Goaltenders

1 GUNNARSSON, JONAS HV 71 JR. SWE-JR. 5' 11.25" 190
2 AITTOKALLIO, SAMI ILVES JR. FINLAND-JR. 6' 1" 174
3 VOLDEN, LARS STAVANGER NORWAY 6' 3" 189
4 GUSTAFSSON, JOHAN FARJESTAD JR. SWE JR-2 6' 1" 185
5 CONZ, BENJAMIN GENEVE SWISS 5' 10" 198
6 FRANCOUZ, PAVEL PLZEN JR. CZREP-JR. 6' 0" 172
7 ORCIK, FILIP BRATISLAVA JR. SLOVAK-JR. 6' 3" 174

1/10 Recap: Foligno helps thrice; Knapp, 'Hawks upset

Marcus Foligno notched three assists on Sunday as Sudbury downed Oshawa, 7-4. The three-point night, Foligno's first since October 2008 and second of his OHL career, gives the banger nine points in his last seven games while improving his season line to 7-16-23 through 41 contests.

In the NCAA, Connor Knapp stopped 13 of 15 shots, but Miami only hit on one of their 39 as the #1 RedHawks were upset for the second straight game by unranked Robert Morris, 2-1. Both RMU goals came with the man advantage, with the first beating him five-hole and the game winner coming on a short breakaway. The loss lowers the sophomore's season record to 3-2-3.

The Colonials (5-12-3) entered the weekend with an all-time Division I record of 62-106-23, but executed well with strong goaltending from Brooks Ostergard (76 saves on 78 shots) to give Miami their first sweep of the season. The RedHawks (13-4-5) will look to regroup for next weekend's set at CCHA co-leader, Ferris State.

In the USHL, Mark Adams was -1 in Chicago's 3-2 loss to Waterloo.

Kassian off to Windsor

In a deal announced prior to Windsor's Sunday game against Sarnia, the defending Memorial Cup champion Spitfires have acquired Zack Kassian in a deadline deal with Peterborough. In return, the Petes will receive 2010 draft prospect Austin Watson and a pair of future second round picks.

In what has been at times a challenging season for 2009 first-rounder, Kassian, 18, leaves behind the Petes captaincy in pursuit of a fresh start in his hometown with the current #1 overall team the CHL Mastercard Rankings.

The trade is a major deal in the development of the future power forward. Landing back in Windsor for the balance of the year will free him up mentally to simply execute without the worries of wearing the "C" and being the team's main offensive cog. In 33 games to date, Kassian has collected eight goals and 27 points. Those numbers should increase exponentially in a lineup that already includes 2010 top guns Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler, along with Team Canada members Ryan Ellis (NSH), Adam Henrique (NJ), and Greg Nemisz (CAL), and five other NHL draft picks.

A side nugget to this deal is that both Kassian and the Sabres should have an excellent rapport with Windsor's coaching staff. Head Coach Bob Boughner played in Buffalo with current Sabres amateur scout Yuri Khymlev, while Kassian was a forward on Canada's U18 gold medal winner coached by Boughner at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial last April.

1/9 Recap: Hobey candidate Tropp extends streak

Corey Tropp (-2) registered a power play assist to extend his point-streak to a career-best eight games on Saturday as Michigan State tied Lake Superior, 3-3. Tropp has gone three games without a goal after potting seven in his previous five. Still, his 17 goals remain tops in the country while his 32 points trail Duluth's Jack Connolly by one for the national scoring lead.

You can vote for Tropp in phase I of the Hobey Baker selection process here.

In Grand Forks, Corey Fienhage earned his second assist of the season and Brad Eidsness made 20 saves as North Dakota held off Minnesota State, 3-2. Eidsness was tested more than he was in Friday's victory, making many tough stops late to earn the game's #3 star. Justin Jokinen was even for the Mavericks in defeat. Game highlights below:



Eidsness, the undisputed #1 goaltender in Grand Forks, moves to 11-5-3 on the year. Fellow sophomore Fienhage now has two assists in 13 games in relief of Hobey Baker candidate Chay Genoway.

Elsewhere in the collegiate ranks, Harvard defenseman Alex Biega finished -1 as was swept at Minnesota, 3-1. The senior captain has one goal and four assists n 14 games.

Nick Eno served as backup in Bowling Green's 4-3 loss to Ohio State.

In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé posted a shot on goal and a pair of minor penalties in Cape Breton's 2-0 shutout of Halifax. Lagacé has yet to register a point in two games with the Eagles, but was very active on the forecheck as he tried to get things going in his second game with new teammates.

Jordon Southorn was -2 as PEI edged Shawinigan, 3-2 in overtime. Rocket netminder Wendell Vye made 48 saves to backstop the victory.

Brayden McNabb was -1 as Kootenay defeated Red Deer, 2-1. With all three goals coming in the third period, it was a McNabb hiccup in the neutral zone while on the power play that led to the Rebels only goal of the game. The win was Kootenay's ninth in a row.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno saw his five-game point streak snapped as Sudbury was shut down in a 7-0 shellacking by Belleville.

Nick Crawford was even as Barrie eeked out 3-2 overtime win over Mississauga-St. Mike's. The fourth-year rearguard has gone three games without a point for the first time all season.

In the USHL, Providence-bound Mark Adams was -3 as Chicago got thumped by Waterloo, 8-3.

Adam getting ready for next step

Newfoundland native Luke Adam returned home this week for a weekend of rest after helping Team Canada skate to a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in Saskatoon. The Telegram caught up with Adam, who talked about his season to date before returning to the Cape Breton on Monday.

Despite never being used in what could be called a feature role on Team Canada, Adam had four goals and four assists in six games for the eventual silver medal-winners, including a goal and an assist in a 6-5 overtime loss to the United States in Tuesday's championship game.

Sabres' scouts at the tournament enthused about his play, adding to recent praise from Buffalo general manager Darcy Regier.

"I give him a lot of credit because he has really focused in on improving," Regier told the Buffalo News. "Luke is very curious. He asks for video and he asks for things that will help him. He is very active in taking ownership of his career. It's a pretty nice thing to watch."

Of course, Adam - who has until June 1 to sign his first contract with the Sabres - knows he still has a ways to go before becoming an NHLer, but believes he's at least on the right path.

"Last year, I was focused on being a better junior player," said Adam, the No. 1 centre for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

"This year, with the help of my coaches, I'm at the point where I'm focused on doing things that will help me become a better professional player, and I think that's happening."

The Telegram website also captured video of Adam's arrival at St. John's airport. A brief interview begins at the 1:38 mark.



For more information on Adam, check out this interview he was kind enough to do with SabresProspects back in March while recovering from his season ending injury.

1/8 Recap: Foligno hitting stride, Kass lowers boom

In Friday night OHL play, Marcus Foligno scored his seventh goal of the season and picked up a fighting major that led to huge momentum shift as Sudbury doubled Brampton, 4-2. The 6'3 checking forward is amidst a career-high five game point streak, including goals in three straight.

Foligno buried a one-timer from the slot top shelf at13:05 of the second period. After the Batallion came back with a goal just :37 later, Foligno came out on his next shift and drilled Rochester, NY native Phil Lane with a hit along the boards, causing Brampton forward Sam Carrick to challenge the relentless Foligno to a scrap.







Also from the OHL, Zack Kassian played his most complete game in weeks, but the Petes could not complete the third period comeback in a 4-3 OT loss to Oshawa. Kassian (-1) picked up an assist in the loss, and while failing to score a goal for the eleventh consecutive game, made a physical mark with one bruising hit in particular.

The 6'3 banger was in the middle of a scary moment with 3:07 left in regulation when his finishing check caused Generals forward Nick Esposto to leave the ice on a stretcher. Deemed a clean hit, the vulnerable Esposto hit his head on the glass upon impact after passing the puck up ice. No penalty was issued, and Esposto is expected to fully recover.

Kassian nearly iced the game n the OT when he executed a dangling offensive carry that has been quite rare in his season portfolio. Despite the solid effort, the Petes captain lost the puck at the point a few minutes later to allow a 2-1 break on Boone Jenner's short-handed overtime winner.

On Thursday, Kassian earned an assist as Peterborough lost to Mississauga, 6-3.

Also from Friday, Nick Crawford was -1 as Barrie got throttled by Kingston, 6-2. The Colts blueline is set to welcome Team Canada defenseman Alex Pietrangelo after a Friday night trade with Niagara.

In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé made his Cape Breton debut on Friday, registering four shots on goal as the Screaming Eagles were defeated by Saint John, 3-1. Cape Breton played without Maxime Legault, who left Wednesday's 4-1 loss to Montreal with an ankle injury. The 20-year old forward is slated to miss at least two weeks.

Jordon Southorn finished +1 as PEI bested Gatineau, 5-4.

In NCAA action, reigning NCAA Player of the Month Corey Tropp was credited with a pair of assists as  Michigan State skated past Lake Superior, 4-2. The leading point-getter in the entire NCAA, Tropp missed a chance to pile up additional marks by earning a 10-minute unsportsmanlike misconduct in the final minute of the second period.

Brad Eidsness was called on to make just 18 saves, while Corey Fienhage finished +1 as North Dakota defeated Minnesota State, 4-1. Justin Jokinen was -1 with two shots on goal for the losing side.

Alex Biega was even as Harvard lost a non-conference match-up at Minnesota, 5-2.

In Pittsburgh, sophomore netminder Connor Knapp watched from his usual Friday spot on the bench as his top-ranked Miami RedHawks were upset by Robert Morris, 3-1. Knapp should get the nod when the two clubs complete the home-and-home series on Sunday in Oxford.

Nick Eno made 28 saves including 17 in the opening twenty minutes as Bowling Green lost to Ohio State, 7-2. The junior keeper allowed five of the seven goals before giving way to Andrew Hammond with 11:35 to play in the third.

In the USHL, Mark Adams was +1 as Chicago lost to Des Moines, 5-3.

On Thursday, Brayden McNabb picked up an assit as Kootenay edged Calgary, 2-1. The 6'4 blueliner, who saw his seven-game point streak snapped in Wednesday's 8-1 win over Saskatoon, is currently fourth in WHL scoring for defenseman with 40 points (12+28) in 34 games.

Lagacé to join Adam and Legault

As speculated, the Cape Breton Post is reporting that the Chicoutimi Sagueneens have traded Jacob Lagacé to the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles as part of three-way deal.

The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles are rumoured to be part of a three-team deal that would land them sniper Jacob Lagacé from the Chicoutimi Sagueneens.
The Cape Breton Post has learned that Lagacé will join the Eagles on their weekend road trip. They face the Saint John Sea Dogs Friday and the Halifax Mooseheads, Saturday. Also, posts on Lagacé’s Facebook page have been wishing the Beloeil, Que. native good luck in Cape Breton.
Wednesday, the Eagles flipped 17-year-old blue-liners Zachary Evans-Renaud and Ian Saab and a second round pick in the 2012 draft to the Maineiacs in return for defenceman Eric Gelinas, forward Stephen Woodworth and a fifth-round pick in 2010.
The Eagles will reportedly send Gelinas to the Saguneeens along with a pair of draft picks for Lagacé.

Lagacé, who leads the QMJHL with 30 goals, will join the Eagles forward ranks which also includes Sabres prospects Luke Adam and Maxime Legault. Legault was previously brought in from Shawinigan in a deal over the Christmas holiday. More to come as details shake out.

Tropp earns CCHA monthly nod

Michigan State junior Corey Tropp has been named the CCHA Player of the Month for December.

Tropp, a 20-year-old from Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., led the Spartans to a 5-1-0 record in December including the program’s 12th Great Lakes Invitational title. He leads the nation with 17 goals and four game-winning goals through 22 games this season, and currently ranks third with 29 points. In the month of December, Tropp led the country with seven goals and 10 points. His efforts helped MSU climb to No. 9 in the USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Poll and second place in the CCHA with a 9-3-2-0 record. Tropp was drafted by Buffalo in the 3rd round (89th overall) of the 2007 Entry Draft.

The 6-foot, 185-pound junior was named CCHA Player of the Week on Dec. 14 after recording his second hat trick of the season, including the game-winning goal, and an assist in an 4-1 victory over Bowling Green Dec. 12. Tropp also recorded the only goal in a 1-0 win over Northern Michigan (Dec. 4) and a pair of game-tying tallies that forced overtime against NMU (Dec. 5) and BGSU (Dec. 11).

Adam ready as Canadians seek gold

Sabres prospect Luke Adam is getting some press in anticipation of Team Canada’s Tuesday night showdown with Team USA. The two teams will battle for the U20 World Junior Championship title in a rematch of their exciting preliminary round contest won by Canada in a shootout.

Adam’s hometown paper in St. John's Newfoundland, The Telegram, hints that the 6’1, 203-pound center will likely remain in his energy role despite the potential for a forward moving back to D for the finale.

There will be lineup changes tonight for the Canadian side.

Defenceman Travis Hamonic will miss the final due to a separated shoulder. That means forward Brandon McMillan may move to the backline as he did earlier in the tournament.

But Adam, who has been on the ice with Jordan Eberle and Brayden Schenn as McMillan's replacement for a few shifts, expects to skate with his regular linemates Stefan Della Rovere and Jordan Caron tonight.

Although Canadian coach Willie Desjardins has shaken up all of his lines at various times during the tournament, Adam believes McMillan will stay up front, with defenceman Jared Cowen replacing Harmonic.

Asked to assess his play so far in the tournament, Adam, who has three goals and three assists, said he's been pleased.

"I feel I've been doing very well. I'm being used in an energy role. The coaches have been pleased with what I've been doing and my teammates have been great, so it's been fantastic so far.

The Cape Breton Post also has a feature on Adam in today's paper. On re-matching with the Americans:

On New Year’s Eve in Saskatoon, the Canucks were forced to mount a comeback from a 4-2 deficit midway through the third to nip the United States 5-4 in a shootout.
“It might have been nice to watch on TV but it wasn’t nice to watch on the bench,” said the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles centre, Monday. “In the first game against the Americans, we don’t feel like we played our game at all. We turned the puck over way too much and we didn’t keep it simple. We tried to do too much.”
Thursday’s close win gave Canada a bye into semifinal play Sunday that saw the Canadians rout Switzerland 6-1. The second semifinal game of the day saw the U.S. upset Sweden 5-2, ensuring an all-North American rematch in today’s final in Saskatoon.
“Everyone here is willing to buy in and we just have to keep it simple and play the Canadian game,” Adam said of today’s final at 9 p.m. Atlantic time. “To be able to play in the championship game of the world championships is pretty special. We’re just excited to get it going.”

NHL.com: Ennis growing into his own

NHL.com currently has a nice piece up on Portland forward Tyler Ennis. The 5'9 rookie is currently tied for the AHL rookie lead in scoring with 12 goals and 35 points in 37 games.

On playing center:

"(Buffalo) really wants all of its (forwards) to know how to play different positions," he said. "They told me in juniors that they'd like me to try and learn how to play center, so I tried it for a few games and then went back to wing. But I played center all through training camp this year and have stuck with it here in Portland."

The position change has proved challenging at times for Ennis, who said the technical aspect of faceoffs is one area that he has particularly needed to focus on improving. He also finds himself trailing the play into the offensive zone more as a center, as opposed to primarily leading the rush on the one of the wings.

But describing himself as a mix between a playmaker and a scorer, the switch hasn't hampered his ability to develop scoring opportunities.

"Once you're in the (offensive) zone, things tend to develop where all the forwards are getting chances. So I haven't noticed much difference in terms of (passing the puck vs. opportunities to score)," he said.

I recommend reading the entire article, as it capsulizes his season-to-date rather well.

1/3 Recap: Wicked pace continues for Lagacé

Jacob Lagacé scored his 30th goal of the year on Sunday as Chicoutimi defeated Quebec, 4-1. The leading goal-getter in the QMJHL, Lagacé's power play marker gives him 30 in just 35 games after netting 32 goals in 69 games all of last season.

Elsewhere, Jordon Southorn was +2 with four shots on goal as PEI defeated Halifax, 4-1. It appears that Southorn will stay put in PEI with Rocket GM Serge Savard indicating that he is done making moves for the current trade period.

Maxime Legault registered a shot on goal in Cape Breton’s 2-1 loss to Moncton.

In NCAA play, Brad Eidsness made 29 stops as #6 North Dakota played to a tie with #20 Notre Dame. Corey Fienhage was even with two shots on goal for the Sioux. The Irish were awarded the Shillelagh Tournament victory after winning a shootout.

Drew MacKenzie finished +1 as Vermont took the Catamount Cup with a 5-2 win over Duluth.

Nick Eno made 23 saves as Bowling Green edged Clarkson, 4-3. The junior ups his record to 3-9-1 with the win.

1/2 Recap: Foligno factors; Kassian's slumber continues

Marcus Foligno scored his sixth goal of the season on Saturday as Sudbury lost to last-place Niagara, 5-2. The 6'3 banger took a pass in from the blueline and snapped home a shorthanded tally late in the second period to give him two goals and three assists over his current four-game point streak.

Nick Crawford (-2) picked up an assist for Barrie in their 6-3 win over Peterborough. The offensive struggles continued for Petes captain Zack Kassian, who went without a point for the seventh time in his last eight games.

Jordon Southorn, whose name continues to be linked to Patrick Roy's Quebec Remparts, was +1 with an assist as PEI lost to Cape Breton, 4-1. Maxime Legault finished +2 for the Screaming Eagles.

Jacob Lagacé finished -3 as Chicoutimi was outgunned by Drummondville, 4-2.

In NCAA play, Justin Jokinen banged home a rebound for his third goal of the season as Minnesota State blanked RIT, 3-0.The sophomore made a few nice offensive plays in the game as coach Troy Jutting mixed-and-matched lines.

At the Shillelagh Tournament in Illinois, Brad Eidsness made 19 saves as #6 North Dakota beat Niagara, 3-1. The win ups the sophomore's season record to 9-5-2. Sioux blueliner Corey Fienhage finished the night even with a shot on goal and a roughing minor. North Dakota will square off with #20 Notre Dame in Sunday's tourney final.

In Burlington, Drew MacKenzie was +1 as Vermont defeated Alabama-Huntsville, 4-3. The unranked hosts will play #12 Minnesota-Duluth for the Catamount Cup on Sunday.

Nick Eno served as back-up in Bowling Green's 3-1 loss to Minnesota at the Dodge Holiday Classic in Minneapolis. The loss puts the Falcons record at 2-15-2 heading into Sunday's third-place game against Clarkson. Eno is expected to get the start.

In the USHL, Mark Adams recorded a shot on goal as Chicago held off Lincoln, 2-1.

1/1 Recap: Southy heading west?

Rumors out of the QMJHL are suggesting that Jordon Southorn has played his last game for the PEI Rocket, as a deal has reportedly been made that will send the 19-year old defenseman and another player (Samson Mahbod perhaps) to the Quebec Remparts. Nothing is official yet, but it could be done as soon as Saturday. A trade to a contender could be the jumpstart the Southorn needs to earn an NHL contract from the Sabres. Stay tuned for more details.

In Friday night OHL action, Zack Kassian finished -1 as Peterborough was shut down by Kingston, 3-0.

Justin Jokinen registered an assist as Minnesota State handled RIT, 6-1.

In the USHL, Mark Adams was +2 with an assist as Chicago defated Lincoln, 5-4 in a shootout.

Adam contributes as Canadians earn bye

Luke Adam was +2 with an assist as Canada came back to defeat Team USA, 5-4 in a shootout. With a win in the tournament's most exciting game to date, the Canadians earn a bye into the semifinals where they will battle the winner of Russia and Switzerland. The Americans will next face Finland, with the winner getting Team Sweden for a right to play for the gold medal.

The 6'2, 210-pound Adam earned an assist at 2:03 of the first period when Stefan Della Rovere barreled to the net for the first goal of the game. Adam later played a big part in the third Canadian goal by planting his big body in front of USA netminder Jack Campbell, creating enough of a distraction for Jordan Eberle to slip the puck into the net. Trailing 4-2 before Eberle's tally, the goal was the momentum shifter that brought the Saskatoon crowd back to life before Alex Pietrangelo's sniping corner pick tied the game and forced the tiebreaking session.

Adam did not see the ice in the 4-4 overtime or earn a shootout attempt, but his defined role continues to make an impact as Canada aims for a sixth straight gold medal.