Steven Shipley notched an assist on the game-winning goal Thursday as Niagara opened the second round of the WHL playoffs with a 2-1 win over Oshawa. The helper was Shipley's second point in five post-season contests. Nicklas Jensen ('11) scored the lone Generals goal. The IceDogs will travel to Oshawa for Saturday's game #2.
In the WHL, Riley Boychuk finished -3 as Portland lost game #1 of their Western Conference semifinal to Kelowna, 5-1. Boychuk, who midway through the first period was bumped up to the Winterhawks top line after Brad Ross was ejected for a charging major, generated a some down-low scoring opportunities but was unable to connect for the scoreboard. The Rockets were fueled by hat trick and an assist from talented 2011 prospect Shane McColgan. Game #2 is Sunday in Portland.
