Brayden McNabb (+2) extended his point and assist streaks to a franchise record 10 games Friday as Kootenay opened the WHL finals with a 4-3 overtime loss to Portland. Finishing with a pair of even strength helpers, the 6'4 defenseman has now collected 22 points (3+19) in 15 playoff games. Meanwhile the ICE loss, much in part due to slow start after a long layoff, snaps their amazing 11-game winning the ICE. Sabres power forward prospect Riley Boychuk recorded a roughing minor for the Winterhawks, who are expecting close to 10,000 fans when they host Saturday's game two. Portland sniper Sven Bartschi ('11) continued his ascent up draft boards with a pair of goals, while linemate Ty Rattie ('11) buried the OT winner.
In the OHL Championship, Gregg Sutch was a scratch for the ninth consecutive game as Mississauga lost game three to Owen Sound, 6-5 in overtime. Defenseman Matt Petgrave, undrafted but mentioned in the 2010 preview as a possible late rounder, scored the OT winner and an assist for the Attack. The Majors hold a 2-1 series lead with the teams heading back to Owen Sound for Sunday's game four.
In the USHL Western Conference Final, Christian Isackson finished -1 with a shot on goal as Sioux Falls defeated Dubuque, 3-2. The Stampede, who now trail 2-1 in the best-of-five, will again play with their season on the line as the teams stay in Sioux Falls for Sunday's game four.
