Kevin Sundher pocketed an empty-net goal and a pair of power play assists Saturday as Victoria avenged their season opening loss the night before with a 4-1 victory over Vancouver. Sundher, who was named the game's #2 star, was looking to avoid a repeat of last season's slow start that saw him go four games before notching a point and another three before his first goal. The one-goal, two-assist effort was the ninth time in Sundher's WHL career that he has scored three or more points. Six of those occurred last season, but his first didn't come until November. The Royals are off until Friday when they battle Prince George.
Nathan Lieuwen earned his first win of the season, making 29 saves as Kootenay downed Calgary, 5-1. With CHL clubs looking to rack up as many early season victories as possible, it's fair to expect the 6'5 netminder to again get the nod when the ICE meet up with Lethbridge on Tuesday.
In Finland, Joel Armia (2 PIM, 16:34 TOI) saw his two-game point streak snapped in Assat's 6-2 drubbing of HPK. After his first five games, Armia has two assists and a -1 rating while averaging 15:22 of work. He'll continue the quest for his first goal of the season Tuesday at KalPA. Old pal Marek Zagrapan finished -2 in defeat.
In the OHL, Dan Catenacci finished -2 with a slashing minor as Owen Sound was slowed by Saginaw, 5-2. The Attack, who suffered their first loss of the season after a 2-0 start, resume the schedule Thursday at Barrie.
Cedrick Henley recorded two shots on goal as worn-out Val-'Or was shut out by PEI, 3-0. After three road games in three nights, the Foreurs are now off until Friday when they host Gatineau.
Colin Jacobs remained out of action with an injury as Seattle opened the year with a 6-3 loss to Portland. The Winterhawks were playing without Riley Boychuk, who is set to take part in the Rochester Americans training camp beginning Monday.
