Saturday, October 8, 2011

10/7 Recap: Sundher, Leduc add to early season resumes

Kevin Sundher stacked a career-best four assists Friday as Victoria won an exciting back-and-forth affair with Medicine Hat, 5-4. Tied for second overall in WHL scoring, Sundher dished two helpers on the power play and another shorthanded before setting up Hayden Rintoul for the game winning goal with just :24 to play in regulation. The Surrey, BC native has recorded multiple points in four of seven games this season, in stark contrast to his first seven a season ago when he posted just three assists (0+3). Ducks prospect Emerson Etem scored all four Tigers goals in defeat. The Royals will next take the ice Saturday at Seattle.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc extended his early season point streak to five games, scoring the game winning goal and adding an assist in Rimouski's 4-1 win over PEI. Leduc is posting dominant offensive numbers at the major-junior level, piling up 13 points through his first five games, including five goals on 30 shots, while being the #1 star three times. To truly appreciate the five-game feat, take into consideration that defenseman Ryan Ellis, who last year marked in 50 of 58 skates en route to ringing up 101 points for Windsor, only had one five-game block all year (2-13-15) that was more productive than Leduc's start. JGL will look to continue his roll Saturday against Saint John.




Elsewhere, Mark Pysyk notched an assist, his third point of the year, as Edmonton defeated Moose Jaw, 3-1. The Oil Kings travel to Saskatoon on Saturday.

Cedrick Henley added kneeing, hooking, and roughing (two) minors to his season portfolio but was again unable to score as Val-d'Or edged Chicoutimi, 1-0. The Foreurs captain, who rounded out his effort with seven hits, has no goals and five assists in seven regular season contests. Val-d'Or will play their first-ever game in Boisbriand (formerly the Montreal Junior) on Sunday.

In the OHL, Steve Shipley (+1) saw his four-game point streak come to an end as Niagara was beaten in a shootout by Sudbury, 5-4. The former fourth-rounder amassed two goals and five assists over the productive stretch. Niagara returns to action Saturday versus Mississauga.

Dan Catenacci did not factor into the scoring as Owen Sound was bested by Erie, 7-5. The speedy center was whistled for tripping and roughing penalties in the loss, and now has more minors (12) than points (8) through the first 21 periods of his 2011-12 season. The Attack and Otters will do it again Saturday in Erie.

In Finland, Joel Armia saw his three-game point streak come to an end, finishing -1 with seven shots on goal as Assat was shut out by TPS, 1-0. Armia, who received 16:37 of work in the loss, will look to get into a goal scoring groove Wednesday at HPK. He's scored just once this season despite firing 47 shots on goal.

In NCAA action, Justin Jokinen failed to get a shot on net while on a line with J.P. Burkemper and Eli Zuck as Minnesota State took a 1-0 decision at #18 Renssalaer. Cheektowaga native Scott Diebold made 19 saves in his first start for RPI, holding off the Mavericks for 58:38 before Cameron Cooper beat him during a late 4x4. Mankato will go for the sweep Saturday in Troy.

Brad Navin was unable to get on the sheet in his NCAA debut as #17 Wisconsin lost to Northern Michigan, 3-2. The senior-less Badgers will look to earn the split Saturday night in Madison.

Connor Knapp served as the back-up to Cody Reichard as #2 Miami was upset by Bemidji State, 5-3. The 6'6 Knapp is expected to resume his role as "Mr. Saturday Night" when the RedHawks try breaking even on...Saturday.

Brad Eidsness backed-up as #3 North Dakota came from behind with two goals in the third to overcome Air Force, 4-3. The Sioux will square off with Boston College on Saturday in the IceBreaker championship.

Christian Isackson was a scratch as #19 Minnesota opened the 2011-12 season with a 9-0 thrashing of Sacred Heart.