Sunday, October 9, 2011

10/8 Recap: Usual suspects stay warm; Lieuwen shines

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored a goal and an assist Saturday as Rimouski was delivered an 8-2 hammering by defending Memorial Cup champion Saint John. The 6'1 defender, who in defeat continued his streak of six consecutive multi-point games, is the QMJHL's top scorer among defenseman with 15 points (6+9). Leduc and Nics will play at Moncton on Sunday.




In the WHL, Nathan Lieuwen made 33 saves, many of the spectacular variety, to lead Kootenay to a 2-1 win over Red Deer. The game's #1 star, Lieuwen maintains his stature as the WHL's top netminder with a 3-1-0-2 record, 1.30 goals against average, and .953 save percentage. The ICE return to action Wednesday when they welcome Edmonton to Cranbrook.




Kevin Sundher notched a goal and an assist as Victoria skated to a 5-4 loss in Seattle. The center drifted into open space to beat Avalanche prospect Calvin Pickard at 10:52 of the third period. Sundher leads the WHL with 12 assists and is currently the league's #2 scorer with 15 total points. He'll look for points in four straight games Monday afternoon at Vancouver.




Mark Pysyk finished -1 as Edmonton lost at Saskatoon, 5-1. The Oil Kings continue their eastern swing Sunday at Swift Current.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci scored his fourth goal of the year and added an empty-net assist as Owen Sound doubled Erie, 6-3. The goal came off a scramble in front of the net to give the Attack a 3-2 lead. Owen Sound out-shot the Otters by a 61-23 margin. The Attack will next host Saginaw for a Monday matinee.

More than a dozen goals were scored, but neither of Barrie's Gregg Sutch or Niagara's Steven Shipley were able to register a points as the Colts downed the IceDogs, 8-6. Barrie defenseman Alex Lepkowski was a scratch for the second straight game. Niagara will correct some things this week in practice before Thursday's game with Belleville. Sutch and the Colts are off until Friday's tilt at Sudbury.

In NCAA play, Connor Knapp made 19 saves to help #1/2 Miami avenge Friday's loss with a 3-2 come-from-behind win over Bemidji State. The victory was the 32nd of Knapp's career in Oxford. The 6'6 netminder will likely play the Saturday half of next weekend's set at the country club of Colgate University.

Brad Eidsness stopped seven of eight shots in relief as #3 North Dakota was handled by #5 Boston College in the IceBreaker championship, 6-2. Eidsness, who entered the game with under three minutes remaining in the second period, gave up a goal but generally looked sharp in his first attempt to win back time from Aaron Dell. A year ago at this time, the skate was on the other foot as Dell was the one chasing then-starter Eidsness. With the Dell allowing five goals on 15 shots Saturday, don't be surprised if Eidsness gets another look next weekend when the Sioux host Maine.

Justin Jokinen was -1 with two shots on goal as Minnesota State dropped a 4-1 decision to RPI. The Mavericks (1-1-0) return to action next weekend at home against Lowell.

Christian Isackson played his first NCAA contest, finishing even in Minnesota's 6-0 blanking of Sacred Heart. The Gophers open the WCHA schedule next weekend at Duluth.

Brad Navin was scratched in Wisconsin's 3-2 win over Northern Michigan. The Badgers travel to Michigan Tech on Friday.