Kevin Sundher snagged two goals and two assists Friday to lead Victoria to an 8-5 win over Lethbridge. The four-point outing, Sundher's fourth this season, gives the six-foot center 21 goals and an even 50 points in 31 games - good for 6th overall in WHL scoring. The Royals, who snapped three-game losing streak with the win, will face slumping Seattle on Saturday.
Steven Shipley scored two goals including the game winner and added an assist as Niagara downed Mississauga, 5-3. The 6'3 Shipley, who improves his season production to seven goals and 10 assists while skating on the Dog's top line with Ryan Strome and Freddie Hamilton, has points in two straight games for just the second time this season (he had one four-game point streak that extended into early October). Niagara tangles with Kingston on Saturday.
Brad Navin scored his first NCAA goal as Wisconsin skated to a 3-3 tie with #1 Minnesota-Duluth. The freshman forward put the Badgers on the board with a power play deflection in front of the Bulldogs net at 5:49 of the opening frame. The two clubs will play what should be an exciting rematch on Saturday.
In Finland, Joel Armia assisted on the lone Assat goal in a 3-1 loss to Tappara. Armia, who will play in Saturday's contest against the Blues before joining the Finnish national junior squad, played 11:21 in the loss.
Alex Lepkowski finished +2 as Barrie handled Guelph, 8-5. Gregg Sutch, who was shaken up when pulled to the ice late in the 2nd period, finished -1 for the Colts. Trailing 4-0 in the third, the Storm erupted for four goals in a span of 1:09 to make for a tighter final ten minutes. The Colts host Brampton on Saturday.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc notched an assist and a season-low -3 rating as Rimouski lost at Victoriaiville, 5-3. The QMJHL's leading scorer among defensemen with 18 goals and 47 points, Leduc will travel across the continent on Saturday to skate in Team Canada's World Junior Selection Camp.
Nathan Lieuwen allowed a goal on his first shot of the game and went allow to all three more before getting the hook as Kootenay lost to Medicine Hat, 6-4. Lieuwen made 13 saves before leaving the game with the ICE trailing at 6:20 of the second period. The teams will return to Medicine Hat on Saturday to finish the home-and-home series.
Colin Jacobs made his season debut as Seattle was shutout by Prince George, 1-0. The 6'1 center missed the Thunderbirds' first 26 games while recovering from a shoulder injury. The Thunderbirds will meet Sundher and the Royals on Saturday.
In NCAA play, Connor Knapp made 27 saves as Miami posted a 5-3 upset of #4 Ohio State, 5-3. The victory, Knapp's third of the season and 34th of his career, snaps the Buckeyes 11-game unbeaten streak. The clubs will complete the home-and-home Saturday in Oxford.
Justin Jokinen produced two shots on goal as Minnesota State defeated Alabama-Huntsville, 4-2. The non-league set will conclude Saturday in Mankato.
Brad Eidsness served as backup as #19 North Dakota dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to Nebraska-Omaha. With Aaron Dell stopping 33 shots in defeat, Eidsness may very well resume his backup role when the series continues on Saturday.
Christian Isackson (infection) did not play as #2 Minnesota lost in overtime to Michigan Tech, 3-2. The freshman, who has played in just four games this season, is expected to remain out for Saturday's rematch.
