Steven Shipley scored his second career hat trick Saturday as Niagara spanked Belleville, 10-3. The 6'3 center ups his season totals to 19 goals and 41 points with seven games left to play. The IceDogs, currently ranked 10th in the CHL Top 10 Rankings, return to action Sunday versus Erie.
Dan Catenacci scored his 33rd goal of the year and then secured the win with the only mark in the shootout as Owen Sound edged Kingston, 2-1. The quick-footed forward has cashed 13 goals in his last 16 games en route to equaling the 71 points he posted a season ago.
Brad Eidsness made 29 saves for his fifth career shutout and first in nearly two years as North Dakota blanked Minnesota State, 3-0. The senior moves to 7-3-1 on the year with a 2.09 GAA and .923 save percentage. UND opens the first round of the WCHA playoffs on Friday when they host Bemidji State. Justin Jokinen added one shot on goal for Mankato, who will open the playoffs next week at Duluth.
Drew MacKenzie finished out his college career with a shot on goal as Vermont was shut out in a 4-0 loss to Boston College. The senior defenseman ends his four-year career with 17 goals and 64 points in 133 games, including two NCAA tourney appearances and one Frozen Four.
Elsewhere, Cedrick Henley earned an assist as Val-d'Or edged Rimouski 4-3 in overtime. Jerome Gauthier-Leduc picked up an assist in the losing cause for his 70th point of the year.
Gregg Sutch and Alex Lepkowski each played even as Barrie was dominated by Oshawa, 5-1. The Colts return to action Wednesday at Owen Sound.
Kevin Sundher was scratched as Brandon was upended by Regina, 6-4. Sundher returned to the lineup Friday after being sidelined for six games with a concussion.
Mark Pysyk was +1 in Edmonton's 2-1 win over Swift Current. The Oil Kings welcome Saskatoon to Rexall on Sunday.
Nathan Lieuwen made 24 saves as Kootenay defeated Calgary, 2-1. The 6'5 netminder, who entered the game with a 1-4 mark in his previous five starts, continues to lead the WHL with a 2.36 goals against average.
Colin Jacobs did not factor as Seattle lost to Portland, 7-3. The big center has gone without a point in six straight games.
Brad Navin recorded one shot on goal as Wisconsin lost to Minnesota, 2-1. Christian Isackson was scratched for the sixth consecutive game. The Badgers will head to Denver next weekend for the first round of the WCHA playoffs.
Mark Adams sat out for the fifth straight game (concussion) as Providence was defeated at Lowell, 4-2.
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In AHL play, Paul Szczechura scored on a third period power play to thrust Rochester to a 2-1 win over Toronto. Brayden McNabb assisted on the game winner to give him points in three straight. With an assist on Evan Rankin's first period goal, Phil Varone now has 34 points in his last 35 games.
The Rundown:
McNabb: A
Adam: 4 SOG
Brennan: 2 SOG
Crawford: 1 SOG
Szydlowski: even
Schiestel: even
The two clubs will travel to Rochester for a Sunday rematch.
