Saturday, December 8, 2012

12/7 Recap: Kea cashes in clutch; Armia strikes in return

Justin Kea notched the second two-goal game of his OHL career Friday as Saginaw edged Plymouth 3-2 in overtime. Kea, who earned the game's number one star, tied the game 1-1 in the first period with a one-timer from just inside of the point. He'd continue his season theme of producing in the clutch with his 10th of the year with 1:57 remaining in regulation to force the overtime. The Spirit take on Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday.



In Finland, Joel Armia returned for his first action since Nov. 17 to score his 10th goal of the year in Assat's 2-1 loss at Lukko. Armia missed the Aces' previous five outings while recovering from a concussion following a cheap shot by JYP's Ramzi Abid. Assat returns home for a Saturday tilt with the Espoo Blues.



Mikhail Grigorenko wristed in his 27th goal of the season as Quebec defeated Acadie-Bathurst 4-1. Grigorenko, who has scored in three straight games, will lead the Remparts into Saint John Saturday before departing for Russia to prepare for the 2013 World Junior Championships in Ufa. (editing issues with video: check back shortly)



Elsewhere, Dan Catenacci notched an assist to extend his point streak to six games as Owen Sound was downed by Guelph 4-1. The Attack tangles with Belleville on Saturday.



Brady Austin was plus-one as Belleville won at Kitchener 3-1. The victory gives the Bulls a three-point lead on Oshawa for first place in the OHL's East Division.

In NCAA play, Christian Isackson was bumped down the lineup for the second straight weekend in No. 4/5 Minnesota's 4-2 win at No. 19 Colorado College. The Gophers will look for the road sweep Saturday in Colorado Springs.

Jake McCabe saw his point shot tipped for his fifth assist of the season late in the third period as Wisconsin earned a 1-1 tie with Michigan Tech. Brad Navin was a healthy scratch for the Badgers. Wisconsin will look to extend their unbeaten streak to four games Saturday in Madison.



Judd Peterson registered three shots on goal in Cedar Rapids' 5-4 shootout win over Muskegon. The RoughRiders and Lumberjacks will complete the weekend set Saturday in Muskegon.

In the WHL, Colin Jacobs served game number three of his six-game suspension as Prince George was blanked by Kamloops 3-0. The Cougars' leading scorer, Jacobs will return to action next Saturday (Dec. 15) versus Vancouver.

In the AHL, Connor Knapp stopped 41 of 42 shots and Brian Flynn notched his ninth goal of the year to help Rochester to a 3-1 win over Adirondack. The victory was Knapp's first as a pro. Veteran Kevin Porter paced the Amerks with a pair of goals. Rochester moves on to face Toronto Saturday evening in Ricoh Coliseum.

Please visit the Amerks website for full game recap.