With regular season play winding down in the college and junior ranks, a trio of Sabres prospects have been rewarded for their strong efforts.
Wisconsin sophomore defenseman Jake McCabe has been named to the All-WCHA Third Team. The Eau Claire, Wis. native accumulated three goals and 17 points with a healthy plus-10 rating in 32 games this season for the Badgers, who open the playoffs this weekend versus Minnesota-Duluth. The performance was interrupted with gold-medal winning stint with Team USA at the 2013 World Junior Championship where the team captain earned a spot on the Tournament All-Star Team.
In the OHL Western Conference Coaches Poll, Daniel Catenacci of the Owen Sound Attack tied for third in Hardest Worker category. The speedy pivot has used his instincts and tenacity to lead the Attack with 38 goals and 78 points this season. A third-round pick in 2011, Catenacci will likely begin his pro career next season with the AHL's Rochester Americans.
Also cited in OHL Western Conference poll was Saginaw Spirit centerman Justin Kea, who was voted third in the Best on Faceoffs category. The 6-foot-4 checker embraced his elevated role for the young Spirit squad, amassing 22 goals and 48 points to help the club claim the eighth and final playoff spot.
