11/9 Recap: Kea stars; Schaller gets first

Justin Kea notched an empty-net goal and an assist Saturday to earn the game's number one star as Saginaw got past Belleville 5-3. Kea was a complete two-way workhorse in the victory, winning key faceoffs and making several excellent defensive plays to power the Spirit attack. Eric Locke (-1) was unable to record a point for just the fourth time in 13 appearances this season. The Spirit move on to Kingston Sunday to battle a Frontenacs squad boasting touted 2014 draft prospects Roland McKeown, Sam Bennett, and Spencer Watson.



Elsewhere, Nick Baptiste was blanked as Sudbury dropped a 4-1 decision to Owen Sound. The Wolves are back in action Thursday when they travel to Barrie.

In the WHL, Logan Nelson did not point but was on the ice for the game winning goal as Victoria earned a 3-2 overtime win at Portland. Victorious in both of their weekend games at American-based clubs, the Royals will host another, Seattle,  on Friday.

In NCAA play, Anthony Florentino upped his point streak to three games with a pair of assists as #6 Providence earned the weekend sweep with a 4-2 doubling of Merrimack. The freshman defender has collected two goals, seven points, and plus-nine rating through his first eight collegiate contests. The Friars hit the road next weekend for a weekend set at Vermont.

Sean Malone recorded two shots on goal from the top-line center spot as Harvard lost to Clarkson 2-1. The Crimson visit #5 Quinnipiac on Friday.

Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch as #1 Minnesota edged #4 Notre Dame 5-4. The Gophers host Minnesota State on Friday.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson (-3) punched two shots on goal as Cedar Rapids was downed by Des Moines 5-2. The Riders will host Dubuque on Tuesday to complete the October 12 contest that was postponed due to a player being severely injured. Peterson was suspended for that game and will not dress.

In the AHL, Tim Schaller (6 SOG) scored his first-ever professional goal as Rochester was throttled by Binghamton 7-3. Luke Adam potted his team-best ninth goal of the year, while Matt Ellis struck late to post his third of the season. Nathan Lieuwen made 37 saves in defeat. Patrick Kaleta assisted on the Schaller tally for his first AHL point since 12/17/07. Kevin Sundher added a pair of assists for his first multi-point game of the year. Former Merrimack standout Stephane Da Costa totaled five points (2+3) to lead the Senators to victory. The Amerks get back to work Monday when they host Lake Erie.



In ECHL action, Andrey Makarov made 27 saves as Fort Wayne edged Cincinnati 3-2. The rookie netminder has three wins in five ECHL starts, compiling a 2.42 GAA and .922 save%. The Komets host Toledo on Friday.