Sunday, January 26, 2014

Draft stuff: Bennett returns; Ho-Sang hatty

While Sam Reinhart rested following a Saturday hat trick, Sam Bennett resumed his season picking up right where left off before aggravating his groin.

Bennett returned to the Kingston lineup following a two-week absence Sunday, earning a hard-working assist before topping the day off with a goal in the Frontenacs' 6-1 pasting of Belleville. Bennett's helper at 6:10 of the opening period extended his point streak to 25 games.



As Bennett was getting rhythm back, prize defenseman Aaron Ekblad was busy producing another goal as Barrie dropped a 4-2 decision at Sudbury. Eleven of Ekblad's 15 goals this season have come with the man advantage.



Aside from Bennett and Ekblad, it was a busy Sunday elsewhere for other highly rated draft prospects.

In Sarnia, Josh Ho-Sang netted his first OHL hat trick and the shootout winner as Windsor edged the Sting 8-7. The shifty Ho-Sang, ranked as the 18th North American in Central Scouting's midterm rankings, has 62 points (23+39) through 47 games. Sarnia's Anthony DeAngelo, CSS's third rated NA defender, posted a pair of markers in the loss.



Calgary finisher Jake Virtanen scored his 31st goal of the season in the Hitmen's OT loss to Edmonton. Virtanen's goal haul is currently tied for third-most in the WHL.



Guelph's Robby Fabbri received a beautiful Kerby Rychel (CBJ) feed to cash his 29th goal of the season in the Storm's win over Saginaw. The 5-foot10 winger snapped a three-game goal drought, his first multi-game dry spell since returning from a suspension in late-November.