Elsewhere in the OHL, Brendan Lemieux charged the net for his first goal of the year and the eventual game winner as Barrie doubled Sarnia 4-2. Lemieux has been a busy body through three regular season contests, ringing up a fighting major, roughing, elbowing and checking to the head minors, along with a 10-minute misconduct (for the latter call), all while skating top line minutes.
Highly touted draft prospect Mackenzie Blackwood made 35 saves for Barrie to earn the game's number one star. For Sarnia, draft eligibles Pavel Zacha and Vladislav Kodola were each credited with assists.
The Colts play their third game in as many nights Saturday when they host Ottawa.
Eric Cornel set a screen and picked up an assist on a Nick Ritchie (ANA) goal as Peterborough fell to North Bay 3-2 in a shootout. The power play helper gives Cornel three points through three games of the young season. The Petes are off until Thursday when they travel to Windsor.
In QMJHL action, Vaclav Karabacek (-1) posted four shots on goal as Gatineau was dealt a 5-2 defeat by Chicoutimi. Karabacek flashed his hands and work ethic throughout, but was unable to breakthrough for follow-up opportunities as the Sagueneens executed a smart road game. Nicolas Roy ('15) notched a goal and an assist for the winning side.
In the WHL, Brycen Martin logged a minus-two rating as Swift Current edged Vancouver 5-4. Draft prospects Jake Debrusk (SC) and Alec Baer (VAN) each tallied a goal and an assist for their respective clubs. The Broncos continue their Pacific swing Saturday in Victoria.
In the AHL preseason opener, Rochester picked up goals from Akim Aliu (2), Dan Catenacci and Jordan Samuels-Thomas but was defeated by Toronto 5-4. Joel Armia and Phil Varone were among the Amerks' scratches while Andrey Makarov played the whole way in goal. The two clubs meet again Saturday in Rochester.
