Sunday, December 14, 2014

12/14 Recap: Baptiste earns point, gets cut

Nick Baptiste recorded one assist Sunday as Team Canada blanked the CIS All-Stars 6-0 to sweep the pair of weekend exhibitions as part of their National Junior Team Selection Camp. Following the game, Baptiste received the disappointing news that he was among the first wave of cuts.

In the early stages of the third period, Baptiste made a nice little play along the boards to find Jason Dickinson (DAL), who took a clear path to the net before dishing to Morgan Klimchuk (CGY) for the game's final goal.


Baptiste was involved at both ends, working tough on the boards while flashing signs of chemistry with the Dickinson-Klimchuk duo. He was perhaps most impressive using his speed on the penalty kill. Baptiste's skating and quickness on the forecheck could help fill an important role in a short tournament, but when all was said and done, Baptiste was sent home as Canada pared its list in preparation for the next round of pre-tournament games.

The Baptiste cut is somewhat of a surprise given how close he was to making last year's squad, but not a complete shocker when noticing how players like Brayden Point (TBL) and 2015 draft eligible Lawson Crouse looked very good in their respective roles in Sunday's win. Canada has plenty of talented of forwards and likely needed to see more offense from Baptiste, who has yet to get it going on a consistent basis since returning from a preseason shoulder injury. The 19-year-old will now head back to Erie, presumably with a chip on his shoulder, as the Otters continue their mission to win the league championship.

The other Canadian cuts were wingers Klimchuk and Remi Elie (DAL), and defensemen Travis Sanheim (PHI) and Chris Bigras (COL), a returnee from last year's squad.

For the second straight game, the line of Sabres prospect Sam Reinhart, Max Domi (ARZ) and Anthony Duclair (NYR) were given the day off. That trio, along with 2015 draft sensation Connor McDavid, would have their spots secure, allowing the Hockey Canada decision makers more time to evaluate the others, including Baptiste.

Jake Virtanen (VAN) and Point each scored a pair of goals to pace the Canadian attack.  Haydn Fleury (CAR) supplied a single.

Canada continues their training camp practice sessions Monday in St. Catharines.

OHL

Eric Cornel was blanked as Peterborough was defeated by London 5-2. Cornel has collected 26 points (8+18) this season but hasn't scored in his last five games. Draft eligible forward Mitchell Marner had a goal and an assist for the Knights. The Petes return to work Thursday versus Belleville.

Brendan Lemieux served the first of a two-game suspension as Barrie rode a two-goal, one-assist performance from 2015 draft eligible Roy Radke to a 6-1 smoking of Mississauga. Lemieux was handed the supplemental discipline after a heated exchange with the officials saw him get ejected from Saturday's game. The fiery yet productive winger (19 goals, 65 PIM in 25 games) is eligible to return Friday night at Sudbury.

Jean Dupuy missed his third game with a knee injury as Sault Ste. Marie earned a 6-4 victory over Windsor. The Greyhounds are off until Thursday when they visit Guelph.