Saturday, October 10, 2015

10/9 Recap: Estephan in command; Brown breaks seal

Giorgio Estephan collected a goal and two assists Friday to earn the game's second star as Lethbridge cruised past Medicine Hat 7-0. Estephan started things off with a beautiful assist to set up the game's first goal at 7:28 of the opening period. He captured his second tally of the year late in the middle frame when a Tyler Wong feed found him all alone in front of the net. With nine points in six games (t-16th in WHL), Estephan will look to hit double digits Wednesday when the Hurricanes host Regina.

Brycen Martin (-2) posted three shots on goal and two minor penalties as Saskatoon was pounded by Swift Current 5-0. The two clubs will play it back Saturday in Swift Current.

Devante Stephens went without a point for the seventh-straight game as Kelowna was bested by Victoria 3-0. Currently in second place in the B.C. Division standings, the Rockets get a break until Wednesday's meeting with Red Deer.

In the QMJHL, Vaclav Karabacek recorded a team-high five shots on goal but was unable to produce a point as Baie-Comeau dropped a 4-2 decision to Moncton. Karabacek has supplied two goals in six appearances for the struggling Drakkar, who hope to right the ship Wednesday versus Sherbrooke.

In NCAA action, Christopher Brown scored his first-ever NCAA goal as No. 1 Boston College skated to a 5-1 win at Army. Early in the third period, Brown gave BC a 4-0 lead when Alex Tuch (MIN) found him in the slot for the quick deposit. The goal was a nice sign for Brown, who went without a marker in his final 27 games last season including playoffs. The Eagles close the weekend road trip Sunday at RPI.

Anthony Florentino scored his first goal of the year as No. 7 Providence began the defense of their national title with a 7-3 win at No. 11 Miami. Florentino put Friars ahead 3-1 late in the first period when he tucked a wrist shot underneath the crossbar from the high left circle. Fairport, NY native Trevor Mingoia paced Providence with two goals and two helpers. The Friars go for the sweep of the RedHawks on Saturday.

Judd Peterson hit the edge of the crease for a late strike as No. 17 St. Cloud State blanked Alaska-Fairbanks 3-0 at the Kendall Hockey Classic in Anchorage. Will Borgen logged an even rating in his NCAA regular season debut. The Huskies battle Alaska-Anchorage on Saturday.

Jason Kasdorf made 35 saves as RPI was blanked at Lowell 3-0. Kasdorf will be expected to start again on Sunday when the Engineers host No. 1 Boston College.

Freshman defenseman Ivan Chukarov registered one shot on goal as Massachusetts got past Colorado College 6-3. The teams will play a rematch in the mountains on Saturday.

In exhibition play, sophomore pivot Connor Hurley picked up two assists and three shots on goal as Notre Dame held on for a 7-5 victory over Guelph. Cal Petersen came on midway through the second period, stopping nine of 11 shots in his first action of the season. Buffalo native Dennis Gilbert posted two goals and two assists in his first appearance for Notre Dame, who resumes the exhibition schedule Sunday against Team USA Under-18.

In the AHL, Matt Ellis notched the hat trick and Jean Dupuy snatched three assists in his first professional game as Rochester opened the year with a 6-3 doubling of Lake Erie. Jerome Leduc, Jason Akeson and Dan Catenacci also scored for the Amerks, while Nathan Lieuwen made 35 saves to earn the victory.

In preseason ECHL action, Colin Jacobs contributed a goal and an assist as Elmira downed Reading 5-2. Old friends Jonathan Parker and Kevin Sundher each went without a point for the Royals.

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On Thursday, Victor Olofsson's six-game point streak was snapped as MODO was hammered by Frolunda HC 7-0. Olofsson continues to lead MODO in scoring with seven points (2+5) through as many games. Gustav Possler contributed one shot on goal in the loss. MODO takes on Rogle BK on Saturday.

Jonas Johansson made 24 saves as Almtuna IS defeated HC Vita Hasten 3-2 in overtime. The win elevated Johansson to a 5-3 record with a 1.84 GAA and .924 save%. AIS gets a crack at second-place AIK on Saturday.

In the OHL, Eric Cornel was unable to point as Peterborough was defeated by Windsor 4-1. Cornel, who has connected for one goal and four points in his six first outings, will look to step it up Saturday when the Petes visit Saginaw.