1/31 Recap: Adam's trick tames Tigres

Luke Adam scored his sixth career hat trick on Sunday as Cape Breton completed a weekend sweep of visiting Victoriaville, 5-3. The hatty, Adam's third of the season, gives him an even 35 goals on the year and extends his career-best streak to six straight games with a mark. The Newfoundland native rounded out his #1 star effort with seven shots on goal, seven blocks, and a 11-8 record at the dot. Jacob Lagacé provided a helper on Adam's power-play game winner, while Maxime Legault also had an assist for the Eagles.

With 10 goals in his last six QMJHL games, Adam's outburst comes up short of Tyler Ennis' torrid 10-goals-in-three-games clip from last February. If you recall, the former WHL sparkplug potted six in one night.

However if you add Adam's nine goals in six games prior to his departure for Team Canada, his current stretch of 19 in his last 13 is the most productive baker's dozen the Sabres prospect stable has seen in recent years. To compare, it's more productive than all of the following:

- Tyler Ennis' 17 goals in 13 games (including the six-goal game) with Medicine Hat in 2008-09
- Benjamin Breault's 17 goals in 13 games with Baie-Comeau in 2006-07
- Jacob Lagacé's 15 in 13 earlier this season while with Chicoutimi
- Paul Byron's 15 in 13 in both the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons with Gatineau
- Nathan Gerbe's run of 14 goals in 13 games with Boston College in 2007-08

Last season, both Ennis and Tyler Myers rode successful World Junior experiences to impressive finishes of their CHL seasons. As of now it appears that Adam is enjoying a similar ramp-up, which is certainly a delightful development for a Sabres organization in need of a hard-driving center who can finish.

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In Sunday OHL action, Marcus Foligno (-1) had an assist as Sudbury defeated Brampton for the sixth straight time this season, 4-3 in a shootout. With the Wolves trailing 2-1 in the second period, Foligno worked the puck to a charging John McFarland. McFarland took it to the paint where crashing linemate Mathias Sointu whacked home Sudbury's second goal of the game. 2010 eligible Phil Lane (Rochester, NY) scored his 14th goal of the year for the Battalion, but missed as the third shooter in the deciding frame.

Somewhat aided by a promotion to the McFarland line a week-and-a-half ago, Foligno accomplished a career first by finishing the month of January a point-per-game player with five goals and eight assists in 13 games. To put the development into perspective, it took the 18-year old banger 28 games through November to fetch his first 13 points of the season.

1/30 Recap: Adam's pair continues tear

Luke Adam extended his career-high streak to five straight games with a goal on Saturday by scoring a pair to lead Cape Breton to a 4-2 comeback win over Victoriaville. Trailing 2-1 midway through the third period, Adam tied the game for the Eagles before later finding the empty net to seal the victory with :37 to play.

The 6'2 center now has 32 goals on the year, half of which coming in his last 12 QMJHL contests. Maxime Legault offered his best all-around effort as a Screaming Eagle with an assist and several punishing hits to earn the game's #2 star. Jacob Lagacé added three shots on goal for the winning side.

Also from the Q, Jordon Southorn finished +3 as PEI bested Bathurst, 4-2. The surging Rocket have now won five straight.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb scored his 15th goal of the year as Kootenay held off Spokane, 4-3. The goal was McNabb's 10th power play mark of the 2009-10 campaign. Regina's Jordan Eberle (EDM) leads the WHL with 15.

In the OHL, Nick Crawford (+2) collected two more assists as Barrie defeated Kitchener, 5-2. Both of Crawford's helpers came at even strength to give him a distribution of 22-21 in terms of ES vs PP assists.

In NCAA play, Drew MacKenzie scored his second goal of the year as #17 Vermont played to a 4-4 tie with #19 Maine. The sophomore defenseman went straight down the seam and buried a rebound at the right post to tie the game 1-1 in the second period. MacKenzie now has points in three straight games for the second time this season.

Connor Knapp made 15 saves to up his season mark to 5-2-3 as #1 Miami edged Western Michigan, 2-1. The sophomore was beaten glove-side by a wrister in the second period to allow just his fifth goal in his last five games. The RedHawks are unbeaten in their last 18 conference tilts, while limiting 14 of their last 17 CCHA opponents to one goal or less.

At the Ralph, Brad Eidsness made 24 saves as #4 North Dakota dropped a 4-2 decision to #3 Denver. Ex-AJHL nemesis Joe Colborne (BOS) celebrated his 20th birthday by beating Eidsness for his second straight game-winning goal to give DU the first sweep of the Sioux on home ice since 2006. Corey Fienhage finished the night even on the North Dakota blueline.

At Joe Louis Arena, Corey Tropp finished -1 as #12 Michigan State lost to Michigan, 5-4. The junior will enter next weekend's set at Alaska-Fairbanks as the nation's third leading scorer with 19 goals and 38 points.

Justin Jokinen finished even as Minnesota State snapped a five-game skid with a 3-2 win over Michigan Tech. The Mavs fired a season-high 45 shots on net, with Jokinen registering one of them.

In the USHL, Roo Adams was -1 with a shot on goal as Chicago lost their second straight to Indiana, 4-3.

1/24 Recap: MacKenzie pots first; Adam, Lagacé streaking

Drew MacKenzie scored his first goal of the seaon on Sunday as #17 Vermont shutdown #15 Massachusetts, 3-0. With the Catamounts on the power play, the sophomore settled a pass on the blueline and wristed a shot through traffic to net the game-winning goal at 8:29 of the first period.

In the QMJHL, Luke Adam scored his 30th goal of the year as Cape Breton closed a three-games-in-three-days journey with a 5-2 loss to Chicoutimi. The 6'2 center has collected five goals in his past four games. Jacob Lagacé assisted on Adam's power play goal, and is now amidst a six-game point streak with a goal and seven helpers, while Maxime Legault added an assist of his own with :06 remaining on the clock.

Elsewhere in the Q, Jordon Southorn registered a shot on goal as PEI defeated Halifax, 2-1 in a shootout.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno was -2 with an assist as Sudbury was defeated by Mississauga-St. Mike's, 5-2. The grinder now has points in three straight games.

1/23 Recap: Knapp freezes Nooks; Foligno fuels pack

Marcus Foligno (+3) scored a pair of first period goals on Saturday as Sudbury edged Brampton, 3-2. Foligno, who for the second straight game was placed on the Wolves' top line with Kain Allicock and top 2010 prospect John McFarland, buried a rebound at 1:42 before sweeping one in from the slot five minutes later. The 6'3 power forward has four points in his last two games, and has accumulated a +10 over his last eleven. 2010 eligible Phil Lane (Rochester, NY, Buffalo Jr. Sabres) was -1 for the Troops.

Nick Crawford was +1 with a roughing minor in Barrie's 6-3 loss to Sault Ste. Marie.

In the QMJHL, Luke Adam scored his 28th and 29th goals of the season as Cape Breton got dumped by Baie-Comeau, 8-4. Maxime Legault added his 12th of the year late for the Eagles, while Jacob Lagacé notched two assists including the primary on Adam's first goal.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb was -2 as Kootenay's franchise record winning streak ended at 14 games in a 5-2 loss to Prince Albert. The dominant run through the 2010 schedule has the Ice trailing Central Division leaders Calgary by one point entering the last third of the regular season.

In NCAA action, Connor Knapp earned his third shutout of the season as #2 Miami dictated tempo in a 5-0 win over Alaska-Fairbanks. Knapp stopped all nine shots through the first two periods before being tested for another 12 in the final twenty minutes to up his season mark to 4-2-3. The sophomore heads home for next weekend's set with Western Michigan toting a 2.17 goals-against-average and .910 save percentage.

Brad Eidsness made 15 saves as #5 North Dakota defeated #9 Cornell, 3-1. The sophomore netminder was closing in on his second shutout of the season before a Blake Gallagher turnaround shot from the right side made it through traffic with 9.6 seconds on the clock. The Big Red were skating with the extra attacker for the final two-plus minutes. Sophomore Corey Fienhage was even on the Sioux blueline.

Corey Tropp (-2) assisted on the first Spartan goal as #11 Michigan State failed to earn a CCHA weekend sweep in a 4-2 loss to Ohio State. After his penalty led to an OSU goal in the opening minutes on Friday, Tropp again watched a goal from the sin bin as his hooking minor saw the Buckeyes tie the game at 1-1 at 3:14 of the second period.

Alex Biega was +2 as Harvard played to a 3-3 tie with RPI. The senior rearguard ended the weekend +5 with two shots on goal and a game-winning assist.

In the CCHA, Nick Eno made 14 saves as Bowling Green defeated Western Michigan, 3-2. Eno has been in net for all of the Falcons (4-18-4) victories this season.

Drew MacKenzie was even with two shots on goal as #18 Vermont was upended by Massachusetts, 3-1.

In the USHL, Roo Adams was even with a checking from behind minor in Chiocago's 3-2 shootoout loss to Sioux City.

1/22 Recap: Adam hits 27; Biega keys Crimson

In Friday QMJHL action, Luke Adam scored a goal and an assist and Jacob Lagacé added a helper as Cape Breton closed out Baie-Comeau, 6-2. Adam connected for his 27th goal of the season on a feed from Lagacé for the fourth of four third period goals for the Eagles. Maxime Legault, who returned to the Cape Breton lineup after missing five games with an ankle injury, finished +2 on a line with Nick MacNeil and Brad Cuzner.

Jordon Southorn was +1 with a power play assist as PEI downed Bathurst, 4-3. On Wednesday, the 6'2 defenseman punched three shots on goal in the Rocket's 5-4 win over Shawinigan.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno collected a pair of assists as Sudbury lost to Barrie, 6-4. Foligno, who snapped a three-game point drought, raises his season line to 8-17-25. Colts defenseman Nick Crawford (+2) recorded an assist for his 47th point of the year - good for 2nd overall among OHL rearguards.

In WHL play, Brayden McNabb (+1) picked up an assist as Kootenay edged Saskatoon, 5-4. On Wednesday, McNabb was +2 with a power play goal and an assist in the Ice's 8-6 win at Swift Current. His 44 points have him slotted as the sixth highest scoring defenseman in the WHL this season.

Alex Biega assisted on the game winning goal as Harvard cruised past #13 Union, 4-1. The senior captain, who finished with a season-high +3, saw his point shot deflected in by Eric Kroshus to put the Crimson ahead 2-1 at 12:07 of the middle period. Harvard has now won four straight ECAC contests, including three straight wins against ranked opponents.

At Munn, Corey Tropp finished +1 as #10 Michigan State handled Ohio State, 5-2. The Grosse Point, MI native is currently fourth in NCAA scoring with 35 points in 27 games. With the win, MSU improves to 16-7-4 overall, and 11-4-4-1 in conference play.

Nick Eno made 32 saves as Bowling Green tied Western Michigan, 4-4. The Falcons held a two-goal lead late in the third period until the Broncos pulled their goalie and scored a pair in the final 4:10, including the game-tying tally with just :03 left in regulation.

Brad Eidsness took a rest for North Dakota as the #5 Fighting Sioux lost a tough 1-0 battle at #9 Cornell. Corey Fienhage was even in defeat as the Sioux could not get any of their 28 shots past Big Red netminder, Ben Scrivens. The two clubs will get reacquainted Saturday evening at Lynah.

Connor Knapp watched from his usual Friday spot at the door as #2 Miami skated to a 1-1 tie at Alaska-Fairbanks. Cody Recihard made 20 saves in his third straight start for the RedHawks. As of now, it is unclear if Knapp will get his Saturday post back in the tail end of the RedHawks subzero Alaskan weekend.

In the USHL, Mark Adams was +2 as Chicago earned a 5-4 overtime victory over Des Moines.

1/17 Recap: Chemistry brewing in Sydney; Foligno dinged

Luke Adam (+4, 5 SOG) scored his 26th goal of the season on Sunday, and Jacob Lagacé (+5, 5 SOG) added a pair of assists as Cape Breton pummeled Baie-Comeau, 8-0. The duo continued to skate together on the Eagles top line, and while it will eventually happen with more reps, they have yet to click for substantial offense despite Lagacé earning a helper on the Adam tally. Coach Mario Durocher inserted Viktor Hertberg as the line's third member, and the opportunistic Swede responded with two goals en route to being named the game's #1 star. The Sabres third prospect in Cape Breton, Maxime Legault, is still a few days away from returning from an ankle injury.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno left the game with an undisclosed injury as Sudbury saw their three-game winning streak end with a 8-3 blowout loss to Guelph. The 6'3 forward went hard into the boards in the first period and did not come out for the final forty minutes.

Nick Crawford was +1 as Barrie edged his former mates in Saginaw, 3-2. The steady defender has played 21 straight games without committing a minor penalty.

In WHL play, Brayden McNabb finished -1 as Kootenay downed Calgary, 3-1. Ranked fifth among WHL defenders in scoring with 41 points (12+29), McNabb has now gone eight straight contests without a goal and hasn't earned a fighting major in his past 18 games after dropping the mitts in five of his first 20.

1/14 Recap: Kassian likely to sit after hit

Well Zack Kassian's first game in a Windsor Spitfire uniform on Thursday was certainly an interesting one.

The bruising winger, acquired in a Sunday deal with Peterborough, scored a goal and earned a game misconduct in the second period as Windsor lost to Barrie, 4-2. Defenseman Nick Crawford assisted on an empty net goal late for the Colts, while 2010 eligible Alexander Burmistrov scored the short-handed game winner.

Hitting is a big part of Kassian's game, but tonight he made a poor decision in the neutral zone as he left his feet to deliver a blow up high on Colts forward, Matt Kennedy.




Kassian is certain to earn a suspension for the hit. I won't sit on my soapbox and talk about blows to the head. Every hockey fan knows that they have no place in the sport. My initial reaction was that at least we saw some fire out a kid who was maybe trying a little too hard, but at the end of the day he will need to be spoken to and demonstrate that he has learned the boundaries of clean physical play.

In the QMJHL, Jordon Southorn was +1 with an assist as PEI defeated Cape Breton, 3-1. Jacob Lagacé assisted on the lone Eagle goal while Luke Adam had an off night with a possible World Junior hangover, finishing at -2 and having an outburst late that cost him a couple of shifts at the end of the game.

1/13 Recap: Lagacé pots first as an Eagle

Jacob Lagacé scored his 31st goal of the year on Wednesday, and Luke Adam added an assist in his return to QMJHL action as Cape Breton defeated Chicoutimi, 4-2. Lagacé's quick mark at :41 of the first period, his first in new colors, came against his former club of two-and-a half seasons a week after being dealt to the the nest. Last season for the Sags, the 5'11 sniper collected 32 goals in 64 appearances. Adam was playing his first game since December 11th after joining Team Canada's WJC silver medal efforts.

On Tuesday, Alex Biega was -1 as Harvard upset #5 Yale, 3-2. Habs prospect Louis Leblanc netted a pair of goals for the Crimson (3-10-2).

Adam getting ready for next step

Newfoundland native Luke Adam returned home this week for a weekend of rest after helping Team Canada skate to a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in Saskatoon. The Telegram caught up with Adam, who talked about his season to date before returning to the Cape Breton on Monday.

Despite never being used in what could be called a feature role on Team Canada, Adam had four goals and four assists in six games for the eventual silver medal-winners, including a goal and an assist in a 6-5 overtime loss to the United States in Tuesday's championship game.

Sabres' scouts at the tournament enthused about his play, adding to recent praise from Buffalo general manager Darcy Regier.

"I give him a lot of credit because he has really focused in on improving," Regier told the Buffalo News. "Luke is very curious. He asks for video and he asks for things that will help him. He is very active in taking ownership of his career. It's a pretty nice thing to watch."

Of course, Adam - who has until June 1 to sign his first contract with the Sabres - knows he still has a ways to go before becoming an NHLer, but believes he's at least on the right path.

"Last year, I was focused on being a better junior player," said Adam, the No. 1 centre for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

"This year, with the help of my coaches, I'm at the point where I'm focused on doing things that will help me become a better professional player, and I think that's happening."

The Telegram website also captured video of Adam's arrival at St. John's airport. A brief interview begins at the 1:38 mark.



For more information on Adam, check out this interview he was kind enough to do with SabresProspects back in March while recovering from his season ending injury.

Lagacé to join Adam and Legault

As speculated, the Cape Breton Post is reporting that the Chicoutimi Sagueneens have traded Jacob Lagacé to the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles as part of three-way deal.

The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles are rumoured to be part of a three-team deal that would land them sniper Jacob Lagacé from the Chicoutimi Sagueneens.
The Cape Breton Post has learned that Lagacé will join the Eagles on their weekend road trip. They face the Saint John Sea Dogs Friday and the Halifax Mooseheads, Saturday. Also, posts on Lagacé’s Facebook page have been wishing the Beloeil, Que. native good luck in Cape Breton.
Wednesday, the Eagles flipped 17-year-old blue-liners Zachary Evans-Renaud and Ian Saab and a second round pick in the 2012 draft to the Maineiacs in return for defenceman Eric Gelinas, forward Stephen Woodworth and a fifth-round pick in 2010.
The Eagles will reportedly send Gelinas to the Saguneeens along with a pair of draft picks for Lagacé.

Lagacé, who leads the QMJHL with 30 goals, will join the Eagles forward ranks which also includes Sabres prospects Luke Adam and Maxime Legault. Legault was previously brought in from Shawinigan in a deal over the Christmas holiday. More to come as details shake out.

Adam ready as Canadians seek gold

Sabres prospect Luke Adam is getting some press in anticipation of Team Canada’s Tuesday night showdown with Team USA. The two teams will battle for the U20 World Junior Championship title in a rematch of their exciting preliminary round contest won by Canada in a shootout.

Adam’s hometown paper in St. John's Newfoundland, The Telegram, hints that the 6’1, 203-pound center will likely remain in his energy role despite the potential for a forward moving back to D for the finale.

There will be lineup changes tonight for the Canadian side.

Defenceman Travis Hamonic will miss the final due to a separated shoulder. That means forward Brandon McMillan may move to the backline as he did earlier in the tournament.

But Adam, who has been on the ice with Jordan Eberle and Brayden Schenn as McMillan's replacement for a few shifts, expects to skate with his regular linemates Stefan Della Rovere and Jordan Caron tonight.

Although Canadian coach Willie Desjardins has shaken up all of his lines at various times during the tournament, Adam believes McMillan will stay up front, with defenceman Jared Cowen replacing Harmonic.

Asked to assess his play so far in the tournament, Adam, who has three goals and three assists, said he's been pleased.

"I feel I've been doing very well. I'm being used in an energy role. The coaches have been pleased with what I've been doing and my teammates have been great, so it's been fantastic so far.

The Cape Breton Post also has a feature on Adam in today's paper. On re-matching with the Americans:

On New Year’s Eve in Saskatoon, the Canucks were forced to mount a comeback from a 4-2 deficit midway through the third to nip the United States 5-4 in a shootout.
“It might have been nice to watch on TV but it wasn’t nice to watch on the bench,” said the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles centre, Monday. “In the first game against the Americans, we don’t feel like we played our game at all. We turned the puck over way too much and we didn’t keep it simple. We tried to do too much.”
Thursday’s close win gave Canada a bye into semifinal play Sunday that saw the Canadians rout Switzerland 6-1. The second semifinal game of the day saw the U.S. upset Sweden 5-2, ensuring an all-North American rematch in today’s final in Saskatoon.
“Everyone here is willing to buy in and we just have to keep it simple and play the Canadian game,” Adam said of today’s final at 9 p.m. Atlantic time. “To be able to play in the championship game of the world championships is pretty special. We’re just excited to get it going.”

Adam contributes as Canadians earn bye

Luke Adam was +2 with an assist as Canada came back to defeat Team USA, 5-4 in a shootout. With a win in the tournament's most exciting game to date, the Canadians earn a bye into the semifinals where they will battle the winner of Russia and Switzerland. The Americans will next face Finland, with the winner getting Team Sweden for a right to play for the gold medal.

The 6'2, 210-pound Adam earned an assist at 2:03 of the first period when Stefan Della Rovere barreled to the net for the first goal of the game. Adam later played a big part in the third Canadian goal by planting his big body in front of USA netminder Jack Campbell, creating enough of a distraction for Jordan Eberle to slip the puck into the net. Trailing 4-2 before Eberle's tally, the goal was the momentum shifter that brought the Saskatoon crowd back to life before Alex Pietrangelo's sniping corner pick tied the game and forced the tiebreaking session.

Adam did not see the ice in the 4-4 overtime or earn a shootout attempt, but his defined role continues to make an impact as Canada aims for a sixth straight gold medal.

Adam solid in early WJC goings

Luke Adam scored his third goal of the U20 World Junior Championships on Tuesday as Canada (3-0) cruised past Slovakia, 8-2. Adam's unassisted wraparound effort came at 5:08 of the second period to put Canada ahead 4-0. The Canadians will face off against unbeaten Team USA on Thursday.

Adam, 19, previously had scored a pair of goals and an assist in Canada's 16-0 tourney opening thrashing of Latvia. In addition to his four points, the 6'2 pivot has accumulated 11 shots on goal, a 15-9 record at the dot, and a +4 rating through the first three games of the preliminary round.

Chosen 44th overall by the Sabres in 2008, Adam is seeing his first international action in a Canadian sweater since appearing for Canada-Atlantic in the 2006 World U17 Challenge. Known more as an offensive commodity in the QMJHL, the future Sabre is executing in a checking/4th line capacity with linemates Stefan Della-Rovere (Barrie - OHL) and Jordan Caron (Rimouski - QMJHL). He's coming back deeper on the backcheck and has progressively become more aggressive physically all the while being big on the puck and a presence in the goal mouth much like he is when with Cape Breton. In typical Adam fashion, his first goal of the tournament came when he pounced on a rebound in the high slot.

Adam's 25 goals and 52 points made him the Q's top point-getter at the time of his departure for Canada's selection camp. Last season, Tyler Myers returned from his excellent World Junior performance to turn in one of the most dominant second halves in recent CHL memory.

Canada and Team USA will drop the puck Thursday night at 8PM on NHL Network.

Legault to the nest

While the NHL rests with a holiday trade moratorium in place, the transactions have been coming at a good pace in the QMJHL since the league's trade period opened on December 19th. As a result, one Sabres prospect will be joining another after Wednesday's deal between the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and Shawinigan Cataractes.

The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles acquired 20-year-old forward Maxime Legault from the Shawinigan Cataractes on Wednesday in exchange for defenceman Michael Ward and winger Maximilien Le Sieur.

The Eagles also obtained Shawinigan’s fourth-round pick in 2010 and a second-round pick in 2011 in the deal. The Cataractes get Cape Breton’s second-round pick in 2010 and a first-round pick in 2011.

Legault, a seventh-round selection by the Buffalo Sabres in last year’s NHL Entry Draft, has collected 10 goals and 10 assists in 22 games with Shawinigan this season. He had 28 goals and 44 points last season.

The 20-year-old Ward had 15 points — all assists — in 19 games with Cape Breton. Le Sieur, 17, had four goals and 10 points in 36 games.

With one point separating three teams in the Atlantic Division battle for second place, the Eagles were in the market for grit and leadership. Legault, who played five games with the Portland Pirates this fall before being returned to the Q, could address those needs by skating on the Eagles top line with leading scorer, Luke Adam (33 GP 25-27-52). Adam, 19, is currently with playing with Team Canada at the U20 World Junior Championships in Saskatoon.

Another Sabres property, Jacob Lagacé, could be on the move before the trade window closes on January 7th. Lagacé, who leads the league with 27 goals, was rumored to be heading to Victoriaville before Chicoutimi agreed to send Anaheim prospect Nicolas Deschamps to Moncton. The price will not be cheap, but teams in the hunt would love to add his scoring and experience.

12/10 Recap: Adam leaves mark with national team in mind

Does anyone think Luke Adam is ready for Team Canada's Selection Camp?

Playing in his final game Thursday before departing for a world junior tryout in Saskatchewan, the Cape Breton forward scored four times in the Screaming Eagles 7-5 win over Victoriaville. Adam's +4 output vaults him into the QMJHL goal scoring lead with an even 25, and second overall in total points with 52 in 32 games.

Starting on Saturday, Adam will join 35 other players, including 15 from last January's gold medal winners, for the rights to wear the Canadian maple leaf in the World Junior Championships. A bubble player heading into the 2009 schedule, SabresProspects has Adam in strong contention for a role on the fourth line pending a good showing in the camp scrimmages. He's not the quickest skater, but his timely playmaking, use of size, and adequate two-way abilities could make him a hidden gem at either center or wing.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian was -1 as Peterborough edged Niagara, 3-2. The Sabres' first round pick last June, Kassian has eight goals and 23 points in 25 games this season.

12/6 Recap: Lagacé cools off

Jacob Lagacé saw his 11-game point streak snapped on Sunday as Chicoutimi was blanked by Victoriaville, 3-0. The streak, which began on November 1st in Lagacé's first game back from a head injury, saw the forward accumulate 24 points (12+12) to vault into the top-five of the QMJHL scoring race.

Also from the QMJHL, Luke Adam scored his 21st goal of the year in Cape Breton's 5-4 loss to division rival Moncton. Adam, who finished the game a season-low -3, earned his first major penalty of the season after taking on 6'0, 175-pound Ted Stephens late in the opening period.

Maxime Legault notched a pair of second period assists as Shawinigan scored four unanswered goals to beat Drummondville, 6-4.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno was +2 as Sudbury downed Brampton, 3-1. Former Buffalo Jr. Sabre and 2010 eligible Phil Lane (Rochester, NY) scored his 7th goal of the season for the Battalion.

In Hockey East, Drew MacKenzie earned an assist as Vermont dropped a home-ice decision to New Hammpshire, 5-2. The sophomore blueliner was on the ice for three of the five goals against.

12/2-3 Recap: Adam lights 20th

Luke Adam picked up his 20th goal of the year on Thursday and added two assists as Cape Breton dropped Lewiston, 5-2. The output gives Adam 47 points through his first 30 games, including seven (4+3) in his last two.

Jacob Lagacé hit for an assist in Chicoutimi's 5-4 loss to Rouyn-Noranda.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian earned a power play assist in Peterborouigh's 5-4 shootout loss to Sudbury. Marcus Foligno was even for the Wolves.

Nick Crawford was +1 with an assist on the shorthanded game winner as Barrie cruised past Niagara, 5-3.

On Wednesday, Maxime Legault scored the game winning goal as Shawinigan edged Drummondville, 6-5. Legault's last three tallies have either tied or won the game for the Cataractes.

Jordon Southorn was -1 with an assist as PEI lost to league stud Saint john, 4-1. The Sea Dogs win was their 18th straight - the 5th longest streak ever in QMJHL history.

In WHL play, Brayden McNabb was +2 with an assist as Kootenay smoked Vancouver, 6-2.

Adam tabbed; Kassian, McNabb miss cut

Luke Adam is one step closer to towards achieving a career goal, as the 6'1, 210-pound center has been named by Hockey Canada to the 36-man Selection Camp roster for the 2010 World Junior Championships.

Adam, 19, was chosen by the Sabres with the 44th overall pick in the 2008 draft. The St. John's, Newfoundland native is currently third in QMJHL scoring with 19 goals and 25 assists in 29 games, while being ten months removed from a spleen injury that saw him endure over 100 days of rehabilitation.

A pair of Buffalo's 2009 draft picks, Zack Kassian (1st round, 13th overall) and Brayden McNabb (3rd round, 66th overall), joined Adam at at Canada's Summer Evaluation Camp but were not chosen to skate in the final cutdown camp set to begin December 12th in Saskatoon.

11/29 Recap: Adam pops off as Eagles hang ten

Luke Adam scored a hat trick and added an assist on Sunday as Cape Breton smoked Drummondville, 10-2. Adam (+4) also posted five shots on goal and won 11 of his 13 faceoffs to earn the game’s #1 star and help the Eagles shake off Friday's brutal shutout loss to Bathurst. The four-point effort ups the pivot's season totals to 19 goals and 25 assists through 29 games – good for third overall among QMJHL scorers.

Also from the Q, Maxime Legault scored the game-tying goal as Shawinigan won a 3-2 shootout decision over Gatineau. The power play tally was Legault’s seventh goal of the season.

In OHL play, Marcus Foligno saw his two-game goal streak snapped in Sudbury's 3-1 loss to Kitchener.

In the lone Sunday college contest, Alex Biega was even with a shot on goal as Harvard was dumped by Dartmouth, 6-2.

11/27 Recap: Lagacé gets hatty; Crawford cruising as Colt

Jacob Lagacé notched his second hat trick of the season on Friday as Chicoutimi lost to Rimouski, 7-4. The three-goal output, which included two at even strength and one shorthanded, extends Lagacé's point streak to nine games (9+10), while improving his season numbers to 19 goals and 18 assists in 23 games.

In the NCAA, Corey Fienhage earned his first point of the year and finished a game-high +3 as host #4 North Dakota defeated Ohio State, 4-1, at the Subway Holiday Classic in Grand Forks. Playing on the third pair, Fienhage picked up an assist when he made a nice keep at the blueline and used good vision on a pass to Darcy Zajac for the Sioux's first goal. Brad Eidsness made 22 saves to help North Dakota improve to 8-4-1.

Game highlights:





In the early game at Grand Forks, Connor Knapp watched as #1 Miami was upset by #6 Bemidji State, 3-2. The sophomore is expected to get the nod opposite Eidsness when the RedHawks take on North Dakota on Saturday.

In East Lansing, Corey Tropp scored his 10th goal of the year and added an assist as #8 Michigan State got throttled by #15Wisconsin, 7-3, as part of the College Hockey Showcase. The junior has now a career-high 19 points through the first 15 games of the Spartans' schedule.

Brayden McNabb scored a goal and an assist in his return to the Kootenay lineup as the Ice scored five third period goals to earn a 6-5 shootout win over Kamloops. McNabb, who garnered an assist in Team WHL's Subway Super Series win on Thursday, missed the previous eight games with a knee injury.

In the OHL, Nick Crawford posted three assists as Barrie downed Mississauga, 5-2. Crawford, who finished the night +3, has one goal, nine assists, and a +10 in seven games since being traded to the Colts.

Zack Kassian was held without a point as Peterborough dropped a 3-2 shootout to league stud, Windsor.

Finishing the QMJHL wrap, Luke Adam was -2 in Cape Breton's 3-0 loss to Bathurst. With the Eagles struggling and lacking intensity, the generally mild-mannered Adam displayed his unhappiness on the bench during the chippy contest, at one point throwing his stick in disgust.

Jordon Southorn was +1 as PEI defeated Lewiston, 6-4.

Elsewhere in the NCAA, Nick Eno made 31 saves as Bowling Green was defeated by Notre Dame, 2-1 in overtime.

Drew MacKenzie was scratched as #18 Vermont edged Northeastern, 3-2. Catamounts coaching staff Kevin Sneddon was looking to send a message after Tuesday's 6-2 loss to Massachusetts, and barring injury/illnes, it appears that the sophomore defenseman was one of the examples being made.

Justin Jokinen was also a scratch in Minnesota State's 5-2 win over Michigan Tech.

In the USHL, Mark Adams did not play in Chicago's 4-2 win over Team USA. The 6'2 defenseman registered one shot on goal in the Steel's 2-1 overtime loss to Green Bay on Wednesday.