Showing posts with label allard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label allard. Show all posts

Monday, August 24, 2009

Pistol sounds as CHL camps begin

It's late August, and cuts are already being made in junior hockey. QMJHL camps have opened, and four Sabres hopefuls saw their exhibition schedules get underway over the weekend before Hurricane Bill put a damper on the north Atlantic coast. Chicoutimi's Jacob Lagacé kicked the pre-season off on Friday, scoring an early power play goal as the Sags blanked Baie-Comeau, 4-0. The 19-year old forward, who last season led the Sags with 32 goals and 69 points, gave way to younger players in a pair of weekend contests. On Saturday, fourth-year blueliner Jordon Southorn had a goal and three shots on net as PEI took a 6-5 shootout win over Halifax. Southourn's marker midway through the second period launched a three-goal outburst in a span of 2:14 for the Rocket. The 6'2 defender had looked strong and sharp through a pair intrasquad scrimmages heading into the weekend. Cape Breton's Luke Adam practiced with his new team for the first time on Tuesday, but did not play in Friday's 7-2 loss at Moncton. The 6'2, 210-pounder has been skating on a top line with fellow newcomer Ashton Bernard (NJ). The early favorite to wear the "C" in Shawinigan, Maxime Legault, 20, did not play in pair of weekend home games for the Cats. It's worth noting that former Sabres prospect Jean-Simon Allard decided to not return to the QMJHL for his 20-year old season. After four years in the Q, the unsigned Allard instead had planned on playing for Alma College (QC) before his transfer was denied by the AAA league offices. It is unknown where or if Allard will be playing this season. -------------------------------------------------------------- OHL and WHL clubs will follow by opening training camps on Wednesday and Thursday. Nick Crawford, 19, will head to Saginaw on Wednesday, where the Spirit will conduct three Blue/White scrimmages on Thursday and and Friday before opening their exhibition schedule against Plymouth on Saturday. Fresh off the heels of a Team Canada Evaluation Camp, 2009 first rounder Zack Kassian will get things underway in Peterborough on Thursday. The Petes will skate in their first tune-up on Sunday the 30th at Oshawa. Marcus Foligno and the Sudbury Wolves will also begin camp on Thursday, with their annual Blue/White scrimmage set for Friday. The Wolves will begin their pre-season schedule at Soo on Tuesday, September 1st. In the WHL, Kootenay's Brayden McNabb, 18, will join his teammates for the start of camp on Thursday. The 6'4 rearguard recorded 10 goals, 36 points, and 140 PIM last season for the Ice, who won't hold their first preseason game until Friday, September 4th against Calgary. Also of western note, development camp invite Burke Gallimore of the Saskatoon Blades will be attending the rookie portion of the Edmonton Oilers training camp.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Allard heads back to draft

With no deal made by Monday's signing deadline for 2007 major-junior draft picks, the Buffalo Sabres have effectively parted ways with former fifth round selection, Jean-Simon Allard. A forward with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL, Allard will re-enter the June draft as a 20-year old. The 6'3, 192-pounder grew some as a player with St. John's in 2007-08, scoring 16 goals and 44 assists for the Fog Devils in their last season on the Rock. That year, Allard skated as a teammate of current Sabres prospects T.J. Brennan and Luke Adam. With the Foggies relocating to Montreal for 2008-09, the team made a splash at the 2008 QMJHL draft by sending Allard up the river to Quebec City in exchange for native son, Angelo Esposito. Allard's debut with Patrick Roy's Remparts was set back when he broke his jaw on the opening day of training camp. After a quicker-than-expected recovery, he got out of the gate fairly well by scoring 12 points (3+9) in his first nine games through mid-October. Despite the nice start, Allard never took full advantage of the talented Remparts roster that featured a total of eight NHL draft picks including offensive minded Mikhail Stefanovich, Kelsey Tessier, and Dmitry Kugryshev. His production cooled as a result, as it would take another 23 games before Allard would net his next 12 points. Toting a finesse approach while often unwilling to go to the tough areas, Allard finished the year with 16-40-56 in 66 games. Regardless of Marek Zagrapan's KHL designs, the free agent signing of Travis Turnbull and the extended look given to flashy speedster Paul Byron provided a bit of foreshadowing for the non-signing. Allard's style may be best suited for European action after one more year of junior, as it's doubtful that a team selects the re-entry at the end of the month.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Clock ticks for Byron, Allard

With the 5PM June 1st signing deadline looming, SabresProspects has been fielding many questions surrounding the future of 2007 QMJHL draftees Paul Byron and J.S. Allard. If both players do not come to terms with the Sabres, they will re-enter the June draft as 20-year olds. While direct attempts to reach the forwards have not been returned, the information we have received suggests that both parties are talking with the Sabres. As of now, the club doesn't appear to be walking away from either player like they did last May when informing Benjamin Breault that he wasn't part of their future plans. A point producer in his own regard, there were rumored to be other mitigating factors guiding the Sabres decision. In 2008-09, the speedy Byron finished 4th in Q scoring (99 points) on the heels of a 21-goal playoff run that helped Gatineau earn a 2008 Memorial Cup appearance. Byron will no doubt use his performance as a negotiating ploy despite concerns that his 5'10, 170-pound frame may limit his effectiveness, and push him to the outside against bigger, stronger professional players. This posturing could theoretically go on until Monday. After a draft-day trade from Montreal to Quebec, Allard had a flat year statistically with 16 goals and 56 points after a 60-point campaign the season before. Allard isn't very physical, but he plays smart and possesses plenty of two-way upside in his 6'2, 193-pound body to make him a quality depth player for Portland to work with. Stay tuned to this space for updates as they become available.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Allard done; Myers locked in battle

On Friday, J.S. Allard saw his season come to an end in the QMJHL semifinals as Quebec dropped a 6-1 decision to Shawinigan. The Remparts lose the series 4-1 while the Cataractes move on to the face Drummondville for the President's Cup. Allard posted a pair of assists in Thursday's 5-4 loss for his only points of the series to end the postseason with two goals and 10 assists in 16 games. In the WHL, Tyler Myers and the Kelowna Rockets have split the first four games of their Western Conference Final with the Vancouver Giants with game five coming on Saturday. Myers has been dominant defensively, earning the #2 star in Thursday's 3-0 win, and thus far handling the rush and physicality of Evander Kane with little issue as the prize prospect has scored just one goal on Rockets netminder Mark Guggenberger. Myers is +4 with one assist in the series and is currently tied for 2nd in WHL playoff scoring for defenseman with 14 points (4+10).

Saturday, April 18, 2009

4/17 Recap: Allard points as series opens

In the QMJHL semifinals, J.S. Allard (+1) assisted on the game winning goal as Quebec bested Shawinigan, 4-2. The home ice victory gives the Remparts a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-seven. The 6'2 Allard has points in two straight after a six-game drought, and is sixth in team scoring with two goals and eight assist in 13 playoff games. Tyler Myers and the Kelowna Rockets will open their WHL Western Conference Final match up with the Vancouver Giants on Saturday.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Allard advances in Q

J.S. Allard (+1) assisted on the Remparts' first goal (and eventual game winner) as Quebec pitched a second straight against Cape Breton, 3-0. The helper was Allard's first point of the series, and 9th of the postseason, while also contiributing at the dot by winning nine of 11 draws. The win gives the Rems a 4-3 series victory over the Eagles, and a date with Shawinigan in the QMJHL semifinals.

Monday, April 13, 2009

4/13 Recap: Remparts win; Allard alive

J.S. Allard registered a shot on goal as Quebec blanked Cape Breton 3-0 in game six of their QMJHL quarterfinal match-up. The two teams will decide the series Tuesday night in Quebec City. Centering top-liners Mikhail Stefanovich (TOR) and Dmitri Kugryshev (WAS) despite not registering a point all series, Allard won 40% of his draws while playing smart early on to help propel the Remparts into game seven. As part of Patrick Roy's shake-up, former Sabres prospect Benjamin Breault acquitted himself on the bottom line after an unfinished check allowed the Screaming Eagles to score a key goal on Friday.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

4/6-10 Recap: And then there was two

My apologies to those visiting over the past week for the lack of updates. After serving an unintentional five-day misconduct, let's jump back in with a capsule of the week's action that leaves just two players competing for the Memorial Cup. In Tuesday WHL play, Tyler Myers (-1) had a goal and two assists as Kelowna rolled over Tri-City, 7-2. The win put the Rockets behind 2-1 in their best-of-seven. The following night, Myers forced overtime with a power play goal then drew an assist on Jamie Benn's game winner as Kelowna evened the series with a 4-3 win. In Friday's game five, Myers (+1) had an assist as the Rockets defeated the Americans, 5-2. Myers has four goals and eight assists while pointing in seven of the Rockets' nine postseason games. With their #1 rearguard logging monster minutes, Kelowna will look to complete the comeback on Sunday. While Myers was helping dig the Rockets out of a 2-0 series hole, left wing Tyler Ennis and the Medicine Hat Tigers were getting dominated by an offensive-minded Brandon Wheat Kings in their quarterfinal match-up. On Wednesday, Ennis was -2 as the Tigers were blown-out by the Wheaties, 6-1. Brayden Schenn, 17, had a goal and an assist for the winners, and looks like a pivot that teams will trade up for come June. Facing a 3-0 series deficit, Ennis was -3 as the Tigers season came to an end on Friday with a 6-2 loss in Brandon. Ennis ends the playoff year as the second leading scorer, potting eight goals and 11 assists in 11 games. With many Tigers dealing with flu bugs and other dings, Ennis was rumored to be nursing an injury throughout the second round. It's now time to get the contract talks going as Ennis is done as a junior. ****** In the QMJHL this week, two prospects saw their junior careers end, while one other remains in the mix to advance in the final round. On Tuesday, J.S. Allard was -1 in Quebec's 3-2 win over Cape Breton. The Remparts halved the Screaming Eagles lead in the series to 2-1 with the W. The 6'2 forward posted two shots on goal as the Rems evened things up with a 5-2 victory on Wednesday. On Friday, Allard was -1 as the Remparts dropped a 3-2 decision to the Screaming Eagles. After pointing in every game of round one, the Alma, QC native has failed to hit the scoresheet while racking up a cumulative -5 in the series. Allard and the Rems will look to stave off elimination and force a game seven on Monday. With Allard's junior hopes still alive, two other Sabres prospects saw their seasons end over the course of the week. Hot in the first round, T.J. Brennan finished -3 on Tuesday as over-matched Montreal got pounded by Drummondville, 6-1. The win put the Volts comfortably ahead 3-0 in the series. On Wednesday, Brennan would go on to notch an assist in the Juniors 5-3 loss as the Volts earned the sweep. Entering the week locked in a 1-1 series tie, Paul Byron and Gatineau lost three straight games to see their season close in a quarterfinal loss to Shawinigan. On Tuesday, Byron had a goal and an assist as the 'Piques fell to the Cataractes, 6-3. The points extended the right wing's playoff scoring streak to eight games, and a total of 15 dating back to the final regular season contests. Wednesday saw the Ottawa native's streak end as the 5'9 Byron finished -2 in a 4-2 loss in Shawinigan. Byron came back on Friday to pot an assist, but Gatineau was overwhelmed in a 5-2 loss. A year after leading the QMJHL playoffs in goals (21) en route to a Memorial Cup appearance, the speedster ends his two-round postseason with two goals and 14 assists. ****** In the OHL, a pair of Sabres hopefuls concluded their 2008-09 campaigns as their respective clubs were bounced in the quarterfinal round. On Tuesday, Nick Crawford had an assist in Saginaw's 5-2 loss to London. The Knights dominated the Spirit to earn an easy sweep, forcing Crawford and his fellow blueliners into a hesitant posture throughout the four games. Heading back to the O in 2009-10, Crawford ends his postseason at -1 with a goal and four assists in eight contests. Also on Tuesday, Drew Schiestel was -2 as Niagara lost a 5-2 decision to Belleville on home ice. With the win, the Bulls skated away with a 3-1 series lead. On Thursday, Schiestel (-2) earned in an assist in what should be his final junior hockey game as the Dogs fell to the Bulls, 5-2. With the 4-1 series loss, Schiestel finished the playoffs with two goals and six assists and now awaits a contract. ****** On Thursday at the NCAA Frozen Four in Washington, DC, Drew MacKenzie scored his first collegiate goal as Vermont lost to Boston University 5-4 in the National Semifinal. Playing well defensively throughout, the Connecticut native pumped home a screen shot at 9:40 of the third period, but saw the game-tying goal bounce off him and into the Catamount net just three-and-half minutes later as victory started to slip out of UVM's hands. For more on the ups and downs of MacKenzie's night, check out this USCHO article.
The freshman defenseman was in line to be the hero for a Catamounts’ come-from-behind victory under the bright lights of college hockey’s biggest stage. His first collegiate goal, scored with just over a half a period remaining in the third, put Vermont ahead in a see-saw affair. However, things turned against him a short time later when he redirected a rebound past his own goaltender, igniting a BU rally that put the Terriers in the title game and had the Catamounts packing their locker room. “It went from being a high point to . . letting that one go in off my stick, obviously I’m disappointed, but there’s nothing I can do about it now,” MacKenzie said. “If I could take back that goal, I would. But it happened, so you can’t do anything.”

Sunday, April 5, 2009

4/5 Recap: Ennis ups ante with five-point night

In a wild western shootout, Tyler Ennis (+2) had a whopping five assists as Medicine Hat lost to Brandon, 8-6. Ennis' five-point night gives him 19 in nine games to lead all WHL playoff scorers, and comes one night after fellow prospect Paul Byron collected three helpers in a Gatineau win. Looking poised to even the series with a 5-3 lead after 20-minutes, the Tigers had trouble matching the Wheat Kings the rest of the way thanks in part to '09's Brayden Schenn (one goal, one assist) and Scott Glennie (three assists). Zdenek Okal had a hat trick and an assist for the Tigers. Series: Wheat Kings 2, Tigers 0. In the QMJHL,J.S. Allard finished -2 as Quebec lost to Cape Breton, 5-3. After marking in all four games of the Remparts' first round sweep, Allard has failed to hit the sheet in the two games of the QMJHL quarterfinal. Series: Cape Breton 2, Quebec 1. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel was +2 as Niagara shut out Belleville, 2-0. Jeremy Smith stopped all 50 shots the Bulls fired to get the Dogs on the board with a W. Series: Belleville 2, Niagara 1. Nick Crawford was even in Saginaw's 4-1 loss to London. Crawford and the Spirit will look to extend their seasons and avoid the Knights sweep on Tuesday. Series: London 3, Saginaw 0.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

4/3 Recap: Losses across the board in the prospectsphere

In the OHL, Drew Schiestel (-1) had a pair of assists in Niagara's 5-4 OT loss to Belleville. The Dogs surrendered three goals within the first 2:49 before scoring four straight to take a 4-3 lead in the third period. The Bulls scored with 2:27 left to force OT, where P.K. Subban's power play goal gave the Bulls a 2-0 series lead. The assists, his sixth and seventh points of the postseason, push Schiestel's career playoff point total to 20 in 24 games. On Thursday, Schiestel was +1 as Niagara opened the quarterfinal with a 4-3 overtime loss to the Bulls. Also from Thursday, Nick Crawford (+1) had a pair of assists as Saginaw was doninated at London, 7-3. 2009 eligible Nazem Zadri had two goals and three assists to pace the winners, while fellow '09 John Tavares added an assist. The Spirit trail the Knights 1-0 with game two on Saturday. In Friday's WHL second round action, Tyler Myers had an assist as Kelowna started their series with a 4-3 loss to Tri-City. An aggressive Myers boarded the 6'0, 174-pound Mitch Fadden late in the third to set up the Ams game winner with 1:57 to go. In the QMJHL quarterfinal opener, Paul Byron had an assist as Gatineau lost to Shawinigan, 4-3. Former Pique Matthew Pistilli scored the game winner midway through the third period to give the Cataractes a 1-0 series lead. Byron has goal and nine assists on his five-game playoff point streak. The streak extends to 12 games total when combining the seven-gamer he ended the season with. T.J. Brennan (+1) had a late assist in Montreal's 7-1 loss to top-ranked Drummondville. The helper was Brennan's 11th playoff point. In a 4OT thriller, J.S. Allard had five shots on goal as Quebec lost 3-2 to Cape Breton. Allard has eight points in five postseason games.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

3/27 Recap: Brennan picks up pace

In the NCAA East Region semi-final, Drew MacKenzie was even as #3 seed Vermont defeated #2 Yale, 4-1. With their first tourney win in 13 years, the Catamounts have a Saturday date with an Air Force club fresh off a victory of top-seeded Michigan. In Montreal, T.J. Brennan had two goals and two assists in the third period for another #1 performance as the Junior erupted for six goals in the final 20 minutes in their 7-0 shutout of Rouyn-Noranda. The output gives Brennan 10 points in the series, good for seventh overall in QMJHL playoff scoring, after a 34-points regular season. The win gives the Juniors a 3-2 series lead over the Huskies. Elsewhere in the Q, J.S. Allard had a goal and an assist as Quebec closed out their opening round series with a 7-1 trouncing of Baie-Comeau. With two goals and six assists, Allard has registered at least a point in each of the Remparts' first five playoff games. Paul Byron had an assist and a game-high nine shots on goal as Gatineau needed overtime to defeat Bathurst, 4-3. The five-game series win moves the Olympiques into the second round. Byron leads the team in scoring with nine points. In the WHL, Tyler Ennis scored his eighth goal of the playoffs as Medicine Hat suffered a 5-3 loss at Swift Current. Now trailing the series 3-2, the Tigers will look to force a game seven on Sunday. Ennis' eight marks sits atop the WHL leaderboard.

Friday, March 27, 2009

3/25 Recap: Ennis trick bucks Broncos

In Wednesday WHL play, Tyler Ennis (+3) notched a hat trick as Medicine Hat defeated Swift Current 5-3 to even their first-round series at two games each. With seven goals in four games thus far, the speedy Tiger is saying goodbye to a junior career with style. Tyler Myers (+1) put forth another dominating performance with a goal and an assist as Kelowna closed out Kamloops, 5-3. The Rockets sweep of the Blazers sets up a second round match-up with one of Seattle, Spokane, or Tri-City. In the QMJHL, Paul Byron had a goal and two assists as Gatineau pitched a shutout of Bathurst, 4-0. The win puts the Piques ahead 3-1 in their first round series. Jacob Lagacé scored a goal and an assist as Chicoutimi saw their season come to an end with a 4-3 loss to Rimouski. The overmathced Sags were swept by the Nics, 4-0. J.S. Allard set-up the game winning goal as Quebec defeated Baie-Comeau, 5-2. The Remparts win puts them ahead 3-1 in their best-of-seven. Jordon Southorn had an assist as PEI defeated Moncton, 5-4. Trailing three games to none, the Rocket staved off elimination with the home-ice win. T.J. Brennan had three shots on goal ans Montreal dropped a 3-2 decision to Rouyn-Noranda. The loss evens the series at two games apiece.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

3/24 Recap: Brennan engine as Juniors take lead

T.J. Brennan scored the game winning goal and added a pair of power play assists as Montreal defeated Rouyn-Noranda, 4-1. Brennan's first-star performance helped the Juniors get out to a 2-1 series lead heading into Wednesday's game four. Tyler Ennis scored his fourth goal of the playoffs as Medicine Hat lost to Swift Current, 5-2. The Tigers now trail the Broncos two games to one in their opening round series. Tyler Myers was +2 in Kelowna's 3-2 overtime win over Kamloops. Myers was named the #3 star of the game. The victory gives Kelowna a 3-0 series lead. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel had an assist as Niagara took a 5-2 win over visiting Ottawa. The defenseman also received a questionable double minor after checking 67's center Logan Couture from behind late in the third period. The Dogs lead the series 2-1. Nick Crawford was -2 as Saginaw edged Guelph, 7-6 in 2OT. 2009 draft eligible Peter Holland had a hat trick in the losing effort, while fellow '09 Jordan Szwarz had three assists to help pace the Spirit. Saginaw will look for the sweep on Thursday. Jordon Southorn had an assist and three minors as PEI lost 3-2 in overtime Moncton. Inside of 2:00 to play, the Rocket scored two goals within :11 of each other before Wildcats defenseman David Savard capped the game with his hat trick goal in OT. Down 3-0, PEI will fight for their season on Wednesday. Paul Byron had an assist and a team-high three hits as Gatineau dropped a 5-2 decision to Bathurst. Les Olympiques hold a 2-1 series lead over the Titan. Jacob Lagacé had an assist as Chicoutimi lost to Rimouski, 6-3. The Sags will look to avoid elimination on Wednesday. Finally, J.S. Allard had an assist as Quebec lost to Baie-Comeau, 4-3. The Remparts lead the Drakkar 2-1 in their series despite the loss.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

3/21 Recap: Byron trips, Southy snaps, Genny caps

In the QMJHL playoffs, Paul Byron connected for three assists - one each short-handed, on the power play, and at even strength - as Gatineau smoked Bathurst, 8-2. The game featured a fight-filled third period that included both coaches yelling and gesturing at each other through most of the final 10:00 of play. T.J. Brennan had a goal and an assist as Montreal fell to Rouyn-Noranda, 4-3. Trailing 1-0 on a first period power play, the defenseman used a high-rising wrister from the blueline to tie the game before the first intermission. The Juniors outhit the Huskies 31-5 in defeat. After splitting the first two games, the series will resume on Tuesday in R-N on Tuesday. In Moncton, Jordon Southorn was -1 as PEI was shutout by Moncton, 5-0. Despite a team-best four hits, the contest was a less-than stellar effort that saw emotion get the best of the young blueliner. After earning a ten-minute misconduct for yapping at an officiating crew that whistled PEI for five minor penalties in the game's first 7:07, Southorn later lost his composure and got into a heated argument with Asst. Coach Corrado Micalef that resulted in him sitting alone on the bench for the last 15:00 of the game. The Rocket loss puts them in a 2-0 series hole. J.S. Allard (+1) had a pair of secondary helpers as Quebec defeated Baie-Comeau, 5-2. The Remparts now lead the best-of-seven series 2-0. Jacob Lagacé had six shots on goal and five blocks as Chicoutimi fell into a 2-0 series deficit with a 4-1 loss to Rimouski. In the WHL, Tyler Ennis (+2) earned the #3 star of the game with a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat rolled past Swift Current, 6-2. The Tigers win evens the series at one game apiece. Tyler Myers(+1) put up another strong showing, racking up two assists as Kelowna downed Kamloops, 5-1. The Rockets took a 2-0 series lead over the Blazers despite going 0/10 on the power play. The first-round match-up will move to Kamloops on Tuesday. In the OHL, Nick Crawford was -1 as Saginaw slipped past Guelph 6-5 in 2OT to take Game One of their series. In the ECAC third-place game, senior defenseman Matt Generous scored his eighth of the year as St. Lawrence saw their season come to an end in a 2-2 tie with Princeton. Generous, who one-timed a faceoff win to make it a 1-1 game at 9:58 of the opening period, ends his collegiate career with 56 points and a +22 while never being a healthy scratch. In the WCHA third-place game, Brad Eidsness made 34 saves as North Dakota lost a 4-1 battle to Wisconsin. A loose-puck scrum, a 1-2 passing play, and two pounced rebounds comprised the four goals against.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

3/20 Recap: Myers with strong start as Cup run begins

Tyler Myers opened the WHL playoffs with a power play goal and #1 star performance as Kelowna defeated Kamloops, 4-2. Working for over 24:00 of play, Myers was rock defensively while exhibiting his skating ability with several rushes up ice. In another first round opener, 43-goal scorer Tyler Ennis scored both Medicine Hat goals, but the Tigers gave up twice as many in their 4-2 loss to Swift Current. Drew Schiestel scored just :51 in to the opening period as Niagara defeated Ottawa 5-3 to take Game One of their OHL first-round series. The skating rearguard finished +2 in the win, while the goal was his first in 15 career playoff games. In opening night in the QMJHL playoffs, J.S. Allard had a power play goal and later added an assist as Quebec downed Baie-Comeau, 8-1. Jordon Southorn was -3 with a team-leading three hits as PEI was rubbed out by Moncton, 7-1. Wildcats UFA goaltender Nicola Riopel stood on his head to make 40 saves and earn the game's top star. Paul Byron set-up the overtime game winner as Gatineau defeated Bathurst, 5-4. The 5'9 dangler also added seven shots on goal as the 'Piques fired a total of 55 at Titan netminder Nicholas Champion. T.J. Brennan assisted on the game winner as Montreal defeated Rouyn-Noranda, 5-3. Just :10 into a 5-3 power play, Brennan started the play that resulted in Matt Fillier's third period tally that at the time put the Juniors ahead, 4-1. Jacob Lagacé was -3 as Chicoutimi was dominated by Rimouski, 8-2. At the WCHA Final Five, Brad Eidsness made 21 saves in North Dakota's 3-0 shutout loss to Duluth. Eidsness was caught playing the puck behind the net for the first goal against before a rebound to the left circle was pounced home for a two-goal deficit. An empty netter sealed the deal for the upset minded Bulldogs. The Sioux will face Wisconsin for third place. In the ECAC Tournament semifinals, Matt Generous returned from his MCL injury to assist on the first goal of the game as St. Lawrence lost to Yale, 4-3. Up 3-2 with entering the third, the Saints surrendered two goals in the final 1:34 to miss a chance at an NCAA bid. SLU will play Princeton in the third place game. At the Hockey East tourney, Andrew Orpik was even with two minors in his final NCAA contest as Boston College fell to Boston University, 3-2. With a 1-0 lead in the third, the senior forward looked like he was going to extend his collegiate career another day before BU scored a record three goals in :44 to snatch the win. The past week also saw the season end for defenseman Dennis Persson, as Timra lost a deciding game seven to HV71 in the first round of the SEL playoffs. Persson did not see the ice in the final three games of the series.

Monday, March 16, 2009

3/15 Recap: Byron comes up short; Playoffs ahead

In the QMJHL finale, Paul Byron notched an assist as Gatineau defeated Rouyn-Noranda, 4-2. Entering play two points shy of the century mark, the helper lands Byron at 99 on the year, good enough for a 4th overall finish on the Q scoring list. The Olympiques will match-up with Bathurst for the first round of the playoffs. T.J. Brennan (+3) had three assists as Montreal finished regular season play on a high note in a 12-1 stomping of Val-d-Or. The dozen markers was a franchise record for the Juniors, who move on to face Rouyn-Noranda in round one. Jacob Lagacé (-2) scored the only shootout goal on a quick wrister as Chicoutimi edged Lewiston, 3-2. Lagacé added an assist to end the regular season with 32 goals and 69 points. The Sags will face the daunting task of taking on red-hot Rimouski in the opening playoff series. J.S. Allard (+1) assisted on Mikhail Stefanovich's 48th goal of the year as Quebec lost 6-2 at Victoriaville. Riding a four game point streak into the playoffs, Allard finishes with 16 goals and a team best 40 assists. The Remparts will host the first two games of their upcoming series with Baie-Comeau. Jordon Southorn was even with three shots on goal in PEI's 5-2 win over Saint John. The Rocket will square off with Moncton in the first round.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

3/13 Recap: Drew draws two; Byron within reach

In a Hockey East quarterfinal battle, Drew MacKenzie had a pair of secondary assists as #7 Vermont was upset in overtime by Lowell, 4-3. With his first multi-point game as a collegian, the freshman rearguard now has four points in the three games since his return from mono after posting a total of four through the first 24 games of the season. The Catamounts held a 3-1 third period lead when Brayden Irwin was whistled for a major and game misconduct for a hit from behind at 9:31. Lowell scraped their way back, capped with a Nick Schaus (Orchard Park, NY) goal with :30 to play to force overtime, before netting their third unanswered goal to win the game with just :02 remaining in the extra session. Andrew Orpik scored his fifth goal of the season as #18 Boston College defeated #9 New Hampshire, 5-3. Orpik one-timed a Joe Whitney pass in the first period to give the Eagles a 2-0 lead. Brad Eidsness opened the WCHA playoffs by making 20 saves in #6 North Dakota's 5-1 win over Michigan Tech. Eidsness surrendered just a power play goal to run his record to 23-9-4 on the season. In Madison, Justin Jokinen (-1) assisted on the only Mavericks goal as Minnesota State was throttled in their opener with #17 Wisconsin, 7-1. Skating in practice but tentative, Matt Generous sat out with a sprained MCL as #15 St. Lawrence defeated Quinnipiac, 5-3. In the QMJHL, Paul Byron (+1) had a pair of power play assists as Gatineau defeated Shawinigan, 3-2. Sitting in fourth place on the Q scoring list with 98 points, Byron will look for 100 with the final regular season game of the coming on Sunday against Rouyn-Noranda. Jacob Lagacé scored his 32nd goal of the season as Chicoutimi could not match the offensive dynamo in Drummondville, 7-2. On the Island, Jordon Southorn (-1) had an assist in PEI's 5-4 OT loss to Cape Breton. J.S. Allard had an assist as Quebec lost to Rimouski, 5-3. T.J. Brennan was even in Montreal's 2-1 overtime loss to Rouyn-Noranda. In the WHL, Tyler Myers assisted on a power play goal just :38 seconds into the first period as Kelowna downed Kamloops, 6-4. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel was even as Niagara fell to Mississauga, 2-1. Nick Crawford was -2 in Saginaw's 3-0 loss to London. In Thursday action, Crawford (+2) assisted on the first goal of the game in Saginaw's 6-3 win over Owen Sound. Also from Thursday, Schiestel was -1 in Niagara's 2-0 loss to Barrie.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

3/11 Recap: Myers stays steady

Tyler Myers assisted on goals by Tyson Barrie ('09) and Mikael Backlund (CAL) as Kelowna defeated Portland, 6-2. The stud d-man finished +4 for the Rockets, earning the game's #2 star in the process. As speculated, poor play coupled with the return of Eric Moe to the Timra lineup made Dennis Persson the odd man out in the Eagles 2-1 playoff win over HV71. Timra now leads the SEL first round series 3-1. In the QMJHL, Jordon Southorn was +2 with a team-leading five hits as PEI defeated Halifax, 7-5. J.S. Allard assisted on Mikhail Stefanovich's game winning goal as Quebec beat Baie-Comeau, 5-2. On Tuesday, Tyler Ennis (+1) had an assist as Medicine Hat defeated Red Deer, 3-1. T.J. Brennan finished +1 with a team-best five hits as Montreal lost at Rimouski, 6-3.

Monday, March 9, 2009

3/8 Recap: Byron bursts towards century mark

In Monday SEL playoff action, Dennis Persson looked a little shaky in 9:57 worth of work as Timra squeaked out a 5-4 overtime win over HV71. With game pressure starting to impact the 20-year old defenseman after proving tough and intense in the opening games, it's possible that the return of fellow left-sider Erik Moe could effect his pairing with Robin Persson. The victory gives the Eagles a 2-1 series lead, with games four and five set for Wednesday and Thursday. On Sunday, Paul Byron had a goal and four assists to lead Gatineau in a wild 9-6 loss to Quebec. The 5'9 forward has made a habit of quick strikes all season long, but he took it to a whole new level on Sunday by scoring just :08 into the first period. Remparts wing J.S. Allard had a goal and an assist in the victory to push his season total to 53. The five-point night, Byron's third such output of the year to go along with a seven-pointer in January, raises his season point total to 96 with two games left on the schedule. Also from the Q, T.J. Brennan was -2 as Montreal lost to Baie-Comeau, 5-2. The Juniors loss automatically gives Gatineau the Western Division crown. In Sunday WHL play, Tyler Ennis was -1 as Medicine Hat took a second straight loss to Kootenay, 5-2.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

3/6 Recap: Jordon like Gordon; Eidsness leads to title

Jordon Southorn (-1) had a goal, assist, and a fight to complete his first Gordie Howe Hat Trick of the season in PEI's 5-3 loss to Lewiston. Southorn was aggressive with some big hits, rounded out by a semi-uneventful fight with Samuel Finn. The GHHT was the second of the season for Sabres prospects. Drew Schiestel registered the first back in late September. In the WHL, Tyler Ennis stayed warm with a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat lost to Regina, 4-3. Ennis now has a whopping 42 goals in 57 games this season (.74 gpg) to go along with 40 helpers. Last year, Paul Byron had 37 goals in 52 games (.71 gpg) while Nathan Gerbe led the way with 35 goals in 43 games (.81 gpg). Jacob Lagacé had a pair of assists as Chicoutimi defeated Montreal, 4-1. T.J. Brennan was -2 for the Juniors, who with the loss split the home-and-home series with the Sags. Paul Byron had an assist as Gatineau lost to Rimouski, 7-2. Despite the defeat, the Piques remain atop the Telus Western Division standings with an eight point lead over Montreal. Tyler Myers was +2 in Kelowna's 3-1 win over Chilliwack. The Rockets will square off with rival Vancouver on Saturday. J.S. Allard posted a shot on goal as Quebec defeated Shawinigan, 4-2. In the OHL, Nick Crawford was even as Saginaw defeated Guelph, 5-3. The victory allows the Spirit to leapfrog Plymouth into third place in the Western Conference. 2009 eligible Jordan Szwarz had three assists in the win. In the NCAA, Brad Eidsness made 22 saves in North Dakota's 2-1 win over Wisconsin. The victory over the Badgers clinches the MacNaughton Cup as the WCHA regular season champions while pushing the freshman's record to 22-8-4 on the year. Eidsness now has the most wins and best goals against average among WCHA goaltenders. At the Gutt, Drew MacKenzie picked up an assist just 1:30 into his return from mono in #7 Vermont's 6-4 win over #9 New Hampshire. In an ECAC playoff opener, Alex Biega had five shots on goal for Harvard in their 1-0 loss to Brown. The Crimson will look to force a Sunday game three with a win on Saturday. Also in Boston, Andrew Orpik registered one shot on goal as Boston College lost to Northeastern, 2-1 in overtime. Justin Jokinen had a shot on goal as Minnesota State smothered St. Cloud State, 5-1.