10/26 Recap: Adam pads; Genny steady in upset

Luke Adam had a goal and three assists to earn the game's #2 star as Montreal smoked Victoriaville at home, 7-3. The multi-point night pushes Adam's point total to 16 (8+8) on the year. Defenseman T.J. Brennan did not factor into any of the Juniors goals, while Matt Fillier (LA) netted the hat trick against a Tigres club playing its third game in as many nights. ESPNU's Sunday night match-up saw Matt Generous (+1) snatch an assist while playing an impressive all-around game as unranked St. Lawrence upset #4 New Hampshire, 4-1. On a third period power play after he was boarded by UNH's Jerry Pollastrone, Generous slid a cross-ice pass to Zach Miskovic who neatly sniped the corner for his second goal of the game. The senior rearguard has battled shoulder issues over the past year, so it was good to see him get up from the dumping. In an interview played during the second intermission, SLU co-captain Shawn Fensel called Generous "an intense, hard worker on the ice". East Amherst, NY native and former USHL Player of the Year Phil DeSimone (WAS) was shutout for UNH. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla had a power play assist and a team-high six shots on goal as Cologne defeated Ingolstadt, 3-2. After a slow start, the Sharks have now won three in a row and four of their last five. The German winger will take a four-game point streak into Friday's game with Straubing. In Gatineau, Paul Byron (-1) had an assist as the Olympiques lost to Acadie-Bathurst, 4-2. Byron found Hugo Laporte on the power play to open the scoring at 16:03 of the first period. The Ottawa native now has a goal and five assists in his last four games, but the Piques are faltering with seven consecutive losses and a management team looking to shake things up. With just three goals in 15 games, perhaps Byron is being dangled. Jean-Simon Allard went scoreless for the fifth straight game as Quebec rolled over Lewiston, 7-1. In the OHL, Saginaw's Nick Crawford was assessed a five-minute major for cross-checking as the Spirit lost to Guelph, 4-1.

10/25 Recap: Crawford posts career high in loss

In the OHL, Nick Crawford had a career-high three assists for Saginaw in their 5-4 loss to Niagara. All three helpers came on the power play as the Spirit and Dogs traded goals through the first two periods. Drew Schiestel (+3) had a point shot tipped in by Matt Piva for his 14th assist of the season in the win.

Elsewhere,Tyler Ennis scored his fifth goal of the season as Medicine Hat failed to make it four wins in a row with a 5-2 loss to Calgary. The power play marker was Ennis' seventh point in his last four games after posting six through the first nine, and it seems the talented forward is ready to apply some heat to the Tigers offense. The Hitmen extend their unbeaten streak to six games with the win.

Also from the WHL, Tyler Myers (-2) had two assists for the second straight night in Kelowna's 3-2 loss to Brandon. The four-point weekend brings his season point total to eight on the year.

J.S. Allard (2 PIM) failed to register a point as Quebec lost at Rimouski, 2-1. The loss to the Nics was the Remparts first road defeat this season.

Jordon Southorn was -1 in PEI's 4-3 loss to Rouyn-Noranda. The Rocket will look to shake it off when they face Val-d'Or on Sunday.

In the SEL, Dennis Persson again dressed as the seventh defenseman (2:16 TOI) as Timra defeated his former club Djurgardens, 3-2 in overtime. The return of 20-year old Erik Moe to the Eagles lineup has offset the loss of Par Styf (hand injury), but has also put Persson in the backseat for the time being. Moe gives the Eagles offense a nice boost from the back end, posting four assists and a steady even rating in five games.

10/24 Recap: Orpik pots winner

In an ESPNU featured contest, Andrew Orpik (+1) scored what turned out to be the game winning goal for Boston College in their 3-2 win over Vermont. With BC up 2-1 late in the third, Orpik took the puck all the way down the right side from his own end and lifted a sharp wrister over Mike Spillane's shoulder to put the Eagles ahead by two. West Seneca, NY native Brian Roloff would score in the final minute to close the gap for UVM. In the end Orpik was excellent, hitting at even strength while helping control things down low on the power play to earn the game's #2 star. 2007 seventh-rounder Drew MacKenzie was -1 for the Cats. In NCAA exhibition play, shot machine Alex Biega fired six at the Trois-Rivieres net in Harvard's 3-1 win. Corey Tropp (mono) sat out as Michigan State skated to a 2-2 tie with Northern Michigan. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla potted the first Sharks goal then assisted on the game winner as Cologne keeps their momentum going with a 3-2 win over Kassel. The victory gives the Sharks their first two-game win streak of the season. In WHL action, Tyler Myers had two assists in Kelowna's 6-0 shellacking of Chilliwack. The Rockets shutout was the second straight against the Bruins after a 5-0 win on Wednesday. Myers now has a goal and five assists this season. Jacob Lagacé (+2, 2 PIM) had a goal and an assist to earn the game's #2 star in Chicoutimi's 7-1 win over Halifax. The win snaps a four-game skid for the Sags. J.S. Allard (-2) went pointless for the third straight game as a rusty Quebec team fell to Drummondville, 5-2. The Remparts, who played for the first time in eight days, lost just their second game of the season. Paul Byron (+1) had an assist while winning 13 of 17 draws for Gatineau in their 3-2 loss to Montreal. T.J. Brennan (1 SOG) and Luke Adam (2 SOG) were held scoreless but were otherwise effective for the Juniors. Adam was taken down by Byron with 1:06 left in the third, but his penalty shot was stopped by Maxime Clermont. Jordon Southorn was +1 in PEI's 5-2 win over Val-d'Or. Rocket 'tender Bobby Nadeau made 44 saves to earn the victory. Nick Crawford was -1 in Saginaw's 3-2 win over Erie. The Spirit (16 pts) sit in a distant second place in the OHL's Western Division behind CHL's top-ranked Windsor (26 pts). Drew Schiestel (2 PIM) was +1 as Niagara put forth a better effort than Thursday, but still came up short in a 4-3 loss to Mississauga. The Hamilton native was credited with breaking up a 2-1 break in the second period while skating without a point for the third time this season. In the AHL, Portland overcame a poor start to defeat Bridgeport, 4-3. Trailing 2-0 after one, the Pirates got their junk together in the final 40:00 with goals by Nathan Gerbe, Chris Butler, and Mark Mancari to set-up Tyler Bouck's game winner late. Adam Dennis made 33 saves for the win, while Tim Kennedy extended his point streak to four games with an assist on Gerbe's goal. The Rundown: Gerbe: 1 G, 5 SOG Mancari: 1 G, +1, 2 PIM Butler: 1 G, +1 Hunter: 2 A, +2 Kennedy: 1 A, +1 Gragnani: 1 A, +1, 4 PIM Whitmore: 1 A, +2 Kostka: +2 Weber: +2, 9 PIM Zagrapan: -1 Card: 4 PIM Schutz: even

Adam, Byron to face Russians

Sabres prospects Luke Adam and Paul Byron have been selected to skate for the QMJHL in next month's ADT Canada/Russia Challenge.

Players from the QMJHL eligible to play for Canada at the 2009 world junior hockey championships (age 19 and under) starting Dec. 26 in Ottawa were chosen to the squad that will face a team of Russian select players Nov. 17 in Sydney, N.S., and Nov. 19 in Saint John, N.B. The Russians will then face the Ontario Hockey League and conclude the series against the Western Hockey League. The Canadian Hockey League is hosting the Russians in a six-game series for the sixth straight year. The CHL is 25-5 versus Russia. The players for the Canada-Russia Challenge will be evaluated by Hockey Canada head scout Al Murray, Quinn and Boucher for possible invitations to the Canadian junior team’s selection camp in early December. “It’s a great opportunity for the players to get some national exposure,” Boucher said in a statement. “There are two things that players need to focus on to stand out: speed and feistiness. When comparing two equally talented players, the one who battles and ultimately comes out with the puck will draw the most attention.”

The full QMJHL roster is as follows: Goaltenders - Jake Allen (Montreal); Maxime Clermont (Gatineau); Olivier Roy (Cape Breton). Defencemen - Mathieu Brodeur (Cape Breton); Marc-Andre Bourdon (Rouyn-Noranda); Simon Despres (Saint John); Brandon Gormley (Moncton); Alex Grant (Saint John); Hubert Labrie (Gatineau); Kevin Marshall (Quebec); Charles-Antoine Roussel (Shawinigan); Marco Scandella (Val-d’Or); Yann Sauve (Saint John). Forwards - Luke Adam (Montreal); Paul Byron (Gatineau); Jordan Caron (Rimouski); Patrice Cormier (Rimouski); Philippe Cornet (Rimouski); Nicolas Deschamps (Chicoutimi); Christopher DiDomenico (Saint John); Angelo Esposito (Montreal); Olivier Fortier (Rimouski); Dave Labrecque (Shawinigan); Logan MacMillan (Halifax); Maxime Sauve (Val-d’Or); Kelsey Tessier (Quebec) Last season, Jean-Simon Allard replaced the injured Benjamin Breault (at that point a Sabres prospect) for Team QMJHL.

10/15 Recap: D-men point; forwards quiet

Tyler Myers had a steady night, finishing +2 with an assist in Kelowna's 3-1 win over Prince Albert. On the power play in the early third, Myers found Jamie Benn (DAL) who cashed the game winner. The Rockets (6-5) will travel to Everett on Friday against Kyle Beach (CHI) and the Silvertips. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel (-3) had an assist in Niagara's 4-2 loss to Erie. The Otters owned the final 20:00, scoring a pair of goals while limiting the Dogs to just five shots. Factoring into goals in nine of his ten games this season, Schiestel will ride a five-game point streak into Plymouth on Friday. Elsewhere, J.S. Allard was -1 as Quebec needed a shootout to win their tenth straight game, 5-4 over Val-d'Or. The winless Foreurs took a 3-0 first period lead on the Rems, but Patrick Roy's club roared back with three goals of their own in the second. The teams traded goals :18 apart in the third before an exciting shootout (sans Allard) rounded out the action. The Remparts are now off until the 24th. Chicoutimi's Jacob Lagacé and Gatineau's Paul Byron were both quiet statistically in the Sags 4-1 defeat of the Piques. Lagacé registered one shot on net for the winners, while Byron (-1) buzzed about all game but was shut down at the dot, winning just four of 15 draws in the battle of sub-.500 clubs. Jordon Southorn fired five of his team's 23 shots, but came up empty in PEI's 4-3 loss to Saint John. The Sea Dogs themselves fired 43 shots, with reigning QMJHL Offensive Player of the Week Alex Grant (PIT) staying hot with a goal and two assists to lead the Sea Dogs.

10/14 Recap: Byron back on board

In the QMJHL, center Paul Byron posted a goal and an assist as Gatineau gave up a third period lead in their 5-4 loss at Baie-Comeau. Byron, who averaged 1.31 points-per-game in 2008-09, notched his second multi-point effort of the season after a two-game dry spell. The Piques will travel to Chicoutimi for a Wednesday match-up with the Sagueneens. Jean-Simon Allard was +2 in Quebec's 7-1 win over Rouyn-Noranda. The 10-1 Remparts will try to keep their undefeated road record in tact Wednesday night when they visit winless Val d'Or (0-10-1). In a basement battle, Philip Gogulla assisted on the game winner as Cologne defeated Duisburg, 4-2. The 6'2 forward now has four points in his last three games. With their third win against ten losses, the Sharks leave the DEL's last place spot all to the Foxes.

10/11 Recap: Myers plays nice; Adam sore

A night after getting blown out by provincial rival Vancouver, the Kelowna Rockets opened up a can of their own in Saturday's 8-1 win over Prince George. The game featured four fights, yet Tyler Myers gave his knuckles a rest en route to capturing a +4 on the evening. With Myers staying out of the box for the first time all season, the Rockets limited the Cougars to a total of 12 shots on goal while firing 45 of their own. Nick Crawford was +3 for a second consecutive game in Saginaw's 5-2 win over Sarnia. The Spirit currently sit in third place in the OHL's West Division, and will host in-state rival Plymouth on Sunday. In the Q, T.J. Brennan was -1 in Montreal's 4-0 loss to the Saint John Sea Dogs. Missing the services of Luke Adam due to sore knee suffered in Wednesday's loss, the struggling Juniors offense mustered just 20 shots in defeat. The timing of the injury couldn't be worse, as the Juniors would greatly benefit from Adam's offensive control when they battle league-best Moncton on Sunday. The full prognosis hasn't been made, so for now Adam should be considered day-to-day. Jordon Southorn assisted on the Rocket's insurance goal in their 4-2 win over Chicoutimi. Jacob Lagacé (4 SOG) was held without a point for the Sags, and has one assist in his last three games after starting the season with eight points in five games. J.S. Allard (+1) scored the first Remparts goal in their 4-1 win over Baie-Comeau. With Quebec riding an eight-game winning streak, Allard leads all of the Sabres CHL prospects with 11 points this season. In NCAA play, Justin Jokinen went without a point in Minnesota State's 4-2 win over Bemidji. The Mavericks swept the weekend set with the Beavers, and are heading for a showdown with a hungry 0-2 North Dakota club next weekend. Matt Generous was -1 as St. Lawrence fell to Michigan, 5-3. After a weekend sweep at the hands of the Wolverines, the Saints will head to Western New York next weekend for tilts with Niagara and RIT. Corey Tropp was -1 as Michigan State dropped the IceBreakerChampionship game to Boston University, 2-1. The Spartans will have a short prep week as they host Lowell for a Thursday-Friday set. Nick Eno again watched from the press box as Bowling Green and Niagara played to a 3-3 tie.

10/10 Recap: Brennan returns from illness; Myers goes again

T.J. Brennan was +1 with three shots on goal in Montreal's 4-1 win over Halifax. Brennan, 19, did not play in Wednesday's loss at Rimouski after falling ill with "concussion-like" symptoms and a very sore throat. He was taken to a hospital, where he was also tested for mononucleosis. Thankfully the results were negative, and the defender hopped on a plane for tonight's contest in Nova Scotia. Luke Adam did not play for the Juniors after getting dinged on Wednesday. In the WHL, Tyler Myers (-2) got into a fight for his third consecutive game in Kelowna's 7-1 loss to Vancouver. The defenseman handily defeated 5'10 Craig Cunningham after checking highly-touted forward Evander Kane from behind in the first period Apparently the Sabres gave the towering rearguard a big box of foil before sending him back to the Dub, telling him to simply "use it". Myers played 65 games last season with only a handful of tussles. Kane, a projected top-20 pick in 2009, had a hat trick and five points to lead Vancouver despite the hit, and is now the WHL's leading scorer with nine goals and 18 points. Minnesota State freshman Justin Jokinen scored his first collegiate goal - the game winner no less - in the Mavs 5-2 win over Bemidji State. The 6'3 forward buried an Adam Mueller pass from the slot midway through the second period to break a 2-2 tie. The game saw a total of 22 power plays between the two clubs. At the IceBreaker in Boston, freshman Brad Eidsness was a surprise starter, making 28 saves in his first collegiate start as North Dakota fell to Boston University, 5-1. Initial reports from Sioux camp suggested that Eidsness would give way to Aaron Walski before entering the crease for Saturday's game with Massachusetts, but ND coach Dave Hakstol had other designs. The Alberta native played decently after a bumpy start, making some nice saves during a busy second period when he was often left high and dry by a slow-reacting defense. I'd love to see Hak go back to the rookie again as a way to send a message to his skaters, but chances are Walski will get a chance against the Minutemen. Perhaps that message will come in the form of inserting defenseman Corey Fienhage into the NoDak lineup. The 2008 third rounder was a Friday scratch. Forward Colin Wilson (NSH) had a goal and an assist for the Terriers. Also from the IceBreaker, Corey Tropp (+1) picked up an assist as Michigan State defeated Massachusetts, 3-1. In the opening minutes, a Tropp wrister created a rebound that was stuffed home by Andrew Rowe to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead. With Nathan Gerbe returning to help raise the 2008 Championship banner, Boston College skated out to a 5-4 win over Wisconsin. Andrew Orpik assumed his right wing spot on the Eagles grind line, going -1 with two shots on goal. Defenseman Matt Generous was even as St. Lawrence dropped a tough 4-3 loss at Michigan, while goaltender Nick Eno (ankle injury) did not dress in Bowling Green's 4-2 win over RIT. In the OHL, Niagara's Drew Schiestel had an assist in the IceDogs' 4-3 shootout loss to Guelph. Niagara couldn't hold a 3-1 lead, firing a paltry two shots on goal the entire third period while the Storm stormed back. Saginaw's Nick Crawford (+3) notched an assist in their 7-3 win over Kingston. The Spirit out-shot the Fronts by a 41-20 margin. J.S. Allard (-1, 4 PIM) had an assist in Quebec's 5-4 shootout win over Chicoutimi. On the losing side, the Sags' Jacob Lagacé had an assist with a less than savory -3 while committing four minor penalties on the night. Jordon Southorn (+1, 2 PIM) went pointless in PEI's 3-1 win over Baie-Comeau. The Rocket scored three unanswered goals in the third to get the W. In Europe, Philip Gogulla was -1 with four shots on goal in Cologne's 4-3 loss to Straubing. The DEL's worst team, the Sharks have now lost ten of their twelve games after a 2007-08 campaign that saw them reach the league championship. Gogulla, 21, has two goals and five points on the young season.

10/4 Recap: Myers steps up, drops gloves

Take a run at a Kelowna Rocket this season, and you just might have to deal with an upset 6'8 defenseman. That's what happened to Lethbridge's Craig Orfino, as the 6'2, 200-pounder was forced to take on Tyler Myers after earning a boarding penalty in the first period of tonight's game. Myers was a unsatisfying -2 in the 7-3 loss, but his being the instigator en route to racking up 17 PIMs on the play is a key developmental nugget in this young season. Sure the Rockets can't afford to lose their best defenseman for half-period clips, but like Drew Schiestel last week in Niagara, jumping to a teammate's aid after a cheap lick does wonders for both the team and the developing prospect. Elsewhere in "the dub", Tyler Ennis (+2) scored his first goal of the season in Medicine Hat's 5-4 OT loss to Prince Albert. The Tigers stormed back with three goals in the third before 16-year old Ryan Harrison ended it for the Raiders. In the QMJHL, center Jean-Simon Allard (+2) had a pair of assists and a game-high five shots on goal in Quebec's 4-2 win over Chicoutimi. For his efforts, the 6'2 pivot was named the game's #2 star. Jacob Lagacé, who was averaging 1.75 points-per-game heading into tonight, had four shots on goal for the Sags in defeat. Also in the Q, Jordon Southorn (2 PIM) cooled off with a -1 in PEI's 7-4 loss to Shawinigan. The 2008 pick was +5 with a goal and three assists in his two previous contests since returning from Buffalo. Paul Byron (-1, 2 PIM) matched Southorn's stat line as Gatineau fell to Rouyn-Noranda, 4-1. Byron continues his goal scoring drought, failing to cash in any of his six Olympiques games this season. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel (-2) picked up an assist as the IceDogs fell to Plymouth in a wild, back-and-forth shootout, 7-6. Tied at four heading into the third, both teams scored a pair of goals in the final twenty minutes to force the extra session. With resources already at max bandwidth on the Dogs blueline, things got a little worse when 19-year old Reggie Traccitto was lost to a leg injury. 2008 sixth-rounder Nick Crawford had 2 PIM as Saginaw also needed a shootout to defeat Sudbury, 3-2. Crawford was initially credited with an assist on the second Spirit goal, but the scoresheet was corrected between the second and third periods. It would have given the 6'1 rearguard points in three straight games. In NCAA action this afternoon, Bowling Green's Nick Eno sat out of the Falcons 5-1 win over Wilfrid Laurier due to a sore ankle. With college exhibition schedules underway, the Sabres will have four prospects wearing a new sweater for the first time on Sunday. Vermont defenseman Drew MacKenzie will dress in their afternoon tilt against McGill. Matt Generous and St. Lawrence will host Guelph, while Brad Eidsness and Corey Fienhage may very well see time when North Dakota skates with Manitoba. These collegiate tune-ups can often be one-sided, but not always. Teams like Ryerson and McGill have historically proved worthy exhibition mates for their east coast opponents. Just last season, New Brunswick defeated a talented New Hampshire club by a 4-3 score.

10/3 Recap: Lagacé keeps up pace

2008 first-rounders Tyler Myers of Kelowna and Tyler Ennis of Medicine Hat faced one another Friday in a SabresProspects spotlight game, a 4-1 Tigers win. The pair did not factor into any of the scoring plays, but Myers put forth another great effort for the Rockets to earn the game's #3 star in defeat. With Ennis struggling en route to finishing a 'minus' player for the fourth straight game, the story was Myers, who again logged big minutes, busted up plays, and handled himself physically with increased responsibilty. Both prospects will skate again Saturday, with the Rockets facing Lethbridge while the Tigers do battle with Prince Albert. In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé scored an unassisted shorthanded goal in Chicoutimi's 3-2 loss to Rimouski. The top-line winger also fired a game-best seven shots while being the best player on the ice for the Sagueneens. Known to produce offense with a goal-per-game pace thus far (four in four), Lagacé's defensive game has proved to be very sound as well this season. J.S. Allard saw his four-game point streak come to an end as Quebec defeated Baie-Comeau, 3-0. The Alma, PQ native punched three shots through while winning nine of 17 faceoffs in the win. The Remparts will remain at home on Saturday for a game against Lagacé and the Sagueneens. Defenseman Jordon Southorn (+3) had a power play assist as PEI posted a big road win against Halifax, 7-2. Sitting in last place in the Q's Atlantic Division, the Rocket will make their way back to Charlottetown Saturday to battle one of the league's better teams, Shawinigan. T.J. Brennan picked up an assist on the game winner as Montreal defeated Acadie-Bathurst, 4-3. Luke Adam was -2 with five shots on goal and an equal number of blocked shots as the Juniors welcomed the return of Angelo Esposito from Atlanta's camp. In the OHL, Nick Crawford had an assist as Saginaw fell to London, 4-2. The Spirit carried play through most of the final forty minutes, but it wasn't enough to make up a 2-0 deficit after the first. Crawford and company will return to action Saturday against Sudbury. Drew Schiestel (-3) logged major minutes as Niagara surrendered a 3-1 road loss at Mississauga. Filling the gap from two rearguards being at NHL camps, the 6'2, 193-pound defenseman failed to register a point for the first time in five games since returning from Buffalo. The Dogs will square off with the Whalers Saturday night in St. Kitts. In Europe, Philip Gogulla was -1 with two shots on net as Cologne got pummeled by Krefeld, 6-1. The Sharks have won just two of their first ten games, and will look for win #3 on Tuesday versus Hamburg.

9/27 recap: Allard fuels comeback; Myers debuts

Jean-Simon Allard (+1) had a goal and an assist as Quebec came from behind to defeat Gatineau 4-3 in overtime. Trailing 3-2 heading into the third, Allard tied the game on the power play at the 10:56 mark. He then set-up the game winning goal just :32 into OT to seal the Remparts win. Paul Byron (-2) had an assist for Gatineau in the loss, and has yet to score a goal in his three games. He'll give it another shot against familar faces as les Olympiques do battle with Montreal (Luke Adam, TJ Brennan) tomorrow. Drew Schiestel had a power play assist in Niagara's 4-2 defeat of Brampton. Continuing to exhibit a more physical tone, the 6'2 Schiestel also picked up slashing and roughing minors in the home-ice win. Schiestel now has a goal and four assists through his first three games. Also in the OHL, Nick Crawford scored his first goal of the year as Saginaw fell to Sault Ste Marie, 6-2. In NHL pre-season action, Tyler Myers made his blue and gold debut in the Sabres 3-2 OT win over Toronto. He logged twenty shifts for a total of 15:59, going even with a tripping minor. He showed good recovery speed after a neutral zone miscue in the first, and reacted positively to the game speed and physical play. The Kelowna Rockets defender will likely be returned this week as the Sabres start paring things down to their opening night club. Philip Gogulla (17:29) and Marek Zagrapan (14:59) also put in quality minutes tonight, while Felix Schutz (6:56) was used in a limited role. Zagrapan made a few sacrifices to advance play, but won just one of ten faceoff attempts. Mike Weber was ejected in the first period after earning five and ten for a cross-check on Matt Stajan. Tyler Ennis and Medicine Hat are a period deep in their game with Lethbridge. We'll have an update when it finishes.

9/26 Recap: Schiestel gets a Gordie

All junior prospects but one (Tyler Myers) were returned to their clubs this week, and the result is the first full slate of Friday action in the CHL. Coming off their high paced pro experiences, it was a very productive evening statistically for those in uniform. QMJHL action saw all of the Sabres prospects hit the score sheet, while a contest in Oshawa saw the first Gordie Howe Hat Trick of the season fall. Luke Adam (+2) posted a pair of goals and an assist to earn the game's #1 star as Montreal cruised to a 6-3 home victory over Saint John. Adams first goal came on the power play while his second was a top-shelf snap off a Matt Fillier feed. Not only did he dominate play with a game-high eight shots on goal, but the 6'3 pivot blocked eight shots as well. 2007 second rounder T.J. Brennan picked up an assist on Adam's first goal while finishing +2 for the Juniors. Defenseman Jordon Southorn (+2) returned to PEI in a big way, pacing the Rocket with a goal and two assists in their 5-2 win over Halifax. The game's #1 star, Southorn's empty netter capped the Rocket's first win in five tries this season. Jacob Lagacé (+1) scored the overtime winner in Chicoutimi's 4-3 win over Baie-Comeau. The Beloeil, Quebec native also had an assist and a game-best six shots on goal for the Sags. In Gatineau, forward Paul Byron picked up two assists as les Olympiques defeated Rouyn-Noranda 3-2 in OT. J.S. Allard notched an assist as Quebec needed a shootout to defeat Drummondville, 4-3. In the OHL, Niagara's Drew Schiestel (+1) racked up the Gordie with a goal, two assists, and a fight in a frustrating 6-4 loss to Oshawa. Schiestel was the Dogs best player, earning the games #2 star for his offense and pugilist ability in a fight with Rochester native John Padulo. With Alex Pietrangelo, Josh Day, and Scott Fletcher still in NHL camps, the dog days look to continue on the Niagara blueline. Nick Crawford was even with no points as Saginaw defeated struggling Sarnia, 4-1. Not looked to for offense, his veteran presence helped steady the blueline according to coach Todd Watson. The Spirit returns to action tomorrow against Sault Ste. Marie. Closing things out, Medicine Hat's Tyler Ennis was -1 with 2 PIM in the Tigers 1-0 overtime loss to Lethbridge. Tomorrow in Buffalo, Myers will make his first preseason appearance for the Sabres when they take on the Leafs.

Allard returns, dominates

Showing loads of character, Quebec Remparts forward Jean-Simon Allard returned to action on Friday just three short weeks after suffering a serious jaw injury. His unexpected return had an immediate impact on the weekend set of games, so it seems that his strength and conditioning are in-check after a suspected two-week diet of liquids. On Friday, Allard (-1, 2 PIM) picked up a pair of power play assists as the Rems defeated Rimouski, 4-3. Combining with ex-Sabre prospect Benjamin Breault, the 6'2 center led the comeback charge to gain the win and the game's #2 star (Breault was the #1). Allard returned on Saturday, scoring a goal and an assist in a 3-2 road win against his former club, Montreal. Traded from the Juniors on draft day, his goal was the first in the home opener for the relocated franchise. Allard was injured in his team's first practice of the season, taking a hit from teammate Yannick Reiber that required surgery to repair fractures and separations to his chin/jaw area. Originally slated to be out until October, the 2007 fifth-rounder instead returned a week early, missing just two regular season games. He likely would have missed more if he had traveled to Buffalo for their rookie camp.

Allard to miss Sabres camp

At the opening practice with his new club on Friday, Quebec Remparts C Jean-Simon Allard absorbed the receiving end of a Yannick Reiber elbow that will keep him sidelined for at least four-six weeks. Details of the play are coming together, but the injuries are said to include a fractured jaw (chin area) and dislocation. Surgery was required. Chosen in the 5th round of the 2007 draft, the 6'2, 185-pound Allard is in a good spot to achieve with a loaded Quebec squad after breaking out with 60 points last season for St. John's. The injury will obviously prevent the forward from skating in Buffalo's main camp in a few short weeks, and may force Remparts boss Patrick Roy to peruse the QMJHL trade market.

CHL: Open for business

Labor Day weekend in the United States means it's time for work if you're a Canadian major junior player. 2008 first-rounders Tyler Myers and Tyler Ennis of the WHL were the first to get cracking on their 2008-09 campaigns, and by now the rest of the CHL has started their Memorial Cup quest. Niagara defenseman Drew Schiestel (2007, 2nd round) will participate in an intrasquad scrimmage this evening before opening the exhibition season with a pair of weekend contests. The Dogs will travel to Jamestown, NY for a game against the Erie Otters on Saturday, then return home to skate with Oshawa the next day. Another player who should get an extended look from the Dogs over the weekend is Hamburg, NY native John Cullen. A goaltending standout last season with Rochester of the Empire Junior Hockey League, the 17-year old recently played for Team USA at the U-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial and has been very sharp in the early sessions in St. Catherines. As the players hit the ice in Saginaw, it seems that Nick Crawford (2008, 6th round) will have some new faces to work with as the OHL's Spirit sorts out their blueline. The Michigan-based club will play a two-game exhibition set with Sault Ste. Marie on September 6 and 7 before playing another home-and-home with Schiestel's Ice Dogs the following weekend. The inaugural training camp for the Montreal Juniors hockey club (formerly the St. John's Fog Devils) opened today at the Verdun Auditorium. A pair of Sabres second rounders, Luke Adam (2008) and TJ Brennan (2007), will play leading offensive roles as the QMJHL returns to Montreal for the first time since 2003. The Juniors open exhibition action on Sunday against a Gatineau Olympiques club lead by 2008 playoff darling, Paul Byron (2007, 6th round). J.S. Allard (2007, 5th round) will wear a Remparts uniform for the first time on Sunday when Quebec opens against Rimouski. A teammate of Adam and Brennan the past two seasons in St. John's, Allard was part of a June deal that sent Angelo Esposito back to his hometown of Montreal. Also on Sunday, class of '08 members Jacob Lagacé (Chicoutimi) and Jordon Southorn (PEI) will kick off their Q warm-ups with games against Baie-Comeau and Saint John. Speaking of Saint John, 2006 fourth-rounder Felix Schutz is skating a few laps at the training camp of his former QMJHL team while waiting for the start of Sabres camp.

Allard to Remparts

A major deal was pulled off this morning at the QMJHL Entry Draft, as Montreal (formerly St. John's) traded J.S. Allard and a package of picks to the Quebec Remparts for Angelo Esposito (ATL). Allard, chosen 147th overall last summer by the Sabres, had 16 goals and 44 assists last season for the Fog Devils. Surely, le Junior are looking to make a splash in their first season in Montreal by picking up hometown boy Esposito, who was selected 20th overall by Pittsburgh in 2007. Along with Allard, they also gave up first, third and fifth round selections in 2008 as well as a first round pick in 2009.

4/1 Recap: Cologne strong; Allard, Brennan done

In the DEL semifinals, LW Philip Gogulla picked up an assist as rested Cologne pounded Frankfurt, 7-1. Gogulla now has a goal and three assists in six playoff games. The win puts the Sharks up 1-0 over the Lions in the best-of-five series with play resuming on Thursday. Last night, J.S. Allard had a pair of assists as St. John's was eliminated from the postseason with a 4-3 loss to Acadie-Bathurst. In the six series games, Allard went 4-8-12 to lead all Foggies scorers. Defenseman T.J. Brennan was held off the scoresheet in the loss, potting two goals and four assists in the short playoff year. Now the search for new billets begins for the pair of 2007 draftees, as the franchise will be leaving the Newfoundland outpost for Montreal (Verdun) in 2008-09.

3/28 Recap: Kennedy clicks; Allard goes hard

Tim Kennedy scored a power play goal and added an assist as Michigan State opened the NCAA tourney with a 3-1 win over Colorado College. The defending champion Spartans got on the board when a dangling Kennedy scooped up a loose puck, and calmly slid it to his backhand past CC netminder Richard Bachman. Freshman forward Corey Tropp went pointless while moving to the left side on State's third-line with Dustin Gazley and Nick Sucharski. The Spartans advance to face Notre Dame, who earlier posted an upset win over #1 seed New Hampshire. In the USHL, Vermont recruit Drew MacKenzie scored the game-winning goal and later notched an assist in Waterloo's 3-0 defeat of Sioux Falls. The two-point night was the first multi-point output of the season for the Connecticut-born defenseman. J.S. Allard had a goal and an assist as St. John's was overpowered by Acadie-Bathurst, 7-2. Acadie-Bathurst now leads the series three games to two, and will look to put a nail in the final Foggies season on Monday. Currently the eighth-best scorer in the Q playoffs, Allard has four goals and six assists, and is +9 in the series. T.J. Brennan went scoreless for St. John's, failing to add to the two goals and four assists he had compiled in the previous four. His -3 on the evening lowers him to team-worst -7 in the playoffs. Paul Byron had an assist as Gatineau overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat Shawinigan, 5-2, and close out their first round series four games to one. In the five games, the 5'10 center posted a goal and four assists for les Olympiques. On Thursday, Benjamin Breault had an assist in Baie-Comeau's 3-1 loss to Rimouski. The assist was Breault's third point of the playoff year. After finishing 2nd overall in the Q regular season, the Drakkar trail the Oceanic 3-1 in the best-of-seven, and will look to extend their season another day when the two clubs meet on Saturday. Drew Schiestel had three assists in Niagara's first round sweep of Mississauga-St.Michael's. The 2007 second-rounder was also a +5 in the series' four games, as the Dogs advance to face '09 stud John Tavares and the Oshawa Generals. Philip Gogulla went pointless as Cologne closed out their 4-1 series win over Mannheim on Wednesday. The German winger had one goal, a game winner, and two assists in the five games. The Sharks now await the winner of a game seven match-up between Iserlohn and Frankfurt. Ak Bars D Vjacheslav Buravchikov has skated without a point in three RSL semifinal contests against Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Ak Bars currently trail the series two games to one. In the AHL, Dylan Hunter scored a goal and an assist in Rochester's 5-4 shootout win over Manitoba. Clarke MacArthur, Marek Zagrapan, Mike Funk, and Marc-Andre Gragnani also added assist for Rochester. Gragnani's helper was his 48th point of the season, locking him in a tie with Mark Mancari atop the Amerks scoring list. Derek Whitmore was -1 with 2 PIM in his professional debut with the Amerks. The Rundown: Hunter - goal, assist, -1 Zagrapan - assist, +1 Funk - assist Gragnani - assist, -1 MacArthur - assist -2 Whitmore - 1 SOG, -1 Mancari - 1 SOG, -1 Kostka - DNP On Wednesday, the Amerks lost to the same Manitoba squad by a 4-1 score. Marek Zagrapan assisted on the only Rochester goal, while Mike Kostka was +1 in his first game after signing with the Sabres on Wednesday. Adam Dennis made 32 saves in the loss.

3/22 Recap: Gerbe, Butler tabbed for All-Tourney teams

Nathan Gerbe scored an empty net goal and dodged a check to set-up the eventual game winner as Boston College shut down Vermont 4-0 to win the Hockey East tournament title. Now the national leader in points (Kevin Porter of Michigan went 0-0-0), Gerbe's four goals and five assists in four games earned him Tournament MVP honors. Also contributing was C Andrew Orpik, whose pretty pass resulted in a first period power-play goal for BC. The Eagles figure to be a #2 seed in Worcester when the brackets are rolled out tomorrow morning. Chris Butler played another strong game as Denver earned the WCHA tourney title and Broadmoor Cup with a 2-1 win over Minnesota. In a very competitive tournament, Butler was recognized for his excellent play with placement on the All-Tournament Team. The Pioneers enter the NCAA tourney on a strong note, and will be a #2 seed in possibly Albany when play begins next week. In the ECAC Tournament championship game, D Alex Biega had an assist as Harvard fell to Princeton, 4-1. With the Crimson trailing 2-1 in the third, Biega took an interference penalty that enabled a Tigers goal on the ensuing power play. It would appear that Harvard's season is over, as an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament is unlikely for the Crimson. The sophomore played 34 games this season, scoring three goals and 19 assists to wind up as the team's fourth-leading scorer. In the QMJHL playoffs, Paul Byron had an assist as Gatineau trounced Shawinigan, 9-3. Les Olympiques now lead the first-round series 2-0. T.J. Brennan (-2) had an assist as St. John's lost to Acadie-Bathurst, 5-4. The Foggies now trail the Titan 2-0 in the series. J.S. Allard went pointless for St. John's in the loss. Benjamin Breault and the rest of his Drakkar teammates were shut down as Baie-Comeau dropped the first game of their match-up with Rimouski, 3-0. In the AHL, Marc-Andre Gragnani had a goal and an assist, and Dylan Hunter added his 18th of the season as the Amerks lost to the B-Sens, 7-4. Clarke MacArthur and Mark Mancari also added assists for Rochester. In the loss, Gragnani and Hunter extend their point streaks to four games each, while MacArthur has now registered a point in three straight. Once the Amerks leading scorer, Marek Zagrapan has now gone 14 games without a goal. The Rundown: Gragnani - goal, assist, +1 Hunter - goal, 5 SOG, +1 MacArthur - assist, +1 Mancari - assist, +2 Zagrapan - 2 SOG Drew MacKenzie did not dress in Waterloo's 3-2 overtime win over Ohio. After last night's game misconduct, his third of the season and second for grabbing a facemask, it's possible that his absence is due to a mandatory league suspension.

3/21 Recap: Eagles get by with a little help from Na-than

Boston College LW Nathan Gerbe piled up three assists as the Eagles stunned favorite New Hampshire in triple overtime, 5-4, to advance to the Hockey East championship game against Vermont. The NCAA leader in shots on goal, Gerbe used the extra time to rack up an impressive 15 on the night. Two of his assists were secondary, but he had many scoring chances of his own throughout. The junior was robbed by a Kevin Regan (BOS) kick save early on, missed an open net on a late-second period power play, and later was unsuccessful on breakaway in the second overtime. The triple helper vaults Gerbe into the national lead for points-per-game (1.45). Andrew Orpik, perhaps still feeling the lingering effects from his previous shoulder injury, again centered the Eagles' fourth unit. At the WCHA tournament, D Chris Butler was even in Denver's 3-1 win over North Dakota. The win propels the Pioneers into the tourney finals this evening in St. Paul, where they'll face surprising Minnesota fresh off an upset of Colorado College. Harvard D Alex Biega notched an assist in their 3-1 ECAC semifinal win over Cornell. The sophomore earned the point when his point shot was tipped by Jon Pelle for the third Crimson goal. Harvard will face Princeton tonight in Albany. In game two of their first-round playoff battle, D Drew Schiestel was +2 with a power-play assist as Niagara defeated Mississauga-St. Michael's, 3-1. The IceDogs jump out to a 2-0 series lead, with game three dropping on Easter Sunday. Paul Byron scored Gatineau's third goal as les Olympiques opened their playoff year with a 4-3 win over Shawinigan. Byron's first of the playoffs came on the power play in the final minute of the second period. Ray Giroux (PHI) made a pretty pass to the centerman, who corralled the puck on his tape to snap a quickie past Cats' goalie Kevin Maletto. J.S. Allard cashed-in a pair a goals, while T.J. Brennan added one of his own in the Fog Devils' 8-5 loss to Acadie-Bathurst. Allard and Brennan each picked up assists as well as St. John's falls behind 1-0 in the first round match-up. The Waterloo Black Hawks’ five-game win-streak ended with a 4-3 loss to Chicago that saw a total of 63 minutes in penalties doled out to both teams. Drew MacKenzie of Waterloo drew the harshest penalty of the game when he received a five minutes major for grabbing the face mask, and a 10 minute game misconduct for the face mask incident. In the AHL, Rochester won their second in a row with a 4-2 defeat of Grand Rapids. Marc-Andre Gragnani one-timed his 11th of the season to get the Amerks on the board in the first. Dylan Hunter would add a pair of goals (16,17), while Clarke MacArthur scored his 13th in the win. Adam Dennis made 32 saves for Rochester, who heads to Binghamton tonight for a 7:05 start. The Rundown: Hunter - two goals, +2 MacArthur - goal, assist, +2 Gragnani - goal, assist, +1 Mancari - assist, +1 Zagrapan - 0-0-0 0 0 Dennis - 32 saves