3/3-3/5 Recap: Lagacé, Byron race down the stretch

Tuesday in the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé had a goal and an assist as Chicoutimi lost to Montreal, 4-2. The goal was Lagacé's 31st of the season. In the win, Juniors defenseman T.J. Brennan earned the game's #3 star by pumping nine shots at the Sagueneens net. Paul Byron assisted on the power play winner, then sealed it up with an empty-netter in Gatineau's 3-1 decision over Rouyn-Noranda. The goal was Byron's 31st of the year, keeping him on the same pace with Lagacé with both having five games left. Jordon Southorn was -2 with an assist as PEI outgunned Bathurst, 7-5. In the OHL, Nick Crawford (2PIM) played even as Saginaw defeated Sarnia, 4-2. On Wednesday, Byron had a goal and an assist as Gatineau came back from a 4-0 deficit to defeat Val-d'Or, 6-5. Also from the Q, J.S. Allard did not register a stat as Quebec lost to Rimouski, 4-2. On Thursday, Dennis Persson saw 17:29 of action as Timra opened their first round playoff with a 2-1 win over HV71. In St. Catharines, Drew Schiestel finished -3 in Niagara's 5-2 loss to Brampton.

2/27 Recap: Ennis sparkles with six goal night

Reigning WHL Player of the Week Tyler Ennis was a one-man wrecking crew on Friday, connecting for an amazing six goals as Medicine Hat defeated Prince Albert, 6-2. Missing the WHL league record by one goal, the star left wing closed the night with two highlight reel plays to up his 2008-09 season total to 41 in 54 games. Trailing 1-0 to start the second period, the Edmonton native completed a natural hat trick through the first 11:48 to make it 3-1 Tigers entering the third. Minutes after scoring his fourth of the night at 2:48, Ennis shot down the right side past a Raider dman and buried a wraparound for his fifth. His sixth of the night came at 13:24 when he spun to his backhand on a partial break for a roofing finish. The speedster didn't see much action in the final 6:00, completing the most dominating single game performance that the league has seen in years. Tyler Myers was +1 as Kelowna fell to Red Deer, 3-2. The final buzzer saw a minor scrum that earned the defenseman a double minor for roughing and a misconduct. Myers, who has 10 points in February, saw his streak of four straight appearances in the Three Stars of the Game come to an end in the loss. He had earned three firsts and one second in that stretch. Alex Biega (+1) used a blistering left point shot to score the game winning goal as Harvard defeated Quinnipiac, 2-1. The junior defenseman scored his fourth of the year on a 4-4 after brother Michael put the Crimson on the board earlier with his sixth. Harvard is now unbeaten in five games since the Beanpot. Also from the ECAC, senior defenseman Matt Generous did not return from a first period injury as St. Lawrence defeated Union, 2-0. Generous went down with sprained MCL in his left knee after being checked in to the boards by Union's Brian Yanovitch. In Hockey East, Andrew Orpik picked up a late assist as Boston College cruised past Providence, 5-1. Justin Jokinen was even as a left wing in Mankato's 4-3 OT win over Wisconsin. Nick Eno served as Jimmy Spratt's backup as Bowling Green fell to Western Michigan, 5-2. In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé (-1) had a power play assist as Chicoutimi came up short in a 6-5 loss to red-hot Rimouski. Trailing 6-3 with just over 14:00 to play, the Sags would score two third period goals but couldn't catch up as the Nics won their 15th consecutive game. Paul Byron had five shots on goal and was stopped in the shootout as Gatineau lost to Lewiston, 2-1. J.S. Allard was even as Quebec lost to Shawinigan, 7-4. T.J. Brennan was -3 in Montreal's 7-3 loss to Drummondville. In OHL action, Drew Schiestel was -2 as Niagara got smoked by Brampton, 6-0. Losers of four of their last five, the struggling Dogs played without defenders Alex Pietrangleo and Reggie Traccitto. Now sitting at -25, Schiestel is among the bottom four for all league skaters in the category. In Germany, Philip Gogulla had two shots on goal in Cologne's 5-2 loss to Mannheim.

2/22 Recap: Myers wires 8th; Allard, Lagacé roll fours

In the WHL, Tyler Myers (+2) continued his strong play in the 2009 calendar year by scoring the shorthanded winner in Kelowna's 4-1 win over Chilliwack. With his second game winner in as many nights, and eighth of the season, Myers earned the game's #2 star. The clinchers were his first two of the season and the first ever time he's scored in back-to-back games, while the weekend also saw the first two-goal game of his career on Saturday. Watching the gliding rearguard over the weekend reveals a player who, if able to maintain the pace and momentum since returning from Team Canada, will likely get some level of NHL exposure next season. In QMJHL play, J.S. Allard shook off a costly turnover on Saturday by scoring a goal and three assists on Sunday as Quebec doubled up Halifax, 8-4. Allard notched his 15th of the season while earning secondary helpers on three of Mikhail Stefanovich's four goals. The four-point night was Allard's highest single game output of the season. In Chicoutimi, Jacob Lagacé scored a goal and added three assists as the Sagueneens outlasted Baie-Comeau, 8-6. The 2008 fifth-rounder also fired seven shots on goal while blocking five. T.J. Brennan set up the game winning goal on the power play as Montreal defeated Bathurst, 4-1. Steady in both ends, Brennan was named the game's #3 star. Drew Schiestel was even as Niagara defeated Ottawa in overtime, 4-3. The defenseman was on the ice for a first period goal against, but wiped it off as the Dogs tied the game with :22 left in regulation. In Michigan, Nick Crawford finished -2 in Saginaw's 4-1 loss to Plymouth. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla had an assist as Cologne lost to Straubing, 7-5. The 6'2 wing spent most of the third period in the penalty box after getting ten for arguing a hooking call.

2/21 Recap: Twin Tylers dominant; Eidsness hits 20

In Medicine Hat, Tyler Ennis (+2) continued his torrid stretch, netting a season-best four goals to lead the Tigers past Lethbridge, 8-3. The dazzler completed the hat trick by scoring the game winning goal in the final minute of the second period before adding another for good measure in the final frame. Ennis has shredded the WHL since returning from the World Juniors, compiling 20 goals and 34 points while scoring in all but three of the 21 games since winning gold. He now has 35 goals on the season, good enough to eek into the WHL's top-10 in that category, and should get the book of free car washes as Player of the Week after his five-goal, seven-point string. Not to be outdone, Tyler Myers (+1) scored a pair of goals including the game winner as Kelowna gritted their way over Everett, 3-2. Myers was completely dominating in his #1 star effort, showing his versatility killing penalties while taking the game over with his puck carrying moxie. One rush in particular saw the 6'7-3/4 rearguard take the puck, gain speed, and gallop down the right side of the ice into the Tips zone. The Sabres top prospect now has seven goals and 36 points this season. In the QMJHL, Jordon Southorn (-1) had an assist as PEI rode a five-goal third period to an exciting 5-3 win over Quebec. 2009 eligible Benjamin Casavant helped shake off his club's unsavory opening 40:00 with his 31st and 32nd goals of the season to get the Rocket back on track. With the game tied 3-3 at 18:53, J.S. Allard committed a bad turnover right onto the stick of PEI's Ben Duffy, who potted the game winner. Allard finished -1 with four shots for the Remparts in the loss. T.J. Brennan contributed two shots on goal in Montreal's 3-1 win over Saint John. Paul Byron missed his second straight road game due to illness as Gatineau snuck past Baie-Comeau, 4-3 in OT. In the OHL, Nick Crawford (+1) had two assists as Saginaw defeated Guelph, 4-3 in overtime. The 6'1 defenseman helped set-up the game winner to earn his 38th point of the season (7+31). Reigning WCHA Rookie of the Week Brad Eidsness made 17 saves as #9 North Dakota swept the weekend Alaskan set with a 6-2 defeat of UAA. The win gives the freshman stopper an even 20 on the season, making Eidsness just the third goaltender in school history to reach that mark. In Hockey East, Andrew Orpik assisted on the first Eagles goal as #17 Boston College lost to #12 New Hampshire, 4-2. The point was Orpik's second in his last five games, with the senior going without a goal since November 28th. Alex Biega compiled four more shots on goal as Harvard rallied to a 3-3 tie with Clarkson. For the second night in a row, Biega started scoring plays that did not result in his name hitting the scoresheet. He pumped a pass up ice to create the first Harvard mark, and later made a real nice break-up of a 2-1 to start the play that resulted in the game-tying goal with 8:17 to play in the third. Also from the ECAC, Matt Generous was +1 as #20 St. Lawrence thumped Dartmouth 7-2 on Senior Night at Appleton Arena. Nick Eno again played back-up as Bowling Green pitched a 4-0 shutout against fellow CCHA also-ran, Michigan State.

2/20 Recap: CHLers produce; Eidsness shines

Tyler Ennis had a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat defeated Lethbridge, 6-3. Ennis scored his 31st of the season when he pounced on a rebound from the end boards in the second period. Luca Sbisa (PHI), who leveled Ennis with a big hit in the contest, scored his first goal since returning from the NHL. The two teams will play it back on Saturday. Tyler Myers (-2) had no points but set the pace for Kelowna in their 6-2 win at Western Conference leader Vancouver. The towering defender made physical statements early, and logged monster minutes throughout en route to earning the game's first star. In the OHL, Nick Crawford scored his seventh goal of the season as Saginaw upended Erie, 6-4. Crawford recorded a season-best +4 on the evening after notching a season-low -3 on Monday. Drew Schiestel scored on the power play in Niagara's 4-2 loss to Kingston. Schiestel's eighth of the season put the Dogs up 2-0 before giving up four unanswered goals to the Fronts in the final period and a half. In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé had a goal and an assist as Chicoutimi downed Gatineau, 5-3. The goal, Lagacé's 28th through 55 games played, came off a solid second effort down low. Les Olympiques leading scorer Paul Byron did not make the trip due to illness. T.J. Brennan returned from his five-game suspension, posting an assist for Montreal in their 3-1 win over PEI. Jordon Southorn had a game-high five hits for the Rocket in defeat. The Rocket's anchor has gone six games without a point, and hasn't scored a goal since December 19th. J.S. Allard (+2) assisted on an empty net goal as Quebec defeated Bathurst, 5-2. Allard now has points in two games after forming a line with Kelsey Tessier (COL) at center and Mikhail Stefanovich (TOR) on the opposite wing. In Germany, Philip Gogulla scored his 17th goal of the season as Cologne lost a 4-3 shootout to Sinupret. Gogulla was the only Sharks shooter to connect in the deciding frame. In NCAA play, Brad Eidsness came up huge, making 25 saves as North Dakota won at Anchorage, 2-1 in OT. Keeping his team in the game late, Eidsness moves his record to 19-8-3 on the season. Harvard's Alex Biega (+1) posted five shots on goal as Harvard played to a 2-2 tie with #20 St. Lawrence. Despite not getting a point, it was a long headman pass from the junior defender that set-up the first Crimson tally. Matt Generous was even for the Saints. Andrew Orpik was -1 as Boston College lost to New Hampshire, 3-2. Nick Eno watched as Bowling Green dropped a 3-2 decision to Michigan State.

Allard breaks out for three

J.S. Allard (+3) had two goals and an assist as Quebec downed Chicoutimi, 8-2. Allard opened scoring just :14 in, and later added his 14th of the season in the third period to earn the game's #2 star. Jacob Lagacé had an assist for the Sags in the loss. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla was even with three shots on goal as Cologne fell to Krefeld, 3-1. Dennis Persson was -1 in 11:41 of work in Timra's 4-1 loss to Djurgardens. On Monday, Nick Crawford was a season-low -3 as Saginaw lost to Oshawa, 7-5. Crawford has been a plus player just once in seven February games. Tyler Myers was even as Kelowna came up short against Portland, 4-3. In Sunday QMJHL action, Lagacé potted his 27th of the season on the power play as Chicoutimi lost a 3-2 shootout to Baie-Comeau. Lagacé added seven shots on goal to earn the game's #2 star. Paul Byron had an assist and five shots on goal as Gatineau lost to Montreal, 4-3. Rounding out the OHL weekend, Drew Schiestel finished +1 as Niagara defeated Kingston, 4-1. Amidst a career offensive year, the defenseman has now gone five games without a point for the first time all season. 2009 prospect Ethan Werek had a goal for the Fronts. Also from Sunday, Gogulla had an assist in Cologne's 8-5 win over Hannover.

2/13 Recap: Byron fuels comeback; Eidsness holds steady

In the QMJHL, Paul Byron earned the #1 star of the game with a goal and an assist in the final 20:00 in Gatineau's 4-3 win over Halifax. Trailing 3-1 entering the third period, Byron stole the puck from a fumbling defenseman at the blueline and roofed the game winner to cap the comeback. The even strength goal was Byron's 30th of the season. Tyler Ennis had a goal and an assist for the second consecutive game as Medicine Hat smoked WHL East Division leader Saskatoon, 7-1. Ennis' insurance marker gives him 29 goals and a team-best 61 points in 48 games this season. In Kelowna, Tyler Myers (+1) had two assists as the Rockets won a 3-2 overtime decision over Western Conference pacesetter Vancouver. Nick Crawford (-2) had a power play assist as Saginaw got throttled at Kitchener, 6-2. The defenseman will take a three-game point streak into Belleville on Saturday. Jacob Lagacé set-up the game winning goal as Chicoutimi beat Val-d'Or for a second straight night, 4-2. J.S. Allard registered one shot on goal as Quebec shut down Montreal, 2-0. Juniors defender T.J. Brennan missed the game as part of his five-game suspension after an attempt-to-injure penalty last weekend against Gatineau. In the NCAA, Brad Eidsness made 25 saves North Dakota cruised past Minnesota State, 4-1. The freshman netminder ups his record to 17-8-3 with the win, including a league-best 12-4-3 conference record. Justin Jokinen was a scratch for the Mavericks, while fellow frosh Corey Fienhage sat out for the Sioux but is pushing to get back in the lineup after a good week of practices according to Coach Dave Hakstol. Matt Generous was +1 as St. Lawrence defeated Quinnipiac 4-3 in overtime. In Cambridge, Alex Biega was +1 with a team-high four shots on goal as Harvard downed Colgate, 3-2. Heading into the weekend, the Crimson had won just once in their previous 17 tries. Andrew Orpik was credited with two shots on goal as Boston College was embarrassed by Lowell, 6-0. Nick Eno was the back-up to Jimmy Spratt as Bowling Green continued their woes with a 3-2 loss to Ferris State. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla had five shots on goal but did not factor into the scoring as Cologne fell to Duisburg, 5-4 in OT.

2/11-12 Recap: Lagacé rips winner; Ennis ends at 10

In Thursday QMJHL play, Jacob Lagacé broke a scoreless tie with under 2:00 to play as Chicoutimi edged Val-d'Or, 1-0. The game winning goal was Lagacé's team-leading 26th of the season. With the SEL returning from break, Dennis Persson dressed but did not see the ice as Timra played to a 3-3 tie with HV71. On Wednesday, Tyler Ennis had a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat gave up three third period goals in a 6-5 OT loss to Prince Albert. A night earlier, The Edmonton native saw his ten-game point streak snapped in a 3-0 loss to Saskatoon. In the OHL, Nick Crawford scored his sixth goal of the season on the power play in Saginaw's 4-3 overtime loss to Plymouth. At Erie, Drew Schiestel was +1 as Niagara dropped a 3-2 shootout to the Otters. The gliding defenseman failed to connect on his breakaway attempt. In the Q, Jordon Southorn finished -5 with three hits as PEI got rocked by Drummondville, 10-3. 2009 prospect Benjamin Casavant scored his 30th for the Rocket in the loss. J.S. Allard was -2 in Quebec's 5-0 shutout loss to red-hot Rimouski.

2/8 Recap: Crawford connects; Lagacé leads

In Sunday OHL action, defenseman Nick Crawford scored the only Spirit goal as Saginaw lost a 2-1 shootout to Mississauga. The power play goal was Crawford's fifth of the year for the 30-18-0-4 Spirit. In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé (+1) scored his 25th goal of the season in Chicoutimi's 4-1 win over Acadie-Bathurst. The 5'11 wing guided the the victorious Sags with seven shots on goal and five blocks. In one of his more subpar performances of the season, Jordon Southorn was -3 as PEI lost at home to Rimouski, 3-1. The lackluster outing was rounded out with one shot on goal and one hit. In Quebec, J.S. Allard (-1) recorded two shots on goal as the Remparts edged Victoriaville 3-2 in front of over 13,500 fans at Le Colisee. Luke Adam was also limited to just two shots on goal as Montreal defeated Baie-Comeau, 4-2. T.J. Brennan did not dress after receiving a game misconduct for an elbow in Saturday's loss at Gatineau. The Olympiques player, Craig England, briefly lost consciousness after the blow. He released from the hospital on Sunday with a grade 3 concussion. In the WHL, Tyler Myers was even as Kelowna squeaked out a 2-1 win at Spokane. The rearguard took an interference penalty with 3:45 to play, but the Rockets held firm on the penalty kill to win their third game in three nights.

2/7 Recap: Ennis runs up 10; Brennan awaits word

In Western Hockey League action, Tyler Ennis scored an even strength goal as Medicine Hat outshot Moose Jaw 42-17 en route to a 5-2 victory. Ennis' 27th goal of the year gives him points in ten straight games (10+8), as the Tigers forward has marked in all but two of his 14 games since returning from Team Canada. Tyler Myers (+1) had an assist in Kelowna's 5-1 win over Kamloops. The Calgary native now has five goals and 30 points in 40 games. In an afternoon QMJHL tilt (glog), Paul Byron had three assists in Gatineau's wild 7-5 win over Montreal. All of Byron's assists came on the power play as the Ottawa native ups his season point total to 82. Montreal's Luke Adam and T.J. Brennan each had an assist, with Brennan being tossed in the second period after an elbow on Gatineau's Craig England. England was taken off on a stretcher, while Brennan received a major and a misconduct on the play and may very well be subject to league discipline for the hit. J.S. Allard set-up Mikhail Stefanovich's third goal of the game and 32nd of the season as Quebec defeated Val-d'Or, 6-3. Allard now has 12 goals and 41 points in 51 games (.80 ppg) after averaging .90 ppg in 2007-08. Jordon Southorn was -2 as PEI lost to Acadie-Bathurst, 5-3. A 2009 prospect of mild intrigue, 6'1, 210-pound Benjamin Casavant registered a Gordie Howe Hat Trick for the Rocket with two goals, an assist, and a third period fight. The left wing also had six shots on goal. Ranked 185th on Central Scouting's mid-term list of North American skaters, Casavant has power forward tools with a good knack around the net. His skating needs more attention, but his developing package is one that will likely move up the board before June. He is currently 14th in Q scoring with 61 points (29+32), and is carrying a solid +26 for a team with a .364 winning percentage. Rounding out the QMJHL slate, Jacob Lagacé was -2 with four shots on goal as Chicoutimi struggled in a 5-0 shutout loss to Moncton. In the OHL, Nick Crawford was +2 as Saginaw won at Erie, 5-2. Crawford now is +15 on the season, which ranks second on the Spirit roster. Drew Schiestel was -1 as Niagara was shellacked by Windsor, 6-1. Schiestel went without a point for the second straight game, and has yet to endure a three-game drought this season. In a light night on the NCAA circuit, Nick Eno let in four goals on 12 shots, including two shorthanders, as Bowling Green lost to Northern Michigan, 4-1. In five appearances since returning from a high ankle sprain, the sophomore is 0-4 with a 4.33 GAA and .820 save percentage. Matt Generous (-1) had two shots on goal as #20 St. Lawrence lost to Clarkson, 3-1.

1/31 Recap: Lagacé gets four; Schiestel, Genny snap winners

In QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé scored four goals and an assist as Chicoutimi avenged a Friday night loss to Baie-Comeau with a 10-5 rout. Lagacé struck three times at even strength and once short-handed to give him 23 goals on the year. The 10-goal output ends a ten game losing streak for the Sags. Tyler Ennis (+1) scored a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat lost to Kamloops, 5-4. The Tigers leading scorer, Ennis has 25 goals and 55 points in 43 games this season, and is currently on an eight-game point streak. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel scored the game winning goal as Niagara defeated Barrie, 4-3. Trailing 3-0 entering the third, Schiestel's high snapper capped an exciting four-goal period for the Dogs. Four of Schiestel's six goals on the season came in the month of January. Nick Crawford (+2) had a power play assist as Saginaw defeated Sault Ste. Marie, 5-2. Paul Byron was -1 with two shots on goal as Gatineau lost to Rimouski, 2-1. The first-place 'Piques had won eight straight before losing to the Nics, while Byron's five-game point streak comes to an end T.J. Brennan (-1) posted an assist as Montreal lost to Quebec, 3-1. Luke Adam (-1) failed to hit the scoresheet in the loss. J.S. Allard was +1 with three shots on goal for the victors. Tyler Myers was even as Kelowna lost to Seattle in overtime, 2-1. In ECAC action, Matt Generous had a pair of slap shot goals, including the game winner, and an assist as St. Lawrence defeated Colgate, 4-2. The senior has seven goals and seven assists from the Saints blueline. Brad Eidsness made 25 saves as North Dakota defeated St. Cloud State, 4-2. With the win, the freshman finished the month of January with a 7-1-2 mark. Nick Eno was the back-up as Bowling Green lost to Miami, 3-2. Justin Jokinen was a scratch as Minnesota State earned the sweep over #5 Minnesota with a 3-1 win.

1/25 Recap: Byron blazin'; Crawford creepin'

Paul Byron had a goal and two assists to send Gatineau to a 5-4 OT win over league doormat Val-d'Or. Byron's shortie, his 27th goal of the season, came unassisted in the first period. He later added the assists to up his season line to 27-47-74 in 49 games, and create another #1 star performance. In the OHL, Nick Crawford got in on all of Saginaw's goals as the Spirit defeated Sault Ste. Marie, 3-1. Two goals came from tips of Crawford shots while another came off a rebound. The three-assist night was Crawford's third such output of the year, elevating his season numbers to 4-26-30 which is quietly good for the third-best points-per-game among Sabres D prospects. The leading defensive scorer among Sabres prospects, Drew Schiestel, had a regulation assist as Niagara dropped a 5-4 decision to Mississauga in a seven-round shootout. The helper was Schiestel's 19th with the man advantage, which ranks fourth in the OHL, and his 40th point overall. The 6'2 defenseman was also one of two Dogs (Alex Pietrangelo was the other) to connect in the shootout. In an ESPNU afternoon tilt, Alex Biega had two power play assists 1:09 apart as Harvard mounted a third-period comeback to tie Dartmouth, 5-5. With his fourth multi-point effort of the season, the Montreal-born junior ups his team-leading point total to 12 (3+9). J.S. Allard (+1) had two assists in Quebec's 6-4 win over Saint John. Allard's 38 points rank him as the seventh leader scorer on the Remparts roster. Andrew Orpik was the only prospect in action to not net a point on Sunday, finishing even as Boston College defeated Maine, 4-1.

1/24 Recap: Pairs of assists and DQs for Tropp

Corey Tropp (+2) had a pair of assists and may be on his way to a CCHA suspension as Michigan State lost to top rival Michigan, 5-3. Things got ugly with :53 to go when Tropp received a pair of game disqualifications after slashing at a downed Steve Kampfer. The Wolverine defenseman delivered a check on Tropp at center ice, and while skating back into play took a right-handed punch to the head from behind by the Spartans Andrew Conboy. With Kampfer going down along the boards after the blow, Tropp appeared to strike him with his stick in the neck area to earn five minutes and a pair of game disqualifications. Kampfer, who was helped off the ice by teammates, looks to have sustained a neck injury, while Conboy and Tropp will likely face disciplinary measures of some capacity. If the name Steve Kampfer sounds familiar, you may remember him as the UM hockey player on the receiving end of a vicious assault a few months back. After the game, a Michigan parent made his way down to the Michigan State locker room, reportedly in an attempt to fight the Sabres 2007 third-rounder. Police were needed to keep order. In the WHL, Tyler Ennis (+3) had two assists as Medicine Hat cruised past Prince George, 5-2. With 48 points on the season, Ennis has collected nine of those in his past five games. Tyler Myers had an assist and was +1 as Kelowna rode a three-goal first period to a 5-2 victory over Kamloops. The rearguard had 12 PIM on the evening, including ten for chirping at the officials in the second period. The Rockets decision over the Blazers snaps a four-game winless skid. In Saginaw, Nick Crawford had an assist as the Spirit pumped 59 shots on goal but still lost to Peterborough, 5-4. The Caledon, Ontario native got in on the barrage, firing a point shot that was tipped by Jack Combs to give the Spirit an early 1-0 lead. 2009 eligible Zack Kassian scored the go-ahead goal for the Petes at 11:50 of the third period before the teams traded goals in the final minute of play. Jordon Southorn was +2 with three shots on goal as PEI destroyed Baie-Comeau for the second night in a row, 11-2. The Rocket outscored the Drakkar 18-4 over the Friday-Saturday set. T.J. Brennan (+1) and Luke Adam (-2) were both held without points as Montreal lost to Lewiston, 3-2 in a shootout. J.S. Allard did not score as Quebec shut down Moncton, 2-0. At the Ralph, Brad Eidsness was the player of the game, making several big saves among his 38 stops as North Dakota tied Denver, 2-2. Eidsness was a much needed backbone as the Sioux had trouble applying heat despite taking three weekend points from the WCHA's top team. The affair also saw Denver coach George Gwozdecky get ejected after walking on to the ice to dispute a non-call. Andrew Orpik had an assist as Boston College doubled up Maine, 6-3. The East Amherst, NY native now has four points in his last four appearances, and a total of 12 on the year. In Canton, Matt Generous (+1, 3 SOG) saw his five game point streak come to an end as St. Lawrence defeated Union, 5-2. Nick Eno relieved Jimmy Spratt to start the second period as Bowling Green got clobbered by Lake Superior, 8-4. Eno made 16 stops while allowing three goals goals over the final 40:00. The game was marred by a nasty collision between BGSU's Brandon Svendsen and Lake State goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson that saw the netminder get taken off the ice on a stretcher with a neck injury. He was taken to a hospital but looks to be OK. Drew MacKenzie was even in Vermont's 1-1 tie with Massachusetts. The freshman was on the ice killing a penalty when Casey Wellman tied it up for the Minutemen with 8:00 to play in regulation. Justin Jokinen was -1 as Mankato lost to Duluth, 7-4.

1/23 Recap: Byron leads charge with five-point night

Paul Byron had a hat trick and two assists to lead Gatineau past Rouyn-Noranda, 6-4. Trailing 4-2 with 14:00 to play, Byron steered a three-goal outburst with two assists and the game winner to close the game out. The +4 effort made Byron an easy choice for first star of the game. Drew Schiestel scored two goals to earn the game's #1 star as Niagara defeated London 6-4 to sweep the home-and-home. Schiestel has been at the forefront of a strong defensive unit that has pushed the Dogs to five straight wins, including the pair over London that saw top prospect John Tavares accumulate a -7. Tyler Myers (+2) had a goal and an assist as Kelowna lost a 5-4 shootoout to Chilliwack. Myers has a goal and three assists in six games since returning from the World Juniors. In PEI, Jordon Southorn (+3) earned a fighting major as PEI smoked Baie-Comeau, 7-2. After watching goaltender Bobby Nadeau get run late in the game, Southorn showed great character by dropping his gloves and making 16-year old Simon Darveau accountable with the fight and misconduct. J.S. Allard (+1) had an assist in Quebec's 5-2 win over Halifax. Jacob Lagacé was +1 as Chicoutimi lost a 3-2 overtime decision to Drummondville. In DEL play, Philip Gogulla (+1) had an assist in Cologne's 5-2 win over Augsburger. Brad Eidsness made 25 saves as North Dakota put a 8-3 beatdown on WCHA leader Denver. The Sioux are now 6-0-1 in their last seven, and 12-3-1 since late December. Corey Fienhage did not play for North Dakota. In Joe Louis Arena, Corey Tropp was kept off the scoresheet in Michigan State's 6-2 loss to Michigan. Drew MacKenzie assisted on the game winning goal in Vermont's 2-1 win over Massachusetts. The power play point was the fourth of the season for the freshman. Matt Generous (-3) had a power play assist as St. Lawrence lost a wild 7-6 decision to RPI in overtime. The senior rearguard now has points in five straight games (2+3). Justin Jokinen was -1 with a shot on goal as Mankato was shutout by Duluth, 4-0. The appearance was his first Friday night contest since December 5th. Nick Eno backed up Jimmy Spratt as Bowling Green defeated Lake Superior, 4-3.

1/21 Recap: Byron, Ennis keep producing

Paul Byron scored a goal and an assist as Gatineau defeated Val-d'Or, 4-1. Byron's 23rd of the season in the second period proved to be the game winner and helped the flashy scorer earn the #1 star of the game. J.S. Allard was -2 as Quebec got pummeled at Cape Breton, 6-1. In the WHL, Tyler Ennis (-2) scored a power play goal and an assist as Medicine Hat lost to Lethbridge, 7-5. Tyler Myers was -2 as Kelowna dropped a 6-4 decision to the league's #1 team, Vancouver.

1/18 Recap: Lagacé, Ennis approach 20

In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé scored his 18th goal of the season, fired seven shots, and blocked another five as Chicoutimi dropped a 3-2 shootout loss to Baie-Comeau. The rounded effort earned Lagacé the #2 star. J.S. Allard scored his 11th goal of the season as the Quebec defeated Saint John, 5-2. The winger has now connected for six points in his past three games. In Medicine Hat, Tyler Ennis (+1) scored his 18th goal of the season as the Tigers cruised to a 5-1 win over Red Deer. The Edmonton native's laser from the point put the Tigers up 4-0 in the second period. Nick Crawford (-1) scored a power play goal for Saginaw in their 6-3 win over Kingston. The goal, his fourth of the season, opened the game's scoring with 2:18 to play in the first period. 2009 eligible Ethan Werek had an assist for the Fronts to move his season numbers to 19-19-38. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla was -1 as Cologne dropped a 4-1 loss to the Metro Stars. On Saturday, Dennis Persson returned from a weeklong bug but did not see any time as Timra beat SSK, 4-2.

1/16 Recap: Tropp leads Spartans in victory

Corey Tropp had his first two-goal game of the season as Michigan State defeated #9 Miami, 4-1. Tropp showed his quick release wrister when he blazed down the left side and buried one far side for the eventual game winner. The win was the first for the Spartans on the road, while Miami suffered its fifth straight loss. Matt Generous (+1) scored a goal as St. Lawrence cruised to a 6-1 win over Brown. The goal, Generous' fifth of the year and second in as many games, came on a blast from the faceoff dot to give the Saints a 4-1 lead. Andrew Orpik had an assist as Boston College lost in overtime to Lowell, 4-3. Orpik was chugging at both ends for the Eagles before Nick Schaus (Orchard Park, NY) scored the OT winner for the River Hawks. Drew MacKenzie was even with a minor penalty as Vermont lost at Northeastern, 3-1. In WCHA action, Brad Eidsness made 19 saves while letting three goals past him as North Dakota played to a 3-3 tie with Michigan Tech. The decision moves the freshman netminder's record to 13-7-2. Corey Fienhage did not dress for the Sioux. Also watching from the pressbox was Justin Jokinen as his Minnesota State Mavericks lost to Anchorage, 4-2. Nick Eno was the back-up to Jimmy Spratt as Bowling Green shutout Michigan, 3-0. In the QMJHL, Paul Byron factored into all of Gatineau's marks with two regulation goals and an assist on the overtime winner in their 3-2 win over league power Shawinigan. The 'Piques catalyst, Byron earned the game's #2 star in the win. J.S. Allard (+2) had two assists, including the primary on the game winner, as Quebec edged Drummondville, 4-3. Luke Adam had a pair of even strength assists in Montreal's 5-4 win over Val-d'Or. T.J. Brennan (-1) added an assist on Angelo Esposito's second power play goal of the game in the first period Jordon Southorn was -1 with a team-high five shots on goal as PEI fell to Cape Breton, 4-1. The Pincourt, QC native also added five hits for the Rocket in defeat. Jacob Lagacé finished -1 as Chicoutimi was beaten by Rimouski, 5-2. In WHL play, Tyler Ennis was -1 as Medicine Hat was shut down by Saskatoon, 5-0. Tyler Myers was -2 as Kelowna suffered a road loss at Prince George, 5-2. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel played even as Niagara lit up Jaroslav Janus for four goals over a period and a half in their 4-2 win at Erie. Nick Crawford was even in Saginaw's 3-2 OT win at Ottawa.

1/10 Recap: Ennis with bookends in return

In his first game since returning from the World Juniors, Tyler Ennis (+1) scored a pair of goals to steer Medicine Hat to a 5-1 win over Swift Current. The Edmonton native scored the first and last Tiger tallies to raise his season total to 17. Jean-Simon Allard connected for three assists as Quebec routed Rouyn-Noranda, 9-0. The Remparts answered the bell after after a poor effort ended their nine-game winning streak a night earlier. Paul Byron scored his 19th goal of the season and added an assist as Gatineau won at Saint John, 4-3. The two-point night ups the Ottawa native's total to 61 on the season. Jordon Southorn fired seven shots for PEI in their 3-1 loss to Moncton. His 118 shots on goal rank fourth among all QMJHL defenseman. Luke Adam won eight of ten draws and blocked three shots, while T.J. Brennan finished +1 as Montreal defeated Lewiston, 4-2. Rounding out the Q, Jacob Lagacé was -1 with five shots on goal as Chicoutimi lost to Shawinigan, 4-1. Brad Eidsness made 24 saves as North Dakota swept #3 Minnesota with a 6-1 victory. Eidsness held the door closed for nearly two-and-a-half periods before the Gophers, playing without top scorer Ryan Stoa, cracked the shutout in the mid-third. The game between the WCHA rivals featured over 100 penalty minutes. Corey Fienhage was a scratch for the Sioux. Drew MacKenzie was +1 as #12 Vermont defeated #9 Boston College, 4-2. Andrew Orpik was -1 for Boston College. Matt Generous (+2) picked up an assist as St. Lawrence defeated North Country rival Clarkson, 5-1. Alex Biega had an assist, three shots on goal, and a boarding minor for Harvard in their 6-2 loss to Yale. Justin Jokinen had two shots on goal as Minnesota State defeated Colorado College, 3-1. Nick Eno made 21 saves in his first start of the year as Bowling Green lost to Ohio State in overtime, 4-3. Tyler Myers was again given a rest as Kelowna dropped a 4-3 decision to Prince George. Dennis Persson (sick) sat out of Timra's 4-2 win over Djurgarden.

1/9 Recap: Orpik chips in; Eno returns

Andrew Orpik had a pair of assists for #9 Boston College in their 3-3 tie with #12 Vermont. BC looked to have a big Hockey East win locked up until West Seneca, NY native Brian Roloff tied the game with :01 to play. The third multi-point night of the season raises Orpik's total to 10 on the year. Freshman rearguard Drew MacKenzie was -1 with three shots on goal for the Catamounts. In a highly entertaining battle, Brad Eidsness made 21 saves as North Dakota defeated #3 Minnesota, 6-3. With a slew of roughing minors in the final two minutes of Friday night's game after over 150 minutes in penalties were called in their previous meeting, one may wonder if the Sioux consider inserting toughness in the form of Corey Fienhage into the lineup when the two teams play it back on Saturday. Sophomore Nick Eno saw his first action of the season, giving up a goal in 28:23 of relief action as Bowling Green fell to #16 Ohio State, 8-5. Falcons starter Jimmy Spratt gave up six goals on 16 shots through a period and a half, allowing Eno to get ready for his first start on Saturday after suffering a high ankle sprain in an early season practice. Alex Biega was +1 with five shots on goal as Harvard played to a 1-1 tie with Brown. The Crimson (4-10-3) outshot the Bears (1-9-4) by a 51-29 margin, but couldn't close the deal. Freshman Justin Jokinen sat as Minnesota State fell to #10 Colorado College, 5-2. J.S. Allard went high glove side as the fifth Quebec shooter, but rang his shot off the post, as the Remparts lost in the shootout to Rouyn-Noranda, 3-2. Allard contributed four shots on goal in home loss, and was named the gamne's first star for his effort. Also from the Q, Paul Byron was limited to a single shot on goal, but Gatineau still defeated Moncton, 2-1. In OHL play, Drew Schiestel had another power play assist for Niagara in their 6-2 loss to Ottawa. The Hamilton native now has a total of 32 assists on the season, good for 8th in the OHL, with half of them coming with the man advantage. Nick Crawford (+1) had an assist as Saginaw defeated Sarnia, 4-3. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla was -1 with four shots on goal in Cologne's 3-2 loss to Hamburg. In the WHL, Team Canada members Tyler Myers and Jamie Benn were given a rest as Kelowna downed Portland, 5-4 in a shootout.

1/7 Recap: Byron nets 18th before deadline

Paul Byron (+1) scored a power play goal for Gatineau in their 3-2 loss to Cape Breton. The goal was Byron's 18th of the year, and gives him 59 points in 40 games this season, tying him for 4th overal in QMJHL scoring. With the trade deadline coming on Thursday, it should be interesting to see if Byron stays put in Gatineau, or waives his no trade clause to enter a winning situation. It has been rumored that he'd prefer to be dealt to Shawinigan where he'd join ex-teammate Matthew Pistilli, but time will tell. J.S. Allard (+2) scored his 10th goal of the season in Quebec's 5-2 win over Chicoutimi. Jacob Lagacé was -3 for the Sags in defeat.