Armia shift montage - Assat vs Tappara 10/13/12

Here we go again with another Joel Armia shift reel - this time from Saturday's Assat-Tappara tilt. Armia (#10 in  red) recorded a pair of shots over 13:34 of work in the loss. Enjoy.

10/13 Recap: Catenacci powers Attack; Austin posts career best

Dan Catenacci scored his second goal of the game in the final minute of regulation and then notched the shootout winner as Owen Sound downed Peterborough 5-4. The 5-foot-10 speedster has six goals, 11 points, and two shootout winners in nine games this season. The Attack are off until Friday when they host Ottawa.


Elsewhere in the OHL, Brady Austin earned the game's number two star with a career-best three assists as Belleville skated to a 4-1 win over Oshawa. Austin has collected five helpers through the Bulls' first nine games.


Alex Lepkowski played even as Barrie earned a 2-1 victory over Sudbury. The Colts are back at it Thursday versus Ottawa.

In USHL action, Judd Peterson pocketed a pair of assists as Cedar Rapids was dealt a wild 8-7 shootout loss to Green Bay. The St. Cloud State commit has a goal and four points through his first four games in a RoughRiders uniform.

In Sweden, Linus Ullmark made 28 stops as MODO J20 defeated Leksands 5-3. The win was Ullmark's second in as many days after being returned to MODO from his loan to Mora.

In Finland, Joel Armia finished -1 in 13:34 of work as Assat lost to Tappara 2-1. Armia will enter Thursday's game against Karpat with nine points (6+3) in 13 games.

In WHL action, Andrey Makarov made 27 saves to backbone Saskatoon to a 5-2 win over Lethbridge. Makarov's victory, his first in two weeks (since 9/29), improves his season record to 3-6 with a 3.51 goals against average and .888 save percentage. The Blades continue their road cruise through Alberta on Sunday with a stop in Medicine Hat.


Logan Nelson earned an assist on the game winning goal as Victoria edged Kelowna 3-2. Fellow Minnesotan Ben Walker (undrafted) had a pair of goals for the winners.


Colin Jacobs (-3) saw his eight-game point streak come to an end as Prince George was buried by Medicine Hat 7-2.

In the college ranks, Christian Isackson netted a pair of assists as #2 Minnesota cruised to a 7-1 hammering of Michigan State. Isackson helped out on goals by linemates Nick Bjugstad (game winner) and Kyle Rau. The Gophers will look to keep their early momentum going next weekend at Michigan Tech.


Mark Adams was +1 with a shot on goal as Providence lost to Boston University 4-2. The Friars return to the road next weekend when they visit #8 Miami.

Brad Navin (-1) and Jake McCabe were both held off the scoresheet as Wisconsin was swept by Northern Michigan 4-2. The Badgers open WCHA conference play next weekend at Minnesota-Duluth.

In the AHL, Marcus Foligno scored on the power play but it was all the Rochester Americans could muster in taking a 3-1 loss to Toronto. David Leggio made 34 saves including 15 in the third period. The Amerks host Binghamton on Tuesday.

10/12 Recap: Amerks open with win

Corey Tropp scored a pair of goals and Mark Mancari scored the only mark in the shootout as Rochester opened the 2012-13 season Friday with a 6-5 win over Syracuse.

Tropp lit the lamp in the game's opening minute when he tapped in a two-on-one feed from Cody Hodgson. Later in the period,  Tropp batted down a Luke Adam shot in front of the net and beat Dustin Tokarski to give the Amerks a 2-1 lead. Marcus Foligno scored shortly after Tropp's second goal to give the Amerks a 3-1 advantage at the first intermission.

Mark Pysyk notched his first professional goal in the second period before the Crunch went on to score four unanswered the take a 5-4 lead midway through the final frame. Mark Mancari rounded out the Rochester scoring to make it 5-5 with under four minutes to play in regulation to force the OT.

David Leggio made 29 saves and another five in the shootout to earn the win. Tropp suffered a lower body injury and is unlikely to play when the Amerks continue their opening weekend Saturday in Toronto.

In the QMJHL, Mikhail Grigorenko continued his superb start to the 2012-13 season by scoring two goals and an assist to extend his point streak to nine games as Quebec defeated Gatineau 4-1. The talented Russian currently ranks second in QMJHL scoring with eight goals and 20 points through the Remparts' first nine games. The Remparts are off until Wednesday's tilt with Saint John.


 In Finland, Joel Armia scored his sixth goal of the year as Assat doubled Tappara 4-2. The 6-foot-3 sniper got the Aces on the board when he cut to the net and directed a Michael Ryan pass past the Tappara netminder. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.



Linus Ullmark made 30 saves as MODO J20 downed Leksands 6-2. Ullmark was making his return to SuperElit action after a three-week loan to Mora IK of HockeyAllsvenskan. MODO and Leksands will play a rematch on Saturday.

In the WHL, Colin Jacobs picked up an assist as Prince George downed Lethbridge 3-2. The helper extends Jacobs' season-starting point streak to a career-best eight games (7+7). The Cougars continue their road trip Saturday in Medicine Hat.

Logan Nelson saw his five-game point streak come to an end as Victoria lost to Kelowna 4-1. The Royals and Rockets will again face off Saturday in Victoria.

Andrey Makarov made 24 saves as Saskatoon lost to Kootenay 4-3. The Blades have lost five straight games to occupy last place in the East Division.

In OHL action, Brady Austin was +1 as Belleville pitched a 2-0 shutout of Brampton. The Bulls, who have secured five wins through the season's first eight games, return to the ice Saturday versus Oshawa.

Justin Kea logged a +1 as Saginaw smoked Sudbury 6-1. The Spirit moves on to face Brampton on Sunday.

Alex Lepkowski (-1) did not point as Barrie got past Oshawa 4-3 in a shootout. Barrie will host Sudbury on Saturday.

Christian Isackson scored his first goal of the year as Minnesota downed Michigan State 5-1. Skating with Florida prospects Nick Bjugstad and Kyle Rau, Isackson buried a wrist shot from the slot for the first regular season goal of his collegiate career. The Gophers and Spartans will conclude their opening weekend set on Saturday.


Brad Navin (2 SOG) and Jake McCabe (4 SOG) each went without a point as Wisconsin lost to Northern Michigan 2-1. McCabe was paired with Frankie Simonelli on the Badgers blueline after sitting out last weekend's tune-up win over the U.S. Under-18. Navin formed a line with Keegan Meuer and Brendan Woods. The Badgers will look for the weekend split on Saturday.

Mark Adams finished +1 as Providence opened the season with an 8-2 throttling of Sacred Heart. The Friars finish their weekend Saturday with a visit to Boston University.

Judd Peterson was +1 with three shots on goal as Cedar Rapids dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Muskegon. The RoughRiders take on Green Bay on Saturday.

Armia complete game montage (10/6)

If your hockey jones is getting the best of you, I advise you to check out this montage of Joel Armia's shifts from Assat's Saturday loss to TPS.

10/5 Recap: Grigorenko gets winner as Remparts remain perfect

Mikhail Grigorenko scored in overtime Friday as Quebec remained perfect through their first six games with a 4-3 come from behind win over Victoriaville. Grigorenko, who earlier helped force the extra frame with an assist in the final minute of regulation, has registered a point in all six Remparts' contests for a total of 14 (4+10) on the year. The crafty pivot dazzled with several exciting plays, including a superb blind pass from his knees in the middle period that was nearly converted. The Remparts will look to remain unbeaten on Saturday when they host Rimouski.

In the WHL, Colin Jacobs scored on the power play as Prince George rode a five-goal first period to a 6-3 win over Kelowna. Jacobs now has five goals and 10 points has through his first five games to remain tied atop the WHL points leaderboard. The teams will finish their weekend set Saturday night in Prince George.

Logan Nelson picked up an assist as Victoria lost a hard-fought 4-3 decision at Spokane. The Royals continue their road trip Saturday in Tri-City.

Andrey Makarov got another short rest as Saskatoon got shellacked by Swift Current 10-1. Makarov, who was previously forced into relief action during his game off last week, entered in the 34th minute with the Blades trailing 7-1. He'd allow two power play goals before settling in the third period with 10 saves on 11 shots. The Blades pay a visit to defending WHL champion Edmonton on Saturday.

In OHL action, Dan Catenacci set up the game winning goal as Owen Sound held off Sarnia 4-3. Catenacci stayed out of the penalty box for the first time this season en route to collecting his sixth point (3+3) through the Attack's first six games. Owen Sound returns to action Saturday versus Guelph.

Justin Kea recorded his first fighting major of the year as Saginaw was blanked by Niagara 4-0. Trailing 2-0, Kea tangled with IceDogs forward Joel Wigle late in the second period. Saginaw welcomes Kitchener to town on Saturday.

Alex Lepkowski logged a +1 as Barrie earned a 4-3 shootout victory over Mississauga. The Colts take on Peterborough.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson finished -1 with a shot on goal as Cedar Rapids downed Fargo 5-2. The RoughRiders will play the second of five straight games at home Saturday against Youngstown.

Joel Armia recorded three shots on goal in 15:55 of action as Assat dropped a 2-1 decision to the Blues. The Aces head back to the ice Saturday against TPS.

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In AHL preseason play, Nick Crawford scored a pair of regulation goals and then the shootout clincher as Rochester closed the preseason with a 4-3 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Phil Varone added the other Amerks goal. Rookie netminders Connor Knapp and Nathan Lieuwen split the crease duties, with Knapp stopping 15 of 16 shots before giving way to Lieuwen, who blocked 16 of 18 and another three in the shootout to secure the victory.

9/28 Recap: Nelson comes up big

Logan Nelson scored a regulation goal and the shootout winner Friday as Victoria got past Kamloops 4-3. Nelson, who also added an assist, knotted the game 2-2 when he cut hard to net from the corner to pot his first of the year at 5:52 of the third period. The Royals and Blazers will go at it again Sunday in Victoria.



Colin Jacobs scored his fourth goal of the year on a penalty shot and added an assist as Prince George edged Seattle 4-3. Jacobs now has an impressive eight points through the Cougars first three games. The two clubs will finish the two-game set on Saturday.


Dan Catenacci saw his three-game goal streak come to an end as Owen Sound held on for a 3-2 win over Guelph. The speedy center currently leads the OHL with 19 penalty minutes. The Attack return to action Saturday when they host Alex Galchenyuk and the Sarnia Sting. 

Brady Austin finished with an even rating as Belleville dropped a 1-0 decision to Brampton. The Bulls welcome Oshawa to town on Saturday.

Joel Armia went without a point for the third straight game as Assat was dealt a 2-1 loss at JYP. Armia reaped 19:41 of work with the Aces securing a total of eight power play opportunities in the contest. Assat is off until Tuesday when they host the Pelicans.

9/27 Recap: Cat pounces; Kea breaks seal

In Thursday action, Dan Catenacci notched a power play goal while employing an edgy, physical style as Owen Sound was defeated by Barrie 4-3 in the shootout. Catenacci, who has goals in all three of the Attack's games this season, converted a loose puck down low to tie the game 2-2 in the second period. Owen Sound moves on to a Friday meeting with Guelph, while Alex Lepkowski (even, 2 PIM) and Barrie get a day off before hosting Mississauga on Saturday.


Justin Kea scored his first goal of the season as Saginaw opened the home-ice schedule with a 5-0 win over Sudbury. The power play mark could serve as a confidence booster for the hard-working center as he embraces a larger role following a three-goal output a season ago. Saginaw continues their brief homestand Saturday against Sault Ste. Marie.

In Sweden, Linus Ullmark stopped 19 of 20 shots as Mora was shutout by BIK Karlskoga 2-0. Ullmark held his club in the game with numerous difficult saves before allowing a power play goal at 4:46 of the middle period. Despite the loss, Ullmark's recent performances have elevated him among top Allsvenskan goalkeepers with a 1.51 goals against average (4th overall) and .929 save percentage (6th overall). Next up for Mora is a Saturday contest with Leksands.

In SM-liiga play, Joel Armia was on the ice for one goal for and one against in Assat's 4-3 overtime win at KalPa. Armia directed eight shots but was unable to connect in 14:40 of work to finish without a point for a second straight game. Armia's 38 total shots (includes those that miss the net) currently ranks third in the league. The Aces go right back at it Friday at JYP.

9/25 Recap: Ullmark victorious

In Tuesday action, Linus Ullmark made 26 saves in his first HockeyAllsvenskan start as Mora defeated Vasteras 6-2. Ullmark, who came on in relief in Saturday's come-from-behind win, has started off his loan assignment with two wins, a 1.80 goals against average, and a .917 save percentage. Mora could again lean on Ullmark when they take the ice Thursday versus Bofors.


In SM-liiga, Joel Armia was blanked as Assat gave up a late penalty-shot goal to lose 2-1 to HIFK. Armia, who wore the Aces golden helmet as the team's leading scorer, received a season-high 19:13 of work in the loss. Assat hits the road for Thursday and Friday games at KalPa and JYP.

9/22 Recap: Jacobs begins with career best

Colin Jacobs posted a career-best five points Saturday as Prince George opened the regular season with a 6-0 blowout of Everett.

Jacobs got the ball rolling for the Cougars with a penalty shot goal at 6:43 of the first period. He later struck on the power play in the final minute of the second. The five-point night (2+3), which eclipsed Jacobs' previous high (4) set in December 2010, was a first for a Sabres prospect since Kevin Sundher's one-goal, four-assist performance last October. The Cougars and Silvertips will engage in a rematch Sunday.




Joel Armia scored his third goal of the year as Assat defeated HPK 4-1. The mark, which came in the opening minute of the second period, tied the game 1-1 as Assat began to take control of the game. The Aces get back at it Tuesday when they host HIFK.


In Sweden, Linus Ullmark came on in relief of Daniel Hansen, stopping seven of eight shots in 39:57 of work as Mora rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat Djurgardens 5-4 in a shootout. Ullmark, who was making his Mora debut, allowed a power play goal off a quick feed from behind the night shortly after entering the game but held firm from there while his team carried the play over the final twenty minutes to force extra time. Mora returns to action Tuesday against Vasteras.

Elsewhere, Dan Catenacci notched a goal and an assist as Owen Sound defeated Saginaw 5-2. Catenacci has four points (2+2) after two regular season games. The Attack continue play Thursday at Barrie. Justin Kea finished -1 for the Spirit, who kick off their home schedule Thursday versus Sudbury.


Brady Austin was -2 as Belleville needed a shootout to defeat Plymouth 3-2. The Bulls take on the Battalion Friday night in Brampton.

In the WHL, Logan Nelson picked up a pair of even-strength assists in Victoria's 3-2 win over Vancouver. Nelson showed off his speed and passing on the second helper, breaking into the Giants zone and deftly sending a cross-ice saucer feed to Alex Gogolev. The Royals are off until Friday when they begin a two-game set with Kamloops.



Andrey Makarov made 25 saves as Saskatoon lost their home opener 5-2 to Prince Albert. The Blades made ti tough on themselves from the start, surrendering three goals in the top half of the first period including two on the power play. The Blades next take the ice Wednesday at Brandon.