Showing posts with label biega. Show all posts
Showing posts with label biega. Show all posts

Saturday, October 27, 2012

10/26 Recap: Kea keys Spirit to victory

Justin Kea notched a pair of goals Friday including a hard-working short-handed game winner as Saginaw edged Oshawa 3-2. Kea's first-ever two-goal effort in 141 OHL games earned him the game's number three star. The Spirit wrap up their three-game road trip Saturday in Peterborough.


Mikhail Grigorenko scored his 11th goal of the year and added an assist as Quebec dominated Shawinigan 7-0. The Russian pivot sits with 26 points in 14 games heading into Sunday's meeting with Gatineau (which Grigorenko could sit for if Patrick Roy decides to subject his leading scorer to a rotation of European players). Grigorenko's teammate Adam Erne ('13) paced the Remparts with four goals and an assist.


Jake McCabe recorded two assists as Wisconsin blanked Minnesota-Duluth 2-0. McCabe rifled a shot that made it through to traffic to create the first Badger goal. Sophomore forward Brad Navin was unable to get a shot on net in the victory. Wisconsin will go for their first sweep of the season Saturday when the clubs conclude the WCHA set.

 Elsewhere, Joel Armia posted two shots in 14:19 of work as Assat skated past HIFK 4-1. Armia has seven goals and 11 points though 16-games, but hasn't connected for points in consecutive games since the opening week of SM-Liiga play. Assat takes on KalPa on Saturday.

Dan Catenacci saw his six-game point streak come to an end as Owen Sound suffered a 3-2 shootout loss to Kitchener. Catenacci went backhand/forehand in his shootout attempt but was unable to score. On Saturday, the Attack will look to get back on track when they host Sudbury.

Judd Peterson was +1 as Cedar Rapids got past Indiana 5-1 in USHL action. On Saturday, the RoughRiders will tangle with undefeated Dubuque.

Logan Nelson (-1) was held off the scoresheet as Victoria was handed a 4-1 loss at Vancouver. The Royals head to Kamloops Saturday to play their second of seven straight road games.

Mark Adams punched a shot on goal as Providence scored a pair of third period goals to earn a 3-2 win over Maine. The Friars and Black Bears will conclude the Hockey East set Saturday at 7:05.



Christian Isackson contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota played to a 2-2 tie with the U.S. Under-18 team. The Gophers will next host Canisius College for a non-conference tilt on Sunday.

In the AHL, Rochester stormed back with a pair of late goals to force extra time but fell short in a 5-4 overtime loss at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Trailing 4-2 with just over a minute to play, David Leggio went to the bench to give the Amerks the extra attacker. Kevin Porter took advantage with 1:08 left before Mark Mancari put a shot just under the crossbar 43 seconds later to complete the unlikely comeback. However, a Paul Thompson goal off a partial breakaway would end the game in the Penguins' favor with just 14-seconds to play.

Luke Adam and Evan Rankin scored the other Rochester goals. T.J. Brennan and Alex Biega added pairs of assists for the Amerks, who head north to Glens Falls on Saturday to take on the Adirondack Phantoms.

Monday, April 9, 2012

4/8 Recap: Biega, Leggio key Amerks to victory

In Sunday AHL action, Alex Biega scored the game winning goal with less than five minutes remaining in regulation to vault Rochester to their second straight win, 4-2 over Adirondack. The road win gives the Amerks 89 points, good for 10th in the AHL's Western Conference with just three games left to play.

David Leggio made 46 saves for his 26th win of the year but was somehow not among the game's three stars. Phil Varone, Evan Rankin, and Paul Szczechura scored the other Amerks goals.

Rochester will next host Grand Rapids on Tuesday with two key points on the line.

In the OHL, Alex Lepkowski finished +2 as Barrie bested Ottawa 3-2 in double overtime to even their series at one game apiece. Gregg Sutch missed his third straight game due to injury. Game #3 is Tuesday in Barrie.

Steven Shipley was held off the scoresheet as Niagara got past Brampton, 3-1. The IceDogs hold a 2-0 series lead with game #3 taking place Tuesday night in St. Catharines.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

3/10 Recap: Knapp, Amerks extend streaks

Connor Knapp made 21 saves Saturday as Miami advanced to the CCHA semifinals with a 4-1 win over Michigan State. Knapp, who has now won seven straight starts, is 12-2 with five shutouts since January 1st while allowing one or none in all 12 of the wins. The RedHawks will now wait for the outcome of Sunday's Ferris State/Bowling Green tilt to see who they'll play on Friday at the Joe.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his 28th goal of the year as Rimouski was doubled by Blainville-Boisbriand, 4-2. Leduc has scored goals in two straight, bringing him within two points of Kevin Sundher in the race for the prospects scoring title with two games left to play. 

Mark Pysyk picked up an an assist to extend his point streak to three games as Edmonton toppled Red Deer, 7-4. The victory gives the Oil Kings 101 points, making them the first WHL club to hit triple digits this season.

Dan Catenacci went without a point for the third straight game as Owen Sound was shut out by Sarnia, 4-0. Catenacci sits with 33 goals and 71 points with three games to play. Stud 2012 prospect Nail Yakupov left the game in the second period after getting blown up by Attack captain Mike Halmo as he crossed the middle.

Nathan Lieuwen made 36 saves but Kootenay came up short in the final period for the second straight night in a 3-2 loss to Spokane. The game's #2 star, Lieuwen weathered the storm in a busy third until the Chiefs beat him for two goals in a span of 30-seconds with less than seven minutes to play.

In Finland, Joel Armia fired nine shots in Assat's 2-1 win over Tappara. The 6'3 wing is stuck at 18 goals with two regular season games remaining.

Elsewhere, Brad Eidsness got the start in the North Dakota net, making 23 saves to earn the game's #3 star as the Sioux finished off Bemidji State, 4-3. The defending back-to-back champions, North Dakota advances to next weekend's WCHA Final Five to face a yet to be determined opponent.

Brad Navin pumped two shots on net as Wisconsin was overcome by Denver, 3-1. The teams will play a third and deciding game Sunday at Magness for the right to advance to the Final Five next week in St. Paul.

Colin Jacobs finished -2 as Seattle suffered through an 11-3 drubbing by Portland. The big center has gone nine games without scoring a goal.

Alex Lepkowski played even as Barrie blanked Belleville, 3-0. Gregg Sutch was given a night off to rest some bumps and bruises

Justin Jokinen recorded four shots on goal as Minnesota State saw their season end with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Duluth in overtime. Chosen in the 4th round of the 2008 draft, the 6'3 forward ends his Mavericks career with 18 goals and 39 points in 124 games.

Kevin Sundher remained out of action (concussion) as Brandon edged Saskatoon, 2-1.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the eighth straight game as Minnesota defeated Alaska-Anchorage, 7-3.

***

While Marcus Foligno was busy scoring his first NHL goal in the Sabres Saturday night win at Ottawa, the Amerks were rather active themselves receiving marks from six different players en route to a 6-1 rout of Binghamton.

Travis Turnbull paced the winners with a goal and two assists. Mark Voakes dished his way to three helpers. Alex Biega, Maxime Legault, Derek Whitmore, Paul Szczechura and Shaone Morrisonn also scored for Rochester. David Leggio finished with 17 saves while holding the B-Sens scoreless for nearly 55-minutes

The Rundown:
Biega: G, +2
McNabb: A, +3
Crawford: +2
Brennan: +1
Szydlowski: +1

Winners of four straight, the Amerks are off until Friday when they visit in-state rival Syracuse.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

1/13 Recap: Knapp shines; MacKenzie extends streak

Connor Knapp made 25 saves Friday to earn his fourth consecutive win as Miami defeated #19 Lake Superior State, 2-1. The reigning CCHA Goaltender of the Week has started all three of Miami's games since the Christmas break, stopping 78 of 80 shots to guide the unranked RedHawks to a much needed winning streak. It's expected that Miami bench boss Enrico Blasi will continue to ride the 6'6 senior when the RedHawks look for the road sweep of the Lakers on Saturday.

Drew MacKenzie extended his career-high point streak to seven games with a pair of assists as Vermont upset #11 Lowell 3-2 in overtime. With his first multi-point game of the season (he had four last year), the 6'2 defenseman now has six goals and 14 points in 19 games. The Catamounts host Providence on Sunday.



Dan Catenacci set up the game winning goal as Owen Sound defeated Erie, 3-1. The 5'10 center has five assists in four January games, and a total of 48 points through 42 regular season tilts.The Attack and Otters will do it again on Saturday.



Kevin Sundher finished -3 as Brandon dropped a 5-4 decision to Red Deer. The 6'0 center has yet to record a point in two games (both losses) since being traded from Victoria prior to the WHL deadline. The WHL's #2 assist man, Sundher has also yet to earn first line time for the 8th place Wheat Kings. Sundher will get a chance to play against his former mates on Saturday when Brandon hosts Victoria.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc picked up a power play assist as Rimouski needed the shootout to down Rouyn-Noranda, 4-3. Leduc, who was stopped in his shootout attempt, has two goals and two assists in his last eight games. He continues to lead all QMJHL defensemen with 21 goals and 54 points.

Colin Jacobs assisted on his team's only goal as Seattle was hammered by Kamloops, 7-1. Playing his 13th game of the year on Friday the 13th, Jacobs has five points since returning from offseason shoulder surgery. The T-Birds resume play on Saturday against Portland.

Cedrick Henley posted one shot on goal as Val-d'Or was throttled by Victoriaville, 6-1. After collecting six points (3+3) in two games, the 6'5 wing has failed to get on the scoresheet in his last two outings.

Steven Shipley finished +1 as Niagara dropped Sudbury, 5-2. The IceDogs do battle with Barrie on Saturday.

Brad Navin recorded a shot on goal in third-line minutes as Wisconsin blanked Minnesota State, 4-0. Justin Jokinen was -1 for the Mavericks. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.

Brad Eidsness served as backup for the seventh straight game as North Dakota got past rival Minnesota, 2-1. Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch for the Gophers.

***

In Friday AHL action, Rochester continued to struggle against North Division foes with a 2-1 overtime loss to Toronto. The Sabres farmhands are now winless in four tries against the Marlies.

The Amerks were outshot 41-26 in the contest, with David Leggio's 39 saves earning him the game's #2 star. Travis Turnbull scored the lone Rochester goal on the period power play. Alex Biega and Mark Voakes picked up assists.

The Rundown:
Biega: A, 2 SOG
Kassian: 4 SOG
Foligno: 2 SOG, 16 PIM
Lagace: -1, 2 SOG
Schiestel: -1
Brennan: 2 SOG
Boychuk: -1
Parker: 1 SOG
Szydlowski: 1 SOG
Persson: -1

The Amerks will try to right their divisional struggles on Saturday when they host a Hamilton Bulldogs club that has beaten them in six of seven games this season.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Schiestel's OT mark seals Amerks win

Drew Schiestel scored on the power play at 3:21 of overtime Tuesday as the Amerks earned a 4-3 win over the AHL's top club, the Oklahoma City Barons. The blast from the point, Schiestel's second goal of the year, added to an earlier assist for his first multi-point game of the season.



Paul Szczechura paced the Amerks with two goals and an assist in his first game back from Buffalo, while Alex Biega scored his third of the season. Biega, who has collected all three of his marks in the last eight games, equals his out from a season ago when he scored 18 points as an AHL rookie with the Portland Pirates.

The Rundown:
Schiestel: GWG, A
Biega: G, +1, 2 SOG
Fienhage: A, +1
Boychuk: +1
Lagace: +1
Parker: 2 SOG
Persson: -1, 2 SOG
Foligno: -1
Crawford: -1
Szydlowski: -1

The Amerks (14-12-4-1) and Barons will play it back on Wednesday.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Foligno scores, MacIntyre stops 40 in Amerks win

Marcus Foligno scored his ninth goal of the year at 5:13 of the opening period, while Drew MacIntyre was rock solid in stopping all 40 shots he faced as Rochester earned a 3-0 Friday night win over Albany. The shutout was MacIntyre's first of the season and 15th of his nine-year career.

The 20-year old Foligno provided all the offense the Amerks would need when he gathered an Alex Biega pass in the corner and made a strong move to the net that eventually resulted in the puck popping into the air and over the line. The goal was Foligno's second in as many games.

Biega scored his first goal of the year on the power play in the final minute of the first period, while Derek Whitmore's 12th of the season in the second rounded out the Amerks attack. The 26-year old Whitmore, a Rochester native and product of Bowling Green, has eight of his 12 goals this season in his past six games.

Jacob Lagace and Drew Schiestel picked up assists for the Amerks. Schiestel now has a goal and an assist in his last two games.

Defenseman Dennis Persson returned to the lineup after missing 22 games with high ankle sprain.

The Rundown:
Foligno: 1G, +1, 2 SOG
Biega: G, A, +1, 2 SOG
Lagace: A, 2 SOG
Schiestel: A, 2 SOG
Crawford: +1, 3 SOG
Parker: 1 SOG
Boychuk: even

The Amerks return to action Saturday versus Adirondack.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Amerks rally to down Crunch

Brayden McNabb banged the overtime game winner in off the crossbar as Rochester avenged Saturday night's loss with a 6-5 win over Syracuse. The OT tally was the first goal of McNabb's pro career. The 6'5 defender, who earlier was credited with a short-handed assist, was not named to the game's three stars.

Zack Kassian scored his fifth goal of the year on a breakaway and added an assist for the winners, while Alex Biega and Jacob Lagace also chipped in with helpers.

The Rundown:
McNabb: GWG, A, +1
Kassian: G, A
Lagace: A
Biega: A, +1
Szydlowski: A
Crawford: -1
Brennan: +2
Foligno: +1
Schiestel: 1 SOG
Boychuk: DNP
Parker: DNP

Saturday, September 24, 2011

9/23 Recap: JGL pots pair; Cat strikes again

In our first Friday of CHL action, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc picked up where he left off a season ago, cashing two goals, adding an assist, and leading his team with five shots on goal as Rimouski came from behind to earn a 6-5 shootout win over Chicoutimi. Trailing  4-2 heading into the third, the Nics battled back to a 5-5 tie with 2:19 left in regulation to force the extra time and tiebreaker.




Leduc, who finished last season on a tear with an impressive 18 points in his final 10 games to wind up as the QMJHL's #2 scorer among defensemen, is certainly out to stake an early offensive claim as Team Canada starts weeding out their 2012 World Junior hopefuls. The multi-goal game is the fourth in his last eight regular season contests (going back to 2010-11), a span that has seen the 6'2 defender convert nine of his last 15 shots on goal (remember five of those came Friday). Rimouski will next hit the ice Sunday when they host Shawinigan.

Also from the Q, Cedrick Henley collected an assist and eight hits as Val-d'Or lost a 5-4 shootout to the defending Memorial Cup champions, Saint John. The 6'5 wing's physical effort comes one night removed from a three-assist outing in his season debut. The Foreurs return to action Saturday in PEI.

Dan Catenacci continued his warm OHL start, scoring the game's first goal on the power play and adding an assist as Owen Sound closed out Guelph, 6-4. The 5'10 center now has four points (2+2) in his first two games as a member of the Attack. Catenacci, who scored just six goals in his final 30 games of 2010-11, will look to maintain his current 136-point pace Saturday when the Attack take on Saginaw.



Alex Lepkowski (+1) assisted on an empty-net goal as Barrie got past Brampton, 3-1. Colts forward Gregg Sutch played even with a cross-checking minor in the win. The Colts are now off until Thursday when they meet up with Owen Sound.

Kevin Sundher finished -1 as the Victoria Royals lost their inaugural WHL contest to Vancouver, 5-2. Earlier in the day, the Royals announced that Sundher would serve as an alternate captain for the 2011-12 season. The Royals and Giants will head back to Victoria Saturday for the Royals home opener -- the first WHL home game in Victoria since the Cougars fled for Prince George back in 1994.

Nathan Lieuwen earned the start in Kootenay's 2011-12 opener, making 27 saves as the ICE fell in the shootout to Red Deer, 3-2. The 6'5 netminder, who played well in helping the Sabres to the Traverse City title, surrendered three goals in the six-round shootout to put the ICE in a 0-1 hole to begin the year. Kootenay will look for the first win Saturday against Calgary.

In SM-liiga action, Joel Armia earned the primary assist on the game winning goal as Assat defeated the Blues, 3-1. The big wing dumped the puck off and pushed to the net as a screen to earn his second point in as many games. Assat returns to action Saturday versus HPK.

***

Earlier Friday, the Sabres dispatched the first eleven players to their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans.

F: Riley Boychuk, Jacob Lagace, Maxime Legault, Shawn Szydlowski, Mark Voakes, Travis Turnbull
D: Matt MacKenzie, Corey Fienhage, Nick Crawford, Alex Biega
G: Jeff Jakaitis

Unsigned draft picks Matt MacKenzie, 19, and Riley Boychuk, 20, are AHL eligible this season and worth the look in Amerks camp, but the Sabres could still elect to return the pair to their WHL clubs.

Friday, May 21, 2010

From Ivy League to bigs: Sabres sign Biega

The Buffalo Sabres have signed defensemen Alex Biega to a two-year entry-level contract. Official financials aren't available, but the deal could be worth a shade over $1M in total with the likelihood of an NHL salary in the vicinity of $525K per season.

Chosen in the 5th round of the 2006 draft, the 5'11, 205-pound Harvard grad becomes the third prospect inked this offseason after the earlier signings of forward Luke Adam and fellow rearguard Nick Crawford. The Montreal-born Biega, 22, scored 15 goals en route to notching 70 points over his four years in the ECAC. It's expected that the right-hander will continue his development in the AHL with Portland.

Click the Biega tag for more info.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Odds & Ends: Southorn talking; Tropp on the way?

With 2008 draft pick Jordon Southorn recently finishing his fourth QMJHL season, The Guardian is reporting that player agent Don Meehan is talking to the Sabres about a pro deal.

Southorn said his agent, Don Meehan, is talking with the Buffalo Sabres, the team that drafted him in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2008 draft, about a three-year, entry-level contract. At the maximum, it can be worth over $825,000 a year.


Enter the Sabres blueline pipeline, where the system is rich with numbers. With Dennis Persson (one year), T.J. Brennan (two), and Drew Schiestel (two) having term remaining on their first contracts, and Nick Crawford recently added to the fold, it is thought that decisions on Portland defenders Matt Generous and Mike Kostka will play a role in what shakes out with Southorn and recent Harvard grad, Alex Biega.

The 5'11 Biega, who served as the Crimson captain this past season, moves well and plays a smart game, but the Sabres have to decide if he has enough juice to produce on the power play while providing consistent even-strength support. In 131 NCAA games in Cambridge, the Montreal native collected 15 goals and 55 assists with a net +1 rating.

Southorn, on the other hand, is waiting and working a summer job after an up-and-down season that saw a shift in his approach.

Southorn, who turns 20 today, had a solid 2009-10, if not bumpy one.
A pre-season suspension by the Rocket, his second in two seasons, cancelled Buffalo’s plans to bring him to its training camp.
But Southorn focused on his job, finished with a team-high plus-five plus-minus and fourth in hits with 86, and left the offence to itself (four goals, 19 assists, 67 games).
He was down 18 points in scoring from 2008-09, but up 18 points in his plus-minus ratio.
“I think my game changed this year. I was always the offensive guy. My plus-minus was up in the plusses,” he said. “My defensive game got much better. That’s what I was proud of.”
New head coach Eric Lavigne, hired in early October to replace the fired Guy Chouinard, stressed defensive zone coverage and it worked.


Southorn isn't a poor depth option by any stretch, but I was surprised to hear that discussions are taking place because there aren't that many jobs to go around in an organization that doesn't use an ECHL affiliate.

The Sabres have five blueliners under contract (Butler, Rivet, Sekera, Montador, Myers) entering 2010-11, with the expectation that RFAs Marc-Andre Gragnani and Mike Weber will be tendered. There is also the potential for UFA back-up plans like a Dennis Seidenberg and perhaps a Dan Hamhuis to be in place in the event that one of both of Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman sign elsewhere.

If you look at the depth chart, I already have Brayden McNabb penciled in to assume Dennis Persson's AHL slot beginning in 2011-12. I'll stop short of calling Persson a lame duck this early, but he will be entering the final year of his deal with the expectation of taking a huge developmental step on the Pirates blueline.

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After signing forward Luke Adam to an entry-level contract at the end of his junior season, the Sabres still have decisions to make with some forwards in the coming weeks.

It's becoming more of a certainty that Michigan State RW Corey Tropp will follow in the footsteps of past collegians Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, and Tim Kennedy by leaving school after his junior season to sign with the Sabres. The CCHA program has already lost juniors Jeff Petry (EDM) and Andrew Rowe (PHI) to the pro ranks this offseason, making Tropp's departure a no-brainer given the Sabres depth needs. The 6'0 winger led the Spartans this past season with 20 goals and 42 points, and with MSU bench boss Rick Comley not having a consistent track record for developing pro bodies, it may be in both parties best interests to shift the development cycle to the AHL.

With the Sabres short on forwards, it seems that Jacob Lagacé will ultimately get a look as well despite his disappointing finish with Cape Breton. The fifth-round pick in 2008, Lagacé scored five goals in 25 games with the Eagles after having 30 in 35 with Chicoutimi at the time of the deal.

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In other forward 'stuff', former first-rounder Marek Zagrapan has had his two-year KHL contract with Severstal terminated after one season. After a quick start in his return to European ice, the former Sagueneen/Amerk/Pirate found it tough to earn consistent time and ultimately became a non-factor down the stretch. It remains to be seen where Zagrapan will land moving forward, but the Sabres will continue to retain his NHL rights while the sting of another first round disappointment subsides.

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Speaking of Sabres European prospects, Felix Schutz made noise on the international stage when he scored the overtime winner as Germany shocked Team USA to win the opening game of the 2010 IIHF World Championships. It was a nice touch for Schutz after a tough second half in Portland that saw the tweener limited in ice time while being left off the Pirates clear day roster.

Schutz has two goals through three games for Germany, while fellow Sabres prospect Philip Gogulla has yet to record a point.

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When the University of North Dakota began stockpiling defensive recruits like Derek Forbort and Dillon Simpson, we began to think long and hard about the impact it would all have on Sabres 2008 third-rounder, Corey Fienhage. When Fienhage was sat late in the year in favor of forward-turned-defenseman Matt Davidson, those thoughts intensified.

When we reported that Fienhage was placed on the protected list by the WHL's Kamloops Blazers, the writing was seemingly being scribbled on the proverbial wall.

But when Fighting Sioux junior Chay Genoway announced that he would be returning to the team in 2010-11, the message on the wall stated that Fienhage was outsy.

Nothing is official, but whispers around Grand Forks are suggesting that Fienhage is as good as gone (along with Isles prospect David Toews). Fienhage needs to play, and since he didn't get in the lineup last season until Genoway suffered a concussion, it isn't too difficult to connect the dots.

My question is where does Fienhage go? If he opts for the WHL, his window to earn a deal is cut down to one season. Another option has him seeking a scholarship elsewhere, thus sending him to the USHL for a season of Jr. A to retain his NCAA eligibility, and in turn allow the Sabres to keep his rights for a longer term.

Fienhage is rugged and tough, and I would be eager to watch his game translate to the WHL. However, Fienhage is just 20 and needs consistent reps after playing a scant 39 games over two seasons with the Sioux. Couple that with the fact that the Sabres blueline prospect cupboard is already crowded, and I fully expect the Sabres to advise him to somehow stay in school.

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While we're at it, might as well make official what we already knew. Mark Adams, the Sabres fifth round pick last summer, will be enrolling at Providence College this fall. The right-hander will join Vermont junior defenseman Drew MacKenzie in the competitive Hockey East.

Adams, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman, was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round (134th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He played three seasons at Malden Catholic High School before spending one season with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League. While with Chicago, Adams played in 53 games and recorded four goals and 10 assists for 14 points during the 2009-10 season.


After a minor shoulder injury in the first half, "Roo" got his game clicking as the Steel's year wound down. Adams has good wheels that he'll need to use to limit stick infractions as he steps up a level of competition.

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Lastly, if you're not doing so already, try to follow SabresProspects on Twitter. I'll be in Los Angeles for the draft and will be using it to communicate throughout the entire week. This space will be updated as well, of course, but that feed should be more lively.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

3/13 Recap: Biega, Tropp bounced; Kassian catchin' up

Alex Biega saw his collegiate career come to a close Saturday as Harvard was shut out by #9 Cornell, 3-0. The Big Red sweep of the ECAC quarterfinal sends the senior defenseman back to Cambridge with 15 goals and 55 assists in 131 games of his four-year NCAA career. The 5'11 righthander will now sit and wait for a contract offer from the Sabres. The club of course has until August 15th to make a decision on the player.

Also seeing his season come to frustrating close Saturday was Michigan State junior Corey Tropp. The Spartans fell for a second straight night to energy-laced Michigan, 5-3, but Tropp was forced to sit the game out after stepping on a puck and tweaking his ankle during pregame warm-ups. The freak accident put an abrupt end to Tropp's remarkable bounceback year where he led the Spartans with 20 goals and 42 points. Despite finishing 2nd in the CCHA regular season, MSU is essentially done as their current pairwise ranking projects them out of the 16-team NCAA tourney.

In the WCHA, Brad Eidsness stopped 22 shots as North Dakota saw their best-of-three series evened at one game apiece in a 4-2 loss to Minnesota. After a Friday shutout of the Gophers, the sophomore surrendered three goals against in game two - a pair with the Gophers on the power play and the third on a high point shot through traffic that came quickly off a draw. With the game tied 2-2, it appeared that Eidsness did not see the shot coming until it was too late, stabbing upward while standing up as the puck shot past him. Corey Fienhage did not dress for the Sioux, who will look to keep their healthy pairwise ranking in tact with a victory in Sunday's rubber match.

Connor Knapp did not get his usual Saturday start as #2 Miami suffered a 5-4 overtime loss to Ohio State. The move to not start Knapp backfired on RedHawks coach Enrico Blasi, as the nation's top netminder (numerically) Cody Reichard allowed three goals on his first 11 shots while fighting the puck all evening long. The Buckeye victory forces a Sunday game #3, and a likely opportunity for Knapp to assume the crease for Miami after a shutout in his last start.

In Hockey East, Drew MacKenzie registered three shots on goal as Vermont edged New Hampshire, 1-0. With the Catamounts leveling the series at one game each, the #1 seeded Wildcats are forced to defend home ice in Sunday's deciding game.

As expected, Justin Jokinen remained back in Mankato as Minnesota State lost to St. Cloud State, 3-2. After splitting the Friday/Saturday games, the clubs will play it back Sunday in St. Cloud.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian scored a pair of goals as Windsor ended their regular season with a 8-3 loss to Sarnia. The Spits sat five of their top players en route to losing to the league's worst team, while Kassian continued his tune-up on a line with Kenny Ryan and Stephen Jonhston. The two-goal night, highlighted by a clean slapper on the latter, allows the 6'3 wing to finish his 38-game regular season with 12 goals, 19 assists, 81 PIMS, and a -16 rating. The Spits will play either Saginaw or Erie when the playoffs begin next week.

Nick Crawford was +1 in Barrie's 4-2 win over Kingston. Heading into the final day of play, Crawford's 70 points gives him a three-point lead over Soo's Jacob Muzzin for the defensive scoring title. The Greyhounds finish their regular season on Sunday versus Kitchener. The Colts (57-9-0-2) finished the season first overall with 116 points and are guaranteed home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. They will open against either Niagara or Marcus Foligno's Sudbury Wolves pending the results of Sunday's closing slate.

Brayden McNabb finished even as Kootenay concluded their regular season by defeating Edmonton, 2-1. Prior to the game, the 6'4 McNabb was named the team's Top Defenseman for the 2009-10 season. The Ice will begin the playoffs at home on Friday against Medicine Hat.

Mark Adams was even while being 'credited' with the first fighting major of his junior "A" career as Chicago defeated Tri-City, 4-2. Coincidental delay of game penalties were also assessed on the play.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

3/12 Recap: Adam on cusp; Eidsness blanks Gophers

Luke Adam scored his 49th goal of the season Friday as Cape Breton defeated Moncton, 4-0. Adam, whose goal total trails Drummondville's Gabriel Dumont (50) for the QMJHL lead, will look to hit the half-century mark when the regular season concludes on Sunday. Maxime Legault continued to show why he was acquired at the deadline, scoring his 17th of the season, closing quickly on the forecheck, and earning a fighting major as the Screaming Eagles looked to make a statement against the team they will square off with in round one of the playoffs. Jacob Lagacé was assessed a pair of minor penalties in the win.

Elsewhere in the Q, Jordon Southorn was -1 as PEI lost to Saint John, 4-0. The Rocket are locked in to face the Sea Dogs when the playoffs begin next week.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno finished +2 with a fighting major as Sudbury clinched a playoff spot with a 5-3 win over Kingston. The Wolves will face either Barrie or Ottawa in the first round. In the final minutes of the game, Foligno dumped a Fronts player in the corner and had to defend his actions against Derek Froats.



Zack Kassian was even as Windsor sat five starters in a 4-3 overtime loss to London. On Thursday, the 6'3 forward netted a goal in his second game since returning from suspension as the Spits defeated Plymouth, 6-4. Kassian, who is still battling some rust, got in down low to take a pass and score his 10 goal of the year, and first since January 14th. After clinching the Western Conference title with the Thursday win, the Spits will finish the regular season Saturday in Sarnia.

Nick Crawford was -1 as Barrie beat Brampton, 4-2. Crawford still holds a three-point lead as the OHL's top scoring rearguard with one game remaining on the schedule.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb was +1 as Kootenay doubled Red Deer, 4-2. The Ice, who have one regular season game remaining versus Edmonton, will face Medicine Hat in the first round of the playoffs.

In the WCHA playoffs, Brad Eidsness stopped all 27 shots sent his way as #5 North Dakota pounded Minnesota, 6-0. The game #1 shutout, Eidsness' second of the season, gives the sophomore 20 wins for the second straight season. Corey Fienhage did not dress for the Sioux. Fast forward to the 2:00 mark below for a pretty sweet glove save by the 2007 fifth round pick.



In Hockey East, Drew MacKenzie scored his fourth goal of the season as #19 Vermont lost their playoff opener at #11 New Hampshire, 7-4. The sophomore roofed a wrister from the point to tie the game 1-1 in the first period.

In the opening game of an ECAC Hockey quarterfinal series, Alex Biega was -2 with four shots on goal as Harvard lost at #9 Cornell, 4-1. Cornell scored the final four goals of the game to pull away and take control of the best-of-three.

In the CCHA playoffs, Corey Tropp finished -3 as #10 Michigan State lost to rival Michigan 5-1. The Wolverines used three first period tallies to take the 1-0 road lead.

Connor Knapp looked on as #2 Miami opened their playoff year by cruising to a 6-2 win over Ohio State.

Justin Jokinen did not make the trip (healthy scratch) as Mankato opened the first round of the WCHA playoffs with a 4-3 OT win at #7 St. Cloud State.

In USHL action, Roo Adams was -2 as Chicago lost to Tri-City, 4-1.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

3/6 Recap: Adam sharp in Eagle win; Eno's season ends

Luke Adam collected the game winning goal and three assists Saturday to lead Cape Breton to an 8-3 thrashing of PEI. The four-point night, his third such output of the year, gives the 6'2 center a total of 87 (47-40) in 55 regular season games - good for 3rd overall in the QMJHL. Adam's mark leaves him three short of 50 with three games to play.

Jacob Lagacé added his 34th of the year for the Eagles, who earned the weekend split in Charlottetown. Jordon Southorn finished -2 for the Rocket, while Eagles forward Maxime Legault missed his third straight game due to illness.

Marcus Foligno was -1 as Sudbury lost an important battle with Niagara, 4-2. The road defeat drops the Wolves from sixth to final eighth spot in the OHL's Eastern Conference playoff standings with four games to play. Sudbury (54) holds a one point lead over ninth place Oshawa (53), with Peterborough (56) and Niagara (55) holding the sixth and seventh spots.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb was -2 as Kootenay got spanked in their own barn by Calgary, 6-0. Wild prospect Kris Foucault had a hat trick and assist while goaltender Martin Jones recorded with his third consecutive shutout for the Hitmen. With the playoffs around the corner, the Ice have hit a cold patch of five straight losses. They will look to right the ship on Wednesday versus Red Deer.

In the NCAA, Bowling Green junior Nick Eno made 24 saves prior to exiting as Bowling Green saw their 2009-10 season conclude with a 6-1 loss to #20 Nebraska-Omaha. Eno, who had allowed four goals on 28 shots through 36:33 of time, ends his disappointing campaign at 5-13-4 with a 3.30 goals against average and .896 save percentage while fighting freshman Andrew Hammond for time.

Alex Biega was even as Harvard knocked Princeton out of the ECAC tournament with a 3-0 shutout win. Alex's freshman brother Danny paced the Crimson attack with a gorgeous goal, his fourth in five games, and an assist. Sunday action will determine Harvard's second round opponent.

Drew MacKenzie was -1 as #16 Vermont played to a 1-1 overtime tie with Lowell. The tie and a Northeastern loss to BU allowed the Catamounts to slip into the final spot in the Hockey East playoffs where they'll against the top seed, #10 New Hampshire.

In Grand Forks, Brad Eidsness made 28 saves as #7 North Dakota came back to sweep Michigan Tech, 3-2. A rebound down low and clean look off a rush put Tech ahead 2-0 through the early second period before the Sioux rallied to win their seventh straight. North Dakota's Corey Fienhage was +1 with two shots on goal and two aggressive, perhaps ill-timed minors for elbowing and boarding. The Sioux finish the WCHA regular season as the #4 seed, setting up a first round battle with Minnesota.

Justin Jokinen was scratched for the seventh consecutive game as Mankato tied #4 St. Cloud, 2-2. The Mavs will return to St. Cloud next weekend for the first round of the WCHA playoffs.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

3/5 Recap: Tourney season underway

Alex Biega fired up the SabresProspects playoff season on Friday, registering an assist as Harvard scored four third period goals to win at Princeton, 4-2. The Senior Biega head-manned the puck up ice to Louis LeBlanc, who found Michael Biega for the final Crimson goal with 2:10 left on the clock. The Crimson will look to advance to the second round of the ECAC bracket when the two teams take the ice on Saturday. A Tiger win will force a deciding game on Sunday.

In the CCHA playoffs, Nick Eno made 21 saves in relief of starter Andrew Hammond as Bowling Green was blown-out at Nebraska-Omaha, 6-1. Eno, who entered the game at 2:29 of the second period with the Falcons down 4-1, allowed two power play goals before stopping the bleeding with 13 saves in the third. The Falcons will look to extend their CCHA season one more day with a win in Saturday's rematch.

In the final weekend of WCHA regular season play, Brad Eidsness made 13 saves to guide # North Dakota to a 5-1 win over Michigan Tech. The sophomore, who allowed one goal off a bad turnover (below), was rather sharp in limited duty to improve his goals against average to 1.50 over the Sioux's current six-game winning streak. Sophomore blueliner Corey Fienhage was a healthy scratch for the Sioux.



Justin Jokinen was a healthy scratch as Minnesota State dumped St. Cloud State, 4-2.

In Hockey East, Drew MacKenzie was -1 with three shots on goal as #16 Vermont lost to Lowell, 5-2. Orchard Park, NY native Nick Schaus finsihed +2 with an assist for Lowell.

In the USHL, Providence commit Mark Adams scored his fourth goal of the year on the power play as Chicago blanked Lincoln, 3-0.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb was even with nine minutes in penalties as Kootenay lost to Medicine Hat, 2-1. The 6'4 defenseman picked up the bulk of his PIM after engaging in a short wrestling match with Tiger forward Bretton Cameron.



In the QMJHL, Luke Adam assisted on the lone Eagles goal as Cape Breton lost to PEI, 4-1. Jacob Lagacé had another quiet night for the losing side, while Maxime Legault missed his second straight game due to illness. Jordon Southorn gave a steady effort on the Rocket blueline, finishing the game +1 with a hit.

In OHL play, Nick Crawford skated to a -2 as Barrie was stopped by Ottawa, 6-3. The loss snaps the Colts eight-game winning streak, while Crawford's stretch of 21 games even or in the "plus" column comes to and end after being on the ice for a pair of third period goals against. Still, Crawford's +48 is tops in the OHL tied for 2nd overall in the entire CHL.

Marcus Foligno was even as Sudbury defeated Belleville, 4-3. The Wolves bell ringer flattened Bulls defenseman Julian Luciani with a huge hit in the first period that had the recipient down on the ice for minute or two before regaining his game wits.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

2/27 Recap: Adam plays trick, continues tear

Luke Adam notched a hat trick Saturday to lead Cape Breton past Bathurst, 6-1. The three-goal night, Adam's fourth of the season, gives him 46 goals with six games remaining in the regular season, and 21 since his mid-January return form Team Canada. Maxime Legault added his 14th goal for the winners, while Jacob Lagacé assisted on the first Adam tally.

Also from the QMJHL, Jordon Southorn scored his 4th goal of the season as PEI lost to Baie-Comeau, 4-3. As noted yesterday, the goal was Southorn's first in 39 games.

In the OHL, Nick Crawford rang up a pair of assists as Barrie throttled lowly Niagara, 6-1. Both helpers came with the man advantage.

In WHL play, Brayden McNabb finished -2 as Kootenay lost to Lethbridge, 4-1. The Hurricanes scored three goals in the third period to to seal the win.

In the NCAA, Connor Knapp made 23 stops as #2 Miami played to a rare 0-0 double shutout with Ohio State. Marked by some key stops late, the blanking was Knapp's fourth of the season and Miami's ninth overall. The RedHawks finish the regular season with a 21-2-5 record, good for first place and a bye when the CCHA playoffs begin next week.

Alex Biega finished -1 as Harvard fell to St. Lawrence, 4-3. The Saints outshot the Crimson 45-22 en route to forcing the Crimson into the #9 seed and a road trip to Princeton when the ECAC playoffs kick off next weekend.

Brad Eidsness made 27 saves as #8 North Dakota held off #13 Colorado College, 3-2. Eidsness was beaten off a drop pass in the second period, and had to stand tall in the final two minutes after the Tigers scored with the extra attacker. Corey Fienhage finished the night even for the Sioux.

Corey Tropp did not factor into the scoring as #12 Michigan State ended the regular season with a 2-2 tie at Bowling Green. Nick Eno served as back-up after a disappointing Friday start. The Spartans finish the CCHA slate in second place to earn a bye week.

Justin Jokinen was again scratched as Minnesota State battled hard in a 4-3 OT loss to #1 Denver.

In the USHL, Mark Adams was +1 as Chicago swept Tri-City, 3-2.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

2/26 Recap: Crawford, Colts in full gallop as playoffs loom

Nick Crawford added two assists and a +2 to his fine season line on Friday as Barrie smoked Oshawa, 9-2. Crawford's 64 points are tops among OHL defensemen, while his +48 rating is tied for the lead in all of Canadian juniors with Colby Robak of the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings. At 48-8-0-2, the Colts are currently the top-ranked team in the CHL/Mastercard Rankings with two weeks left to play in the regular season.

In the NCAA, Corey Tropp (+1) picked up two assists as #12 Michigan State defeated Bowling Green, 5-2. The Spartans leading scorer, Tropp ranks 11th nationally with 42 points (20+22). Falcons goaltender Nick Eno allowed three goals on 16 shots before getting pulled at 17:54 of the first period.

Brad Eidsness made 26 saves as #8 North Dakota won a 3-2 overtime battle with #13 Colorado College. Eidsness was beaten on a 2-1 with only a forward back on the first goal, then saw a point shot hit traffic and go past him to give CC a 2-1 lead in the early third. Stay-at-home sophomore Corey Fienhage finished the night even for the Sioux.

Drew MacKenzie scored his 3rd goal of the season into an empty net as #18 Vermont dumped #20 Boston University, 7-3. The sophomore defenseman finished the night a game-high +3.

Alex Biega assisted on the only Crimson goal as Harvard dropped a 2-1 overtime decision at Clarkson. With the score knotted at zero in the third period, Biega forced a neutral zone turnover and fed the puck to Doug Rogers who wristed in his 6th of the season.

Justin Jokinen was a healthy scratch for the fourth consecutive game as Minnesota State lost to #1 Denver, 3-1.

Connor Knapp looked on as #2 Miami minted a 6-2 win over Ohio State.

Elsewhere, Marcus Foligno earned an assist as Sudbury lost to London, 3-2. Foligno had two nice chances early, getting stopped beautifully by Knights goalie Michael Houser before ringing a cross bar on his next shift. The night before, Foligno was even in the Wolves' embarrassing 6-0 loss to Brampton.

In the QMJHL, Maxime Legault posted an assist while Luke Adam and Jacob Lagacé each registered a -1 as Cape Breton defeated Bathurst, 3-1. The Eagles earned another W, while Adam (13 games) and Lagacé (4) see their respective point streaks snapped.

Jordon Southorn played even as PEI took a 4-3 shootout over Chicoutimi. The 6'2 defenseman, who was also even in Wednesday's 3-1 loss at Drummondville, hasn't scored a goal since November 8th - a span of 39 games.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb (-2) picked up an assist as Kootenay stumbled against Medicine Hat, 5-3. The 6'4 defender was even in the Ice's 4-2 loss to Red Deer on Tuesday.

In USHL play, Mark Adams assisted on the first Chicago goal as the Steel edged Tri-City, 4-3. The Jr. A rookie now has three goals and four assists on the season.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

2/20 Recap: Foligno nets winner; Eno stands tall

Marcus Foligno scored the game winning goal on Saturday as Sudbury silenced Guelph, 5-1. The wraparound marker, his 13th of the year, gave the Wolves a 2-0 lead at 13:24 of the first period while setting a new career high in goals for the grinding forward. Eight of Foligno's goals have come in the 2010 calendar year.

In a battle of the OHL's top two clubs, Nick Crawford posted two assists as Barrie bested Windsor, 8-5. The 6'1 shutdown rearguard, who now leads the league's defensemen in points with an even 60 on the year, was a game-high +3 for the second straight night.

In WHL action, Brayden McNabb finished -1 as Kootenay took a 2-1 shootout win over Lethbridge. The Ice workhorse is currently 3rd in goal (16) and 5th in points (53) among league defenders.

In QMJHL play, Jordon Southorn was even as PEI was hammered by Rimouski, 6-1.

In Saturday NCAA play, Nick Eno stopped a career-best 38 of 39 shots Saturday as Bowling Green played to a 1-1 tie with Notre Dame. The Irish went hard at Eno all evening long, but the 6'3 backstop was up to the task with several tough stops to get the Falcons to the OT. Eno would stop two of three Notre Dame attempts in the shootout to (technically) give BGSU their first sweep of the season.

Brad Eidsness had another solid outing with 22 saves as #11 North Dakota earned the weekend sweep of #6 Duluth, 5-1. The 6'0 netminder has allowed just four goals in his last three starts while lowering his goals against average to 2.22 and upping his save percentage to .909. The only goal against on Saturday came when Sioux dman Derrick LaPoint put the puck into his own net. Corey Fienhage, playing his 23d game of the season, finished the night +1.

In the CCHA, Connor Knapp made 27 saves as #1 Miami was shocked by Nebraska-Omaha, 4-2. The RedHawks (23-5-6) saw their eight-game win streak come to an end, while Knapp (7-3-3) dropped his first decision since a January 10th loss to unranked Robert Morris. Miami will close the regular season next weekend with a set against in-state rival Ohio State.

In Hockey East, Drew MacKenzie had an assist as #17 Vermont tied #13 New Hampshire, 3-3. The 6'1 defenseman has half of his 10 season points in his last seven games.

Alex Biega was even with a shot on goal as Harvard lost at Colgate, 4-2.

Corey Tropp was -1 with a shot on goal as #12 Michigan State edged #14 Ferris State, 3-2. After a hot 2009 start that saw him collect 17 goals in his first 21 games, Tropp has just registered three in his past 13.

Justin Jokinen was scratched for the third straight game as Minnesota State, 4-3.

In the USHL, Mark Adams was even in Chicago's 1-0 loss to Sioux Falls.

2/19 Recap: Adam gets 41st; Eidsness, Eno earns W's

Luke Adam coupled his 41st goal with a pair assists on Friday to lead Cape Breton in a 6-4 comeback win over Halifax. The league's leading goal getter, Adam also notched a career-best 10 shots on goal to pace the Screaming Eagle attack. Cape Breton trailed 3-0 after the first thirty minutes before evening the score entering the third. Jacob Lagacé added his 33rd goal of the year into an empty net with :15 to play, while Maxime Legault finished the night at -1.

Lagacé avoided serious injury when he took a knee-on-knee hit from Moose dman Garrett Clarke midway through the third period. The 2011 eligible Clarke received a major and a game misconduct, while Lagacé returned to see time on the ensuing power play.

On Wednesday Legault had a goal and two assists as the Screaming Eagles defeated Shawinigan, 5-3. Adam, who saw his ten-game goal scoring streak snapped, and Lagacé each had an assist in the win.

Elsewhere Friday, Jordon Southorn was even as PEI doubled Shawinigan, 4-2.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno scored his 12th goal of the year as Sudbury edged Niagara, 2-1. The big forward snapped home his own rebound on the power play to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead late in the first period.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb scored his 16th goal of the season as Kootenay dropped a 6-4 decision to Spokane. The 6'4 left-side defender went high glove side through a screen to give the Ice a 4-3 lead late in the second period, but the Chiefs answered back :26 later for their first of three unanswered goals to get the win.

In Friday NCAA play, Brad Eidsness made 31 saves in what may have been his best performance of the year as #11 North Dakota defeated #6 Duluth, 5-2. Clutch saves, good rebound control and better positioning than his previous Friday outing were marks of his solid all-around evening. Corey Fienhage was -1 for the Sioux.

Nick Eno made 21 saves and earned an assist on the game winning goal as Bowling Green upset Notre Dame, 4-3. The Falcons, who beat the Irish for the first time since January 2005, rallied for a quick-strike third period after entering the final 20-minutes trailing 3-1. Eno was beaten five-hole on a power play, by a clean wrister on a partial short-handed breakaway, and glove side on a screen by shot from the point.

Corey Tropp earned an assist in his first game at the center position as #12 Michigan State lost to #14 Ferris State, 4-2.

Drew MacKenzie picked up an assist as #17 Vermont lost in overtime to #13 New Hampshire, 5-4. The sophomore punched a shot to the net that caused a down-low goal on the rebound to tie the game 3-3.

Alex Biega contributed two shots on goal as Harvard was shut out by #10 Cornell, 3-0.

Connor Knapp served as backup as #1 Miami downed Nebraska-Omaha, 6-2.

Justin Jokinen was scratched as Minnesota State defeated visiting Alaska-Anchorage, 5-2.

In the USHL, Mark Adams registered a pair of minor penalties as Chicago defeated Sioux Falls, 1-0.

On Thursday, Nick Crawford was +3 with an assist as Barrie registered 55 shots on goal in a 6-4 win over Oshawa.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

2/13 Recap: Eidsness, Knapp guide blowout W's

Brad Eidsness made 24 saves Saturday to help #11 North Dakota avenge a loss the night before in an 8-1 beatdown of #4 St. Cloud State. The sophomore carried a shutout through 49:46 before Oliver Lauridsen swiped a drop-pass past him to make the score 6-1. Earlier on with the Sioux ahead 1-0, Eidsness made a key stop on a 2-1 to send his team back the other way to capture a goal. Corey Finehage played even for the Sioux, who looked to exact revenge on SCS forward Aaron Marvin for a hit earlier in the season that sent team captain Chay Genoway out indefinitely with post-concussion syndrome. Mario Lamoureux (5'9, 185) squared off with 6'3 Marvin, but the refs hopped in immediately to cause lingering scraps the rest of the way.

In another chippy blowout featuring 166 minutes in penalties, Connor Knapp made 19 saves as #1 Miami plowed through Bowling Green, 10-2. After a close game in the Friday series opener, the Saturday contest turned into a physical affair with the Falcons taking whacks and runs at Knapp as things got out of hand. Near the end of the second period, a fracas ensued behind the RedHawks net after a Falcon forward went into Knapp at full speed. The 6'5 sophomore entered the fray, but did not receive a penalty or one of the four DQs handed out as a result. Nick Eno entered the BGSU nets in relief of Andrew Hammond, allowing five goals on 29 shots before giving way to the #3 netminder for the final 2:12.

In the OHL, Nick Crawford recorded two assists as Barrie lost to Central Division rival Mississauga-St. Mike's, 5-4. The steady Crawford ranks first among OHL defensemen with 47 assists, and 2nd with 57 total points.

Alex Biega was +1 as Harvard edged #16 Union, 4-3.

Justin Jokinen was a healthy scratch as Minnesota State was doubled by #3 Wisconsin, 8-4.

Drew MacKenzie missed his second straight game due to illness as #17 Vermont was defeated by Merrimack, 3-2.

In the USHL, Mark Adams kicked in a shot on goal as Chicago defeated Omaha, 5-2.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

2/12 Recap: Adam extends in Eagle loss

Luke Adam scored a goal and an assist on Friday as Cape Breton lost at Saint John, 3-2. The late mark at 18:51 of the third period extends Adam's streak to nine straight games with at least one goal. The 6'2 pivot has collected 14 of his league-leading 39 goals over the stretch. Maxime Legault earned an assist in the loss, while Jacob Lagacé continued to struggle as an Eagle by finishing the night with two shots on goal and -2 rating.

In the OHL, Nick Crawford was +3 with an assist as Barrie bested Ottawa, 6-4. On Thursday, the Caledon, Ontario native was +1 in the Colts' 7-2 trouncing of Peterborough.

Marcus Foligno was +1 as Sudbury lost to Brampton, 3-1. The gritty 6'3 forward nearly equaled his 12-goal output from last season when he rang one off the crossbar early in the first period.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb was +1 as Kootenay dumped Edmonton, 5-2. On Tuesday, the 6'4 defenseman registered a power play assist as the Ice defeated Moose Jaw, 5-2.

In NCAA action, Brad Eidsness made 22 saves as #11 North Dakota lost to #4 St. Cloud State, 4-3. Eidsness' night was a mix of poor positioning leading to goals against and timely stops to keep the Sioux alive late in the game. Sophomore blueliner Corey Fienhage played even in defeat.

Netminders Connor Knapp and Nick Eno both took a rest as #1 Miami held on to post a 3-2 win over Bowling Green. BGSU is now 4-21-4 on the year heading into Saturday's rematch with the RedHawks. Connor Knapp is the likely starter for Miami, while it is unclear if Eno will get the nod for Bowling Green. On Tuesday, Eno stopped all 12 shots he faced through 23:00 of play before suffering a minor leg injury in the Falcons 4-0 loss to #19 Michigan.

Alex Biega earned an assist as Harvard dropped a 5-4 decision to RPI. On Monday, Biega was -3 in Harvard's 4-1 loss to Northeastern in the Beanpot consolation game.

Drew MacKenzie did not dress as #17 Vermont played to a 2-2 tie with Merrimack.

Justin Jokinen was even as Minnesota State lost at #3 Wisconsin, 4-3.

In the USHL, Mark Adams was -1 as Chicago got throttled by Waterloo, 6-1.

On Wednesday, Jordon Southorn was +1 with three sots on goal as PEI lost in a shootout to Halifax, 5-4.