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.

1/20 Recap: Four point night for Ennis

In Tuesday WHL play, Tyler Ennis scored his 19th and 20th goals of the year to go along with a pair of assists to guide Medicine Hat to a 6-5 shootout win over Chilliwack. Ennis also added a goal in the shootout to earn the game's #1 star. The four-point effort puts Ennis back as the Tigers leading scorer with 44 points in 37 games. Paul Byron scored the only shootout goal as the Gatineau overcame a three-goal deficit to defeat Rouyn-Noranda, 4-3. The Ottawa native is currently fourth in Q scoring with 64 points in 46 games. Now 19-4-1-1 after a 13-game losing streak, Gatineau (24-20-2-2) slides into a first-place tie with the Huskies in the Western Division with the win. Both clubs are two points up on Montreal (T.J. Brennan, Luke Adam), who has four games in hand on both teams.

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.

1/11 Recap: Gogulla in gear; Adam nets winner

Philip Gogulla (-2) scored a pair of power play goals and set up another as Cologne defeated Duisburg, 4-3. The three-point effort was Gogulla's third in his last six games, while he has picked up 12 of his 31 total points in his last eight. Gogulla is shooting the puck more often, and the goals are coming. In an ESPNU televised contest, Matt Generous scored the first goal of the game to help St. Lawrence sweep their weekend set with Clarkson, 2-1. The senior snagged his fourth of the season when he whistled a shot past Knights netminder Paul Karpowich at 8:54 of the first period, and later earned a roughing minor after a second period scrum. In QMJHL play, Luke Adam scored the overtime winner to go along with an assist as Montreal downed Rouyn-Noranda, 4-3. The power play walk-off was the team-leading 20th of the season for the Newfoundland born forward, who was also named the #2 star of the game. Defenseman T.J. Brennan added an assist for the Juniors. Paul Byron opened scoring with his 20th of the season, but previously hot Gatineau gave up eight unanswered goals en route to getting trounced by Saint John, 8-1. With Matthew Pistilli (SHA), Felix Petit (BC), and Nicholas Petersen (SHA) failing to register points on Sunday, the 5'9 Byron is now ranked 4th in league points with 62. Jordon Southorn had an assist as PEI fell to Acadie-Bathurst, 4-3. The game's #3 star, Southorn also picked up a five-minute major after an exchange with 16-year old Vincent Arensault. In Chicoutimi, Jacob Lagacé (+1) had an assist as the Sags lost to Halifax in overtime, 4-3. The grinding forward saw more time at the dot, winning just three of 13 draws in the loss. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel was kept off the scoresheet as Niagara defeated Kingston, 4-3. Playing his old team just a week after being traded, Hamburg, NY native John Cullen was named the game's second star while his replacement, Jeremy Smith, was named the #3 star. Nick Crawford was even as Saginaw dropped a 3-2 decision to Kitchener.

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.

Quick hits with Byron

The QMJHL website has posted a short interview with Gatineau forward Paul Byron.

You enjoyed a seven-point night last week, the first one in the QMJHL in over two years. Did you ever think that you would go off like that offensively? "Not at all, everything was just going well for me. Obviously, preparation plays a big part, but you never imagine of having a game like that." Why is your line (Paul centers a line with Jean-Philip Chabot and Alexandre Quesnel) playing so well right now? "We have really good chemistry off the ice and I think that’s important. Alex and I are really good friends and we all sit together on the bus. It’s like last year when I was paired with Claude Giroux and Matthew Pistilli. We got along great off the ice and it helped us on the ice."

1/8 Recap: Persson points; Byron, Schiestel stay put

On Thursday, Dennis Persson (+1) assisted on the third period equalizer in Timra's 1-1 tie with HV71. Persson, who sat out practice earlier in the morning with a sore throat, saw his point-shot rebound punched in for his fifth point of the year (1+4). After he and fellow defenseman Alex Pietrangelo stated their preference to remain with Niagara past the Friday OHL trade deadline, Drew Schiestel played even in Niagara's 1-0 win over Barrie. Dogs goalie Jeremy Smith (NAS) made 33 stops to earn the shutout in his first game after being dealt to Niagara from Plymouth. In late Wednesday action in the WHL, a spent Tyler Myers (+1) returned to the Kelowna lineup in their 5-2 win over Seattle. Myers finished +1, but did turn the puck over to create the first Seattle goal in the third period. Tyler Ennis returned home to Edmonton with his gold medal, but decided to take a rest as Medicine Hat won a 5-4 shootout over Red Deer. Also worth noting is that Gatineau's Paul Byron was not moved at the noon QMJHL on Thursday.

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.

1/4 Recap: Byron rolls a 7; Gogulla stays hot

On Sunday, Paul Byron (+5) scored four goals and added three helpers as Gatineau smoked Drummondville, 10-2. The speedster also racked up six blocked shots to earn the obvious #1 star of the game. Elsewhere in the Q, Luke Adam (+1) had both Juniors goals on a game-high eight shots on net as Montreal fell to Baie-Comeau, 3-2. Adam aslso added seven blocks en route to being route to earing first star honors. T.J. Brennan added three shots on goal for Montreal. Jordon Southorn had two assists and six hits as PEI blanked Halifax, 4-0. J.S. Allard had an assist as Quebec blanked Chicoutimi, 7-0. Jacob Lagacé had five shots on goal and three hits for the Sags in defeat. In DEL play, Philip Gogulla (+2) had a goal and two assists as Cologne lost to Krefeld, 4-3. The German now has four goals and four assists in his last four games. Nick Crawford (-1) had an assist in Saginaw's 4-3 loss to Guelph.

12/29-30 Recap: Trio drops three; Run ends for Byron

In the DEL, Philip Gogulla had two goals including the game winner plus an assist as Cologne edged defending champion Berlin, 5-4. The goals give the 6'2 left wing a total of 11 in 31 games, a mark equaling his entire 2007-08 output in 51 games. Luke Adam (5 SOG)had a goal and two assists, while T.J. Brennan (-2, 5 SOG) added a goal and an assist in Montreal's 5-3 loss to the Q's top club, Drummondville. The Juniors (20-17-1-0) held a 1-0 lead entering the third period before the five-goal onslaught by the Voltigeurs (31-4-0-2). Jacob Lagacé had two goals and an assist for Chicoutimi in their 7-5 loss at Shawinigan. The '08 fifth rounder also posted eight shots on goal while blocking six to earn the game's #3 star. J.S. Allard took warm-ups but did not play due to a flu bug as Quebec blasted Baie-Comeau, 10-1. Jordon Southorn was -1 as PEI defeated Halifax, 2-1. LW Benjamin Casavant, a 6'1, 210-pound '07 eligible, scored his 18th goal and 39th point of the season for the Rocket while registering six hits. Rounding out the Q action, Paul Byron (-1) had an assist as Gatineau defeated Lewiston for the second straight by an identical 5-4 score. The night before, Byron was limited to one shot on goal as the Piques took the first of two in Lewiston. The statistical shutout ended Byron's 19-game point streak that at one point launched him into the top-10 in scoring. He currently sits 11th with an even 50 points (13+37). Also from Tuesday, Nick Crawford scored a late for Saginaw in their 4-2 loss to London. After a puck caromed off his skate into his own goal earlier, Crawford hit on a blast from the point late in the third period. With the goal, his third of the season, the 6'1 defender now has 22 points in 33 games for the second-place Spirit after scoring 20 all of last season. Dressed as an extra defenseman, Dennis Persson walked into 4:55 of third period ice time as Timra lost to Frolunda, 2-1. Persson sat idle before Eagles bench boss Charles Berglund benched Eric Moe following two periods of poor play. Justin Jokinen was scratched as Minnesota State lost at Yale, 3-2.

12/27 Recap: Tropp sets up win; Biega dazzles in defeat

At the Badger Showdown in Madison, Alex Biega factored in on both Crimson marks with a goal and an assist as Harvard lost to Lake Superior State, 6-2. Biega took a loose puck from his blue all the way home for an impressive first period goal, his second of the year, then later earned a helper after his point shot rebound was cashed in by Daniel Moriarty. Harvard will square off with Alabama-Huntsville for third-place. At the Great Lakes Invitational in Detroit, Corey Tropp had two assists as Michigan State played their best game of the season, ending their 11-game winless streak with a 2-1 win over North Dakota. Brad Eidsness took the loss for the Sioux, making 28 saves. Tropp made a nice play with the puck on the second Spartans goal, drawing Eidsness out of range before sliding it to Matt Schepke for his second goal of the game. Freshman rearguard Corey Fienhage did not dress for North Dakota. The MSU win sets up a title clash with rival Michigan, while the Sioux will face Michigan Tech in the consolation game. In QMJHL action, Paul Byron (+1) had an assist in Gatineau's 4-2 win over Rouyn-Noranda. The helper extends his current streak to 19 games with a point, the longest active run in the league. Jacob Lagacé had three assists as Chicoutimi smoked Rimouski, 8-2. The output puts the 5'11 forward back on a point-per-game pace with a total of 32 on the season. J.S. Allard (+1) set-up the game winning goal with :19 to play as Quebec defeated Baie-Comeau, 3-2. Allard is the Remparts 7th leading scorer with 25 points, and is still looking for his first goal since November 23rd. In an Atlantic Division match-up, Jordon Southorn (+2) had a power play assist as PEI defeated second place Cape Breton, 7-4. Joel Champagne had a goal and three assists for the Rocket in his first game after being traded from Chicoutimi earlier in the week. The win snaps PEI's five-game losing streak. Luke Adam finished -2 and was overmatched at the dot (6-10) as Montreal fell to Shawinigan, 5-1. The subject of Q trade whispers, defenseman T.J. Brennan was even for the Juniors as the Cataractes win the first game in their new barn. In the OHL, Nick Crawford (-2) returned from a shoulder ding, posting an assist in Saginaw's 4-3 loss to Plymouth. The Spirit (20-12-0-2) have now lost three straight. On Friday, Philip Gogulla was -1 in Cologne's 3-2 overtime loss to Iserlohn. Dennis Persson did not get a shift in Timra's 3-1 loss to Skelleftea on Friday.

12/19 Recap: Byron stays hot; Butler solid in debut

Chris Butler scored his first NHL point and was +2 as Buffalo shutout Los Angeles, 5-0. The DU product logged 12:16 of time in first appearance in the bigs, playing solid on the man, and making conservative plays with the puck. Lindy Ruff managed the rookie well, keeping shifts short while allowing him to ease his way into the speed and level of things. The assist came when his low wrister from the point escaped through Jason LaBarbara's legs, and was punched home by Adam Mair to make it 2-0. Prior to the game, "Buts" tasted a few mics in the Sabres locker room. In a WJC tune-up in Toronto, Tyler Ennis skated on the top line with John Tavares and Dana Tyrell in Canada's 4-2 win over Sweden. The unit generated chances throughout, with Ennis leaving room to develop more chemistry with his new mates. Tyrell injured his leg after an attempted hit on Viktor Hedman, so we'll have to wait and see what this does to the Canadian lines moving forward. Tyler Myers had a solid outing while paired with 6'6 Keith Aulie on the towering shutdown combo. In the QMJHL, Paul Byron (+3) had a four assist night as Gatineau defeated Montreal, 5-3. With the effort, the blazing Ottawa native owns the longest current point streak in the QMJHL with 10 goals and 25 assists over his past 18 games. He is now ranked 8th in QMJHL scoring after a slow start that saw him compile three goals and ten assists in his first 14 games. Luke Adam scored his 15th of the year for the Juniors, while T.J. Brennan had a pair of assists. Jordon Southorn scored a goal and two assists as PEI was handled by Drummondville, 11-7. The Rocket, who at one point had a 4-0 lead in the first period, dropped their fifth game in a row, while the Volts forged their 17th straight victory. J.S. Allard was +1 as Quebec whipped Rimouski, 7-1. The Remparts broke the game open in the second period with three goals in :18, while Allard has just one assist in his last seven games and hasn't scored a goal since his November 23rd game-winner. Chicoutimi's Jacob Lagacé (+2) scored an empty netter as the Sags ended their four-game skid with a 4-1 win over Baie-Comeau. The goal was the 15th of the year for Lagacé. Drew Schiestel posted an assist in Niagara's 4-3 loss to Sudbury. The Dogs fell victim to a Jared Staal goal in the final minute for their sixth consecutive loss. Nick Crawford (shoulder) did not dress for Saginaw in their 4-2 loss to Windsor. The tail end of the home-and-home featured six fights, including a goalie tilt at center ice. In exhibition play, Brad Eidsness made 10 saves in split duty as North Dakota defeated the U.S. NTDP U-18, 5-2. Eidsness played the first half of the contest, getting beaten on a nice play for the first goal against, while not being to squeeze a puck in his glove for the second U18 tally. Corey Fienhage dressed for the Sioux, finishing -1 with his requisite roughing minor. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla was -1 as Cologne lost a tight one to Augsburger, 1-0. Portland's AHL game with Worcester was canceled due to inclement weather in New England.

12/14 Recap: Two in the bag for Byron, Adam, Gogulla

Luke Adam (+2) scored two goals, earning the game's #1 star as the Juniors overcame a three-goal deficit to win their third straight, 6-4 over Chicoutimi. The second rounder won nine of his 12 draws, and contributed two hits and two blocked shots to pace the Juniors. T.J. Brennan (-1) had four shots on goals for the winners, while Jacob Lagacé assisted on a Nicolas Deschamps goal in the opening minute for the Sags. Paul Byron scored an unassisted shorthanded goal and later chipped in on the game-tying mark in the final minute of play, but Gatineau lost at Victoriaville in the shootout, 3-2. Byron was stopped as the Piques' second shooter, but did raise his career-high point scoring streak to 17 games with his regulation effort. Jordon Southorn had an assist and three shots on goal in PEI's 3-2 shootout loss to Saint John. With points in five straight, Sothourn himself is amidst a personal best point streak. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla had a goal and an assist as Cologne cruised to a 5-1 win over Wolfsburg. Gogulla, who has needed to be more of a finisher this season, has already scored nine goals in 25 games after netting 11 in all of 2007-08 (51 games). The Sharks move to sole possession of 11th place with the victory. Drew Schiestel was -1 as Niagara took a beatdown from the Batallion, 9-2.

12/12 Recap: Adam back on track; Byron sweet for 16

Luke Adam (+1) had a pair of assists and five shots on goal to earn the game's #1 star as Montreal defeated Val-d'Or, 3-2. Playing center, the 6'2, 203-pounder won 10 of 18 draws while also blocking four Drillers shots. The points snap a four-game drought for the Newfoundland native, while raising his season total to 25. T.J. Brennan added an assist on the power play for the Juniors (17-14-1). Paul Byron chipped in two assists as Gatineau topped Quebec, 4-3. The speedy pivot has now rung up points in 16 straight games datng back to November 1st. J.S. Allard was -3 with a team-leading six shots on goal for the Rems in the loss. Jordon Southorn posted two more assists as PEI came up short versus Moncton, 3-2. Continuing his upward trend of late, both of Southorn's assists came on the power play to give him seven points in his last four games. Also from the Q, Jacob Lagacé assisted on a Michal Hlinka ('09) goal as Chicoutimi lost to Acadie-Bathurst, 4-3 in OT. Lagacé continues to lead the Sags with 27 points in 29 games. Drew Schiestel (-2) drew an assist as Niagara dropped a 7-4 decision to the Majors. The helper was his 27th point of the season, while his -2 dips his overall rating to -17, good for second-worst in the entire OHL. 2009 eligible Casey Cizikas of the Majors had a goal to earn the game's #1 star. Nick Crawford was even as Saginaw lost to Soo 2-1 in a shootout. In the WCHA, Brad Eidsness ran his record to 8-5-1 with a 3-2 decision over St. Cloud. The Albertan made 32 saves in the win, but wasn't as sharp as his previous starts. Freshman rearguard Corey Fienhage did not dress for the Sioux. Justin Jokinen was a healthy scratch for Mankato in their 3-2 loss to Denver. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla finished -1 with a pair of minor penalties in Cologne's 4-2 loss to Hannover.

12/6 Recap: Myers ready to compete; Byron keeps pilin'

Tyler Myers (+1) was a controlling presence throughout as Kelowna needed a three-goal third period to defeat Chilliwack, 5-2. Paired with offensive-minded 2009 prospect Tyson Barrie, the 6'7 World Junior hopeful stepped up and labeled a Bruin forward with a solid shoulder midway through the opening period, and was steady on the puck in all zones in the win. Showing a physical spike while making quick, simple plays up ice for the bulk of his 26 games to date, the mobile Myers will take a five-day break before hitting the ice at Team Canada's selection camp on Thursday in Ottawa. Tyler Ennis was -2 as Medicine Hat lost at Brandon, 4-1. The speedy left wing will play one more game on Monday before heading east to Ottawa. The Wheaties' 2009 eligible duo did not disappoint with Scott Glennie potting pairs of goals and assists while Brayden Schenn hit for a three-point night (1G, 2A). Red hot Paul Byron (+2) had a pair of assists for Gatineau in their 3-0 shutout of Montreal. Byron has now connected for a point in 15 straight games, the second longest streak in the Q this season (Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll is currently amidst a 19-gamer for Shawinigan). T.J. Brennan and Luke Adam were both -2 for the Juniors. In Lewiston, Jean-Simon Allard snagged an unassisted goal as Quebec downed Lewiston, 5-4. Lewiston goaltender Peter Delmas became the first of two QMJHL goaltenders credited with a goal on Saturday (Rimouski's Maxime Gougeon was the other) when former Sabres pick Benjamin Breault sent a point pass all the way back into his own net on a delayed penalty. Also from the Q, Jacob Lagacé (+2) scored an empty-netter in Chicoutimi's 3-1 win over Rouyn-Noranda. The goal was the 12th of the season for the Sags' top-line winger. Drew Schiestel was -2 as Niagara couldn't keep up with #1 ranked Windsor in an 8-4 loss. The Spits closed strong, posting four goals in the final 12:00 to up their record to 26-3. 2009 eligible Taylor Hall had a goal and three assists for the winners. In the NCAA, Brad Eidsness made 33 saves, some of the spectacular variety including 13 in the third period, as North Dakota earned the sweep at Harvard with a 4-3 win. The weekend wins improve Eidsness' line to 7-5-1, with the first star performance placing him into contention for WCHA Rookie of the Week for a second time this season. Corey Fienhage dressed for the ninth time, finishing +1 while registering his fourth shot on goal of the year. Alex Biega combined with his brother Michael to set-up the first Harvard goal. Corey Tropp (-2, 2 PIM) assisted on Jeff Petry's slapper goal as Michigan State got swept by rival Michigan, 5-3. The Spartans (4-11-3) held a 3-2 lead with 4:00 to play before a three goal collapse extended the season-long frustration in E. Lansing. Matt Generous had another steady game defensively as St. Lawrence was shutout at Lynah, 1-0. Colin Greening (OTT) scored the game's only goal to put Cornell into a tie for first place in the ECAC with Princeton. In Hockey East, Andrew Orpik was whistled for an interference minor as Boston College lost to BU, 3-1. The senior has three goals and eight points on the year. After a rather less-than-savory effort on Friday, Justin Jokinen was scratched in Mankato's loss to St. Cloud. In the SEL, Dennis Persson was -1 in 7:55 of shifts as Timra defeated Rogle, 5-2.

12/5 Recap: Byron lends helping hand; Fighting Fienhage fetches first

Paul Byron continued to shake his disappointing omission from Team Canada's WJC camp by posting a five-assist night in Gatineau's 7-4 win over Val-d'Or. The explosion gives the Ottawa native points in fourteen straight games, propelling him into a tie for 11th overall in the Q with 38 points. Jordon Southorn had a pair of assists in PEI's 5-4 overtime loss to Victoriaville. The Rocket jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first minute of the second period, but surrendered five unanswered goals by the Tigres, capped with Philip-Michael Devos' winner in the first minute of OT. The talk of goal support being an issue for Brad Eidsness and the Fighting Sioux simmered some on Friday as NoDak marched into Harvard with a pummeling 10-1 victory. Eidsness made 39 saves, including a solid breakaway stop, to improve his record to 6-5-1. Freshman Corey Fienhage notched a power play assist for his first career point, and played policeman in the final 10:00 as Harvard took their frustrations out with some questionable hits. Fienhage, who earlier was called for a roughing penalty, earned another plus a game misconduct after a scuffle with 3:29 remaining that stemmed from Alex Biega (-3) boarding a Sioux forward. Matt Generous (+2) buried a bomb from the slot as St. Lawrence fell to Boston University, 4-1. The goal was the third of the year for the senior rearguard, who later received two-and-a-ten after a melee following the fourth Saints goal. In WHL play, Tyler Ennis scored a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat defeated Moose Jaw, 5-4. The goal was Ennis' 15th of the season, as the Edmonton native now has 35 points in 29 games. Tyler Myers was even with a tripping minor as Kelowna edged Regina, 3-2. Rounding out the evening's NCAA action, Justin Jokinen was on the ice for the first Mavericks goal, finishing +1 as Minnesota State lost to St. Cloud, 4-2. Andrew Orpik was -1 as Boston College played to a 1-1 tie with BU. In the CCHA, Corey Tropp (2 PIM, 1 SOG) finished -1 as Michigan State was throttled by Michigan, 6-1. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel saw his point shot tipped in for the game winner as Niagara defeated Sarnia, 2-1. His 24 assists on the season rank 7th in the OHL. Nick Crawford had an assist and was +2 as Saginaw defeated Kitchener, 4-3. 2009 eligible Jordan Szwarz had three assists for the Spirit. In other Q action, Jacob Lagacé posted an assist in Chicoutimi's 3-2 shootout win over Rouyn-Noranda. Lagacé was stopped as the second shooter in the deciding frame. J.S. Allard was -1 Quebec defeated Lewiston, 5-2. In an exhibition contest, Drew MacKenzie was even as Vermont downed the USA Under-18 squad, 6-4.

Byron and Myers stretch streaks

In Wednesday action, Tyler Myers celebrated his chance at skating for Team Canada with an assist in Kelowna's 4-2 loss to Saskatoon. The 6'7 defenseman now has points in seven straight games, and upped his season PIM total to 59 after a two-and-a-ten late in the third period. In the Q, Paul Byron stretched his scoring streak to 13 games by netting an assist in Gatineau's 6-2 loss to Shawinigan. The pivot has scored an even 20 points over his run. On Thursday, Nick Crawford was even in Saginaw's 5-2 win over Brampton. He was whistled for a checking-from-behind minor in the first period. The Spirit remains in third place in the OHL Western Conference with 35 points. Dennis Persson did not see the ice for Timra in their 3-2 win over HV71.

Tylers in, Byron draws short straw

The Sabres pair of 2008 first round picks, Tyler Ennis and Tyler Myers, have been chosen to skate in Team Canada's World Junior selection camp. Starting December 11th, the CHLers will toil in the five-day session in hopes of earning a chance to play for Canada's fifth-straight gold medal on home ice in Ottawa at the end of the month. Gatineau's Paul Byron, an Ottawa native, participated in the Canadian summer evaluation camp, but did not get a second look as only five QMJHLers will contribute to the 38-man camp roster. Prior to the roster release, the slick center had potted points in 12 straight games along with a goal in each ADT Canada-Russia Challenge contest, but it wasn't enough to move Pat Quinn's pencil. It's not a huge surprise, as the coach hinted late last week that the roster would be dominated by WHL talent (18). Byron's coach in Gatineau last season, Benoit Groulx, was originally tabbed to man the Canadian bench, but had to step away in August was he left the Q for Rochester of the AHL. Again, another possible tick working against the 5'10 playmaker. And so the chip on Byron's shoulder will only get bigger as the Q season wears. Getting hot with the QMJHL trade period still a few weeks away, look for the talented stick to get moved to a contender like Shawinigan, giving him the opportunity to dominate offensively while being reunited with ex-Pique linemate, Matthew Pistilli. Here is the complete roster: Goaltenders Player Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2008-09 Team Pro Status Jake Allen 6'1 180 08/07/90 New Maryland, NB Montreal (QMJHL) STL Chet Pickard 6'1 216 11/29/89 Winnipeg, MB Tri-City (WHL) NSH Tyson Sexsmith 5'11 211 03/19/89 Priddis, AB Vancouver (WHL) SJ Dustin Tokarski 5'11 189 09/16/89 Watson, SK Spokane (WHL) TB Defence Player Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2007-08 Team Pro Status Keith Aulie 6'6 215 06/11/89 Rouleau, SK Brandon (WHL) CGY Tyler Cuma 6'1 189 01/19/90 Bowmanville, ON Ottawa (OHL) MIN Ryan Ellis 5'9 176 01/03/91 Freelton, ON Windsor (OHL) 2009 Cody Goloubef 6'1 194 11/30/89 Oakville, ON Wisconsin (WCHA) CBJ Travis Hamonic 6'0 202 08/16/90 St. Malo, MB Moose Jaw (WHL) NYI Thomas Hickey 5'11 194 02/08/89 Calgary, AB Seattle (WHL) LA Kevin Marshall 6'0 203 03/10/89 Boucherville, QC Quebec (QMJHL) PHI Tyler Myers 6'7 213 02/01/90 Calgary, AB Kelowna (WHL) BUF Alex Pietrangelo 6'2 204 01/18/90 King City, ON Niagara (OHL) STL Brendan Smith 6'1 181 02/08/89 Mimico, ON Wisconsin (WCHA) DET Jared Spurgeon 5'8 167 11/29/89 Edmonton, AB Spokane (WHL) NYI P.K. Subban 5'11 206 05/13/89 Rexdale, ON Belleville (OHL) MTL Colten Teubert 6'3 189 03/08/90 White Rock, BC Regina (WHL) LA Patrick Wiercioh 6'4 185 09/12/90 Maple Ridge, BC Denver (WCHA) OTT Forwards Player Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2007-08 Team Pro Status Jamie Arniel 5'10 183 11/16/89 Kingston, ON Sarnia (OHL) BOS Jamie Benn 6'1 202 07/18/89 Victoria, BC Kelowna (WHL) DAL Zach Boychuk 5'10 175 10/04/89 Airdrie, AB Lethbridge (WHL) CAR Matt Calvert 5'10 175 12/24/89 Brandon, MB Brandon (WHL) CBJ Patrice Cormier 6'1 201 06/14/90 Cap-Pele, NB Rimouski (QMJHL) NJ Stefan Della Rovere 5'11 200 02/25/90 Maple, ON Barrie (OHL) WSH Chris DiDomenico 5'11 170 02/20/89 Woodbridge, ON Saint John (QMJHL) TOR Matt Duchene 5'11 201 01/16/91 Haliburton, ON Brampton (OHL) 2009 Jordan Eberle 5'10 181 05/15/90 Calgary, AB Regina (WHL) EDM Tyler Ennis 5'8 165 10/06/89 Edmonton, AB Medicine Hat (WHL) BUF Angelo Esposito 6'1 180 02/20/89 Montreal, QC Montreal (QMJHL) ATL Taylor Hall 6'0 181 11/14/91 Kingston, ON Windsor (OHL) 2010 Cody Hodgson 5'11 189 02/18/90 Markham, ON Brampton (OHL) VAN Nazem Kadri 5'11 174 10/06/90 London, ON London (OHL) 2009 Evander Kane 6'1 180 08/02/91 Vancouver, BC Vancouver (WHL) 2009 Riley Nash 6'0 176 05/09/89 Kamloops, BC Cornell (ECAC) EDM Brayden Schenn 6'0 199 08/22/91 Saskatoon, SK Brandon (WHL) 2009 Brett Sonne 6'0 187 05/16/89 Maple Ridge, BC Calgary (WHL) STL John Tavares 6'0 203 09/20/90 Oakville, ON Oshawa (OHL) 2009 Dana Tyrell 5'9 182 04/23/89 Airdrie, AB Prince George (WHL) TB