Showing posts with label eidsness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eidsness. Show all posts

Saturday, December 10, 2011

12/9 Recap: Sundher, Shipley produce; Navin pots first

Kevin Sundher snagged two goals and two assists Friday to lead Victoria to an 8-5 win over Lethbridge. The four-point outing, Sundher's fourth this season, gives the six-foot center 21 goals and an even 50 points in 31 games - good for 6th overall in WHL scoring. The Royals, who snapped three-game losing streak with the win, will face slumping Seattle on Saturday.


Steven Shipley scored two goals including the game winner and added an assist as Niagara downed Mississauga, 5-3. The 6'3 Shipley, who improves his season production to seven goals and 10 assists while skating on the Dog's top line with Ryan Strome and Freddie Hamilton, has points in two straight games for just the second time this season (he had one four-game point streak that extended into early October). Niagara tangles with Kingston on Saturday.


Brad Navin scored his first NCAA goal as Wisconsin skated to a 3-3 tie with #1 Minnesota-Duluth. The freshman forward put the Badgers on the board with a power play deflection in front of the Bulldogs net at 5:49 of the opening frame. The two clubs will play what should be an exciting rematch on Saturday.



In Finland, Joel Armia assisted on the lone Assat goal in a 3-1 loss to Tappara. Armia, who will play in Saturday's contest against the Blues before joining the Finnish national junior squad, played 11:21 in the loss.


Alex Lepkowski finished +2 as Barrie handled Guelph, 8-5. Gregg Sutch, who was shaken up when pulled to the ice late in the 2nd period, finished -1 for the Colts. Trailing 4-0 in the third, the Storm erupted for four goals in a span of 1:09 to make for a tighter final ten minutes. The Colts host Brampton on Saturday.


Jerome Gauthier-Leduc notched an assist and a season-low -3 rating as Rimouski lost at Victoriaiville, 5-3. The QMJHL's leading scorer among defensemen with 18 goals and 47 points, Leduc will travel across the continent on Saturday to skate in Team Canada's World Junior Selection Camp.


Nathan Lieuwen allowed a goal on his first shot of the game and went allow to all three more before getting the hook as Kootenay lost to Medicine Hat, 6-4. Lieuwen made 13 saves before leaving the game with the ICE trailing at 6:20 of the second period. The teams will return to Medicine Hat on Saturday to finish the home-and-home series.


Colin Jacobs made his season debut as Seattle was shutout by Prince George, 1-0. The 6'1 center missed the Thunderbirds' first 26 games while recovering from a shoulder injury. The Thunderbirds will meet Sundher and the Royals on Saturday.


In NCAA play, Connor Knapp made 27 saves as Miami posted a 5-3 upset of #4 Ohio State, 5-3. The victory, Knapp's third of the season and 34th of his career, snaps the Buckeyes 11-game unbeaten streak. The clubs will complete the home-and-home Saturday in Oxford.


Justin Jokinen produced two shots on goal as Minnesota State defeated Alabama-Huntsville, 4-2. The non-league set will conclude Saturday in Mankato.


Brad Eidsness served as backup as #19 North Dakota dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to Nebraska-Omaha. With Aaron Dell stopping 33 shots in defeat, Eidsness may very well resume his backup role when the series continues on Saturday.


Christian Isackson (infection) did not play as #2 Minnesota lost in overtime to Michigan Tech, 3-2. The freshman, who has played in just four games this season, is expected to remain out for Saturday's rematch.

Monday, December 5, 2011

12/3 Recap: Sutch in the clutch; Cat strikes in loss

Gregg Sutch scored the game-tying goal and then clinched the win with another in the shootout as Barrie edged Niagara, 4-3. A gritty forward with some touch, Sutch has six goals and 11 points in 27 games this season. Alex Lepkowski racked up two minor penalties for the Colts, while Steven Shipley did not factor in any of the Niagara goals.



Elsewhere in the OHL, Dan Catenacci scored a goal and an assist as Owen Sound lost to London, 5-3. The speedy center has four goals and three assists in four games this season against the CHL's top-ranked Knights.

In Finland, Joel Armia earned an assist in 13:10 of work as Assat downed Karpat, 4-1. The big wing now has five goals and three assists in his last nine games.

In WHL play, Nathan Lieuwen stopped 25 shots but Kootenay couldn't muster enough offense in a 2-1 loss to Moose Jaw. Lieuwen's second straight loss drops him to 14-6-2-1 on the year.

Kevin Sundher was -1 as Victoria was doubled by Kamloops, 4-2. The six-foot center has now gone two games without a point for just the second time this season.

In college action, Drew MacKenzie finished -1 as Vermont was swept by Maine, 5-2. The 6'2 defender had scored goals in two straight leading up to the loss.

Christian Isackson recorded two shots on goal as Minnesota rode a three-goal first period to squeak out a 3-2 win over Minnesota State. Justin Jokinen, who continued to man a center spot for the Mavericks, finished even with a shot on goal.

Brad Eidsness served as backup to Aaron Dell as North Dakota earned the road sweep with a 4-1 at Anchorage. The Sioux will host Nebraska-Omaha next weekend at the Ralph.

Connor Knapp watched as Miami lost to Northern Michigan, 5-1. The RedHawks will engage in a home-and-home battle next weekend with in-state rivals Ohio State.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

12/2 Recap: Armia, Leduc post big nights

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc continued to show a boost from being named to Canada's selection camp Friday, notching two goals and two assists as Rimouski earned a 5-4 win over Chicoutimi. The offensive stalwart has collected 17 goals and 44 points this season - both tops among all QMJHL defenders.



Speaking of World Juniors, Joel Armia had his first two-goal game of the year and added an assist as Assat doubled Lukko, 6-3. The 6'3 wing was named the game's #1 star - also a season first. An absolute no-brainer for what could be a stacked Finnish World Junior entry, Armia now has seven goals and 15 points this season.



Drew MacKenzie scored his fourth goal of the season as Vermont lost to Maine, 6-4. The power-play marker gave the Catamounts a 3-2 lead at the second intermission before the Black Bears closed strong with a four-goal third period.



Alex Lepkowski scored his second goal of the year as Barrie downed Erie in a shootout, 4-3. Gregg Sutch was unable to get on the scoresheet for the Colts, while development camp invite Steven Beyers notched a regulation goal and the shootout winner.

Elsewhere, Dan Catenacci logged a +3 for the second straight game as Owen Sound defeated Guelph, 4-1. The Attack will battle a well-oiled London club on Saturday.

Nathan Lieuwen allowed two goals on 11 shots in 16:54 of relief work as Kootenay was bested by Prince Albert, 7-5. Lieuwen surrendered his fifth loss of the year despite playing less than one period's worth of hockey.

Kevin Sundher had three breakaways but did not register a point as Victoria edged Kelowna, 2-1. Despite not scoring, Sundher's all-around effort was rewarded with the game's #2 star.

Cedrick Henley missed his first game due to a broken thumb as Val-d'Or got rocked by Victoriaville, 6-1. The 6'5 wing is expected to miss two-three weeks while recovering.

In NCAA action, Brad Eidsness stopped 26 of 28 shots as North Dakota took a 5-2 decision at Alaska-Anchorage. The start was Eidsness' third of the year and first since October 21st.

Connor Knapp made 13 saves in nearly 50-minutes of action as #18 Miami lost to Northern Michigan, 2-1. The senior netminder, who was originally scheduled to start the contest, violated team rules Friday morning and was punished by sitting the first half of the opening period.

Mark Adams recorded one shot on goal as Providence upset top-ranked Merrimack, 2-1. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.

Justin Jokinen contributed two shots on goal as Minnesota State lost to #5 Minnesota, 4-2. Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch for the Gophers for the 14th time this season.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

11/26 Recap: Sunder shines with camp spot on the line

In Saturday action, Kevin Sundher scored his 16th goal of the year on the power play and added an assist as Victoria lost an exciting contest to Kelowna, 6-5. At 9:01 of the third, Sundher one-timed a Robin Soudek from the right dot to not only tie the game 4-4, but also tie him for the Chilliwack/Victoria franchise all-time record with 217 points (Ryan Howse). Victoria will next face Kamloops on Tuesday, By then Sundher will know if his ticket has been punched for Canada's World Junior Selection Camp.



Gregg Sutch scored his fifth goal of the year as Barrie came up short in a wild 6-5 loss to Sudbury. Sutch capped a seven-goal third period by scoring with the extra attacker in the final minute. Alex Lepokowski remained out of the Colts lineup with a back injury. Barrie travels to Owen Sound on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Joel Armia did not factor into the scoring as Assat fell in overtime to Ilves, 4-2. Armia skated for 13:52 despite serving a 10-minute misconduct during the second period. Assat hosts SaiPa on Tuesday.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished -2 as Rimouski was beaten by Shawinigan, 6-3. Rimouski and Gatineau square off on Tuesday. Like Sundher, Leduc is expected to hear his name called when Canada's Selection Camp roster is announced on Monday.

Cedrick Henley was unable to score as Val-d'Or edged Baie-Comeau, 5-4. Les Foreurs are off until Friday when they host Victoriaville.

Steven Shipley did not get on the scoresheet as Niagara doubled Sarnia, 4-2. The Sting were without stud '12 prospect Nail Yakupov, who sat out with a bad back. Niagara and Erie will battle in St. Kitts on Thursday.

Dan Catenacci failed to get a point in his return to his old stomping grounds as Owen Sound cruised to a 5-2 win over Sault Ste. Marie. Catenacci leads the Attack with 15 goals and 30 points through 28 games since coming over from the Hounds in an offseason trade.

Mark Pysyk missed his fifth game with an upper body injury as Edmonton downed Lethbridge, 5-2. A final cut for the 2011 squad, it seems that Pysyk will get an invite to Canada's camp despite the day-to-day ding. The OKs welcome Spokane to Rexall on Tuesday.

In NCAA play, Brad Navin recorded two shots on goal as Wisconsin defeated Mercyhurst, 5-2. The big freshman moved up to left wing on the third line as the Badgers earned the non-conference weekend sweep. Wisconsin will get a weekend off before resuming their WCHA schedule on December 9th versus Duluth.

Justin Jokinen set up the game-tying goal and contributed a productive seven shots on goal as Minnesota State played to a 5-5 tie with Alaska-Anchorage. Despite spending the majority of his career in Mankato down the right side, the senior has continued to open eyes with his special teams work while manning the center position on the Mavs checking line. Minnesota State travels to Minneapolis next weekend to take on the Gophers.

Christian Isackson played even as Minnesota and Michigan State skated to a 4-4 tie. Isackson, who played in just his third game of the year after nine straight scratches, nearly earned a penalty in the second penalty when his stick inadvertently clipped a linesman in the head, forcing the crew to work shorthanded the rest of the way.

At the Denver Cup Classic, Connor Knapp served as backup as Miami won the first place trophy with a 4-2 win over the host Pioneers. Unbeaten in their last eight, the RedHawks return to action next Friday at Northern Michigan.

In the Denver Cup Classic third place game, Mark Adams played even as Providence lost to Princeton, 3-1. The Tigers scored the game winner as Adams sat in the box with an interference penalty. The Friars will next host top-ranked Merrimack on Friday.

Brad Eidsness did not get the start as North Dakota earned the weekend sweep with 4-3 win over Colorado College. Eidsness was excellent in relief of Aaron Dell in Friday's win but the Sioux opted to not let their #1 goaltender get cold heading into next weekend's set at Anchorage.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

11/25 Recap: Armia strikes; Lieuwen stops 'em all

Joel Armia notched his fifth goal of year Friday as Assat downed Ilves, 5-3. Parked in front of the net on a third period power play, the big wing nimbly tipped a shot in for Assat's insurance marker. Armia (13:33 TOI) now has three goals in his last four games. He'll look to keep the upward trend going on Saturday when the two clubs complete the home-and-home at Ilves.



In OHL play, Steven Shipley scored his fifth goal of the season as Niagara defeated Windsor, 6-3. The 6'3 center opened scoring with a power play marker at 5:48 of the first period to end a five-game point slumber. Niagara will visit a tough Sarnia club on Saturday.



Kevin Sundher struck late on the power play as Victoria lost to Kamloops, 4-1. The six-foot center notched his 15th of the year with 3:51 left in regulation to break Cole Cheveldave's shutout. With 38 points in 23 games, Sundher will now patiently wait to get a call when Team Canada's World Junior Selection Camp roster is announced on Monday.



Elsewhere, Nathan Lieuwen stopped all 35 shots he faced as Kootenay blanked Kelowna, 4-0. The shutout, Lieuwen's second of the year and eighth of his career, improved his league lead in the goals against average (1.78) and save percentage (.938) categories. The ICE are off until Wednesday when they visit Saskatoon.

Daniel Catenacci scored his 15th goal of the year but was stoned in his shootout attempt as Owen Sound dropped a 4-3 decision to Sudbury. Catenacci, who now has goals in three straight after scoring in just one of his previous dozen games, will be in familiar territory Saturday when the Attack travels to Sault Ste. Marie for the first time since his trade this fall.



Gregg Sutch (+1) picked up an assist as Barrie thumped London, 6-2. The 6'2 grinder has gone eight games without a goal since getting bumped out of Barrie's loaded top-six. Alex Lepkowski missed his fourth straight game with a back injury.

In QMJHL action, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc posted a pair of assists as Rimouski downed Blainville-Boisbriand, 5-3. The helpers, one shorthanded and the other with the man advantage to set-up Alexandre Mallet's game winner, give Leduc 37 points on the season - 12 more than other QMJHL defenseman. It seems that Canada will look hard at Leduc as an offensive option since Ryan Murphy of the Kitchener Rangers is still sidelined with a concussion.

Cedrick Henley scored the deciding goal in the shootout to give Val-d'Or a 5-4 win over Bathurst. The 6'5 captain hasn't scored in his last seven games. He had gotten a goal in six in previous seven leading up to the slumber. The Foreurs will take on Baie-Comeau on Saturday.

Mark Pysyk (upper body) did not play as Edmonton blanked Medicine Hat, 3-0. The Oil Kings captain has missed the last four games while being listed as "day-to-day", but could get back Saturday when Lethbridge comes to town. There is no question that Hockey Canada wished they had seen a little more of Pysyk before Monday's camp announcement.

At the Denver Cup Classic, Connor Knapp made 19 saves in his first start since October 28th to help Miami to a 6-2 win over Providence. Knapp earned the non-league visit, his second of the season, after serving as backup for the previous six games. Mark Adams, who has yet to record a shot on goal in five games since returning from a lower body injury, did not get in on either of the Friars goals. Miami will face the host Pioneers for the tourney title on Saturday. Providence and Princeton will open the day in the consolation.

In the WCHA, Brad Eidsness stopped all 13 shots he faced in relief of starter Aaron Dell as North Dakota held on for a thrilling 7-6 win over Colorado College. Eidsness, who hadn't seen any action since getting yanked in a loss to Wisconsin back on October 21st, entered the game at 10:54 of the second period after Dell allowed six goals on 22 shots. Eidsness stopping the bleeding should lead to a start Saturday when the teams drop the puck for what is sure to be an exciting rematch.

Justin Jokinen potted a goal and an assist as Minnesota State lost to Alaska-Anchorage, 5-4. The multi-point game was the fourth of Jokinen's four-year career in Mankato, and the first against a WCHA opponent.

Brad Navin recorded a shot on goal as Wisconsin throttled Mercyhurst, 7-2. Navin, who moved to center for the front end of the non-league set, has been solid through his first 14 games in Madison despite producing just one assist. The clubs will complete the set on Saturday.

Drew MacKenzie logged a -2 as as Vermont lost to old friend Colgate, 4-1. The schools were meeting for just the third time since the Catamounts left the ECAC for Hockey East in 2005. Vermont welcomes Dartmouth to town on Sunday.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the ninth straight game as Minnesota lost at Michigan State, 4-3. The freshman has appeared in the Gopher lineup just twice thus far. Minnesota will look for the split on Saturday.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

11/20 Recap: Cat cashes two, Lieuwen bests Giants

Dan Catenacci scored two goals Sunday as Owen Sound was toppled in overtime by London, 3-2. The injury-riddled Attack competed hard after getting ripped by coach Greg Ireland for Saturday's soft effort, but eventually lost via a power play in the OT. Max Domi ('13) had a goal and two helpers for London. With four points in two weekend losses to the CHL's top-ranked Knights, Catenaci ups his team-leading totals to 14 goals and 29 points in his first 26 games. The Attack (12-12-2) will take a two-game road trip to Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie beginning Friday.

In WHL play, Nathan Lieuwen made 27 saves to guide Kootenay to a 4-1 win over Vancouver. The 6'5 netminder, who entered the contest without a win in his three previous starts, shut the door with 22 stops over the final thirty minutes to halt the Giants winning streak at six. Sam Reinhart ('14) paced the winners with a goal and three assists. Lieuwen will look to get win #12 when the ICE (15-5-1-2) travel to Prince George on Tuesday.

Gregg Sutch played even with a minor penalty as Barrie won at Kingston, 3-1. The 6'2 grinder has just one assist in his last six games while finding himself outside of the scoring lines. Colts blueliner Alex Lepkowski did not play for the second straight game with a sore back. Barrie (11-8-2-1) will next head to Sarnia on Thursday.

Elsewhere, Steven Shipley finished -1 as Niagara lost to Ottawa, 5-2. With four goals in 19 games (.21 per game), the fourth-year man in pace for the fewest goals of his OHL career. The IceDogs (11-10-0-2) are on until Thursday when they host Brampton.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (-1) sent three shots on goal as Rimouski was nipped by Halifax, 2-1. Despite scoring just once in his last 13 games, Leduc continues to lead all Q defenders with 12 goals and 34 points. The Oceanic (15-13-0-0) travel to Gatineau on Thursday.

Brad Eidsness backed up Aaron Dell for the seventh straight game as North Dakota was blanked at Bemidji, 1-0. The Sioux slide to a 4-7-1 on the year heading into next weekend's set with Colorado College. Eidsness, a senior, has started just eight of the Sioux's last 56 contests since being named an All-WCHA 2nd teamer as a sophomore.

In ECHL play, Riley Boychuk scored his first professional goal but it was all Gwinnett could muster in suffering a 6-1 loss to South Carolina. The 6'5 wing, who paced all skaters with six shots on goal, wired home a power play tally at 15:53 of the third to break Philip Grubauer's shutout. Corey Fienhage was -3 for the Gladiators (8-5-2-2, 2nd place South Division).

11/19 Recap: Pair get goals on losing Saturday

Dan Catenacci notched a goal and an assist Saturday as Owen Sound came up short in a 7-5 loss to London. The 5'10 center, who ups his season totals to 12 goals and 27 points, began the year with a 1.22 points-per-game pace but has slid to .71 in seven November contests. The third-place Attack (12-11-1-1) and first-place Knights will play it back on Sunday.

Kevin Sundher scored his 14th goal of the year but Victoria was blown out for the second straight night in an 8-3 loss to Kootenay. The goal gives Sundher 37 points this season, good for fifth on the WHL leaderboard. Nathan Lieuwen got the night off for the ICE (14-5-1-2) , who continue their road trip Sunday at Vancouver. The Royals (11-12-0-1) will begin a short two-game road trip Friday in Kamloops.





Mark Pysyk missed his second straight game with an upper body injury as Edmonton lost Lethbridge, 5-2.. The Oil Kings (12-8-1-2) will again meet up with the Hurricanes again on Wednesday.

In Finland, Joel Armia was -1 as Assat was doubled by Tappara, 4-2. The 6'3 wing, who saw a two-game point streak come to an end, posted three shots on goal in just 11:39 time-on-ice. Armia and the Aces will battle the Pelicans on Tuesday.

In NCAA play, Brad Navin finished -1 as Wisconsin lost at Colorado College, 4-1. The Badgers (5-8-1) will play a non-league set next weekend in Madison against Mercyhurst.

Justin Jokinen had two shots on goal in Minnesota State's 7-3 loss to Minnesota-Duluth. The Mavericks (3-9-3) host Alaska-Anchorage next weekend.

Drew MacKenzie (-2) posted three shots on goal as Vermont lost to Northeastern, 4-1. The Catamounts (1-7-1) will next prepare for a Tuesday night matchup with Massachusetts.

Connor Knapp sat on the Miami bench for the sixth straight game as the RedHawks skated to a 4-4 tie with Bowling Green. Unbeaten in their last six games, the RedHawks (6-6-2) will face Providence next Friday at the Denver Cup Classic.

Brad Eidsness served as backup as North Dakota rolled to a 5-2 win at Bemidji State. The Sioux (4-6-1) and Beavers will close their WCHA series on Sunday.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the eighth straight game as Minnesota shut out St. Cloud State, 5-0. The Gophers (11-3-0) travel to Big ten rival Michigan State next weekend.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

11/5 Recap: Sundher bags pair; Lepkowski lights first

Kevin Sundher added to his gaudy stat line Saturday by scoring a pair of goals in Victoria's 5-3 home-ice loss to Vancouver. The first came from being in the right spot at the right time to deflect a lucky bounce, and the second from getting to the net with his stick on the ice. The Team Canada hopeful, who has points in his last four, has gathered 13 goals and a league-leading 23 assists in his first 19-games to place 3rd overall in WHL scoring with 36 points.



Mark Pysyk (+3) scored his first goal of the year and added an assist as Edmonton got past Seattle, 4-1. The one-timer from the right point gave the OK's a 3-0 lead with just one second remaining in the first period. Edmonton and Victoria will clash on Tuesday.



Elsewhere in the WHL, Nathan Lieuwen made 26 saves as Kootenay lost in overtime to Red Deer, 4-3. Lieuwen, who has won his previous five starts, moves to 10-2-1-2 on the year while "slipping" to a 1.64 GAA and .941 save percentage. The ICE host Tri-City on Wednesday.

In OHL play, Alex Lepkowski scored his first-ever OHL goal in his 100th career game as Barrie lost in overtime to Saginaw, 5-4. The 6'4 defenseman, who has missed nine of the Colts 17 games this season with a UBI, now has 10 career points over three seasons of play. He arrived in Barrie last season in a trade from the Spirit. Gregg Sutch finished -1 for the Colts, who return to action Friday against Mississauga.

Dan Catenacci finished -1 as Owen Sound lost a 2-1 decision to Belleville. At the 20-game mark, the 5'10 center has scored eight goals and 22 points as part of a line with Jarrod Maidens ('12) and Cameron Brace. The Attack travel to Kingston on Sunday.



Steven Shipley was +1 as Niagara downed Kitchener, 3-1. The 6'3 center, who was a plus-player for the third time this season, has just one point in his last six games and total of 10 on the year. The Dogs return to play Friday at Brampton.

In QMJHL play, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc was +3 with a key shootout goal as Rimouski downed Drummondville, 4-3. After scoring points in his first dozen games, the Q-league's leading defensive scorer has gone without a point in three of his last four. The Oceanic will play a Sunday matinee at Quebec.



In NCAA play, Mark Adams notched an assist in his season debut as Providence swept Vermont, 5-1. Adams, who missed the previous weeks with a lower body injury, (edit:) skated on the Friars second pair. Drew MacKenzie recorded three shots on goal for the Catamounts. The Friars will host Alabama-Huntsville Friday while Vermont next takes on New Hampshire on Saturday.

Justin Jokinen tied a career-high with six shots on goal as Minnesota State doubled Michigan Tech, 6-3. The senior forward has gone without a point in his last three games. The Mavs continue the WCHA schedule next Friday at St. Cloud.

Brad Navin posted three shots on goal as Wisconsin played to a 3-3 tie with St. Cloud State. The fourth-line frosh has one assist thoruhg his first nine NCAA games. The Badgers will host red-hot Minnesota next weekend.

Brad Eidsness served as back-up for the fifth straight game as North Dakota lost to #5 Minnesota, 3-2. The Sioux, ranked #15 nationally heading into the weekend, were swept at Minnesota for the first time in 15 years. They'll look to get back on track two weeks from now at Bemidji State. Gopher freshman Christian Isackson was a scratch for the fourth straight game.

Connor Knapp served as backup for the second straight game as Miami edged Alaska-Fairbanks, 2-1. The Redhawks will welcome Michigan to Oxford for a two-game set starting Friday.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

11/4 Recap: Sundher, Lieuwen continue Western cruise

Kevin Sundher continued his strong start Friday with a pair of assists as Victoria edged Vancouver, 2-1. The slashing center has now collected two or more points in 12 of the Royals 18 games this season en route to amassing 11 goals and league-best 23 assists. The Royals and Giants will play a rematch Saturday in Victoria.



Nathan Lieuwen stopped 29 shots to earn his 10th win of the year as Kootenay toppled Everett, 4-2. The 6'5 netminder improves to a perfect 7-0 this season on home ice. Collecting the win on five days rest, there's a good chance that Lieuwen goes for his sixth consecutive victory Saturday when the ICE host Red Deer.

Cedrick Henley picked up an assist as Val-d'Or defeated Cape Breton, 5-3. The Foreurs fourth leading scorer, Henley will take a four-game point streak into Sunday's tilt at Halifax.

In the OHL, Gregg Sutch posted a career-low -4 as Barrie lost at Plymouth, 4-1. Colts defenseman Alex Lepkowski, who recently returned for two games after missing eight due to a UBI, did not play. Barrie moves to face Saginaw on Saturday.

Dan Catenacci skated -2 with a slashing minor as Owen Sound got pounded by Ottawa, 5-1. Catenacci had points in three straight games prior to the loss. The Attack will lock horns with Belleville on Saturday.

Steven Shipley logged a -1 in Niagara's 4-3 loss to Kitchener. The third-line pivot has been a minus-player in eight of the Dogs 13 games this season. The two clubs will travel to Niagara Saturday to complete the home-and-home series.

In NCAA action, Drew MacKenzie scored his first goal of the year as Vermont lost at Providence, 5-2. The 6'2 defenseman, who missed last weekend's set with Merrimack due to injury, fired from the right point in the opening minute of the third period for the Catamounts final goal of the night. Providence sophomore Mark Adams has yet to appear on the Friars blueline this season due to a lower body injury.

In WCHA play, Brad Navin finished -1 with a shot on goal as Wisconsin was routed by St. Cloud State, 7-2. The 6'2 freshman has one assist through the first eight games of his NCAA career while skating on the Badgers fourth line. Wisconsin will look to avenge the road beating on Saturday.

Justin Jokinen was even with three shots on goal as Minnesota State was shut out at #16 Michigan Tech, 1-0. The senior wing has yet to get it going, scoring a goal and two assists in seven games. The struggling Mavericks will look for their second win of the year when the teams finish the set on Saturday.

Brad Eidsness served as back-up to Aaron Dell (30 saves) as #15 North Dakota was blanked by #5 Minnesota, 2-0. Gopher freshman Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch. With Dell looking sharp in defeat, it's fair to expect Eidsness to again watch from the bench in Saturday's series closer.

In the CCHA, Connor Knapp did not play as Miami slid past Alaska-Fairbanks, 2-1. The win snaps a five-game losing streak for the RedHawks while giving the proud program their first CCHA victory of the year. Knapp has generally been the Saturday night starter for most of the past three seasons, so it's possible he takes the net for the series closer despite a bumpy run last weekend against Lake Superior State.