Joel Armia continued his recent surge Saturday, scoring a pair of goals to extend his point streak to seven games as Assat smoked KalPa, 8-3. Armia's offensive spike, marked by a variety of goal celebrations, has resulted in 13 points (7+6) in his last 10 games to up his season line to 36GP 12-12-24.
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In NCAA play, Connor Knapp made 22 saves for his 10th career shutout as Miami earned the weekend sweep with a 4-0 win over Western Michigan. The 6'5 senior, who earned back-to-back starts for the second time in three weekends, is now tops among Sabres goaltending prospects with a 1.77 goals against average and .932 save percentage. Knapp also added an assist the old fashioned way en route to securing his grip on the RedHawks' #1 goaltending spot.
In the OHL, Dan Catenacci notched a goal and two assists as Owen Sound lost in overtime to London, 6-5. The goal, his 21st of the year, snaps a seven-game goal drought. It was his fifth three-point effort since joining the Attack.
Colin Jacobs scored a power play goal in Seattle's 5-4 overtime loss to Everett. The goal was Jacobs' fourth point in eight January games, and seventh in 18 games since returning from a lengthy shoulder injury.
Gregg Sutch earned an assist as Barrie doubled Guelph, 4-2. The game marked Sutch's return to the Colts lineup after missing eight games with an upper body injury. Alex Lepkowski finished -1 on the Barrie blueline.
Steven Shipley assisted on the first Niagara goal as the IceDogs lost to Sudbury, 4-3. The point was Shipley's first in five games.
Justin Jokinen (+2) contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota State defeated Nebraska-Omaha 5-4 in overtime. Jokinen was on the ice as the Mavericks' third line clicked for the OT winner.
Brad Navin finished even as Wisconsin edged Alaska-Anchorage, 3-2. The freshman third-liner has two goals and two assists through his first 23 NCAA games.
Brad Eidsness served as backup in North Dakota's 3-2 win over St. Cloud State.
Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch as Minnesota defeated Colorado College, 2-1.
Mark Adams was a scratch as Providence was embarrassed by Boston University, 8-0.
***
On Sunday, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc logged a -2 as Rimouski was shut out by Baie-Comeau. The offensive-minded defender has just two goals and two assists in 10 game since returning from the Christmas break.
Cedrick Henley did not play for the second straight game as Val-d'Or was stomped by Rouyn-Noranda, 9-3.
Jacobs was kept off the scoresheet as Seattle was nipped by Vancouver, 3-2.
Shipley finished +2 with an assist in Niagara's 9-0 blowout of Peterborough.
Lepkowski (-1) and Sutch (2PIM) did not factor in Barrie's 3-0 loss to Oshawa.
Mark Pysyk recorded the first two-goal game of his WHL career Friday to lead Edmonton to a 6-1 win over Swift Current. The OKs captain, who also added an assist for his second three-point night of the year, now has four goals and 14 points in 12 games since returning from injury on 11/19. The Oil Kings, ranked #1 in the WHL's Western Conference with 67 points, are 7-2-0-1 in their last 10 games.
In NCAA play, Drew MacKenzie extended his point streak to nine games with a third period assist as Vermont lost to Massachusetts, 4-3. The senior defenseman, who also added six shots on goal, now has six goals and 16 points in 21 games. His nine-game streak is the most for a Sabres defensive prospect since Brayden McNabb's 11-gamer a season ago.
Connor Knapp made 26 saves for his fifth consecutive victory as Miami downed Western Michigan, 3-1. Knapp has stopped 101 of 104 shots faced in the month of January, dropping his season goals against average to 1.94 through 11 games heading into Saturday's rematch. With Knapp hot, perhaps coach Enrico Blasi will take corrective action from last weekend when Knapp's Friday win was washed out by a Cody Reichard loss on Saturday.
Kevin Sundher posted an assist as Brandon lost to Saskatoon, 3-2. The six-foot center carried the puck from the right corner and set-up a Mark Stone one-timer from the left circle to even the score 1-1 just 15-seconds after the Blades first struck. Sundher has four assists in six games as a Wheat King, and zero goals in nine January outings - tying the longest goalless stretch of his 261-game WHL career.
Elsewhere, Brad Eidsness made 27 saves in his first start since December 2nd as North Dakota lost to St. Cloud State, 3-1. The senior held firm with 15 stops in the first period before allowing two goals in the middle frame. An empty netter closed things out, giving UND their 12th straight Friday night loss when visiting St. Cloud.
Nathan Lieuwen made 30 saves as Kootenay lost in overtime to Moose Jaw, 6-5. The six goals against is the most allowed by Lieuwen this season. He allowed six on three occasions in 2010-11. The ICE are tied with Medicine Hat for #3 in the Eastern Conference with 58 points.
Colin Jacobs notched an assist as Seattle lost to Kamloops. 5-3. Jacobs helped get the T-Birds on the board when he found Chance Lund in the slot to cut the Blazers lead to 3-1 late in the opening period.
Brad Navin led all Badger forwards with four shots on goal as Wisconsin pitched a 4-0 shut out of Alaska-Anchorage. The freshman has continued to build momentum on the team's third line despite going without a point in five January games.
Steven Shipley finished -1 in Niagara's 3-2 win over Erie. The 6'3 forward has gone without a point in four straight games.
Dan Catenacci did not score as Owen Sound was shut out by London, 3-0. The 5'10 speedster has zero goals in seven January games.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc punched three shots on goal as Rimouski defeated Chicoutimi, 3-1. The mobile righty has one goal and one assist in six January contests.
Christian Isackson skated even as Minnesota lost to Colorado College, 2-1. The freshman, who has floated between center and wing during his first eight NCAA contests, should see more time moving forward with Nick Larson out over a month with a broken wrist.
Justin Jokinen contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota State dropped a 2-1 decision to Nebraska-Omaha. In 25 games, the 6'3 senior has three goals and nine points. He posted nine goals and 17 points in 38 games as a junior.
Mark Adams was -2 as Providence got throttled by Boston University, 6-1. The sophomore defender has an assist and a -7 rating through 13 games.
Cedrick Henley sat out of Val d'Or's 3-2 overtime win over Rouyn-Noranda.
Cedrick Henley notched a goal and an assist Saturday to earn the game's #1 star as Val-d'Or toppled Q frontrunner Quebec 4-3 in overtime. The Foreurs captain got on the scoresheet twice during a five-goal third period to record his eighth multiple point game of the season. The 6'5 power forward has 10 goals and 26 points this season including 4+4 in eight games since returning from a broken thumb. Val-d'Or plays at Blainville-Boisbriand on Sunday.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc didn't get a regulation point but scored the only goal of the shootout to clinch Rimouski's 3-2 win over Rouyn-Noranda. Producing at well above a point-per-game pace all season long, the 6'1 defender has just three goals and four assists in 10 games since being cut from Team Canada's selection camp. The Oceanic are off until Friday when they visit Chicoutimi.
In WHL play, Kevin Sundher picked up a pair of assists as Brandon dropped a 4-3 shootout decision to his former club, Victoria. The power play helpers, Sundher's first points as a Wheat King, keep him tied for second among WHL assist leaders. Brandon travels to Moose Jaw on Sunday.
Mark Pysyk gathered a pair of assists as Edmonton won a 3-2 overtime decision over Kootenay. The steady Oil Kings captain has a goal and four assists in four games since returning from the World Junior Championship. Kootenay netminder Nathan Lieuwen, who was shaken up after getting run into late in the third, finished with a season-high 41 saves to earn the game's #2 star. Edmonton travels to Calgary on Sunday. The ICE are off until Wednesday's tilt at Regina.
Colin Jacobs did not play as Seattle was trumped by Portland, 4-0. The Thunderbirds have been outscored 29-8 en route to losing six straight games. Seattle plays at Spokane on Monday.
In the OHL, Steven Shipley was held without a point for the third straight game as Niagara dominated Barrie, 4-1. Winners of five straight and nine of their last 10, the IceDogs are now tied with Ottawa atop the Eastern Conference standings. Alex Lepkowski finished -2 for the Colts, while Gregg Sutch missed his seventh consecutive game with a head injury. Barrie will battle Saginaw on Thursday. Niagara returns to action Friday at Erie.
Dan Catenacci did not factor into the scoring as Owen Sound shellacked Erie, 5-0. The speedy center has now gone five game without a goal. The Attack will host a well-oiled Whalers squad on Wednesday.
In NCAA action, Justin Jokinen picked up an assist as Minnesota State earned the weekend split with a 3-0 win over Wisconsin. Brad Navin recorded two shots on goal in the loss. Both schools resume their WCHA schedules next weekend, with Minnesota State hosting Nebraska-Omaha and the Badgers welcoming Alaska-Anchorage to Madison.
Brad Eidsness stopped seven of eight shots in relief of Aaron Dell as North Dakota was blown out by Minnesota, 6-2. The third period action was Eidsness' first in league play since picking up a 5-2 win at Alaska-Anchorage back on December 2nd. Gopher freshman Christian Isackson was scratched for the third straight game. North Dakota goes to St. Cloud on Friday while the Gophers get ready for a set with Colorado College.
Connor Knapp was given the the night off as Miami suffered a 4-3 loss at Lake Superior State. The big senior had backstopped three RedHawks wins coming out of the break before giving way to fellow senior Cody Reichard, who hadn't played since December 10th. Miami returns to Oxford for next weekend's battle with Western Michigan.
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 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.
In Saturday action, Kevin Sundher extended his point streak to 12 games with an assist, but Victoria suffered their ninth straight defeat with a 4-3 shootout loss to Kelowna. Both streaks are newsworthy, but it's how Sundher ended the game that had people talking afterwards.
Amidst a high level of frustration, Sundher missed the shootout after getting tossed for attempting to headbutt a taunting Shane McColgan at the end of OT. The two previously came together for offsetting roughing minors as buzzer sounded to end regulation. With his name swirling as perhaps the hottest WHL trade commodity (unless Team Canada scorer Mark Stone is somehow put on the block) and the Royals not taking the ice again until Friday, the game would certainly be a most interesting way for Sundher, the franchise's all-time leading point-getter, to close out his time in Victoria.
Elsewhere, Steven Shipley scored his 11th goal of the year as Niagara doubled Sarnia, 4-2. The 6'3 Shipley has six goals and 14 points in his last 10 games. The Dogs are off until Thursday when they host Barrie.
Mark Pysyk returned from the World Junior Championship and scored his third goal of the year as Edmonton downed Swift Current, 5-3. The 6'2 defender came down the left side late in the second period and stuffed the puck past the Broncos goaltender for his 19th point of the year. The Oil Kings will be in action Sunday when they host Red Deer.
In NCAA play, Drew MacKenzie scored his sixth goal of the year as Vermont dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Massachusetts at Frozen Fenway. The power play marker extends MacKenzie's career-best point streak to six games. The Catamounts return home next weekend to face Lowell on Friday and Providence on Sunday.
Justin Jokinen avenged a costly penalty the night before by scoring the game winning goal as Minnesota State earned a 3-1 win over Saint Lawrence and a split of their non-league set. The goal, Jokinen's third of the year, was his first game winner since 10/10/08 against Bemidji State.
Connor Knapp made 20 saves for the ninth shutout of his career as Miami swept Michigan State with a 4-0 win. The senior netminder, whose record improved to 5-4, appeared in back-to-back contests for the first time since last January (1/22, 1/28). The RedHawks travel to Lake Superior State next weekend.
Dan Catenacci collected three assists as Owen Sound got past Brampton with a 4-3 overtime win. The speedy center earned helpers on consecutive shifts in the early second as the Attack snatched a 2-1 lead before earning a secondary on the OT winner. The Attack are off until Friday's tilt with Erie.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 19 of 22 shots as Kootenay was beaten by Moose Jaw, 3-1. The 6'5 keeper has won just three of his last 10 starts (since December 1st) to dip to 17-10-1-2 on the year. The ICE will end the weekend with a Sunday meeting with Medicine Hat.
Colin Jacobs was -1 as Seattle lost to Spokane, 4-2. After missing 26 games while recovering from shoulder surgery, the 6'1 center has gathered fur points (3+1) in his first dozen games of the 2011-12 season. The T-Birds are off until Friday when they visit Kamloops.
Alex Lepkowski finished -1 as Barrie lost to London, 3-2. Colts forward Gregg Sutch missed his fourth straight game with a head injury despite rumors that he had passed his concussion test earlier in the week. The Colts return to action Sunday at Kingston.
In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc logged a +1 as Rimouski won a 3-2 shootout decision over Baie-Comeau. The QMJHL's leading defensive point-getter, Leduc has gone two games without getting on the scoresheet for the fourth time this season. The Nics are off until Friday when they'll tangle with Rouyn-Noranda.
Brad Navin was even as Wisconsin edged RIT, 2-1. The 6'2 freshman has two goals and two assists through his first 19 collegiate games. The Badgers travel to Mankato next weekend for a WCHA set with Minnesota State.
Christian Isackson did not play as Minnesota lost to Notre Dame, 4-3. The Gophers will play a key WCHA set with North Dakota.
Brad Eidsness served as back-up as North Dakota defeated Clarkson 3-1 at MTS Center in Winnipeg. The senior has started just three of North Dakota's 21 games this season.
***
In the AHL, Phil Varone scored a pair of goals including the game-winner as Rochester defeated Binghamton, 3-2. Varone extends his career-best point streak to six games. He has a ways to go before eclipsing the 16-gamer he posted a year ago while with Erie of the OHL.
Zack Kassian notched an assist in his first AHL game since November 19th, while Shawn Szydlowski added a career-high four shots on goal.
The Amerks close the weekend with a battle against longtime rival Hershey on Sunday.
In Saturday action, Alex Lepkowski scored for the second straight game as Barrie downed Erie, 5-3. The 6'4 lefty gave the Colts a 2-1 lead early in the second period when his point shot deflected off an Otters defenseman and into the net. The West Seneca native ups his season line five goals and eight points in 23 games. Colts forward Gregg Sutch missed his second straight game with a head injury.
Steve Shipley recorded an assist as Niagara lost to Guelph, 4-1. The 6'3 center was on the ice for all five goals in the game en route to finishing with a -3 rating. Shipley ends 2011 with points in seven of his last eight (4+8).
In the WHL, Colin Jacobs was unable to produce much as Seattle came up empty in a 2-0 loss to Portland. The 6'2 center has gone four games without a point for the T-Birds, who closed 2011 by being outshot 38-18.
In the college ranks, Brad Navin finished -1 as Wisconsin defeated the USA U18 squad, 4-3. The Badgers will welcome RIT to Madison next weekend for a non-conference set.
Christian Isackson sent four shots on goal as #2 Minnesota dropped a 3-2 decision to Northeastern in the championship of the Mariucci Classic. The six-foot freshman is +1 with no points in seven games played. The Gophers will battle Notre Dame on Saturday.
Brad Eidsness did not play as North Dakota defeated Harvard, 7-3. On Saturday, North Dakota will play a "home" game in Winnipeg against Clarkson.
***
At the World Junior Championship, Joel Armia notched an assist as Finland completed pool play with a 4-0 win over the Czech Republic. Armia now has three goals and two assists through the four round-robin games. After the game, Armia told the Finnish press that he felt his line was the team's worst in the win (will credit with proper link). Giving himself fuel heading into the medal round can only be a good thing. Finland plays Slovakia in the quarterfinals on Monday.
Mark Pysyk was a team-best +2 as Canada held on to defeat the relegation-bound USA, 3-2. The stay-at-home Pysyk, who remains as one of two Team Canada skaters yet to record a point in the tourney, ends pool play with a cumulative +6 rating (3rd highest on team, 2nd among D). Canada will face the winner of the Czech Republic/Russia on Tuesday.
In Friday World Junior Championship action, Joel Armia scored his third of the tournament as Finland racked up the goals in 10-1 blowout of Denmark. Armia worked along the boards to help the Finns to their first mark (clip #1) before later burying a backhand with the game getting out of hand. The 6'3 wing now has three goals in three tourney games. Finland completes pool play on Saturday versus the Czechs.
In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley scored a pair of goals and an assist as Val-d'Or nearly completed a third period comeback in a 6-5 loss to Rouyn-Noranda. The power forward project now has eight goals and 21 points in 28 games. The three-point night was the second of his season and third of his QMJHL career.
Kevin Sundher scored a goal and two assists as Victoria was edged by Portland, 7-6. The six-footer, who is tied for 4th in WHL scoring with 60 points (22+38), has gathered 12 of those over his current nine-game point streak.
Dan Catenacci scored the lone Attack goal, his 20th of the year, as Owen Sound lost to Kitchener, 3-1. Catenacci, who marked to give the Attack a 1-0 lead at 12:54 of the opening frame, has five points (4+1) in four games against the Rangers this season.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc notched an assist as Rimouski earned a 3-0 shutout of Quebec. The QMJHL's leading defensive point-getter and 10th leading scorer overall (20+32), Leduc closes December with five goals and seven assists in nine outings.
Steven Shipley (-1) saw his career-best six-game point streak come to an end in Niagara's 6-5 shootout win over Mississauga. The IceDogs coughed up leads of 4-0 and 5-2 before finally icing the win in the tiebreaker.
Colin Jacobs did not score as Seattle downed Moose Jaw, 2-0. Still finding his legs after a lengthy recovery from a shoulder injury, Jacobs has gone without a point in his last three games.
Nathan Lieuwen was given the night off as Kootenay lost in the shootout to Spokane, 3-2. The 6'5 netminder got off to a hot start in 2011-12 but is likely looking forward to flipping the calendar after going 2-5 with a 3.56 goals against average and .876 save percentage in the month of December.
In the college ranks, Drew MacKenzie notched an assist to up his point streak to four games as Vermont defeated Ferris State, 4-2. After getting held off the scoresheet in his first two games, the 6'2 lefty has collected points in 10 of his last 14 for the lowly Catamounts.
Christian Isackson (+1) recorded four shots on goal while centering Zach Budish and Nick Larson as Minnesota rolled over Niagara, 5-1. The Gophers, playing without world junior participants Nick Bjugstad and Kyle Rau, outshot the Purple Eagles by a 43-21 margin.
Justin Jokinen picked up an assist as Minnesota State skated to a 3-3 exhibition tie with the U.S. U18 squad. The 6'3 senior has scored two goals in 20 games this season for the Mavericks.
Brad Eidsness served as backup as North Dakota and Harvard played to a 4-4 tie. With Aaron Dell allowing four goals on 18 shots, perhaps Eidsness gets tabbed for Saturday's rematch after a solid showing before the break.
***
In Friday night AHL action, Rochester packed it in with over 9,700 fans but the Amerks came up short with a 5-4 loss to division rival Hamilton. The Amerks got goals form Mark Voakes, Phil Varone, Derek Whitmore, and Paul Szczechura before Bulldogs forward Mitch Wahl broke a 4-4 tie on the power play at 7:44 of the third period.
The Rundown:
Brennan: A, +1, 7 SOG
Foligno: A, 4 SOG
Schiestel: A
Lagace: 1 SOG
Biega: 4 SOG
Persson: -1
Szydlowski: -1
Crawford: 1 SOG
Steven Shipley scored a goal and an assist Saturday as Niagara downed Sudbury, 3-1. The game's #2 star, Shipley now has goals in four straight games while collecting 11 of his 24 points this season during his current five-game point streak. Niagara is now off until the 28th when they face Owen Sound.
Alex Lepkowski scored his third goal of the year as Barrie lost to Ottawa, 6-4. Gregg Sutch assisted on the Lepkowski tally, his 12th point of the season, to end a four-game point drought. The Colts will battle Peterborough on Sunday before heading home for the Christmas break.
Colin Jacobs scored his second goal of the season as Seattle lost their handle in a 5-3 loss to Tri-City. Jacobs, who now has three points in five games since returning form injury, buried a one-timer to give the T-Birds a 3-0 lead heading into the second intermission. The game would turn from there with the Ams scoring five straight goals in the final twenty minutes to show why they're the CHL's #2 ranked team. Seattle returns from the holiday break for a home-and-home series with Everett starting on the 27th.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished +4 with an an assist as Rimouski edged PEI, 6-5. The mobile righty enters the break with an even 50 points (19+31), good for first among all QMJHL defenders. Rimouski visits Quebec City on the 27th to tangle with the league-leading Remparts.
Kevin Sundher notched an assist to extend his point streak to seven games as Victoria was clipped by Medicine Hat, 4-2. The recently inked center enters the holiday break as the WHL's fifth leading scorer with 55 points (21+34) in 35 games. The Royals will next face Portland on the 28th.
Dan Catenacci saw his five-game point streak come to an end as Owen Sound downed Kitchener, 3-1. The speedy center enters the midway point with 40 points (19+21). Owen Sound will next welcome the IceDogs to town on the 28th.
Justin Jokinen contributed two shots on goal as Minnesota State was defeated by Colorado College, 6-2. The senior has added a spark down the middle despite going seven games without a goal. The Mavs, who have now lost nine straight WCHA contests, will host the U.S. NTDP for an exhibition on the 30th.
Drew MacKenzie drew a power play assist in Vermont's 2-1 loss to St. Lawrence. The two-way senior defenseman has four goals and four assists in 14 games. Vermont will next face the Russian Red Stars in an exhibition on the 27th.
Brad Eidsness stopped all 14 shots he faced as North Dakota earned a 5-1 exhibition win over the Russian Red Stars. The Sioux will return from the Christmas break with a non-conference set against Harvard Dec. 30-31.
In Saturday WHL play, Colin Jacobs scored a regulation goal and then the shootout game winner to guide Seattle to a 4-3 win over Victoria. Jacobs, who was playing just his second game of the season after missing the first 26 with a shoulder injury, notched his first goal of the season at 10:20 of the middle frame to give the Birds a 3-0 lead. Kevin Sundher clicked for a pair of third period assists as the Royals battled back from the deficit to force extra time. The T-Birds welcome Vancouver to town on Tuesday, while the Royals battle Edmonton on Wednesday.
Badger freshman Brad Navin scored his second goal of the season and added an assist as Wisconsin was beaten by #1 Minnesota-Duluth, 4-2. With 7:19 to play, the freshman lit the lamp on the power play for the second time in as many nights to end the Bulldogs shutout bid. Navin assisted on the Badgers final goal of the night, again with the man advantage, with 2:30 left in regulation. Wisconsin is off until New Year's Eve when they host Team USA U18 for an exhibition in Madison.
Steve Shipley scored his eighth goal of the season as Niagara came up short against Kingston, 3-2. After the Fronts opened scoring at 1:10 of the first period, Shipley replied just nine seconds later to tie the game. The 6'3 center now has goals in two straight for the first time this season to give him eight goals and 18 points and a -11 rating in 28 games. Shipley will look to extend his point streak to four games Thursday when the IceDogs host Erie.
Nathan Lieuwen made 31 saves as Kootenay scored a late power play goal to overcome Medicine Hat, 3-2. The win was Lieuwen's first in five December appearances. The ICE will host Red Deer on Tuesday.
Dan Catenacci notched an assist as Owen Sound pounded Guelph, 6-1. Catenacci is currently tied for 15th in OHL scoring with 37 points (18+19). The Attack return to action Thursday at Windsor.
Gregg Sutch and Alex Lepkowski each finished -1 with a minor penalty (Sutch for an unsportsmanlike and Lepkowski for a check to the head) as Barrie was defeated by Brampton, 4-1. The Colts will tangle with Sutch's former club, the Mississauga-St. Michael's Majors, on Thursday.
Justin Jokinen picked up an assist to go along with four shots on goal as Minnesota State pummeled Alabama-Huntsville, 9-1. Jokinen and the Mavs will sandwich in a WCHA set with Colorado College next weekend before enjoying a holiday break.
Christian Isackson (+1) punched three shots on goal in fourth-line minutes as Minnesota hammered Michigan Tech, 6-2. The freshman nearly connected on his first NCAA goal in the opening period but somehow missed the open net as the line's hard work drew a penalty. The Gophers are off until December 30th when they play Niagara in the first round of the Mariucci Classic.
Connor Knapp watched as Miami lost in overtime to #4 Ohio State, 3-2. The 6'6 senior heads into the break with a 3-4 record, 2.70 goals against average, and .896 save percentage in six starts.
Bead Eidnsess did not play as #19 North Dakota pitched a 1-0 shutout of Nebraska-Omaha. The senior stopper has started just two games thus far for the Sioux en route to posting a 3-1 record, a 2.43 goals against average, and a .918 save percentage. North Dakota will play an exhibition tilt with the Russian Red Stars next Saturday before starting their holiday break.
