3/26 Recap: McNabb, Boychuk come up big as playoffs heat up

Brayden McNabb continued to be a point machine Saturday, scoring a goal and adding two assists as Kootenay evened their best-of-seven series at one game apiece with a 5-2 win over Moose Jaw. After netting an assist on the game's first goal, McNabb scored on a power-play slapper from the high slot to gave the Ice an early 2-0 lead. The three-point night ties a Kootenay franchise mark for points by s defenseman in a playoff game. The two clubs will lock in Tuesday for game #3 in Moose Jaw.

Elsewhere in the WHL, Riley Boychuk opened the game with a power play goal and set-up another Winterhawks tally a few minutes later as Portland opened the playoff season by pitching a 4-0 shutout over Everett. Boychuk, who was also called for a pair of interference penalties (one in the paint on the goalie) had just three points in 13 playoff games in 2009-10. Game #2 will be played Sunday evening.

Matt MacKenzie scored the game winning goal as Tri-City held on to defeat Vancouver, 5-4. MacKenzie drilled a shot while on 5-3 advantage to give the Ams a 5-3 late at 9:47 of the third period. The Ams take a 2-0 series lead heading into Tuesday's game #3.

Mark Pysyk logged a -1 as Edmonton lost for the second straight night to Red Deer, 5-1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ('11) scored his third goal of the series and was whistled for a diving minor in the Rebels victory. I'm not a fan of diving. Shame on you, RNH. The Oil Kings will look to halve the Rebels 2-0 series lead on Monday.

Kevin Sundher was even Chilliwack was shut out by Spokane, 5-0. Trailing the series 2-0, the Bruins now face the difficult task of having to win two of the next three games in the Chiefs barn in order to keep their season hopes alive. The two teams re-engage for game #3 on Wednesday.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian finished +2 with six shots on goal and a smattering of hits as Windsor took game #2 of their first round match-up with Erie, 4-3 in double-overtime. The 2009 first-rounder was engaged from the get-go, using his feet to complete checks and battle for loose pucks, and seemed to get better (i.e. played with a greater sense of urgency) as the game progressed. With a slew of penalties against the Spits hampering Kassian's early ice time, the 20-year old was up on the bench directing teammates and chirping at the opposition. He was locked in mentally, which could bode well for Windsor entering Monday's game #3. If this effort is any indication of his preparedness moving forward, which keep in mind was by no means "overwhelming", then there's little question he'll be Portland-bound when his OHL season is done.

Marcus Foligno finished -1 as Sudbury opened their playoff year with a wild 8-7 overtime win over Ottawa. The strapping 6'3 forward made his presence felt just :11 in when he was whistled for a nasty slash/spear to the mid-section of gritty 67's forward Dalton Smith. The Wolves, who trailed 5-4 at the second intermission, sealed the deal when Andrey Kuchin completed his hat trick at 3:26 in to the extra session.

Gregg Sutch did not point as Mississauga edged Belleville, 1-0. The Majors, holders of a 2-0 series lead, will look to shake the disappointing effort when the teams meet for Sunday's game #3.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc was -1 as Rimouski lost in overtime to Gatineau, 3-2. The 18-year old rearguard was on the receiving end of a vicious hit from behind midway through the first period after advancing the puck at his blueline (below). Piques forward earned a five-minute boarding major on the play. The series will resume Tuesday with Gatineau holding a 2-0 lead.



Cedrick Henley was unable to score as Val-d'Or lost to Quebec, 6-4. The Foreurs now trail the bes-of-seven 2-0, with game #3 set for Tuesday.

At the NCAA Tournament, Connor Knapp served as back-up as top-seed Miami lost in the Northeast regional semi-final to New Hampshire, 2-1. The junior metminder ends his season with a record of 8-5-4 in 17 appearances with a 2.03 goals against average and .909 save percentage. Senior UFA Andy Miele failed to get a point, ending his 17-game point streak, to finish the year with a line of 24-47-71 in just 39 games. Given the fact that he plays center, it's basically no-brainer that the Sabres make an attempt to sign the creative talent.

In other NCAA action, Brad Eidsness served as back-up as North Dakota advanced to the Midwest regional final with a 6-0 ripping of RPI. The Sioux move on to face familiar foe Denver Sunday with a Frozen Four berth on the line.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson recorded a shot on goal as Sioux Falls was blanked by Sioux City, 2-0.

3/20 Recap: Hats off to Jerome as CHL closes

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc completed his strong stretch run with a bang Sunday, potting a hat-trick to lead Rimouski to a 6-3 win over Victoriaville. Gauthier-Leduc heads into the playoffs on a wicked 10-game point-streak that saw him collect 10 of his 18 season goals (as well as a +9 rating to net out to a season finish of -1). With 56 points (18+38), the puck mover finishes his 18-year old season as the #2 scorer among QMJHL defensemen. By comparison, Marc-Andre Gragnani went 16-55-71 -23 in his 18-year old season, while T.J. Brennan posted a line of 16-26-41 -15 at the same developmental point. The #12 Oceanic will face #5 seed Gatineau in the first round.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno collected two assists as Sudbury lost at Ottawa, 7-3. The 6'3 captain finishes his final regular season of junior play with career bests in goals (23), assists (36), and plus/minus (+5). The Wolves and 67's will get reacquainted Saturday afternoon at Scotia Bank Place for game #1 of their first round playoff battle.

Gregg Sutch notched a pair of assists as Mississauga completed their excellent regular season with a 4-1 win over Barrie. The grinding 6'3 forward, who looks to have played his way back in to the lineup full-time after being in-and-out most of the past month, completes the schedule with a line of 8-20-28 +20 - all career bests. The CHL's #3 ranked Majors move on to their first-round series against Belleville.

In the WHL, Riley Boychuk scored his 18th goal of the year as Portland ended their 2010-11 campaign with a 6-3 loss to Spokane. The 6'5 Boychuk improves his season totals to 18-17-35 in the defeat, while Anthony Bardaro ('11) had a pair of goals for the winning Chiefs. Portland, the top seed in the Western Conference, will face #8 Everett in the opening round.

Matt MacKenzie did not score as Tri-City defeated Seattle in overtime, 4-3. The Americans, the #4 seed in the West, will battle Vancouver in a first-round WHL playoff series.

In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley recorded four hits as Val-d'Or lost in overtime to Drummondville, 3-2. The Foreurs, owners of the 14th playoff seed, will face the Quebec Remparts in the opening round.

3/19 Recap: Sundher stars as clubs ready for playoffs

Kevin Sundher hit for two insurance goals and an assist Saturday as Chilliwack blanked Everett, 3-0. The six-foot pivot went to work with the Bruins holding a 1-0 lead after 40-minutes, first forcing Ryan Murray ('11) to cough up the puck allowing him to sail down and pot his 23rd on a shorthanded breakaway, and then snapping a shot from the slot a couple of shifts later for his 24th goal and sixth three-point game of the year. The Surrey native finishes the regular season as the Bruins #3 scorer with 76 points. Depending on what shakes out on Sunday, Chilliwack will visit either Tri-City or Spokane when the WHL playoffs kickoff next week.

Elsewhere in the WHL, Brayden McNabb (+1) registered an assist, his 50th helper of the year, as Kootenay hammered Lethbridge, 7-1. The 6'4 defenseman caps his fantastic regular season with 22 goals and 72 points, making him the 3rd-most productive WHL blueliner, while his sturdy +25 is representative of the quality (and sheer amount of) even-strength minutes logged during season grind.

Mark Pysyk skated -1 as Edmonton lost their second game in as many nights to Red Deer, 3-1. The weekend set allowed plenty of bad blood to brew prior to the clubs' squaring-off for their best-of-seven playoff round next week. Pysyk scored six goals this season while posting career highs in points (40), penalty minutes (88), and plus/minus (+29) in his first season as Oil Kings captain. He played like a leader to end the year and is sure to be counted on heavily as Edmonton engages the tough task of taking down the Rebs, lead by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ('11).

Matt MacKenzie registered an assist as Tri-City defeated Spokane, 6-4. The two-way defender has points in three of his last four games. He had posted points in three of his previous 17 prior to the productive home stretch. The Ams wrap up the regular season on Sunday versus Seattle.

Riley Boychuk had no points and 17-penalty minutes as Portland defeated Seattle, 5-4. The 6'5 Boychuk earned his sixth fighting major of the year when he dropped the gloves with 6'5 17-year old Mitch Eliot.



Corey Fienhage finished -1 in the final WHL game of his career as Kamloops lost to Prince George, 5-1. The 6'4, 221-pound "Moose", who played his previous two seasons with the University of North Dakota, scored four goals and 10 assists in 70 games this season on the Blazers blueline.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley scored his 18th goal of the year as Niagara pummeled Kingston, 8-4. Ryan Strome ('11) collected four assists to finish tied atop the OHL's scoring list with 106 points (33+73). The IceDogs will await the results of Sunday play before learning their first-round opponent. A Brampton win will see the Dogs play Kingston. A loss will set the stage for shorter drives with a Dogs/Brampton first round match-up.

Marcus Foligno (+3) notched an assist as Sudbury doubled Belleville, 6-3. The 6'3 captain was a physically intimidating throughout, earning a double minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct late in the second period after his hit sparked a powerkeg. The Wolves will close the regular season Sunday with a tilt against their first-round playoff opponent, #2 seed Ottawa.

Zack Kassian notched an assist as Windsor defeated Saginaw, 5-4 in overtime. The bullish wing, who had eight 3+ point efforts before the World Junior Championships and just two after, finishes the regular season with 26-51-77. Just like a year ago, the Spits will face the Erie Otters in the opening round of the playoffs.

In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley (+1) picked up two assists Val-d'Or lost to Shawinigan, 8-4. The 6'5 Henley, who was called for boarding on the game's first shift, has 17 points in 21 games this season including a goal and seven assists in nine games since returning from wrist surgery. Les Foreurs will close their regular season Sunday against Drummondville.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson scored an empty-net goal and an assist as Sioux Falls rolled past Green Bay, 4-0. The six-foot rookie has 15 goals and 40 points in 51 games this season and has been a point-per-game player over his last 20.

Connor Knapp did not play as #6 Miami won their first-ever CCHA Tournament title with a 4-2 win over #12 Western Michigan. Senior UFA Andy Miele scored a goal and an assist to give him 71 points (24+47) in 38 games this year. By comparison, Nathan Gerbe's best season at BC (2007-08) saw him net 35-33-68 in 43 games. The RedHawks will now wait Sunday's announcement of the NCAA tournament bracket to determine who they'll next face.

Brad Eidsness served as backup as #1 North Dakota won the Broadmoor Trophy as WCHA Tornament champs with a 3-2 double-overtime win over #5 Denver. Like Knapp's RedHawks, Eidsness and the Sioux will wait for Sunday to learn who they face as one of the #1 regional seeds.

3/18 Recap: Foligno produces in return

Marcus Foligno gathered a goal and an assist in his return to the lineup Friday as Sudbury downed Kingston, 6-3. The 6'3 physical forward has scored 23 goals in 45 games this season after scoring a total of 26 over his previous two seasons (132 games). Foligno had missed last weekend's games with an illness. The Wolves close the regular season with weekend road games at Belleville and Ottawa.

Also from the OHL, Gregg Sutch scored a goal and an assist as Mississauga shut out Brampton, 2-0. The power-play marker, Sutch's eighth of the season, came off a failed Troops clearing attempt with 3:43 remaining in the 2nd period.

Zack Kassian did not score as Windsor downed Sault Ste. Marie, 4-2. Kassian, who three months ago looked like a lock for 100 points and even two weeks ago made 80 seem very reasonable, has gone -2 with an assist in his last four games to check in with 26-50-76 as the Spits enter their final regular season game Saturday versus Saginaw.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his 15th goal of the season to extend his point streak to nine games as Rimouski lost at Gatineau, 3-1. The 6'2 Quebec City native has scored seven time over the streak (nearly half of his season haul) to go along with eight assists. Gauthier-Leduc is ranked 4th among Q defenders with 53 points (18+33) with one game left.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb notched his 22nd goal of the season and added an assist as Kootenay downed Lethbridge, 5-3. The 6'4 McNabb now has 71 points with one game remaining, placing him 3rd overall among all WHL rearguards while tying him with Marc-Andre Gragnani (2005-06) for third-most single-season points for a Regier-drafted defenseman behind Brian Campbell (87, 1999-00) and Matt Kinch (84, 2000-01).

Matt MacKenzie collected a pair of assists as Tri-City defeated Chilliwack, 6-1. Kevin Sundher finished -2 for the Bruins.

Riley Boychuk scored his 17th goal of the year as Portland rallied to beat Everett, 4-3. The aggressive 6'5 grinder, who scored goals in back-to-back games for the fourth time this season, was whistled for three minor penalties in the game - two for roughing and one for cross-checking.

Mark Pysyk was +1 as Edmonton battled in a hard-fought 4-3 loss to Red Deer. The game, played in Rexall Place between clubs that are locked into to a first-round playoff match-up, was attended by 12,960 fans. Pysyk has posted career highs this season in assists (34), points (40), plus/minus (+30), and penalty minutes (86).

Corey Fienhage skated +1 as Kamloops saw their playoff hopes fade away via a 3-2 shootout loss to Prince George. The Blazers needed a regulation win to stay alive in the race for the final spot in the Western Conference bracket. The 6'4 stay-at-homer will play his finish his WHL career Saturday in a rematch at PG.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson (+2) scored his 14th goal of the season as Sioux Falls rolled over Chicago, 7-0. The six-footer, who has points in 13 of his last 16 games, had skated his previous nine games without a goal.

In the collegiate ranks, Connor Knapp served as backup as #6 Miami advanced to the CCHA Final with a 6-2 win over #8 Notre Dame. UFA's Andy Miele (two goals, two assists) and Carter Camper (two goals, one assist) paved the way for the RedHawks, who move on to face Western Michigan in Saturday's championship.

At the WCHA Final Five, Brad Eidsness did not play as North Dakota edged Colorado College, 4-3. The Sioux will battle Denver on Saturday for the tourney title.

3/11 Recap: McNabb in good company as playoffs loom

Brayden McNabb continued his recent stacking of points with two assists Friday as Kootenay won via shootout over Swift Current, 5-4. Still without a NHL contract, McNabb enters the final week of play as the #3 scorer among WHL defenders with 67 points, just five short of eclipsing Marc-Andre Gragnani's (71 in 2005-06) for the highest total among Sabres defensive prospects of the last decade. Barrie's Nick Crawford finished with 70 a year ago. It's also worth noting that McNabb's 20-goal prowess puts him in good company with Dennis Wideman (24, 2003-04) Gragnani (22, 2006-07), and Andrej Sekera (21, 2005-06) among top blueline goal scorers recently drafted by the Sabres.

Elsewhere in the WHL, Kevin Sundher played even as Chilliwack saw their six-game winning streak snapped with a 3-2 overtime loss to Seattle, 3-2. The six-footer, who recently capped a streak that saw him score 19 points over 11 games, has produced two assists in his last five outings.

Mark Pysyk (-3) saw his career-best seven-game point streak come to an end as Edmonton lost to Prince Albert, 5-2. Despite the loss the Oil Kings had a chance to clinch a WHL playoff berth with a Calgary win, but their 2012 World Junior partner could not come through.

Corey Fienhage finished -1 as Kamloops lost to Kelowna, 5-1. Neighbor of my brother and donor of old equipment to my nephew, Shane McColgan ('11) had three power play assists to power the Rockets offense. The Sabres get a good discount when scouting Kelowna, and I'm curious where they see McColgan fitting come draft day. A creative forward with grit, McColgan has put together 21-44-65 this season after a 69 point campaign as 16/17 a season ago.

Riley Boychuk returned to the Winterhawks lineup after missing a half-dozen games with a concussion as Portland downed Everett. Three NHL draft picks and another sure to go early this June, Nino Niederreiter, Ty Rattie ('11), Ryan Johansen and Craig Cunningham, blitzed the Tips for four goals in the first five minutes of the middle period to take control of the game.

Matt MacKenzie was -1 as Tri-City lost to Spokane. Anthony Bardaro ('11) scored his 20th goal of the year for the Chiefs.

In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley registered four hits including a checking from behind minor as Val-d'Or edged Chicoutimi in a shootout, 3-2. The 6'5 project entered the game with points in three straight games.

Marcus Foligno missed his second straight game due to "illness" as Sudbury lost via shootout to Belleville, 4-3.

Gregg Sutch was a healthy scratch as Mississauga defeated Brampton, 6-2.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson notched a pair of assists as Sioux Falls fell to Cedar Rapids, 5-3. The Minnesotan now has 15 points (4+11) in his 14 games.

In the first round of the WCHA tournament, Justin Jokinen did not get on the scoresheet as Minnesota State lost to #6 Denver, 4-2. The Mavericks held a 2-0 lead after two periods before suffering a four-goal collapse in the third.

In game #1 of the CCHA quarterfinal, Connor Knapp watched as Cody Reichard made 17 saves to help #7 Miami to a 4-1 win over Alaska. UFA senior center Andy Miele scored his 20th goal and 62nd points of the season for the RedHawks. Miele, who leads the nation in scoring, has scored points in 14 straight games.

Also from CCHA quarterfinal weekend, Nick Eno served as back-up to Andrew Hammond as Bowling Green lost to #5 Michigan, 5-1.

In the Hockey East tourney, Drew MacKenzie was +1 with three shots on goal as Vermont lost the opener to #10 New Hampshire, 3-1.

Brad Eidsness did not play as North Dakota cruised past Michigan Tech, 8-0. The Sioux will close to close out their first round opponent Saturday.

3/10 Recap: Kassian sits; Red hot Leduc keeps rolling

Zack Kassian was a healthy scratch Thursday as Windsor needed the shootout to earn a 4-3 win over Owen Sound. Kassian, plagued by inconsistent effort since returning from the World Junior Championship, has been rumored to be at odds with the Spits staff of late. The Sabres can't be entirely pleased with Kassian's lack of focus either, and should be expecting a dominating response from their 2009 first-rounder before further evaluating his status once his OHL season ends.

Elsewhere, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc extended his point streak to five games with a pair of primary assists as Rimouski lost via shootout to Saint John, 3-2. The red-hot defender has amassed 10 points for his most productive five-game tear of the season to surge into a tie for fifth place among QMJHL defenders with 48 points.

In the OHL, Steve Shipley set-up the game winning goal in overtime as Niagara got past Brampton, 4-3. The 6'3 Shipley, who has been nearly a point-per-game player (4+10) over his last 15 outings, had a total of 17 goals and 46 points this season.

Gregg Sutch skated even as Mississauga doubled Peterborough, 6-3. The 6'2 grinder has hit a rough patch in his development, garnering just nine points in his last 25 games.

Marcus Foligno missed Sudbury's 6-3 loss to Barrie due to illness.

3/6 Recap: Henley gets first since fall

Cedrick Henley scored his first goal since October 22nd Sunday as Val-d’Or earned a 3-2 shootout win over #3 ranked Montreal. The even-strength mark, Henley’s fifth of the year, comes in his 17th game of the season and fifth game back after returning from wrist surgery. Last year, the 6’5 forward scored five times in 44 contests for the Foreurs.

In the WHL, Matt MacKenzie scored his career-best seventh goal of the season as Tri-City downed Vancouver, 5-1. The 6’2 defender now has points in two straight games after enduring an 11-game point drought.

Kevin Sundher posted two assists as Chilliwack got past Portland, 6-2. The Bruins center enters the home stretch with 20 goals and 68 points in 63 games. Last season he totaled 25 goals and 61 points while playing in all 72 games.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian finished -1 as Windsor won a 4-3 shootout over Guelph. Kassian took a slashing call on the first shift of overtime which the Spits successfully killed off.

Gregg Sutch (+2) assisted on the game’s first goal, which also held up as the game winner, as Mississauga shut out Sudbury , 4-0. The helper was Sutch’s third point in last 14 games and 24th (7+17) on the year. Marcus Foligno finished -2 for the Wolves.

In the CCHA playoffs, Nick Eno served as backup while Andrew Hammond directed Bowling Green to a 3-2 double-overtime win at Northern Michigan. The upset-minded Falcons will travel to face regular season champion Michigan in the quarterfinals next weekend.

3/4 Recap: JGL continues roll; Sundher's streak ends

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc gathered a pair of goals and an assist Friday to lead Rimouski past Chicoutimi, 6-4. The 6'2 puck-mover has produced four goals and four assists over his four-game point streak to thrust himself into a tie for seventh among QMJHL rearguards with 46 points (12+34).

In the WHL, Matt MacKenzie ended his 11-game point slumber with a power play goal and an assist on the game winner as Tri-City defeated Everett, 3-2 in overtime. The offensive drought, ended by a laser from the high slot, was MacKenzie's longest since his rookie season back in 2007-08.

Mark Pysyk (+1) posted an assist as Edmonton defeated Medicine Hat, 4-3 in a shootout. The helper gives the 6'1 defender two goals and eight assists over his current career-best six-game point streak.

Kevin Sundher (+1) saw his 11-game point streak snapped as Chilliwack edged Kelowna, 1-0. The 6'0 center collected three goals and 16 assists on the run that began back on 2/5, and sits with 20 goals and a career-best 66 points with nine games left to play.

Brayden McNabb finished -1 as Kootenay got embarrassed by Saskatoon, 9-2. With frustration mounting, McNabb racked up boarding and fighting majors and a game misconduct at the end of the second period when he drove Chris Collins into the boards from behind and was forced to defend his action against Brent Benson ('11) for his fourth fight of the year.




Corey Fienhage finished -1 with his fourth fighting major of the season as Kamloops lost to Lethbridge, 4-1. The 6'4 "Moose" Fienhage dished out a clean hit along the boards early in the third period and was asked to tangle with Hurricanes forward Mitch Maxwell. Earlier in the game, Fienhage ended Hurricane forward Philip Tot's night with another clean, hard hit.



Riley Boychuk did not play (concussion) as Portland clobbered Seattle, 9-1.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno (+1) notched an assist as Sudbury shut out Brampton, 2-0. The Wolves captain put a scare into Wolves fans when he went to the locker room just a few shifts into the game and did return until the second period.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson picked up an assist on the game-tying goal as Sioux Falls rallied to a 4-3 overtime win over Lincoln. The budding forward has five goals and eight assists in his last 14 games.

In the NCAA, Drew MacKenzie scored the gane-tying goal in with :45 to play in regulation as Vermont played to a 4-4 tie with Lowell. The tally, the junior's fifth of the year, gives the junior 14 points in 31 games this season.

Nick Eno allowed one goal on 16 shots in relief as Bowling Green opened the CCHA playoffs with a 6-3 loss to Northern Michigan. Eno was called into the game in the second period after starter Andrew Hammond surrendered four goals in the first 26-minutes of play.

Justin Jokinen was -2 as Minnesota State lost to Alaska-Anchorage, 4-0.

Mark Adams was -1 as Providence got hammered by #9 Merrimack, 6-1.

Brad Eidsness did not play as #1 North Dakota smoked Michigan Tech, 6-1. I'm done speculating whether or not Eidsness is going to get the start in the Sioux's final regular season game on Saturday, but I did speak to someone in Grand Forks this week that doesn't believe the former AJHL MVP will be in Grand Forks next season.

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On Thursday, Zack Kassian (+1)  contributed a pair of assists as Windsor got past London, 4-3. At the 50-game mark, the 6'3 forward has totaled 25 goals and 74 points for the Spits.

Steven Shipley was -1 as Niagara defeated Sudbury, 5-2. Marcus Foligno logged a -2 in the loss.

3/1-2 Recap: Sundher extends; Foligno returns

Kevin Sundher pushed his point streak to 11 games Wednesday with a pair of assists as Chilliwack earned a 3-1 win over Lethbridge. The playmaking pivot has collected three goals and 16 assists since beginning his run back on 2/5. 

Mark Pysyk continued to ramp his offensive game with a pair of assists as Edmonton suffered a 8-5 loss to Saskatoon. The helpers give the defenseman a five-game point streak.

Corey Fienhage was -1 as Kamloops dropped a 6-2 decision to Kelowna. Shane McColgan ('11) had an assist for the winning Rockets.

Brayden McNabb finished -3 as Kootenay was shut out by Brandon, 4-0.

Steven Shipley was quiet offensively as Niagara lost to Erie, 4-1.

In QMJHL action, Cedrick Henley was -1 as Val-d'Or was defeated by Quebec, 6-2.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson logged two shots on goal as Sioux Falls lost to Lincoln, 3-1.

On Tuesday, Marcus Foligno scored a goal and an assist on "Marcus Foligno Night" as Sudbury downed Soo, 6-2. The 6'3 captain of the Wolves, who had missed the previous 10 games with a sprained knee, ups his season line to 22-31-53 in 41 games.

In the WHL, Matt MacKenzie continued to struggle offensively with a -3 rating as Tri-City lost to Portland, 6-5. Riley Boychuk remained out of the Winterhawks lineup with a concussion.

2/8 Recap: McNabb juggles apples

In Tuesday WHL play, Brayden McNabb (+3) extended a helping hand with a career-best tying four assists as Kootenay bested Regina, 7-4. The four-apple stacking ties McNabb's previous mark set earlier this season versus Calgary. The 6'4 blueliner, who remains the WHL's third-leading defensive scorer, has 17 points (5+12) in his last ten games and a total of 52 on the year. The Ice (35-17-1-2) return to action Friday for a rematch with the Pats.

In Edmonton, Mark Pysyk finished +2 as Edmonton came from behind to defeat Prince George, 6-5. The Oil Kings trailed 5-2 at the second intermission before uncorking four unanswered goals in the final twenty minutes. Dylan Wruck ('11) completed the comeback with his 32nd goal of the season with 1:33 to play. Pysyk has a +24 rating through 47 games this season after compiling a -19 last season in 48 contests (+43 turnaround). Edmonton (25-26-1-3) travels to Medicine Hat on Friday.

In other news, Sudbury captain Marcus Foligno is expected to miss a couple weeks of action after being diagnosed with a sprained MCL. The grinding forward, who has 21 goals and 51 points this season, should be healthy for the Wolves OHL playoff run. Foligno has been particularly effective in the 2011 schedule, notching points in ten of 12 games since returning from the World Junior Championship.

2/5-6 Recap: Sundher dishes three; Foligno remains out

Kevin Sundher dished a career-best three assists Saturday as Chilliwack edged Kamloops, 4-3. The three-point night, Sundher's highest output since a two-goal, two-assist outing back on November 26th against Portland, helped fuel the Bruins effort to snap a six-game losing streak. Corey Fienhage finished even for the Blazers.

Brayden McNabb played even as Kootenay defeated Vancouver, 5-2. Recent 20-year old pick-up Andrej Stastny had a goal and an assist for the Giants. The 6'4, 212-pound center has six goals and seven assists in 15 games since joining the Giants after the World Junior Championship. At the tourney in Buffalo, the Slovakian pivot scored a goal and an assist in six games.

Riley Boychuk earned an assist, a fighting major, and the game's #2 star as Portland throttled Tri-City, 8-2. The big winger was strong on the forecheck, helping pin the Ams deep while at one point setting a screen on the third 'Hawks goal. Tri-City defenseman Matt MacKenzie was scratched at gametime due to illness.

Mark Pysyk played even as Edmonton lost to Everett, 3-1. The steady defender has four assists and a +4 rating his last five games.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson (-1) had a goal and an assist as Sioux falls lost to Lincoln, 6-3. The 6'0 Isackson, who currently ranks second on the Stampede with 24 points, received a centering pass from behind the net to cash his 10th goal of the year on the backhand at 8:25 of the third period. The future Gopher has two goals and two assists his last four games.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley crashed the net for his14th goal of the year as Niagara shut out Brampton, 2-0. The 6'3 Shipley, who has moved to the third-line center position between Myles Doan and Darren Archibald, was later whistled for a spearing double-minor at the tail end of period two.

Zack Kassian finished -1 as Windsor got dominated by Erie, 8-2. The 6'3 forward saw time at all three forward positions in the first period before he, Alex Khokhlachev, Nick Ebert, and Jack Campbell were benched midway through the second due to what the coaching staff deemed lazy, uncompetitive efforts.

Marcus Foligno was a game time decision but did not play as Sudbury defeated Peterborough, 4-3. The Wolves captain was injured in the first period of Friday's game and did not return.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc skated -1 with a shot on goal in Rimouski's 3-2 loss to Val-d'Or. The mobile rearguard is currently tied for 11th in scoring among QMJHL defensemen.

In NCAA action, Drew MacKenzie had a goal and an assist as Vermont steamrolled Providence, 7-1. The junior defenseman scored his second power-play goal in as many nights when his backhand pass towards the crease banked off a skate and into the Friars net. Mark Adams was even on the Providence blueline.

In WCHA play, Justin Jokinen posted four shots on goal as Minnesota State lost to Bemidji State, 4-1. The quiet weekend was his first set of games without a point since December 10th and 12th against North Dakota.

Connor Knapp served as backup for the third straight game as #13 Miami shutout #8 Michigan, 3-0. Senior UFA Andy Miele, 22, had three assists for the RedHawks to raise his national-leading point total to 54 (16+38) in 30 games played.

As expected, Nick Eno backed-up Andrew Hammond as Bowling Green lost to #16 Western Michigan, 3-1.

###

On Sunday, Zack Kassian finished +1 as Windsor regrouped from the previous night's shellacking to earn a 7-1 win over Brampton. Kassian began the game on the third line with Kerby Rychel and Kenny Ryan before moving up to play Tom Kuhnhackl and Alex Khokhlachev. Kassian worked harder on the forecheck and provided a couple scoring chances by using his feet, but was unable to register a point for the seventh time in his last eight games.

Marcus Foligno missed his second game in a row with a knee injury as Sudbury lost to Oshawa, 5-4.

2/4 Recap: Foligno injured; MacKenzie strikes for Cats

Marcus Foligno goes mid-air for goal #21. Photo by John Lappa

Marcus Foligno scored his 21st goal of the season before being injured Friday as Sudbury whooped Saginaw, 8-2. Foligno's power play gem, a breakaway tally scored in mid-air after being hacked at from behind, created a 2-0 lead at 12:22 of the first period as the Wolves would go on to rattle off the first five goals of the game. Later in the period, Foligno fell to the ice with what appeared to be a left knee injury and did not return. It sounds like Foligno was walking around after the game, but I still wouldn't be surprised if he was held out of Saturday's contest at Peterborough depending on how sore he was in the morning.

In Hockey East, Drew MacKenzie scored his second goal of the season as Vermont played to a 1-1 tie with Providence. A crashing MacKenzie broke a scoreless tie on the power play at 4:07 of the second period when he jumped to towards the front of the Friars net to bury a backhand rebound. Providence freshman Mark Adams contributed three shots on goal. The clubs will play it back on Saturday. MacKenzie's goal comes early in the clip below:





Elsewhere, Gregg Sutch finished +1 as Mississauga dominated Sarnia, 6-3. The grinding forward has been hampered of late, and has not recorded a point in his last five games. Nail Yakupov ('12) had a goal and two assists and Alex Galchenyuk ('12) had two assists to pace the losing Sting.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc registered four shots on goal as Rimouski was shut out by Val-d'Or, 2-1. The Oceanic and Foreurs will rematch on Sunday.

Out west, Corey Fienhage was -1 while seeing quite a bit of ice as Kamloops defeated Chilliwack, 2-1. Kevin Sundher, who continued to center the Bruins' #2 line, did not get on the sheet to keep his season line at 17-30-47. The recently-fueled rivalry will continue with a Saturday night rematch.

Matt MacKenzie finished +2 as Tri-City toppled Spokane, 5-2. The Americans will catch a bus to Portland for a key Saturday match-up.

Riley Boychuk (-1, 2 PIM) did not score as Portland closed out Edmonton, 5-2. Mark Pysyk finished -1 for the Oil Kings, who will complete their four-game U.S. road trip Saturday night at Everett.

In WCHA play, Justin Jokinen punched five shots on goal as Minnesota State edged Bemidji State, 2-1. It was a pretty solid all-around effort from the junior right wing, blocking shots in his own end while using his speed to gather loose pucks to create offensive opportunities.

Nick Eno did not play as Bowling Green ground out a 1-1 tie with #16 Western Michigan. BGSU coach Chris Bergeron announced this week that he'd be abandoning the "Eno on Friday/Andrew Hammond on Saturday" goalie rotation, instead opting to ride the hotter hand for the rest of the schedule. As a result, Eno sat for the series opener and may have to wait some additional time before getting back between the Falcons pipes after Hammond's 31-save #1 star performance.

Connor Knapp did not play as #13 Miami downed #8 Michigan, 4-2. Given a strong week of practice, it's fair to think that Knapp gets the nod on Saturday as Cody Reichard made good stops as needed but wasn't "stellar" in the RedHawks victory.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson had three shots on goal as Sioux Falls lost to Lincoln, 2-1. Buffalo native and Niagara commit Sal Alfieri scored his sixth goal of the season for the Stars. The two clubs will go at it again on Saturday.

2/1 Recap: McNabb keeps pace as Ice freeze Hitmen

Brayden McNabb (+2) continued his hot streak Tuesday, posting a goal and two assists as Kootenay spanked Calgary, 8-0. McNabb’s power play tally, his 14th of the season, came when he snapped a wrister from the point through traffic. The 6’4 defenseman has 48 points this season, including a 16 (5+11) in his last nine games, while posting 13 multi-point efforts. The Ice (33-16-1-2) return to action Wednesday for a rematch with the Hitmen.

Mark Pysyk (+1) earned an assist as Edmonton doubled Seattle, 4-2. The assist gives the team captain and even 25 points on the year, eclipsing his previous career high of 24 set last season. The Oil Kings (24-24-0-3) will travel to Tri-City on Wednesday.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno (-1) was unable to point as surging Sudbury rode the shootout to a 3-2 win over Sault Ste. Marie. The Wolves captain, who saw a four-game point streak snapped in the loss, dropped the gloves with Carson Dubchak in the third period for his fifth scrap of the year. The shootout victory was just the second outing without a point in eleven games since returning from the WJC. The Wolves (19-26-2-1, 7-2-0-1 in last 10) host Saginaw on Friday.

1/29 Recap: Foligno hits 50; Isackson pots winner

Marcus Foligno scored his 20th goal of the season Saturday and added two assists as Sudbury gutted out a thrilling 7-6 win over Guelph. The three-point night gives Foligno an even 50 points through 38 games. Trailing 6-5 with a little over three minutes to play, the Wolves attacked with two goals including the short-handed game-winner with just two ticks on the clock to secure the victory. Sudbury (18-26-2-1) will look to make it eight wins in their last ten when they travel to Soo on Tuesday.

Elsewhere in the OHL, Gregg Sutch finished -1 with a late unsportsmanlike conduct penalty as Mississauga defeated  Peterborough, 5-2. Sutch, who is gettng his legs back after an eight-game injury stint, has seven goals, 21 points, and a +16 rating this season. The CHL's #2 ranked Majors (36-8-0-2) will play host to Sarnia on Sunday.

Steven Shipley posted bagels across the board as Niagara scored a 5-4 win over Saginaw. The struggling Shipley has registered points in just three of the 12 games in 2011. Niagara (31-11-2-4, #8 in CHL rankings) are off until Thursday when they host the Greyhounds.

In the WHL, Mark Pysyk (+1) notched a pair of assists as Edmonton doubled Prince Albert, 4-2. The Oil Kings captain closes his most productive offensive month of the season with a goal and eight assists in 13 January games. To date, the smooth defender has 24 points (2+22) and a shiny +19 rating through 42 contests. Edmonton (23-24-0-3) opens the February portion of the schedule Tuesday in Seattle.

Brayden McNabb (+1) saw his five-game point streak come to an end as Kootenay won in OT against Lethbridge, 4-3. The 6'4 minute-eater is currently ranked third among WHL defensemen with 45 points (13+32). The Ice (32-16-1-2) host lowly Calgary on Tuesday.

Matt MacKenzie did not factor into the scoring as Tri-City edged Spokane, 5-4. The 6'2 defenseman was whistled for a pair of minor penalties (checking from behind and hooking), with each leading to Chiefs popwer play tallies. The surging Americans (31-13-2-1)  host Edmonton on Wednesday.

Riley Boychuk was +1 with a roughing minor as Portland defeated Seattle, 5-2. Despite being suspended for the first two games of the month, the 6'5 forward closes January with four goals, two game winners, four assists, and a +9 rating for his best ten-game stretch of the 2010-11 season. The #10 ranked Winterhawks (34-15-0-3) are off until Friday when they host the Oil Kings.

Corey Fienhage played even as Kamloops defeated Chilliwack, 5-1. Kevin Sundher, whose hooking penalty at 1:07 of the first period led to the first Blazer goal, finished -2 for the Bruins (21-24-2-2). Chilliwack will take a four-game losing streak into Wednesday's meeting at Kelowna, while the Blazers (22-28-2-1) are also off until a midweek tilt with Everett.

In USHL play, Christian Isackson potted the game-winning goal as Sioux Falls downed Waterloo, 6-4. The Minnesota commit has nine goals, 21 points, and 100 shots on goal through 32 junior "A" games this season. The Stampede (19-11-4) next play Wednesday night in Omaha.

In NCAA action, Justin Jokinen recorded five shots on goal as Minnesota State was handled by St. Cloud State, 6-2. Talk about crazy-8's, the junior forward has eight goals, eight assists, eight minor penalties, and a -8 rating in 28 games this season. The Mavericks (11-11-6) will look to get back above the .500 mark next week when they host Bemidji.

Mark Adams finished -1 as Providence was swept by #7 New Hampshire, 5-1. The freshman rearguard has an assist and a -6 rating through his first 23 NCAA contests. With the loss, the Friars (7-12-5) conclude a futile six-game run against top-15 teams (BC, Maine, UNH).

Drew MacKenzie (-2) contributed two shots on goal as Vermont got lit up by #14 Merrimack, 7-1. The floundering Catamounts (5-15-4), who have at times used the offensive-minded MacKenzie as a wing on the power play, will look to regroup next week when they host Providence.

Connor Knapp did not play as #11 Miami and #9 Notre Dame tied for the second straight night, 2-2. It will be interesting to see what RedHawks coach Enrico Blasi does with his goaltending rotation next weekend when they return home to face #6 Michigan. The junior pair are near identical with Knapp (5-5-4) having a 2.26 GAA and .901 save percentage, while the undrafted Cody Reichard (9-4-0-1) currently checks in with a 2.29 GAA and .901 save percentage. Entering the practice this week, I suspect he will go back to Reichard on Friday with Knapp penciled in for Saturday barring a stellar performance in the opener.

Nick Eno did not play as Bowling Green earned a weekend split with a 2-1 win over Lake Superior. Eno will look to improve his 4-8-1 record next Friday when the Falcons (8-18-2) travel to #16 Western Michigan.

Brad Eidsness remained parked on the bench as #4 North Dakota avenged their Friday showing with a 6-0 shutout of #20 Colorado College. The junior netminder, who hasn't made a WCHA start since November 19th, will need some action soon to improve on a the lowest save percentage (.794) this site has seen in three+ years of existence. The Sioux (19-8-2) will take a week off before hosting Alaska-Anchorage.

1/28 Recap: McNabb continues roll; Kassian ends quiet time

Brayden McNabb had a three-point night Friday, setting up a pair of power play goals and adding an empty-netter of his own  as Kootenay cruised to a 6-3 win over Lethbridge. The output gives the 6'4 defender 10 points over a five-game point streak heading into Saturday's rematch with the Broncos.

Kevin Sundher had two assists as Chilliwack lost to Spokane, 5-3. The special teams helpers, one each on the power play and on the penalty kill, give the 6'0 pivot 45 points in 46 games on the year.

Matt MacKenzie assisted on the game-winning goal as Tri-City defeated Portland, 5-2. Winterhawks forward Riley Boychuk (-2) could not follow-up on Wednesday's career-high effort in the loss.

Mark Pysyk registered a -2 as Edmonton was blanked by Red Deer, 5-0. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ('11) had a goal and an assist for the Rebels.

Corey Fienhage was -1 with an elbowing minor as Kamloops lost to Vancouver, 3-1.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian (+3) picked up two assists as Windsor thumped Kitchener, 7-1. The apples end a season-high three-game point drought for the bullish Kassian, giving him a line of 21-38-59 through 35 games. His career highs were set in 2008-09 when he posted 24-39-63 in 61 games.

Steven Shipley dished two assists as Niagara earned a 6-5 shootout victory over Plymouth. The multi-point effort was Shipley's first since December 3rd.

Marcus Foligno (+1) earned an assist as Sudbury lost to Belleville, 5-3. The grinding forward has points in three straight games heading into Saturday's match-up with Guelph.

Gregg Sutch was kept off the sheet in his first game since January 2nd as Mississauga defeated Brampton, 4-1. The 6'2 checking forward missed the previous eight games due to injury.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc rang up six shots on goal and blocked another four as Rimouski lost to Lewiston, 5-4. The Nics gave up four unanswered goals after leading with five minutes to play in the middle frame.

Connor Knapp got the rare Friday start, making 27 saves as Miami played to a 5-5 tie with Notre Dame. With the junior coming off his seventh career shutout, RedHawks coach Enrich Blasi switched up his goaltending rotation to stay with the hot hand. Despite the five goals, Knapp's movement and overall play the past two weeks has been sharper.

Justin Jokinen posted an assist and four shots on goal as Minnesota State tied St. Cloud State, 3-3.

Nick Eno surrendered three goals on 11 shots before getting relieved as Bowling Green lost to Lake Superior, 4-2. The senior netminder allowed two goals on the PK including a 5-3 and a third via a defensive breakdown, prompting Falcons coach Chris Bergeron to make a goalie change early in the second period.


Mark Adams (-1) punched a shot on goal as Providence lost to New Hampshire,

Drew MacKenzie registered a shot on goal as Vermont lost to Merrimack, 2-1.

Brad Eidsness did not play as North  Dakota lost to Colorado College, 4-2.

###

On Thursday, Kassian finished -1 as Windsor lost in a shootout to Plymouth, 5-4.

Shipley did not factor as Niagara lost a thriller to London, 7-6.

1/23 Recap: McNabb points, Boychuk stays hot on fight-filled Sunday

In Sunday WHL play, Brayden McNabb scored 30-seconds into play and added an assist but Kootenay would eventually be overcome by Red Deer, 6-4. The two-point night raises McNabb's point total to an even 40 on the year. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins posted four assists to lead the Rebels charge.

Riley Boychuk scored his 12th goal of the season as Portland edged Spokane, 6-5 in overtime. The 6'5 banger earned an instigator and fighting major when he dropped the gloves with 6'5 Corbin Baldwin late in the second period. Boychuk stepped in after teammate Bredan Leipisic ('12) was flattened, throwing a big one and getting the sweater up on Baldwin before the refs jumped in.



Kevin Sundher (-2) did not factor into the scoring as Chilliwack got throttled by Vancouver, 7-3. The 6'0 center showed some fire in the loss though, earning his first fighting major of the year when he one-punch KO'd Greg Lamoureux as time expired in the first period. Lamoureux did not return after taking the hard right  hand.







 Matt MacKenzie finished -1 as Tri-City lost to Kelowna, 4-3.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno finished +1 with an assist as Sudbury defeated Brampton, 3-1. The Wolves captain dropped the gloves for the fourth time this season when he wrestled with the Troops' Scott Tanski.






Steven Shipley finished -1 with a roughing minor as Niagara was doubled by Mississauga, 6-3. Majors forward Gregg Sutch remained out of action with an upper body injury.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc registered a -1 as Rimouski lost to Lewiston, 3-1.

In exhibition play, Mark Adams finished +1 as Providence defeated Team USA U18, 5-4.

1/22 Recap: Foligno ramping up; Knapp gets shutout

Marcus Foligno (+1) scored a power play and added two assists Saturday as Sudbury lost in a shootout at Niagara, 5-4. The hard-checking Foligno has 45 points n 35 games this season, including 17 in his last 10 for the most productive ten-game block of his junior career. Steven Shipley was a -1 for the victorious IceDogs.

Zack Kassian saw his 11-game point streak come to an end as Windsor skated past Barrie, 5-2.

In the WHL, Matt MacKenzie finished +2 with a fighting major as Tri-City  defeated Everett, 7-4. Midway through the first period, the 6'2 rearguard engaged Ryan Harrison for his third fight of the year and first as an Am:





Elsewhere in the Dub, Mark Pysyk earned an assist as Edmonton lost in a shootout to Medicine Hat, 6-5.

Kevin Sundher (-3) contributed an assist as Chilliwack was downed by Prince George, 4-3 in a shootout.

Corey Fienhage finished -3 as Kelowna lost to Vancouver, 6-1.

In the NCAA, Connor Knapp made 26 saves to earn his second shutout of the season as Miami downed Michigan State, 4-0. The shutout, the seventh of Knapp's three-year collegiate career, helped the RedHawks earn the split after getting dominated by the Spartans on Friday.

Justin Jokinen (+1) registered an assist and three shots on goal as Minnesota State lost to Wisconsin, 2-1.

Brad Eidsness served as backup as North Dakota defeated Nebraska-Omaha, 4-2.

Drew MacKenzie finished -1 as Vermont was shut down by Massachusetts, 6-0.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson posted two shots on goal as Sioux Falls fell to Team USA, 3-2.

1/21 Recap: Boychuk plays hero

Riley Boychuk scored the overtime winner Friday and added an assist as Portland defeated Everett, 3-2. Boychuk, who netted his 11th of the season in the #1 star effort, has 2+1 and a +5 rating in six games of the 2011 calendar. Perhaps more important, the 6'5 power forward skated his second straight game without a penalty after getting whistled for a minor in seven straight contests.

Mark Pysyk (+1) notched an assist as Edmonton got doubled by Moose Jaw, 6-3. Pysyk is currently a +19 through 37 games. Last season he finished -19 in 48 games.

Brayden McNabb picked up a power play assist as Kootenay lost at Spokane, 5-2. The 6'4 anchor remains 6th in scoring for WHL defensemen with 37 points (10+27).

Kevin Sundher failed to record a point for the third straight game as Chilliwack needed overtime to earn a 3-2 win over Kamloops. Sundher quiet patch is his longest since he opened the season with a four-game drought. Corey Fienhage finished +1 for the Blazers.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc earned a pair of assists as Rimouski defeated Quebec, 4-3. The 18-year old is currently ranked 6th among QMJHL defensemen with 32 points (8+24).

In the OHL, Steven Shipley scored his 13th goal of the year as Niagara defeated Mississauga, 5-3. Shipley's tip of a Luke Mercer point-shot ended a four-game point drought - his longest in the past two seasons. Gregg Sutch remained out of the lineup with a UBI.

Marcus Foligno did not factor into the scoresheet as Sudbury edged Barrie, 3-2. The quiet night ends his streak of five straight games with a point since returning from the World Juniors.

In the NCAA, Connor Knapp came on in relief to allow two goals on nine shots as Miami lost to Michigan State, 7-4. The RedHawks lose despite outshooting the Spartans by a 46-22 margin.

Brad Eidsness also was given some relief work as North Dakota was doubled by Nebraska-Omaha, 8-4. Eidsness entered play at the midpoint of the game, allowing four goals on 15 shots in his first league action since November 19th (when he was yanked against the same UNO club).

Drew MacKenzie (-1) punched two shots on goal as Vermont skated to a 2-1 win over Massachusetts.

Mark Adams finished -1 as Providence fell in overtime to New Hampshire, 4-3.

Justin Jokinen logged a -2 as Minnesota State fell short against Wisconsin, 3-2.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson contributed three shots on goal as Sioux Falls won a 3-2 OT decision over Youngstown. Earlier in a mid-week tilt, Christian Isackson scored an empty-net goal as Sioux Falls defeated Tri-City, 3-1.

In Thursday play, Zack Kassian extended his point streak to 11 games with a pair of goals as Windsor took a shootout over Brampton, 6-5. Kassian, who potted his 20th and 21st goals of the season, missed the chance at the hat trick in overtime when he missed on a penalty shot after being hauled down just :16 in.

On Wednesday, Matt MacKenzie scored a power play goal as Tri-City shutout Kamloops, 5-0. MacKenzie has two goals in five games since being traded to the Americans after having just two in 40 starts with Calgary. Kamloops' Fienhage picked up 12 PIM on the evening, including a misconduct from a scrum after some Blazers stickwork.

1/16 Recap: Kassian's streak hits ten; Pysyk cruising

Zack Kassian extended his point streak to 10 games Sunday, scoring his 19th goal of the season on the power play as Windsor defeated Kingston, 3-1. Kassian has gone 8+11 over his current streak, including four goals and two assists in five games since returning from his stint with Team Canada. With 54 points, the 6'3 power forward is currently tied for 15th on the OHL's leaderboard.

Marcus Foligno posted an assist and two minor penalties as Sudbury upended Oshawa, 5-3. The 6'3 captain is currently second on the Wolves with 42 points, while leading the special teams charge with eight power play goals and five shorties. Nicklas Jensen ('11) scored a pair of goal for the losing Generals.

In the WHL, Mark Pysyk earned an assist as Edmonton lost a hard-fought road game at Moose Jaw, 3-2. The steady defender now has a goal and 18 assists in 36 games this season, while being a "minus" player just five times. The Sunday +1 continues his 23-game streak of being rated even or better, thrusting him into the Sabres prospects season lead with a +20 mark.

Also of note, Mississauga grinder Gregg Sutch missed his fifth straight game due to an apparent head injury as the Majors downed Ottawa, 6-1.

1/15 Recap: Foligno hits career mark; Kassian continues streak

Marcus Foligno (+2) scored his 18th goal of the season Saturday and added two assists as Sudbury smoked Peterborough, 9-4. Foligno, who has eight points in four games since returning from the World Junior Championship, now has a career-high 41 points in 32 games. Last season, he posted 39 in 67 games.

Also from the OHL, Zack Kassian (+1) earned an assist as Windsor cruised to a 10-2 drubbing of Belleville. The helper ups the forward's season point total to 53 (18+35) while continuing a nine-game point streak that began before the World Juniors.

Steven Shipley was -1 as Niagara defeated Barrie, 7-3. The 6'3 center/wing has now gone four games without a point for the fifth time this season. Shipley's longest stretch without a point last season was three games, and that happened just once.

Elsewhere, Matt MacKenzie contributed a pair of assists as Tri-City handled Vancouver, 5-2. The 6-2 defenseman has a goal and two assists in three games for the Ams since arriving in a deadline trade with Calgary.

Mark Pysyk (+3) had an assist as Edmonton dominated Brandon en route to a 9-0 shutout win. The smooth defenseman has now rated "even" or better in 22 straight games.

Brayden McNabb was -4 as Kootenay got blown out by Spokane, 11-2. The outdoor game hosted by Spokane was the first of its kind in the WHL. Despite the quiet statistical night, the 6'4 defenseman remains 5th in WHL scoring for defensemen with 35 points (9+26) in 33 games played.

Kevin Sundher (-1) did not point as Chilliwack defeated Prince George, 3-1. The Bruins stay above .500 with the win, while Sundher sees his six-game point streak come to an end.

Riley Boychuk skated +2 as Portland downed Kamloops, 5-2. Corey Fienhage finished -2 with a late kneeing minor for the Blazers.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc was even as Rimouski lost to Baie-Comeau, 5-2. Gauthier-Leduc remains 9th in QMJHL scoring for defensemen with 30 points (8+22) in 40 games played.

In the NCAA, Justin Jokinen finished a team-low -3 as Minnesota State lost in OT to Denver, 4-3. The Mavs hit the road next weekend for a WCHA set with Wisconsin.

Drew MacKenzie was -1 with a shot on goal as Vermont was shut down by Northeastern, 2-0. After the split with the Huskies, the Catamounts move on to face Massachusetts next weekend.

Connor Knapp served as backup as Miami broke away from their goaltending rotation in a 3-1 win over Bowling Green. The 6'5 junior has been shaky of late, and RedHawks coach was in no mood to take a chance with his club needing to keep pace in the CCHA. Nick Eno took his usual spot on the bench for the Falcons in defeat.

Brad Eidsness again served as backup as North Dakota even the weekend with a 4-1 win over Minnesota. For those scoring at home, that's one start for Eidsness in the last 17 games.