2/14 Recap: Albertans roll; Biega guides Crimson

Edmonton native Tyler Ennis (+1) scored a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat defeated Kamloops. 5-3. His shiftiness showed when he burst through two Blazer defenders before one-on-one faking his way to his 30th goal of the season in the first period. The #1 star performance was his third consecutive two-point outing after seeing his ten-game point streak snapped on Tuesday. Also in the WHL, Calgarian Tyler Myers (+1) picked up an assist on a Mikael Backlund goal as Kelowna downed Prince George, 5-1. The blue-chip rearguard now has five points in six February skates, all Rockets wins. Kelowna will defend the season-high six-game win streak Monday afternoon at Portland. In the NCAA, Chestermere, Alberta resident Brad Eidsness made 21 saves as #11 North Dakota edged Minnesota State, 4-3. The win continues the freshman's WCHA ascent, moving his season mark to 18-8-3 with a 2.47 goals against average and .909 save percentage. Justin Jokinen was inserted into the Mavericks fourth line after sitting on Friday, but did not produce a stat line. Alex Biega had a pair of assists, both with the man advantage, as Harvard posted a big upset win over #6 Cornell, 4-2. The helpers were his first points in four games, and raise his team-leading point total to 17 (3+14). The Crimson take both ends of the weekend set for the first time since mid-November. In Ontario, Nick Crawford had a power play assist as Saginaw came up short in a 4-3 OT loss to Belleville. The Spirit scored two goals in the final 4:00 to force the extra session with the Bulls. Drew Schiestel was even as Niagara defeated Owen Sound, 2-1. The defenseman has now gone without a point for a season-long four straight games. In the SEL, Dennis Persson returned from a shoulder injury to skate for 16:34 of action as Timra defeated Linkopings, 3-1. The left-side man has averaged 11:40 of time with the Eagles this season. Matt Generous (+1) registered two shots on goal as St. Lawrence won a key ECAC match-up with #9 Princeton, 3-1. Andrew Orpik was even as #15 Boston College played to a 4-4 tie with Lowell. The Eagles move to 0-2-1 against the Riverhawks this season. Sophomore goaltender Nick Eno was again idle as Bowling Green defeated Ferris State, 3-1.

2/13 Recap: Byron fuels comeback; Eidsness holds steady

In the QMJHL, Paul Byron earned the #1 star of the game with a goal and an assist in the final 20:00 in Gatineau's 4-3 win over Halifax. Trailing 3-1 entering the third period, Byron stole the puck from a fumbling defenseman at the blueline and roofed the game winner to cap the comeback. The even strength goal was Byron's 30th of the season. Tyler Ennis had a goal and an assist for the second consecutive game as Medicine Hat smoked WHL East Division leader Saskatoon, 7-1. Ennis' insurance marker gives him 29 goals and a team-best 61 points in 48 games this season. In Kelowna, Tyler Myers (+1) had two assists as the Rockets won a 3-2 overtime decision over Western Conference pacesetter Vancouver. Nick Crawford (-2) had a power play assist as Saginaw got throttled at Kitchener, 6-2. The defenseman will take a three-game point streak into Belleville on Saturday. Jacob Lagacé set-up the game winning goal as Chicoutimi beat Val-d'Or for a second straight night, 4-2. J.S. Allard registered one shot on goal as Quebec shut down Montreal, 2-0. Juniors defender T.J. Brennan missed the game as part of his five-game suspension after an attempt-to-injure penalty last weekend against Gatineau. In the NCAA, Brad Eidsness made 25 saves North Dakota cruised past Minnesota State, 4-1. The freshman netminder ups his record to 17-8-3 with the win, including a league-best 12-4-3 conference record. Justin Jokinen was a scratch for the Mavericks, while fellow frosh Corey Fienhage sat out for the Sioux but is pushing to get back in the lineup after a good week of practices according to Coach Dave Hakstol. Matt Generous was +1 as St. Lawrence defeated Quinnipiac 4-3 in overtime. In Cambridge, Alex Biega was +1 with a team-high four shots on goal as Harvard downed Colgate, 3-2. Heading into the weekend, the Crimson had won just once in their previous 17 tries. Andrew Orpik was credited with two shots on goal as Boston College was embarrassed by Lowell, 6-0. Nick Eno was the back-up to Jimmy Spratt as Bowling Green continued their woes with a 3-2 loss to Ferris State. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla had five shots on goal but did not factor into the scoring as Cologne fell to Duisburg, 5-4 in OT.

2/7 Recap: Ennis runs up 10; Brennan awaits word

In Western Hockey League action, Tyler Ennis scored an even strength goal as Medicine Hat outshot Moose Jaw 42-17 en route to a 5-2 victory. Ennis' 27th goal of the year gives him points in ten straight games (10+8), as the Tigers forward has marked in all but two of his 14 games since returning from Team Canada. Tyler Myers (+1) had an assist in Kelowna's 5-1 win over Kamloops. The Calgary native now has five goals and 30 points in 40 games. In an afternoon QMJHL tilt (glog), Paul Byron had three assists in Gatineau's wild 7-5 win over Montreal. All of Byron's assists came on the power play as the Ottawa native ups his season point total to 82. Montreal's Luke Adam and T.J. Brennan each had an assist, with Brennan being tossed in the second period after an elbow on Gatineau's Craig England. England was taken off on a stretcher, while Brennan received a major and a misconduct on the play and may very well be subject to league discipline for the hit. J.S. Allard set-up Mikhail Stefanovich's third goal of the game and 32nd of the season as Quebec defeated Val-d'Or, 6-3. Allard now has 12 goals and 41 points in 51 games (.80 ppg) after averaging .90 ppg in 2007-08. Jordon Southorn was -2 as PEI lost to Acadie-Bathurst, 5-3. A 2009 prospect of mild intrigue, 6'1, 210-pound Benjamin Casavant registered a Gordie Howe Hat Trick for the Rocket with two goals, an assist, and a third period fight. The left wing also had six shots on goal. Ranked 185th on Central Scouting's mid-term list of North American skaters, Casavant has power forward tools with a good knack around the net. His skating needs more attention, but his developing package is one that will likely move up the board before June. He is currently 14th in Q scoring with 61 points (29+32), and is carrying a solid +26 for a team with a .364 winning percentage. Rounding out the QMJHL slate, Jacob Lagacé was -2 with four shots on goal as Chicoutimi struggled in a 5-0 shutout loss to Moncton. In the OHL, Nick Crawford was +2 as Saginaw won at Erie, 5-2. Crawford now is +15 on the season, which ranks second on the Spirit roster. Drew Schiestel was -1 as Niagara was shellacked by Windsor, 6-1. Schiestel went without a point for the second straight game, and has yet to endure a three-game drought this season. In a light night on the NCAA circuit, Nick Eno let in four goals on 12 shots, including two shorthanders, as Bowling Green lost to Northern Michigan, 4-1. In five appearances since returning from a high ankle sprain, the sophomore is 0-4 with a 4.33 GAA and .820 save percentage. Matt Generous (-1) had two shots on goal as #20 St. Lawrence lost to Clarkson, 3-1.

2/6 Recap: Byron eyes 30

Paul Byron scored his 29th goal of the season as Gatineau edged Victoriaville, 3-2. The reigning QMJHL Player of the Month was named the game's #1 star as les Olympiques move to 9-1 in their last ten games. Defenseman Jordon Southorn was -1 as PEI defeated Chicoutimi, 4-1. Jacob Lagacé (-1) did not score on any of his game-high 10 shots on goal for the Sags. In a North Country showdown, Matt Generous assisted on the game-tying goal in the second period as St. Lawrence played to a 3-3 tie with Clarkson. The power play point gives him 15 points on the year to tie his previous high mark achieved in his freshman and junior seasons. Alex Biega was +1 as Harvard fell to Yale, 5-1. The quiet statistical outing ends the junior defenseman's four-game point streak. Andrew Orpik was +1 as Boston College pitched a 2-0 shutout against Massachusetts. The senior forward hasn't registered a point in four games, his longest gap of the season. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel played even as Niagara was shutout by Sarnia, 1-0. Nick Crawford was -1 as Saginaw lost to Belleville, 5-1. Tyler Myers was -1 in Kelowna's 2-1 win over Everett. The Calgary native finished in the minus column for the first time in seven games.

1/31 Recap: Lagacé gets four; Schiestel, Genny snap winners

In QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé scored four goals and an assist as Chicoutimi avenged a Friday night loss to Baie-Comeau with a 10-5 rout. Lagacé struck three times at even strength and once short-handed to give him 23 goals on the year. The 10-goal output ends a ten game losing streak for the Sags. Tyler Ennis (+1) scored a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat lost to Kamloops, 5-4. The Tigers leading scorer, Ennis has 25 goals and 55 points in 43 games this season, and is currently on an eight-game point streak. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel scored the game winning goal as Niagara defeated Barrie, 4-3. Trailing 3-0 entering the third, Schiestel's high snapper capped an exciting four-goal period for the Dogs. Four of Schiestel's six goals on the season came in the month of January. Nick Crawford (+2) had a power play assist as Saginaw defeated Sault Ste. Marie, 5-2. Paul Byron was -1 with two shots on goal as Gatineau lost to Rimouski, 2-1. The first-place 'Piques had won eight straight before losing to the Nics, while Byron's five-game point streak comes to an end T.J. Brennan (-1) posted an assist as Montreal lost to Quebec, 3-1. Luke Adam (-1) failed to hit the scoresheet in the loss. J.S. Allard was +1 with three shots on goal for the victors. Tyler Myers was even as Kelowna lost to Seattle in overtime, 2-1. In ECAC action, Matt Generous had a pair of slap shot goals, including the game winner, and an assist as St. Lawrence defeated Colgate, 4-2. The senior has seven goals and seven assists from the Saints blueline. Brad Eidsness made 25 saves as North Dakota defeated St. Cloud State, 4-2. With the win, the freshman finished the month of January with a 7-1-2 mark. Nick Eno was the back-up as Bowling Green lost to Miami, 3-2. Justin Jokinen was a scratch as Minnesota State earned the sweep over #5 Minnesota with a 3-1 win.

1/30 Recap: Myers fights to a +5; Byron, Ennis extend

Paul Byron clicked in the third period with a goal and an assist as Gatineau skated to their eighth straight win with a 7-4 victory over Quebec. The reigning Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week is on a five-game point streak, with six goals and eight assists in that span. He sits fourth in league scoring with 28 goals and 50 assists for 78 points in 51 games this season. 2007 pick J.S. Allard scored the first Remparts goal, his 12th of the year, in the loss. In the WHL, Tyler Myers was +5 with an assist as Kelowna stomped Medicine Hat, 10-1. The big rearguard also had his first fight (with instigator) since November. Tigers speedster Tyler Ennis (-3) had an assist to extend his point streak to seven games as the Rockets handed Medicine Hat their worst defeat since 2001. Also from the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé netted his 19th goal of the season as Chicoutimi lost to Baie-Comeau, 3-2. The shootout loss for the tenth in row for the struggling Sagueneens. Jordon Southorn picked up an assist as PEI dropped a 6-5 decision to Acadie-Bathurst. In NCAA play, Alex Biega had two assists as Harvard topped Union, 3-1. The Quebec-born defenseman intercepted a clearing pass to set-up the first scoring play, while his second point came when his point-shot was tipped on it's way to the net. Biega remains atop Crimson scorers with 14 points in 20 games. Drew MacKenzie was even with a shot on goal as #6 Vermont lost to #13 New Hampshire, 3-2. The Connecticut-born freshman was on for the first (even strength) and last (power play) goals against, as well as a even strength goal from his Catamounts. MacKenzie's former Waterloo (USHL) teammate Blake Kessel sealed the Wildcat victory with 2:02 to play. Matt Generous was -1 with 4 PIM as St. Lawrence shocked #4 Cornell, 8-1. Justin Jokinen was even as Minnesota State dumped #5 Minnesota, 6-2. The freshman appeared in his fourth consecutive game for the first time since the season opening sets against Bemidji and North Dakota. Brad Eidsness allowed three goals on 18 shots while #12 North Dakota could not score on any of their 36 attempts in their 3-0 shutout loss to St. Cloud State. The loss was the first in nine starts for freshman netminder. Corey Fienhage was a scratch for the Sioux. In his first start since January 10th, Nick Eno made 27 saves and assisted on the only Falcons goal as Bowling Green stumbled against #10 Miami, 6-1. Eno still looks rusty with his positioning after missing the first half of the season with a high ankle sprain. Andrew Orpik registered two shots on goal as #11 Boston College played to a 2-2 tie with Providence. The senior forward finished even after being on the ice for goals for and against in the opening 20:00. In the OHL, Nick Crawford was even as Saginaw held off Mississauga, 6-4. Drew Schiestel (-3) was held without a point in the Niagara's 5-3 loss to Sudbury. On Thursday, Schiestel was -2 in Niagara's 5-3 loss to Erie. In Germany, Philip Gogulla had two shots on net as Cologne lost to Wolfsburg, 4-0. The league will now break until February 10th. EDIT: Gogulla not participating in All-Star festivities.

1/24 Recap: Pairs of assists and DQs for Tropp

Corey Tropp (+2) had a pair of assists and may be on his way to a CCHA suspension as Michigan State lost to top rival Michigan, 5-3. Things got ugly with :53 to go when Tropp received a pair of game disqualifications after slashing at a downed Steve Kampfer. The Wolverine defenseman delivered a check on Tropp at center ice, and while skating back into play took a right-handed punch to the head from behind by the Spartans Andrew Conboy. With Kampfer going down along the boards after the blow, Tropp appeared to strike him with his stick in the neck area to earn five minutes and a pair of game disqualifications. Kampfer, who was helped off the ice by teammates, looks to have sustained a neck injury, while Conboy and Tropp will likely face disciplinary measures of some capacity. If the name Steve Kampfer sounds familiar, you may remember him as the UM hockey player on the receiving end of a vicious assault a few months back. After the game, a Michigan parent made his way down to the Michigan State locker room, reportedly in an attempt to fight the Sabres 2007 third-rounder. Police were needed to keep order. In the WHL, Tyler Ennis (+3) had two assists as Medicine Hat cruised past Prince George, 5-2. With 48 points on the season, Ennis has collected nine of those in his past five games. Tyler Myers had an assist and was +1 as Kelowna rode a three-goal first period to a 5-2 victory over Kamloops. The rearguard had 12 PIM on the evening, including ten for chirping at the officials in the second period. The Rockets decision over the Blazers snaps a four-game winless skid. In Saginaw, Nick Crawford had an assist as the Spirit pumped 59 shots on goal but still lost to Peterborough, 5-4. The Caledon, Ontario native got in on the barrage, firing a point shot that was tipped by Jack Combs to give the Spirit an early 1-0 lead. 2009 eligible Zack Kassian scored the go-ahead goal for the Petes at 11:50 of the third period before the teams traded goals in the final minute of play. Jordon Southorn was +2 with three shots on goal as PEI destroyed Baie-Comeau for the second night in a row, 11-2. The Rocket outscored the Drakkar 18-4 over the Friday-Saturday set. T.J. Brennan (+1) and Luke Adam (-2) were both held without points as Montreal lost to Lewiston, 3-2 in a shootout. J.S. Allard did not score as Quebec shut down Moncton, 2-0. At the Ralph, Brad Eidsness was the player of the game, making several big saves among his 38 stops as North Dakota tied Denver, 2-2. Eidsness was a much needed backbone as the Sioux had trouble applying heat despite taking three weekend points from the WCHA's top team. The affair also saw Denver coach George Gwozdecky get ejected after walking on to the ice to dispute a non-call. Andrew Orpik had an assist as Boston College doubled up Maine, 6-3. The East Amherst, NY native now has four points in his last four appearances, and a total of 12 on the year. In Canton, Matt Generous (+1, 3 SOG) saw his five game point streak come to an end as St. Lawrence defeated Union, 5-2. Nick Eno relieved Jimmy Spratt to start the second period as Bowling Green got clobbered by Lake Superior, 8-4. Eno made 16 stops while allowing three goals goals over the final 40:00. The game was marred by a nasty collision between BGSU's Brandon Svendsen and Lake State goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson that saw the netminder get taken off the ice on a stretcher with a neck injury. He was taken to a hospital but looks to be OK. Drew MacKenzie was even in Vermont's 1-1 tie with Massachusetts. The freshman was on the ice killing a penalty when Casey Wellman tied it up for the Minutemen with 8:00 to play in regulation. Justin Jokinen was -1 as Mankato lost to Duluth, 7-4.

1/23 Recap: Byron leads charge with five-point night

Paul Byron had a hat trick and two assists to lead Gatineau past Rouyn-Noranda, 6-4. Trailing 4-2 with 14:00 to play, Byron steered a three-goal outburst with two assists and the game winner to close the game out. The +4 effort made Byron an easy choice for first star of the game. Drew Schiestel scored two goals to earn the game's #1 star as Niagara defeated London 6-4 to sweep the home-and-home. Schiestel has been at the forefront of a strong defensive unit that has pushed the Dogs to five straight wins, including the pair over London that saw top prospect John Tavares accumulate a -7. Tyler Myers (+2) had a goal and an assist as Kelowna lost a 5-4 shootoout to Chilliwack. Myers has a goal and three assists in six games since returning from the World Juniors. In PEI, Jordon Southorn (+3) earned a fighting major as PEI smoked Baie-Comeau, 7-2. After watching goaltender Bobby Nadeau get run late in the game, Southorn showed great character by dropping his gloves and making 16-year old Simon Darveau accountable with the fight and misconduct. J.S. Allard (+1) had an assist in Quebec's 5-2 win over Halifax. Jacob Lagacé was +1 as Chicoutimi lost a 3-2 overtime decision to Drummondville. In DEL play, Philip Gogulla (+1) had an assist in Cologne's 5-2 win over Augsburger. Brad Eidsness made 25 saves as North Dakota put a 8-3 beatdown on WCHA leader Denver. The Sioux are now 6-0-1 in their last seven, and 12-3-1 since late December. Corey Fienhage did not play for North Dakota. In Joe Louis Arena, Corey Tropp was kept off the scoresheet in Michigan State's 6-2 loss to Michigan. Drew MacKenzie assisted on the game winning goal in Vermont's 2-1 win over Massachusetts. The power play point was the fourth of the season for the freshman. Matt Generous (-3) had a power play assist as St. Lawrence lost a wild 7-6 decision to RPI in overtime. The senior rearguard now has points in five straight games (2+3). Justin Jokinen was -1 with a shot on goal as Mankato was shutout by Duluth, 4-0. The appearance was his first Friday night contest since December 5th. Nick Eno backed up Jimmy Spratt as Bowling Green defeated Lake Superior, 4-3.

1/17 Recap: Eidsness blanks; Southorn bringing the body

Freshman Brad Eidsness had to make just 14 saves to earn his first collegiate shutout as North Dakota defeated Michigan Tech, 5-0. Eidsness moves to 14-7-2 on the year with a 2.51 goals against average and .908 save percentage. Freshman Sioux defender Corey Fienhage was a scratch for the 10th straight contest. Fellow WCHA frosh Justin Jokinen scored a late power play goal for Minnesota State in their 7-1 conference win over Anchorage. The Mavericks inserted four different skaters into their Saturday lineup (including Jokinen) after a less-than-savory effort on Friday. Matt Generous (+1) picked up an assist as St. Lawrence erased a two-goal deficit to tie Yale, 2-2. While playing four-on-four late in the first period, Generous picked up his third point in as many games when he started a two-man break with a crisp headman pass. In Oxford, Corey Tropp collected just one shot on goal as Michigan State was dumped by Miami, 6-1. Vermont defenseman Drew Mackenzie was even as the Catamounts outshot Northeastern 40-22 to earn a 4-2 Hockey East win. Andrew Orpik and Nick Petrecki (SJ) were scratched as Boston College lost to crosstown rival Boston University, 5-2. Nick Eno watched as Jimmy Spratt earned a second straight start in Bowling Green's 1-0 shutout loss at Michigan. Spratt shut the door the night before in a 3-0 win over the #6 Wolverines. In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé had a pair of assists as Chicoutimi dropped 6-5 OT decision to Saint John. Jordon Southorn (+2) had an assist while recording another five-hit night as PEI shutout Cape Breton, 5-0. 2009 eligible Benjamin Casavant paced the Rocket with a goal and two assists. Luke Adam (1 SOG) and T.J. Brennan (4 SOG) were each a -2 as Montreal fell to Rouyn-Noranda, 3-1. WHL rearguard Tyler Myers (+1) was named the #3 star with an assist and solid play alla round as Kelowna was wept by Prince George, 3-2 in a shootout. In the SEL, Dennis Persson again sat out to due illness as Timra stopped Modo, 4-2. On Friday, Philip Gogulla assisted on the overtime winner as Cologne defeated Iserlohn, 2-1.

1/16 Recap: Tropp leads Spartans in victory

Corey Tropp had his first two-goal game of the season as Michigan State defeated #9 Miami, 4-1. Tropp showed his quick release wrister when he blazed down the left side and buried one far side for the eventual game winner. The win was the first for the Spartans on the road, while Miami suffered its fifth straight loss. Matt Generous (+1) scored a goal as St. Lawrence cruised to a 6-1 win over Brown. The goal, Generous' fifth of the year and second in as many games, came on a blast from the faceoff dot to give the Saints a 4-1 lead. Andrew Orpik had an assist as Boston College lost in overtime to Lowell, 4-3. Orpik was chugging at both ends for the Eagles before Nick Schaus (Orchard Park, NY) scored the OT winner for the River Hawks. Drew MacKenzie was even with a minor penalty as Vermont lost at Northeastern, 3-1. In WCHA action, Brad Eidsness made 19 saves while letting three goals past him as North Dakota played to a 3-3 tie with Michigan Tech. The decision moves the freshman netminder's record to 13-7-2. Corey Fienhage did not dress for the Sioux. Also watching from the pressbox was Justin Jokinen as his Minnesota State Mavericks lost to Anchorage, 4-2. Nick Eno was the back-up to Jimmy Spratt as Bowling Green shutout Michigan, 3-0. In the QMJHL, Paul Byron factored into all of Gatineau's marks with two regulation goals and an assist on the overtime winner in their 3-2 win over league power Shawinigan. The 'Piques catalyst, Byron earned the game's #2 star in the win. J.S. Allard (+2) had two assists, including the primary on the game winner, as Quebec edged Drummondville, 4-3. Luke Adam had a pair of even strength assists in Montreal's 5-4 win over Val-d'Or. T.J. Brennan (-1) added an assist on Angelo Esposito's second power play goal of the game in the first period Jordon Southorn was -1 with a team-high five shots on goal as PEI fell to Cape Breton, 4-1. The Pincourt, QC native also added five hits for the Rocket in defeat. Jacob Lagacé finished -1 as Chicoutimi was beaten by Rimouski, 5-2. In WHL play, Tyler Ennis was -1 as Medicine Hat was shut down by Saskatoon, 5-0. Tyler Myers was -2 as Kelowna suffered a road loss at Prince George, 5-2. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel played even as Niagara lit up Jaroslav Janus for four goals over a period and a half in their 4-2 win at Erie. Nick Crawford was even in Saginaw's 3-2 OT win at Ottawa.

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

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

1/10 Recap: Ennis with bookends in return

In his first game since returning from the World Juniors, Tyler Ennis (+1) scored a pair of goals to steer Medicine Hat to a 5-1 win over Swift Current. The Edmonton native scored the first and last Tiger tallies to raise his season total to 17. Jean-Simon Allard connected for three assists as Quebec routed Rouyn-Noranda, 9-0. The Remparts answered the bell after after a poor effort ended their nine-game winning streak a night earlier. Paul Byron scored his 19th goal of the season and added an assist as Gatineau won at Saint John, 4-3. The two-point night ups the Ottawa native's total to 61 on the season. Jordon Southorn fired seven shots for PEI in their 3-1 loss to Moncton. His 118 shots on goal rank fourth among all QMJHL defenseman. Luke Adam won eight of ten draws and blocked three shots, while T.J. Brennan finished +1 as Montreal defeated Lewiston, 4-2. Rounding out the Q, Jacob Lagacé was -1 with five shots on goal as Chicoutimi lost to Shawinigan, 4-1. Brad Eidsness made 24 saves as North Dakota swept #3 Minnesota with a 6-1 victory. Eidsness held the door closed for nearly two-and-a-half periods before the Gophers, playing without top scorer Ryan Stoa, cracked the shutout in the mid-third. The game between the WCHA rivals featured over 100 penalty minutes. Corey Fienhage was a scratch for the Sioux. Drew MacKenzie was +1 as #12 Vermont defeated #9 Boston College, 4-2. Andrew Orpik was -1 for Boston College. Matt Generous (+2) picked up an assist as St. Lawrence defeated North Country rival Clarkson, 5-1. Alex Biega had an assist, three shots on goal, and a boarding minor for Harvard in their 6-2 loss to Yale. Justin Jokinen had two shots on goal as Minnesota State defeated Colorado College, 3-1. Nick Eno made 21 saves in his first start of the year as Bowling Green lost to Ohio State in overtime, 4-3. Tyler Myers was again given a rest as Kelowna dropped a 4-3 decision to Prince George. Dennis Persson (sick) sat out of Timra's 4-2 win over Djurgarden.

1/3 Recap: Myers and Ennis ready to mine gold

On Saturday, Tyler Ennis and Tyler Myers both earned a chance to skate for World Juniors gold as Canada defeated Russia in an exciting shootout, 6-5. Trailing 5-4 in the final seconds, Jordan Eberle (EDM) punched a goal home with just :05 left to advance the game into overtime. Myers (+1) was effective with his stick, making good decisions and asserting himself physically when needed. He made a nice break-up on a Nikita Filatov rush in the overtime period after returning from a blocked shot off the knee that sent him hobbling. Ennis (-2) contributed three shots on goal, but has seen his ice time decrease the past two games as the Tavares, Hodgson, and Cormier lines have seemingly steered the ship into the finals. Also from Saturday, Jacob Lagacé had an assist as Chicoutimi defeated Rimouski, 6-3. Paul Byron (-1) had an assist in Gatineau's 2-1 OT loss to Baie-Comeau. J.S. Allard (+2) posted an assist in Quebec's 4-2 win over Lewiston. Jordan Southorn was +1 in PEI's 5-4 loss to Acadie-Bathurst. He also added three shots on goal and two hits. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel had an assist for Niagara in their 6-5 shootout win over Sudbury. In NCAA play, Justin Jokinen posted an assist, his first point since opening night, as Minnesota State defeated Nebraska-Omaha, 4-3. Drew MacKenzie was even as Vermont took the Catamount Cup title with a 4-0 win over St. Lawrence. Matt Generous was -1 with three shots on goal for the Saints. Brad Eidsness made 17 saves in North Dakota's 4-3 overtime win over Bemidji State. Corey Fienhage sat again for the Sioux. Alex Biega was even with two minor penalties as Harvard lost to Princeton, 5-1. Corey Tropp was even as Michigan State lost to Alaska, 3-1. In the SEL, Dennis Persson was -1 in 19:10 of action as Timra lost to Rogle, 3-2.

1/2 Recap: Schiestel sharp in dog fight

Drew Schiestel (+3) had a goal and two assists as Niagara defeated Soo, 6-2. The goal was Schiestel's first in 24 games, while the Dogs victory over the Hounds ends a seven game losing streak. The gliding 6'2 rearguard now has an even 30 assists while playing on a team third from the bottom in the O. By comparison, Team Canada members P.K. Subban (Belleville) and Ryan Ellis (Windsor) lead all OHL defensemen with 33 assists each. Both are members of first place teams. Luke Adam had a goal and assist to help lead Montreal to a 4-0 shutout win over Drummondville. With 17 goals on the year, Adam is the leading scorer for the Juniors. T.J. Brennan (+2) had an assist for the Juniors while adding four shots and two hits. Alex Biega had a goal and an assist as Harvard lost to Quinnipiac, 5-2. The Montreal native chipped the puck ahead and shot right down the middle of the zone to bury a rebound for the second Crimson goal of the night, and his third of the season. The junior dman now has five points in his last four games, and co-leads the Harvard attack with as total of nine in 15 games played. In DEL play, Philip Gogulla (-1) continued to stay warm, scoring a power play goal for Cologne in their 5-2 loss to Mannheim. Chosen 48th overall in 2005, the left wing now has three goals and two assists in his last three games for the Sharks. Brad Eidsness made 22 saves, including a beauty in the final minute, as North Dakota defeated Bemidji, 4-3. The freshman ups his record to 10-7-1 on the season. Corey Fienhage did not dress for the Sioux. At the Catamount Cup, Drew MacKenzie had a power play assist for Vermont in their 6-4 win over Colgate. The freshman defenseman now has three helpers on the year. Also from Burlington, Matt Generous was even as St. Lawrence edged Ferris State, 5-4. The Saints will move on to face UVM in the finals. Corey Tropp (-1) had three shots on goal as Michigan State defeated Alaska-Fairbanks, 2-1. Tropp, who missed five games due to mono, has a goal and seven assists on the year for the 6-12-3 Spartans. Nick Crawford was even as Saginaw lost to Plymouth, 4-3. Andrew Orpik scored a goal as Boston College dropped an exhibition contest in New Brunswick, 5-3. John Muse made his 61st straight start for the Eagles, and will get the first rest of his collegiate career when the two clubs play it back on Saturday.

12/13 Recap: Schiestel loving PP; Eidsness wins again

In a sold-out barn in St. Kitts, Drew Schiestel had a pair of assists as Niagara lost to Mississauga, 4-3. Both helpers came on the power play, upping Schiestel's total to 15 assists this season with the man advantage, good for fifth in the O. The Hamilton native continued to display his superior feet and ability to get the puck to the net, but with a -2 for the third straight game, has sunk to -18 on the season which ranks last in the league. John Cullen ('09, Hamburg, NY) got the call for the Dogs, having a solid first period before getting beaten four times in the final 40:00 including twice through the five-hole on a pair of short-handed breakaways. Cullen did not fare well one-on-one, and will need to be more crisp with his movement in the crease in order to improve his draft position. He sometimes goes down prematurely, rewarding a patient puck carrier. Mississauga forward Casey Cizikas ('09) showed excellent skating ability and nice set of hands with two goals and an assist, while Andrew Shaw ('09) of the Dogs put forth a spirited effort with a goal and assist. Add 15-20 pounds of beef to his 5'11 frame and you have yourself an intriguing 17-year-old. Also from the OHL, Nick Crawford was even as Saginaw posted a 3-2 home-ice win over Erie. In the NCAA, Brad Eidsness made 19 saves to win his fourth straight start, 7-4 over St. Cloud State. The weekend wins over the Huskies represent the first WCHA sweep of the season for the Sioux. Corey Fienhage was again a scratch as Ben Blood saw action as the #6. The Sioux are playing confidently in front of their freshman keeper, using a more open style en route to a 9-5-1 record after dropping their first three games. Matt Generous was even as a Jared Keller goal with less than :01 remaining pushed St. Lawrence to a 4-3 upset of #11 Vermont. The senior defenseman closes the semester with six points (3+3) and a +2 through 16 games. Freshman Drew MacKenzie was +1 for the Catamounts in the loss. Justin Jokinen was even in limited action as #14 Minnesota State was swept by #5 Denver, 5-2. The Pios won their seventh straight without the services of free-agent prospect Tyler Bozak, who was injured in Friday's win. The Mavericks lost their fourth in a row. In the QMJHL, J.S. Allard (+1) garnered an assist for Quebec in their 2-1 win over Acadie-Bathurst. The Alma, QC product picked up the primary on Kelsey Tessier's 10th of the season in the first period for his first point in three games, and 24th on the year. Dennis Persson was even over 16:09 of icetime as Timra got shutout by Farjestad, 3-0. The game was Persson's second in a row on the middle defensive unit while the rotating door into the Eagles infirmary stays active. Mikko Lehtonen returned to the Timra lineup, while Robin Jonsson and Par Styf remain sidelined.

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

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

11/29 Recap: Quartet makes connections

In the WHL, Tyler Myers scored his fourth goal of the season on the power play in addition to an earlier assist as Kelowna defeated Chilliwack, 3-0. With 19 points (4+15) in 23 games this season, Myers has already equaled his entire 2007-08 output (6+13), and is currently riding a career-best six-game point streak. At the College Hockey Showcase, Corey Tropp had two assists as Michigan State surrendered a two-goal lead in their 4-4 tie with Minnesota. The tie snaps a seven-game losing streak for the Spartans while upping thier winless streak to nine. The sophomore made an all-out effort play to give the Spartans a 2-0 first period lead when he completed a pass to Dan Sturges after falling down just inside the Gopher blueline. Tropp later spotted an open Andrew Rowe from behind the net to put MSU ahead 4-2 at the 8:43 mark of the second period. The Gophers, who entered the weekend as the nation's #1 team, finish the Showcase with a loss and a tie. Their leading scorer, Ryan Stoa (COL), was bounced six minutes in after receiving a game misconduct for checking from behind. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel bagged a pair of assists as Niagara lost to Barrie, 4-3. The assists, both of which came as part of the Dogs' third period surge, raise his season total to 24 - good for 4th in the OHL. Nick Crawford (+3) posted a two-assist night of his own as Saginaw cruised to a 7-1 win over Sarnia. The points put Crawford on the first three-game point streak of his major junior career. Sarnia's Joe Rogalski (Lancaster, NY) was -2 with a roughing minor as part of a chippy third period. In the Q, T.J. Brennan (3 SOG) had a power play assist as Montreal lost in overtime to Rouyn-Noranda, 4-3. The New Jersey native now has five points in his last three games. Luke Adam, who moved to center a game ago, was -1 with a pair of minor penalties for the Juniors. J.S. Allard (-1) did not factor as Quebec defeated Saint John, 5-3. Medicine Hat LW Tyler Ennis was kept in check as the Tigers gave up a goal with just :12 remaining to get edged by Brandon, 3-2. In Hockey East, Drew MacKenzie skated even for Vermont in their 3-2 win over Maine. Summer camp invite Brayden Irwin (Jr.) opened scoring with his fifth of the season, and has been playing well at both ends of the ice of late on a line with Viktor Stahlberg (TOR) and Brian Roloff (West Seneca, NY). In NCAA non-conference play, Matt Generous (-1, 2 PIM) had his hands full throughout as St. Lawrence fell to Boston University, 4-1. Brad Eidsness made 28 saves as North Dakota dropped a 2-1 decision to visiting Cornell. Sioux freshman Corey Fienhage was scratched in favor of Ben Blood (OTT). 2008 fourth-rounder Justin Jokinen was inserted into the Maverick lineup, finishing even with a shot on goal as Mankato downed Bowling Green, 5-2.

11/28 Recap: Adam stars; Byron hangs ten

Luke Adam (+2) earned the game's #1 star with a goal and two assists, and T.J. Brennan (+1) added an empty-netter as Montreal downed Val-d'Or, 5-2. Adam, who was a machine with five blocked shots, notched his first goal in six Q games despite scoring in both of Team QMJHL's tilts with Russia in the ADT Challenge. In Shawinigan, Jacob Lagacé (-1) had a goal and a game-high six shots on goal in Chicoutimi's 5-2 loss to the Cataractes. The goal, his 11th of the season, was his first in five games as the quality road effort was rewarded with the game's #2 star. Paul Byron had an assist to extend his point streak to ten games, yet Gatineau fell to Victoriaville, 5-3. The loss ends the Piques run of four consecutive wins. Jean-Simon Allard assisted on the game-winning goal as Quebec defeated Baie-Comeau, 4-1. The Alma, QC native has three goals and four assists in his past four games for a total of 22 on the year. Also from the Q, Jordon Southorn (2 PIM) finished -1 in PEI's 4-1 loss to Rimouski. In OHL play, Nick Crawford scored for Saginaw in their 4-2 loss at Windsor. The goal, Crawford's second of the year, came :09 into a first period power play after he was checked from behind by the Spits Adam Wallace. St. Lawrence defenseman Matt Generous (+1) posted an assist in the Saints' 4-3 win over #17 Massachusetts. The senior now has five points (2+3) in his last seven games. Freshman Brad Eidsness made 21 saves in the North Dakota crease as the Sioux scored four third period goals to close out Cornell, 7-3. Eidsness has been in the net for all five NoDak victories this season. Corey Fienhage was in the lineup for North Dakota, earning a high sticking penalty while playing bottom pair minutes. At the College Hockey Showcase in Madison, Corey Tropp had two shots on goal as Michigan State lost to Wisconsin, 3-1. Spartan goalie Jeff Lerg made 50 saves in defeat. Justin Jokinen was scratched as Minnesota State played to a 2-2 tie with Bowling Green. Sophomore goaltender Nick Eno remains out of the Falcons lineup with an ankle injury.

11/22 Recap: Byron finding groove, Ennis nets winner

A week after ending a 13-game losing streak, Paul Byron and the Gatineau Olympiques continue to grind away. On Saturday, Byron (-1, 5 SOG) scored a goal and two assists as the Piques won their third straight, 6-2 over Lewiston. Byron now has five goals and 13 points in his last five games, and a line of 10-16-26 for the season. Medicine Hat's Tyler Ennis (+2) scored the game winning goal as the Tigers defeated Regina, 4-1. The flashy left-wing later assisted on an empty netter, upping his point total to 31 through 26 games. The Tigers, 8-0-0-1 in their last nine, will not return to action until Saturday after playing 13 games in 23 days. Tyler Myers (+1) had an assist for Kelowna in their 6-2 drubbing of Prince George. The helper gives the DeWinton, Alberta native points in a career-high five straight games. In the OHL, Nick Crawford had a pair of power play assists as Saginaw downed Barrie, 5-2. The 6'1 defender hadn't had a point in six games since jumping out to 11 through his first 14 games. Niagara's Drew Schiestel (shoulder) remained out of the lineup as the Dogs defeated Sudbury, 5-4. In Chicoutimi, Jacob Lagace registered two shots on net in the Sags 4-1 win over Rimouski. The Beloeil, PQ product has just one point in his last four games after his eight-game point streak ended. Matt Generous scored the second St. Lawrence goal as the Saints dropped a 5-2 decision to Quinnipiac. The defenseman ducked in from the left point for his second of the season to put the Saints ahead 2-1 before the Bobcats would storm back with four unanswered. Brad Eidsness made 27 saves but again failed to get adequate goal support in North Dakota's 3-1 loss at Duluth. Last week's WCHA co-Rookie of the Week, Eidsness record now stands at 4-4-1 on the year with a 2.85 goals against average and a .901 save percentage. Corey Fienhage was a Sioux scratch. Drew MacKenzie (-1) had another solid game for Vermont in their 4-3 win over Boston University. The Catamounts move to 7-3-2 on the year after the weekend sweep of the #2 Terriers. Sophomore Corey Tropp finished -1 as Michigan State lost their second straight at Nebraska-Omaha, 3-1. The Spartans fall to 4-8-2 on the season, and have found their first six-game losing streak in nearly 30 years (1979-80). Alex Biega was even with two shots on goal in Harvard's 2-2 tie with Colgate. Freshman Justin Jokinen was re-inserted into the Mavericks lineup, finishing -1 in Minnesota State's 4-2 win over Michigan Tech. In Sweden, Dennis Persson did not get in on the fun, skating for just 1:05 in Timra's 6-2 win over Linkoping. His play appears "uncertain", perhaps due to a lingering knee issue, and so it seems he has work to do before getting back into the top-6 conversation on the Eagles blueline.

11/21 Recap: Brennan sinks three-pointer; Eidsness strong again

T.J. Brennan (+1) piled up three assists for Montreal in their 8-2 trouncing of Quebec. Luke Adam added an assist for the Juniors, while Angelo Esposito (ATL) and Nick Layton paced the winners with a hat trick each. J.S. Allard finished -1 for Quebec in the loss. Tyler Myers (+2) scored a goal in Kelowna's 7-3 beatdown on Prince George. The goal, his third of the season, came in the first period when he beat Cougars goaltender Kevin Armstrong with a low, hard shot to put Kelowna up 3-0. The 6'7 Myers also dropped the gloves for the fourth time this season, earning the major after a third period scrap with Brian Matte. In Lethbridge, Tyler Ennis was held pointless as Medicine Hat edged the Hurricanes, 2-1. The Edmonton native saw his five-game point streak snapped in the win. Jordon Southorn skated even in PEI's 4-3 shootout win over Val-d'Or. Jacob Lagacé (-1) had a productive five shots on goal as Chicoutimi lost to Rouyn-Noranda, 3-2. A night after skating for Team OHL in the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge, Nick Crawford played even as Saginaw defeated Sudbury, 3-2. Brad Eidsness made 33 saves in #15 North Dakota's 2-2 tie with Duluth. Another solid performance by the freshman starter had him headed towards another road win before the Bulldogs tied it up with a fluky power play goal with 1:30 to go. Corey Fienhage made the trip, but did not dress for the Sioux. In Hockey East, freshman Drew MacKenzie was a game-best +2 as Vermont upset #2 Boston University, 4-3. Corey Tropp (-2) fired a team-best five shots on goal as Michigan State was routed by Nebraska-Omaha, 7-1. Matt Generous was -1 as St. Lawrence fell to #8 Princeton, 2-1. Alex Biega was kept off the scoresheet for the third straight game as Harvard lost to #14 Cornell, 2-1. Andrew Orpik picked up a slashing minor in #4 BC's 2-0 shutout of UMass. John Muse made 27 saves in the win. Justin Jokinen was scratched in #11 Mankato's 3-2 overtime win over Michigan State, while Nick Eno remained out of the lineup with a ankle injury in Bowling Green's 5-1 loss at #6 Notre Dame.