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.

2/5 Recap: Schiestel keeps rolling; Ennis continues excellence

Drew Schiestel had a goal and two assists as Niagara downed Sault Ste. Marie, 5-3. The power play goal was Schiestel’s seventh of the year, while the three point night raises his career-best total to 44 over 47 games. In the WHL, Tyler Ennis scored his 26th goal of the season as Medicine Hat was doubled up by Calgary, 8-4. The goal extends his current point streak to nine games, with the Edmonton product looking to equal his previous career-high of 10 set last season when the Tigers host Moose Jaw on Saturday. In a Group E Olympic qualifier, Philip Gogulla scored a power play goal and added an assist as Germany outclassed Japan, 7-1. The Germans will now move on to face Austria.

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.

1/27-28 Recap: Key players heating up

In Wednesday QMJHL action, Paul Byron set-up both Gatineau goals on the power play as the Piques edged Moncton, 2-1. Pushing his season point total to 76, Byron also had a game-best six shots on goal for the Western Division leaders. Luke Adam scored his 22nd goal of the year and had his first fight of the season as Montreal buried Rouyn-Noranda, 6-1. T.J. Brennan (+1) added an assist in the win. The Junior (25-20-1-2) slide into a tie with the Huskies (23-21-4-3) for second place in the West. Both teams are seven points back of Byron's Olympiques. Also from the Q, Jordon Southorn was -1 with three hits in PEI's 3-0 shutout loss to Saint John. In the WHL, Tyler Myers (+2) had two even-strength assists in Kelowna's 4-1 win over Prince George. The solid two-way effort was rewarded with the game's #1 star, with the pair of helpers giving him seven points in nine games since returning from the World Juniors. The game's #2 star, Tyler Ennis scored his 24th goal of the season just 1:49 in, yet Medicine Hat came up short at Vancouver, 4-3. Ennis now has 13 points over his current six-game streak. On Tuesday, Ennis flexed the Tigers' claws in the third period with a pair of goals 2:14 apart in their 5-4 win over Seattle. The goals, one coming shorthanded with the second being the game winner, were Ennis' 22nd and 23rd of the season. The Edmonton native also had an assist for his sixth game of three points or more on the season. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla had the only Sharks goal as Cologne fell to Sinupret, 2-1. Gogulla has points in 10 of his last 12 games including a current five-game point streak that has seen him compile three goals and four assists in three Sharks wins. Also from Tuesday, Jacob Lagacé (+1) had two assists as Chicoutimi overcame a 4-1 deficit, but still lost to Rimouski, 5-4 in a shootout. The 2008 fifth rounder was stopped as the third Sags shooter in the deciding frame. Adam (1 SOG) and Brennan (3 SOG, 3 hits) were even as Montreal was blanked by Val-d'Or, 3-0. Foreurs netminder Raffaele D'Orso made 48 saves to earn the shutout.

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.

Adam scores

Luke Adam (+1) scored the only Montreal goal as the Juniors lost to Drummondville, 4-1. The goal was Adam's 21st of the year, and 43rd point overall. T.J. Brennan finished -1 in the loss. Drew Schiestel saw his point-shot tipped in for the second Niagara goal in the Dogs 5-2 win over London. Marco Insam paced the victors with three goals and an assist, while 2009 top prospect John Tavares was -4 for the Knights in defeat. Dennis Persson did not play in Timra's 4-1 win over Brynas.

1/18 Recap: Lagacé, Ennis approach 20

In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé scored his 18th goal of the season, fired seven shots, and blocked another five as Chicoutimi dropped a 3-2 shootout loss to Baie-Comeau. The rounded effort earned Lagacé the #2 star. J.S. Allard scored his 11th goal of the season as the Quebec defeated Saint John, 5-2. The winger has now connected for six points in his past three games. In Medicine Hat, Tyler Ennis (+1) scored his 18th goal of the season as the Tigers cruised to a 5-1 win over Red Deer. The Edmonton native's laser from the point put the Tigers up 4-0 in the second period. Nick Crawford (-1) scored a power play goal for Saginaw in their 6-3 win over Kingston. The goal, his fourth of the season, opened the game's scoring with 2:18 to play in the first period. 2009 eligible Ethan Werek had an assist for the Fronts to move his season numbers to 19-19-38. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla was -1 as Cologne dropped a 4-1 loss to the Metro Stars. On Saturday, Dennis Persson returned from a weeklong bug but did not see any time as Timra beat SSK, 4-2.

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.

1/11 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.

1/9 Recap: Orpik chips in; Eno returns

Andrew Orpik had a pair of assists for #9 Boston College in their 3-3 tie with #12 Vermont. BC looked to have a big Hockey East win locked up until West Seneca, NY native Brian Roloff tied the game with :01 to play. The third multi-point night of the season raises Orpik's total to 10 on the year. Freshman rearguard Drew MacKenzie was -1 with three shots on goal for the Catamounts. In a highly entertaining battle, Brad Eidsness made 21 saves as North Dakota defeated #3 Minnesota, 6-3. With a slew of roughing minors in the final two minutes of Friday night's game after over 150 minutes in penalties were called in their previous meeting, one may wonder if the Sioux consider inserting toughness in the form of Corey Fienhage into the lineup when the two teams play it back on Saturday. Sophomore Nick Eno saw his first action of the season, giving up a goal in 28:23 of relief action as Bowling Green fell to #16 Ohio State, 8-5. Falcons starter Jimmy Spratt gave up six goals on 16 shots through a period and a half, allowing Eno to get ready for his first start on Saturday after suffering a high ankle sprain in an early season practice. Alex Biega was +1 with five shots on goal as Harvard played to a 1-1 tie with Brown. The Crimson (4-10-3) outshot the Bears (1-9-4) by a 51-29 margin, but couldn't close the deal. Freshman Justin Jokinen sat as Minnesota State fell to #10 Colorado College, 5-2. J.S. Allard went high glove side as the fifth Quebec shooter, but rang his shot off the post, as the Remparts lost in the shootout to Rouyn-Noranda, 3-2. Allard contributed four shots on goal in home loss, and was named the gamne's first star for his effort. Also from the Q, Paul Byron was limited to a single shot on goal, but Gatineau still defeated Moncton, 2-1. In OHL play, Drew Schiestel had another power play assist for Niagara in their 6-2 loss to Ottawa. The Hamilton native now has a total of 32 assists on the season, good for 8th in the OHL, with half of them coming with the man advantage. Nick Crawford (+1) had an assist as Saginaw defeated Sarnia, 4-3. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla was -1 with four shots on goal in Cologne's 3-2 loss to Hamburg. In the WHL, Team Canada members Tyler Myers and Jamie Benn were given a rest as Kelowna downed Portland, 5-4 in a shootout.

1/6 Recap: Southy cruising; Gogulla can't finish six-pack

Jordon Southorn picked up an assist as PEI held on to defeat Moncton, 5-4. The defenseman added three shots on goal and two hits in the win, and now has 32 points in 41 games after netting 31 all of last season. Philip Gogulla saw his five-game point streak snapped as Cologne fell to Frankfurt, 2-1. The 6'2 wing had nine points (4+5) over his run, and ranks fourth on the Sharks in points with 28. On Monday, Dennis Persson contributed three shots on goal in 16:36 of work as Timra beat Modo, 4-1.

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

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

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.

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

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

12/28 Recap: Allard repeats; Southorn climbing

For the second straight night, J.S. Allard set-up Mikhail Stefanovich for a game winning goal in the third period as Quebec downed Chicouitimi, 3-2. Jacob Lagacé had two shots on goal for the Sags in defeat, ending his four-game point streak. Jordon Southorn (-1) picked up another assist as PEI lost to Cape Breton, 4-2. The 6'2 defender now has points in three straight games, and his total of 29 ranks him ninth in Q defensive scoring. Luke Adam had an assist, four blocks, and won seven of 11 draws, while T.J. Brennan was +1 in Montreal's 4-1 win over Victoriaville. Adam has 15 goals and 16 assists in 31 games, and was a strong second half player last season in St. John's. In the OHL, Nick Crawford was +2 as Saginaw clobbered Sault Ste. Marie, 8-3. The Sabres sixth rounder in 2008 has two goals and 21 points this season for the Spirit. In the Great Lakes Invitational final, Corey Tropp finished -2 as Michigan State ran out of gas against Michigan, 5-1. In the consolation game, Brad Eidsness made 18 saves as North Dakota lost to Michigan Tech, 2-1. It's not easy to hang anything on goaltending when there is a lack of goal support in front of him. Corey Fienhage was again a scratch for the Sioux. Playing for third place at the Badger Showdown, Alex Biega was -2 as Harvard fell to Alabama-Huntsville, 4-1. Philip Gogulla (-1) had a primary assist in Cologne's 4-3 loss to Straubing. Gogulla found a wide open Alexej Dmitriev in front of the net for a first period goal to give the Sharks an early 2-0 lead. Dennis Persson again suited up but did not see any ice in Timra's 1-1 tie with Linkoping.

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

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

12/21-23 Recap: Buravchikov scores; Enroth with big night

Holiday catch-up. Vjacheslav Buravchikov scored a goal for Kazan in their 6-1 trouncing of Spartak Moscow on Tuesday. The goal was Buravchikov's second of the season and his sixth point to go along with a +1 in 29 games for the KHL's third place club. Kazan will wrap up their two-game Moscow swing with a Christmas day game with CSKA. In Tuesday DEL play, Philip Gogulla had three shots on goal in Cologne's 4-3 loss to Hamburg. Two of his best chances came midway through the third when Cologne started applying some late-game heat. Former Sabre Andy Delmore scored the overtime winner for the Freezers. On Sunday, Gogulla (2PIM) had two shots on goal in their 3-2 OT loss to Ingolstadt. Also on Sunday, the Pirates earned their first back-to-back wins since their eight-game winning streak ended on November 19th with a 3-2 victory over Worcester. Jhonas Enroth lead the charge with a season-high 41 saves, while Marek Zagrapan scored his third game-winning goal of the season. Mark Mancari added a pair of helpers for Portland to hit the 30 point plateau on the season. With Chris Butler earning praise from the Sabres coaching staff while on recall, Mike Weber finshed +3 while getting an assist for his third point in the last eight games. The Rundown: Zagrapan: GWG, +3, 4 SOG Mancari: 2A, +2 Kennedy: 1A, +2, 3 SOG Hunter: 1A Weber: 1A, +3, 2 PIM Schutz: +1 Gragnani: -1 Kostka: -1 Whitmore: 1 SOG Enroth: 41 saves, W

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

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

12/17-18 Recap: Adam excels; Southy making strides

Luke Adam earned top star honors with a goal and an assist as Montreal pulled away with two goals in the final 6:00 in their 4-2 win over Rimouski. Centering the top line with Angelo Esposito away with Team Canada, the 6'2, 203-pounder also blocked five shots and won eight of 11 draws while building his current three-game point streak (3+3). T.J. Brennan assisted on Adam's 14th to open scoring for his 18th point of the season. Jordon Southorn (-1, 4 PIM) fired three more shots and another hit to raise his Top-10 Q totals as PEI was shutout by Victoriaville, 2-0. The recent spike at both ends also has him tied for 11th in Q defensemen scoring with 24 points. On Wednesday, J.S. Allard registered a game-best seven shots on goal, yet did not factor in on any goals as Quebec downed PEI, 2-0. Southorn (2PIM) had three shots on goal while adding two hits in the Rocket loss. Drew Schiestel was +1 for Niagara in their 3-2 loss to Belleville. The "plus" outing was his first such effort after ending as a minus in five of his last six games. In international exhibition play, Philip Gogulla played even as Germany lost to Switzerland, 2-1. The two clubs met as a precursor to Germany's participation in February's Olympic qualifier with Slovenia, Austria, and Japan.

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

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