Cedrick Henley notched a goal and an assist Thursday as Val-d'Or was outgunned by Cape Breton, 6-5. The Foreurs captain, who continues to heat up with six goals, 10 points, and a +7 rating in his last seven games, was a bit of a goat for his giveaway on the Eagles game winning goal.
In OHL play, Gregg Sutch bagged the game winning goal as Barrie downed Windsor, 5-2. The hard-hitting forward now has three goals in his last four games. The game winner, scored from the slot off a Zach Hall pass from the corner, was the fourth of his career. Alex Lepkowski finished +1 on the Colts blueline.
Steven Shipley scored his third goal of the year as Niagara lost to Oshawa, 5-3. With 17-seconds left in the first period, Shipley buried a drop pass from the slot to snap a six-game goal drought. The 6'3 center's all-around effort was rewarded with the game's #1 star.
Step aside, Leduc. There's a new sheriff in town and his name is Kevin Sundher.
Sundher potted four goals for his first ever WHL hat trick and added an assist as Victoria stomped to a 7-3 Saturday night shellacking of Seattle. The slick playmaker, who now has multiple points in 11 of 17 games this season, vaults into the WHL scoring lead with 32 points (11+21).
The four goals tie for second-most in a single game among recent Sabres prospects, equaling efforts from repeat offenders Luke Adam (11/9/07, 12/10/09) and Tyler Ennis (2/21/09). Ennis set the recent mark with a six-goal night for Medicine Hat on 2/27/09. Sundher will get some time to enjoy his recent roll before strapping it back on Friday for a tilt with rival Vancouver.
Nathan Lieuwen made 28 saves to guide Kootenay to a 4-1 win over Portland. The 6'5 Lieuwen, victorious in four straight for a league-best nine wins on the year, continues to lead the WHL with a 1.45 goals against average and .948 save percentage. The ICE will do battle with Everett on Friday.
In QMJHL action, Cedrick Henley scored his fifth goal of the year as Val-d'Or lost to Halifax, 5-2. Henley had zero goals in the season's first 10 games (and none in his last 20 going back to the end of 2010-11), but has five in his last six. Les Foreurs return to action Thursday at Cape Breton.
In the OHL, Dan Catenacci picked up a power play assist as Owen Sound downed Oshawa, 6-2. The 5'10 center continues to lead the Attack offense with 20 points (8+12). Owen Sound plays host to Windsor on Sunday.
Gregg Sutch logged a -1 in Barrie's 5-1 win over Windsor. After being paired with Mark Scheifele for two games, Sutch instead skated on a line with Zach Hall and Ivan Telegin. Alex Lepkowski (-1) returned to the Barrie blueline after an eight-game absence. The Colts will get a few days off before Thursday's tilt at Windsor.
Steven Shipley returned to the lineup after missing four games with a concussion, finishing -1 as Niagara lost in a shootout to Sudbury, 2-1. The IceDogs welcome Oshawa to St. Catharines on Thursday.
Mark Pysyk did not play due to illness as Edmonton lost at Brandon, 3-2. The Oil Kings will get a full week of rest before Saturday's games with Seattle.
In Finland, Joel Armia was a healthy scratch as Assat was blanked by JYP, 2-0. The 18-year old wing, who has steadily seen his minutes slide over the past couple of weeks, was relegated to fourth-line duty on Friday before the Saturday benching. He has just two goals through his first 17 games, a total that needs to be higher with World Juniors under two months away. We'll be keeping a close eye out Tuesday to see if Armia can re-enter the lineup when the Aces lace 'em up with HIFK.
In NCAA play, Brad Navin was even with a shot on goal as Wisconsin defeated Nebraska-Omaha, 6-3. The Badgers will travel to St. Cloud on Friday.
Brad Eidsness backed-up Aaron Dell as North Dakota earned the split by defeating St. Cloud State, 3-1. The Sioux tangle with Minnesota next weekend.
Christian Isackson was scratched in Minnesota's 3-1 sweeper over Alaska-Anchorage.
Drew MacKenzie missed his second game due to injury as Vermont was doubled by Merrimack, 4-2. The Catamounts continue their Hockey East schedule next weekend with a set against Providence.
Providence defenseman Mark Adams remained on the shelf with a lower body injury as the Friars lost at Maine, 3-1.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc saw his 12-game point streak come to an end Friday as Rimouski came up short against Shawinigan, 2-1. The 6'1 righty remains the QMJHL's top scoring defenseman, ranking fifth in the league with 26 points (11+15). Leduc's roll was the longest for a Sabres defensive prospect since Kootenay's Brayden McNabb ripped off an 11-gamer last year. Marc-Andre Gragnani posted a 10-game streak for PEI back in 2005-06. Leduc will look to start anew Sunday against Victoriaville.
Kevin Sundher scored a pair of regulation goals, his sixth and seventh of the year, as Victoria lost a 4-3 shootout to Seattle. The two clubs went scoreless for two periods before opening things up with a six-goal third. Sundher opened scoring 23-seconds in with an unassisted shorthanded goal. He'd later force overtime with just 1:25 to play to give him 27 points this season, overcoming Leduc for tops among all Sabres prospects. Per the WHL injury report, T-Birds center Colin Jacobs remains out for a month with an upper body injury. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.
Gregg Sutch scored a goal and an assist while tossing his weight around throughout as Barrie lost at Brampton, 4-3. The 6'2 checker has four points (2+2) in his last three games, and it's fair to expect those numbers to keep spiking if he continues skating on a line with Winnipeg Jets property Mark Scheifele. Alex Lepkowski missed his eighth game with an upper body injury. The Colts host Windsor on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Cedrick Henley notched two assists as Val-d'Or lost to Halifax, 3-2. The 6'5 forward had five assists in his first 10 games, but has four goals and three assists in five game since. The teams will play a rematch on Saturday.
Dan Catenacci picked up a power play assist but finished a game-low -3 as Owen Sound was edged in overtime at London, 3-2. Seven of Catenacci's 11 helpers this season have come with the man advantage. The Attack host Oshawa on Saturday.
Mark Pysyk logged a -1 as Edmonton dropped their fourth game of the year, falling to the Regina Pats 4-1. Pysyk took a third period cross-checking penalty that resulted on a Dominik Volek ('12) goal to give the Pats a 3-1 lead. The Oil Kings travel to Brandon on Saturday.
In NCAA play, Connor Knapp was pulled after allowing four goals in 27-minutes of work as #16 Miami lost for the second straight night to #18 Lake Superior, 5-3. Knapp had stopped 11 of 15 shots prior to getting the hook. The Redhawks (2-6-0), who were swept at home for the first time since 2006-07, will look to snap a five-game losing streak next weekend at Alaska.
Brad Navin (1 SOG) committed a costly hooking penalty late as Wisconsin lost to Nebraska-Omaha, 5-4. With Navin off to the box at 18:42 of the third, the Badgers gave up a power play goal with 21-seconds left in regulation to fall to 3-4-0 on the year. The series continues Saturday in Madison.
Christian Isackson was a scratch as #8 Minnesota cruised to a 5-0 win over Alaska-Anchorage. The Gophers and Seawolves will do it again Saturday.
Brad Eidsness served as backup as #12 North Dakota suffered a 4-0 home-ice defeat at the hands of St. Cloud State. It's unclear as of now, but Eidsness could get the nod Saturday as the Sioux (2-4-1) look to earn the split.
Drew MacKenzie did not play due to injury as Vermont opened their Hockey East schedule with a 4-1 loss to #9 Merrimack. The Catamounts and Warriors will rematch on Saturday.
Mark Adams remained out with a lower body injury as Providence lost in OT at Maine, 5-4. The sophomore is likely still multiple weeks away from returning to the Friars.
In the ECHL, Corey Fienhage tapped-in a 2x1 finish for his second professional goal as Gwinnett fell in overtime to Wheeling, 3-2. The 6'3 defenseman has two goals and an assist in six Coast League contests.
Kevin Sundher notched a goal and an assist Tuesday as Victoria edged Tri-City, 5-4. The game's #2 star thanks to the first period power play points, Sundher is currently tied for second on the WHL leaderboard with 25 points (5+20). The Royals battle Spokane on Wednesday.
In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley saw his three-game goal streak snapped as Val-d'Or lost to Victoriaville, 5-1. Henley failed to get a shot on net, finishing the game with three hits and six minutes in penalties. Les Foreurs host Halifax on Friday.
In Finland, Joel Armia skated even in 13:33 of work as Assat fell in overtime to the Blues, 2-1. The Aces travel to Lukko on Friday.
Cedrick Henley scored a pair of goals Sunday as Val-d'Or earned a 5-1 victory over Rouyn-Noranda. Henley, who fired a game-best eight shots on goal, now has goals in three straight after beginning the year with a ten-game dry spell. The 6'5 wing will look to extend his streak when then Foreurs battle Victoriaville on Tuesday.
In WHL play, Nathan Lieuwen made 21 saves as Kootenay downed Calgary, 4-2. The WHL's top goaltender improves to 7-2-0-2 on the year while giving up a total of 16 goals in his eleven starts.
Drew MacKenzie registered a shot on goal as Vermont posted a 5-4 upset at #8 Minnesota. The senior defenseman saw a Nate Schmidt point-shot deflect off his stick for the third Gophers goal. Christian Isackson was re-inserted into the Minnesota lineup after a three-game absence, finishing -1 with an assist. Vermont will look to keep the momentum going next weekend against Merrimack. Minnesota will travel to Alaska-Anchorage before beginning a key series with North Dakota on November 4th.
Dan Catenacci skated even and was stopped in his shootout attempt as Owen Sound lost to Sudbury, 2-1. The Attack are off until Friday when they host London.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc broke a 31-year old QMJHL record for defensemen Friday by scoring a goal in his eighth consecutive game as Rimouski downed Rouyn-Noranda, 5-2. Leduc has really got it cranking this year, potting 11 goals and 25 points through his first 11 games while catching the eye of Hockey Canada scouts. The goal mark mark was previous held by Gaetan Therrien of the Quebec Remparts, who went on to play 22 NHL games for the Quebec Nordiques in the early 1980's.
Cedrick Henley posted a Gordie Howe hat trick, the second of his career, as Val-d'Or doubled Drummondville, 6-3. Henley opened the game with his first fighting major of the year just 6:34 in before potting a goal and an assist in the third period. The 6'5 power forward, who now has goals in two straight games, repeats the Gordie feat first accomplished last October 2nd.
Elsewhere, Kevin Sundher logged a -2 as Victoria got smoked by Vancouver, 8-1.
Mark Pysyk was +1 with four penalty minutes in Edmonton's 8-4 hammering of Portland.
In NCAA play, Justin Jokinen assisted on the game's first goal as Minnesota State lost to Denver, 4-2.
Brad Eidsness made 14 saves before getting pulled early in the second period as North Dakota dropped a 5-3 decision at Wisconsin. Brad Navin was -1 for the Badgers but is gaining the confidence of his coaching staff in the early stages of his freshman season.
Drew MacKenzie finished -3 as Vermont was embarrassed by Minnesota, 6-0. It was the first-ever meeting between the two storied programs.
Connor Knapp served as backup as Miami lost to Ferris State, 4-2.
Mark Adams remained out of the lineup with a lower body injury in Providence's 5-2 loss to Minnesota-Duluth.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc tied a QMJHL record for defensemen Wednesday, scoring a goal for the seventh consecutive game and adding an assist to lead Rimouski to a 4-3 win over Val-d'Or. Tying the league mark set back in the 1979-80 season just adds style points to the impressive 10-game point streak Leduc has enjoyed since being sent back from Sabres training camp. Headlined by 10 goals in as many games, the dazzling defender currently places 4th on the QMJHL leaderboard with 23 points. He'll look to break the record Friday against his former team, the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.
Overshadowed in all of the Leduc hoopla was the first goal of the year from the stick of Val-d'Or captain, Cedrick Henley. The 6'5 forward breaks the seal in game #11 of the young season, snapping a 20-game goal slump going back to last February. The Foreurs travel to Drummondville on Friday.
In WHL play, Mark Pysyk (-1) was cited for his first fighting major of the year as Edmonton scored late to overcome Moose Jaw, 2-1. The scrap with 6'2, 185-pound Jordan Wyron, which ensued in the crease just as the Warrior forward had given his club a 1-0 lead, was the fifth of the mild-mannered Pysyk's career. Standout defenseman Griffin Reinhardt ('12) scored both Edmonton goals. The Oil Kings play host to Portland Friday night at Rexall.
Zack Kassian scored two goals and Jonathan Parker added a single and two assists Sunday to power the Rochester Americans to a 7-2 shellacking of Grand Rapids. Marcus Foligno and Jacob Lagace also had goals for the winners, while ookie rearguard Brayden McNabb earned his first professional points with a pair of assists.
Parker continued his early season success with all three of his points in the first period as the Amerks jumped out to a 3-1 lead. Not surprisingly, a Red Wings prospect from Sweden (Gustav Nyquist) was able to get the Griffins on the board.
The Amerks would duplicate their three-goal output in the second period beginning with a backhand finish from Kassian at 9:12 to take a 6-2 advantage into the second intermission.
Things got chippy in the third period with the Amerks holding a comfortable lead. Three fights broke out involving Sabres prospects, highlighted by the Sabres rookie duo of Kassian and Foligno throwing at the same time.
Remember how when the Sabres drafted the pair in 2009, then-Sudbury coach Mike Foligno said that "Buffalo got the two toughest kids in the Ontario League"?
Kassian went toe-to-toe with former NHL vet Garnet Exelby, while Foligno took a decision over ex-WHLer Travis Ehrhardt. A minute after that double-feature, Corey Tropp was called to battle with former Amerk Doug Janik.
Tropp was given an interference penalty in the second period when he collided with/blew over Griffins center Landon Ferraro on a backcheck in front of the Amerks net. Tropp's shoulder seemed to make contact with the side of Ferraro's head, sending the Wings prospect hard to the ice and off to the dressing room.
The Rundown:
Kassian: 2G, 3 SOG, 15 PIM
Parker: 1G, 2A, +1
Foligno: 1G, +1, 12 PIM
Lagace: 1G, +1
McNabb: 2A, +3
Biega: 1A, +3
Szydlowski: 1A, +1
Crawford: 1A, +1
Boychuk: +1
Tropp: 3 SOG, 7 PIM
Brennan: 2 PIM
The Amerks will remain in Rochester for a game with in-state rival Syracuse on Tuesday.
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In the lone junior game Sunday, Cedrick Henley recorded three shots on goal and two hits as Val-d'Or earned a 3-2 overtime victory over Shawinigan. The 6'5 forward has yet to score in 10 games this season, and has just one goal in his last 20 since returning from wrist surgery last February.
Kevin Sundher turned in a #1 star performance Saturday, netting a goal and three assists including a sensational pass on the game's final goal to lead Victoria to a 4-3 overtime win over Kelowna. The four-point night gives the Surrey, BC native an impressive 12 points in his last five games. Sundher, chosen in third round of the 2010 draft (75th overall), leads the WHL with 17 assists and is tied for the league scoring lead at 21 points with Brandon's Mark Stone and Medicine Hat's Emerson Etem. The Royals (6-5) return to action Friday at Vancouver.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc continued to tear up the QMJHL, scoring a goal and two assists to earn the game's #1 star as Rimouski edged Baie-Comeau, 5-4. Leduc has now scored in a club-record six straight games en route to piling up an impressive nine goals and 21 points in his first nine games. The 2010 third-rounder (68th overall) will look to tie the QMJHL record for consecutive games with a goal for a defenseman on Wednesday when Rimouski (7-7) hosts Val-d'Or.
In the OHL, Dan Catenacci potted two goals and an assist for his first three-point night of the season as Owen Sound lost to Kitchener for the second straight night, 5-3. The 5'10 center currently ranks third in the OHL with eight goals, and eighth in the league with 16 points. The Attack (5-7) travel to Mississauga on Thursday.And yes, Cat was chosen by the Sabres in the third round (77th overall) of this past summer's draft.
Elsewhere, Gregg Sutch was +1 with a pair of minor penalties as Barrie defeated Sault Ste. Marie, 5-4. Alex Lepkowski missed his fourth straight game due to injury. The Colts shoot out to a 5-3-0-1 mark after nine games, proving to be one of the most improved clubs in the Ontario League after just 15 wins a season ago.
Steven Shipley (-1) left the game with a mild concussion as Niagara lost at Saginaw, 6-4. The big center slips to -10 rating as part the Dogs slow start (17th out of 20 in the OHL), becoming the first Sabres prospect of the season to hit double-digits going the wrong way. Shipley is expected to miss a week of action, meaning he'll likely be absent when Niagara (3-7-0-1) hosts Ottawa on Thursday.
Cedrick Henley recorded a game-high five hits as Val-d'Or dropped a 4-1 home-ice decision to Saint John. The 6'5 wing, who has yet to score a goal through his first nine games, will look to break from his slumber Sunday when his Foreurs (6-6-0-2) against Shawinigan.
Nathan Lieuwen was given a rest as Kootenay downed Prince Albert, 3-1. The ICE (6-2-0-2) travel to Lethbridge on Monday.
In college play, Connor Knapp made 37 saves, the third-most of NCAA career, but #5 Miami was shocked by Colgate in overtime, 3-2. Knapp was spectacular throughout, weathering a slew of penalties and keeping the RedHawks in the game before a power-play deflection ended things in the OT. The RedHawks (2-2) are at Ferris State next weekend.
Brad Navin collected his first collegiate assist in Wisconsin's 3-2 overtime loss to Michigan Tech. An apparent goal by the Badgers during a third period power play was waved off when it was determined that Navin had interfered with the Tech goalie. Wisconsin (1-3) will look to shake off the sweep when they take on North Dakota.
Justin Jokinen scored his team's only goal, his first of the year, as Minnesota State was defeated by Lowell for the second straight night, 4-1. The 6'3 wing cleaned up a scrum to break the shutout midway through the third period. The Mavericks (1-3), who have now lost three straight games, will look to right the ship next week at #3 Denver.
Brad Eidsness gave way to Aaron Dell (25 saves) as #6 North Dakota played to a 3-3 tie with #17 Maine. Eidsness looked sharp in Friday's win over the Black Bears, and with another solid week of practice, should earn at least one start next weekend when the Sioux (2-1-1) host the Badgers
Christian Isackson was scratched for the second straight night as #14 Minnesota won an exciting 5-4 battle over rival #9 Minnesota-Duluth. Fresh off a sweep of the defending NCAA champs, the Gophers (4-0) will begin a set with Vermont on Friday.
In Sunday QMJHL action, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc earned the game's #3 star with a goal and an assist as Rimouski ended a three-games-in-three-nights stretch with a 6-3 loss at Moncton. The steady producer has points in all seven games this season, and if you take into consideration the end of last year, a total of 17 consecutive QMJHL regular season contests. The Oceanic will host Baie-Comeau for a pair of games starting next Friday.
Cedrick Henley contributed a shot on goal as Val-d'Or pitched a 2-0 shutout victory in their first-ever visit to Blainville-Boisbriand. The BB Armada are playing their first season in the QMJHL after relocating from Montreal over the summer. The Foreurs are off until Saturday when they face Saint John.
In the WHL, Mark Pysyk picked up a power play assist in Edmonton's 4-1 win over Swift Current. The steady defender now has four assists through his first eight games. The Oil Kings continue their road trip Tuesday in Lethbridge.
Kevin Sundher stacked a career-best four assists Friday as Victoria won an exciting back-and-forth affair with Medicine Hat, 5-4. Tied for second overall in WHL scoring, Sundher dished two helpers on the power play and another shorthanded before setting up Hayden Rintoul for the game winning goal with just :24 to play in regulation. The Surrey, BC native has recorded multiple points in four of seven games this season, in stark contrast to his first seven a season ago when he posted just three assists (0+3). Ducks prospect Emerson Etem scored all four Tigers goals in defeat. The Royals will next take the ice Saturday at Seattle.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc extended his early season point streak to five games, scoring the game winning goal and adding an assist in Rimouski's 4-1 win over PEI. Leduc is posting dominant offensive numbers at the major-junior level, piling up 13 points through his first five games, including five goals on 30 shots, while being the #1 star three times. To truly appreciate the five-game feat, take into consideration that defenseman Ryan Ellis, who last year marked in 50 of 58 skates en route to ringing up 101 points for Windsor, only had one five-game block all year (2-13-15) that was more productive than Leduc's start. JGL will look to continue his roll Saturday against Saint John.
Elsewhere, Mark Pysyk notched an assist, his third point of the year, as Edmonton defeated Moose Jaw, 3-1. The Oil Kings travel to Saskatoon on Saturday.
Cedrick Henley added kneeing, hooking, and roughing (two) minors to his season portfolio but was again unable to score as Val-d'Or edged Chicoutimi, 1-0. The Foreurs captain, who rounded out his effort with seven hits, has no goals and five assists in seven regular season contests. Val-d'Or will play their first-ever game in Boisbriand (formerly the Montreal Junior) on Sunday.
In the OHL, Steve Shipley (+1) saw his four-game point streak come to an end as Niagara was beaten in a shootout by Sudbury, 5-4. The former fourth-rounder amassed two goals and five assists over the productive stretch. Niagara returns to action Saturday versus Mississauga.
Dan Catenacci did not factor into the scoring as Owen Sound was bested by Erie, 7-5. The speedy center was whistled for tripping and roughing penalties in the loss, and now has more minors (12) than points (8) through the first 21 periods of his 2011-12 season. The Attack and Otters will do it again Saturday in Erie.
In Finland, Joel Armia saw his three-game point streak come to an end, finishing -1 with seven shots on goal as Assat was shut out by TPS, 1-0. Armia, who received 16:37 of work in the loss, will look to get into a goal scoring groove Wednesday at HPK. He's scored just once this season despite firing 47 shots on goal.
In NCAA action, Justin Jokinen failed to get a shot on net while on a line with J.P. Burkemper and Eli Zuck as Minnesota State took a 1-0 decision at #18 Renssalaer. Cheektowaga native Scott Diebold made 19 saves in his first start for RPI, holding off the Mavericks for 58:38 before Cameron Cooper beat him during a late 4x4. Mankato will go for the sweep Saturday in Troy.
Brad Navin was unable to get on the sheet in his NCAA debut as #17 Wisconsin lost to Northern Michigan, 3-2. The senior-less Badgers will look to earn the split Saturday night in Madison.
Connor Knapp served as the back-up to Cody Reichard as #2 Miami was upset by Bemidji State, 5-3. The 6'6 Knapp is expected to resume his role as "Mr. Saturday Night" when the RedHawks try breaking even on...Saturday.
Brad Eidsness backed-up as #3 North Dakota came from behind with two goals in the third to overcome Air Force, 4-3. The Sioux will square off with Boston College on Saturday in the IceBreaker championship.
Christian Isackson was a scratch as #19 Minnesota opened the 2011-12 season with a 9-0 thrashing of Sacred Heart.
Mark Pysyk skated -1 Wednesday as Edmonton defeated Kootenay in a shootout, 2-1. Pysyk, who has two assists and a -2 rating through his first five games, will next take the ice Friday at Moose Jaw. ICE netminder Nathan Lieuwen made 26 saves in suffering his second defeat in a row. He enters Saturday’s tilt at Red Deer toting a 1.36 goals against average and .949 save percentage.
In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley racked up three hits and two shots on goal as Val-d’Or lost a shootout to Rouyn-Noranda, 5-4. The 6’5 forward has yet to find the net through six regular season contests.
On Tuesday, Joel Armia posted an assist as Assat lost to Tappara, 3-2. Armia now has a goal and four assists with an even rating through his first nine games.
In case you missed it, the Sabres announced Wednesday that they have signed 2010 third-round draft pick, Matt MacKenzie.
The Buffalo Sabres signed Tri-City Americans defenseman Matt MacKenzie, the team's 2010 third-round draft pick, to a three-year entry-level contract worth $1.8 million.
Drafted 83rd overall, MacKenzie has 18 goals and 80 assists for 98 points, and 180 penalty minutes in 225 games split between the Western Hockey League's Calgary Hitmen and the Americans.
From New Westminster, British Columbia, MacKenzie, who will turn 20 on Oct. 15, was preparing for his second season with Tri-City, but he is scheduled to stay with the Rochester Americans (AHL).
On Thursday, the Sabres followed up the MacKenzie announcement by signing 2010 7th rounder Riley Boychuk and undrafted free agent winger Jonathan Parker to three-year entry level deals.
From the Sabres:
Boychuk (6’4”, 205 lbs., 2/20/91) picked up 30 points (14+16) and 157 penalty minutes with the Portland Winterhawks (WHL) in 2010-11. A native of Abbotsford, BC, Boychuk was the Sabres’ seventh round pick (208th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. In four seasons with the Winterhawks, Boychuk has accumulated 83 points (39+44) and 391 penalty minutes in 194 games.
Parker (5’10”, 195 lbs., 9/25/91) spent the 2010-11 season with the Prince Albert Raiders (WHL), leading the team in both goals (45) and points (86). In three WHL seasons with the Raiders and the Seattle Thunderbirds, the Solana Beach, CA native has totaled 155 points (77+78) and 140 penalty minutes in 205 games.
Dan Catenacci scored a power play goal Friday as Owen Sound lost to Mississauga 5-3 in a rematch of the 2011 OHL Championship series. The productive center now has three goals and three assists in his first five games in an Attack sweater. Owen Sound hosts Guelph on Saturday.
In WHL play, Kevin Sundher dished two assists and scored a key shootout goal as Victoria edged Prince George, 5-4. The assists were fantastic hockey plays, with the first coming off a quick move before finding Robin Soudek and the second off a laser pass from behind the net. The six-foot Sundher now has a goal and four assists through his first three games for the Royals, who were outshot 52-25 en route to earning the victory. Victoria will take a two-game winning streak into Saturday's rematch with the Cougars.
Mark Pysyk (-1) notched a pair of power play assists as Edmonton dropped a 5-3 decision to Medicine Hat. The points, which came 1:30 apart in the middle of the third period, were the first of the year for the Oil Kings captain as he follows up on the six goals and 34 assists collected a season ago. The OKs and Tigers will complete the home-and-home Saturday in Medicine Hat.
Elsewhere, Steven Shipley earned a point for the second straight game, an assist, as Niagara defeated Barrie, 4-2. Going back to the end of last year, the Ilderton, Ontario native has gathered 10 points (3+7) in his last ten regular season games. Gregg Sutch (-1, 4 PIM) and defenseman Alex Lepkowski did not factor into the Colts goals.
Cedrick Henley recorded an assist as Val-d'Or downed Gatineau, 5-2. The 6'5 forward, who earlier in the week was named the Foreurs captain, has five assists through his first four games. The two clubs will rematch Saturday in Gatineau.
Nathan Lieuwen earned a night off after three straight starts as Kootenay defeated Regina, 5-2. The 6'5 netminder will take his 0.97 goals against average and .964 save percentage into Sunday's meeting with Calgary.
In AHL exhibition action, the Rochester Americans throttled CIS opponent Western Ontario, 9-1. Shawn Szydlowski and Jonathan Parker each potted two goals, while Marcus Foligno, Mark Voakes, Phil Varone, Brayden McNabb, and Derek Whitmore added singles for the Amerks.
Kevin Sundher pocketed an empty-net goal and a pair of power play assists Saturday as Victoria avenged their season opening loss the night before with a 4-1 victory over Vancouver. Sundher, who was named the game's #2 star, was looking to avoid a repeat of last season's slow start that saw him go four games before notching a point and another three before his first goal. The one-goal, two-assist effort was the ninth time in Sundher's WHL career that he has scored three or more points. Six of those occurred last season, but his first didn't come until November. The Royals are off until Friday when they battle Prince George.
Nathan Lieuwen earned his first win of the season, making 29 saves as Kootenay downed Calgary, 5-1. With CHL clubs looking to rack up as many early season victories as possible, it's fair to expect the 6'5 netminder to again get the nod when the ICE meet up with Lethbridge on Tuesday.
In Finland, Joel Armia (2 PIM, 16:34 TOI) saw his two-game point streak snapped in Assat's 6-2 drubbing of HPK. After his first five games, Armia has two assists and a -1 rating while averaging 15:22 of work. He'll continue the quest for his first goal of the season Tuesday at KalPA. Old pal Marek Zagrapan finished -2 in defeat.
In the OHL, Dan Catenacci finished -2 with a slashing minor as Owen Sound was slowed by Saginaw, 5-2. The Attack, who suffered their first loss of the season after a 2-0 start, resume the schedule Thursday at Barrie.
Cedrick Henley recorded two shots on goal as worn-out Val-'Or was shut out by PEI, 3-0. After three road games in three nights, the Foreurs are now off until Friday when they host Gatineau.
Colin Jacobs remained out of action with an injury as Seattle opened the year with a 6-3 loss to Portland. The Winterhawks were playing without Riley Boychuk, who is set to take part in the Rochester Americans training camp beginning Monday.
In our first Friday of CHL action, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc picked up where he left off a season ago, cashing two goals, adding an assist, and leading his team with five shots on goal as Rimouski came from behind to earn a 6-5 shootout win over Chicoutimi. Trailing 4-2 heading into the third, the Nics battled back to a 5-5 tie with 2:19 left in regulation to force the extra time and tiebreaker.
Leduc, who finished last season on a tear with an impressive 18 points in his final 10 games to wind up as the QMJHL's #2 scorer among defensemen, is certainly out to stake an early offensive claim as Team Canada starts weeding out their 2012 World Junior hopefuls. The multi-goal game is the fourth in his last eight regular season contests (going back to 2010-11), a span that has seen the 6'2 defender convert nine of his last 15 shots on goal (remember five of those came Friday). Rimouski will next hit the ice Sunday when they host Shawinigan.
Also from the Q, Cedrick Henley collected an assist and eight hits as Val-d'Or lost a 5-4 shootout to the defending Memorial Cup champions, Saint John. The 6'5 wing's physical effort comes one night removed from a three-assist outing in his season debut. The Foreurs return to action Saturday in PEI.
Dan Catenacci continued his warm OHL start, scoring the game's first goal on the power play and adding an assist as Owen Sound closed out Guelph, 6-4. The 5'10 center now has four points (2+2) in his first two games as a member of the Attack. Catenacci, who scored just six goals in his final 30 games of 2010-11, will look to maintain his current 136-point pace Saturday when the Attack take on Saginaw.
Alex Lepkowski (+1) assisted on an empty-net goal as Barrie got past Brampton, 3-1. Colts forward Gregg Sutch played even with a cross-checking minor in the win. The Colts are now off until Thursday when they meet up with Owen Sound.
Kevin Sundher finished -1 as the Victoria Royals lost their inaugural WHL contest to Vancouver, 5-2. Earlier in the day, the Royals announced that Sundher would serve as an alternate captain for the 2011-12 season. The Royals and Giants will head back to Victoria Saturday for the Royals home opener -- the first WHL home game in Victoria since the Cougars fled for Prince George back in 1994.
Nathan Lieuwen earned the start in Kootenay's 2011-12 opener, making 27 saves as the ICE fell in the shootout to Red Deer, 3-2. The 6'5 netminder, who played well in helping the Sabres to the Traverse City title, surrendered three goals in the six-round shootout to put the ICE in a 0-1 hole to begin the year. Kootenay will look for the first win Saturday against Calgary.
In SM-liiga action, Joel Armia earned the primary assist on the game winning goal as Assat defeated the Blues, 3-1. The big wing dumped the puck off and pushed to the net as a screen to earn his second point in as many games. Assat returns to action Saturday versus HPK.
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Earlier Friday, the Sabres dispatched the first eleven players to their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans.
F: Riley Boychuk, Jacob Lagace, Maxime Legault, Shawn Szydlowski, Mark Voakes, Travis Turnbull
D: Matt MacKenzie, Corey Fienhage, Nick Crawford, Alex Biega
G: Jeff Jakaitis
Unsigned draft picks Matt MacKenzie, 19, and Riley Boychuk, 20, are AHL eligible this season and worth the look in Amerks camp, but the Sabres could still elect to return the pair to their WHL clubs.
Cedrick Henley was a contributor in his first game of the season Thursday, collecting three assists including a set-up of the game winning goal as Val-d'Or dominated Moncton, 7-3. The 6'5, 204-pound wing is poised for a big season in the QMJHL after missing 42 games a year ago to undergo corrective wrist surgery. The three-point outing was just the second of Henley's career, while his +3 on the night stands as a single-game best. Former Caps prospect Benjamin Casavant paced the Foreurs with a hat trick.
In the OHL, Gregg Sutch made his debut in a Colts uniform, posting an assist as Barrie defeated Kingston, 7-4. Alex Lepkowski logged a +1 for the Colts, while undrafted forwards Tanner Pearson and Zach Hill each recorded two goals and three assists.
Steven Shipley finished -1 as Niagara got stomped by Peterborough, 7-1. The IceDogs were playing without top forward Ryan Strome, who is attempting to make the New York Islanders as an 18-year old.
The CHL exhibition schedule has opened, and with a Friday trip to Buffalo on the horizon, a couple of Sabres prospects are already sporting their gameface.
Matt MacKenzie recorded an assist and a fighting major Friday as Tri-City opened the WHL pre-season with a 5-2 win over Everett. Things got a little testy in the final minutes after the Ams, who dominated the Tips with 45-14 shot advantage, exploded for four third-period goals to break a 1-1 stalemate. Tips dman Tye Hand ('13) was whistled for boarding with 1:20 to play. Shortly thereafter with just :44 remaining, MacKenzie got into a jousting match with Tyler Maxwell that resulted in a slashing minor, fighting major, and game misconduct.
Both MacKenzie and Riley Boychuk would sit out Saturday as Tri-City used a shootout to edge Portland, 5-4.
Kevin Sundher got his 2011 pre-season off to an interesting start Saturday, collecting a -2 and an ejection as Victoria got throttled by Kelowna, 7-2. Sundher got an early shower when he and Colton Sissons ('12) were tossed for fighting with :21 to play in the opening frame. Sundher had previously served two minutes for an elbow as the Rockets shot out to a 4-0 lead.
Save some of that for Traverse City, boys.
In Saturday OHL action, Steven Shipley did not register a point as Niagara shut out Erie, 2-0. Shipley played as the third line center between veteran David Pacan and 16-year old Trevor Petersen.
As usual, the QMJHL was the first to get running with two weeks of exhibition games already in the books.
On Thursday, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc registered three hits as Rimouski defeated Denmark's U20 squad, 3-1. The 6'2 defender has picked up where he left off last year, scoring a goal and three assists in four pre-season tilts while looking poised to wear a letter on a sweater. The Nics open the regular season Friday against Blainville-Boisbriand, the same day that rookies are scheduled to report to Buffalo for the start of camp.
Cedrick Henley scored his first goal of the pre-season Friday as Val-d'Or lost to Blainville-Boisbriand, 6-3. The marker was Henley's first point in two games thus far (+2, 2 PIM).
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Sunday scheudule:
Owen Sound (Catenacci) vs. Barrie (Lepkowski, Sutch)
Portland (Boychuk) vs. Spokane
Edmonton (Pysyk) vs. Swift Current
Seattle (Jacobs - not likely) vs. Everett
Kevin Sundher potted two goals and an assist Wednesday as Chilliwack overcame a three-goal third period deficit to earn a 4-3 OT win over Spokane. Sunder led the way in the third, assisting on a power play goal to bring the Bruins within one before going to the net and making a nice backhand move to cash the game tying goal with 8:16 left and force the extra session. The six-foot center capped the heroic effort just 3:20 in when he broke free from center ice and smoked a quick release over the glove of James Reid. The Bruins now trail the series 2-1 with game #3 Thursday.
Elsewhere in the WHL, Brayden McNabb (+3) had an assist as Kootenay evened their series at two games apiece with a 5-0 shutout win over Moose Jaw. The 6'4 blueliner, who took the puck and delivered a sharp pass after entering the zone as the trailer to give the ICE a 3-0 lead, has a goal and three assists through the four post-season contests. Three of the four series games have been won via shutout. Game #5 is Friday in Kootenay.
Matt MacKenzie (+2) posted an assist as Tri-City earned a first-round sweep with a 5-1 over Vancouver. MacKenzie has a goal, three assists, and a +3 raing in four postseason games. The Ams will now wait for their next opponent to be determined.
Riley Boychuk did not point as Portland defeated Everett, 5-4. With a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Winterhawks will look for the sweep on Thursday.
In the OHL, Zack Kassian notched his first goal of the playoffs and added an assist as Windsor gained a firmed upper hand in their first round tilt with a 7-4 win over Erie. Kassian used his size and strength to spin away from a check and bury his first to give the Spits a 4-2 lead in the early second period. Alexander Khokhlachev ('11) had two goals and assist for the Spits, who can close out the series on Friday.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc picked up an assist as Rimouski lost in overtime to Gatineau, 4-3. The 18-year old, who assisted on the game-tying goal with 3:55 to play to send the game into overtime, has three points in four playoff games. The defeat puts the Nics in a 3-1 hole in their best-of-seven series, with their first elimination game coming Friday in Gatineau.
Cedrick Henley (-1) recorded two shots on goal and three hits as Val-d'Or was eliminated from the QMJHL playoffs with a 5-2 loss to Quebec. Henley ends the four-game playoff year with no points, a -4 rating, and six penalty minutes.
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In non-playoff news, as expected ex-Bowling Green netminder Nick Eno has signed a contract with Toledo of the ECHL. The 6'3 Eno was long considered a longshot to get a contract from the Sabres, and the Coast league deal essentially brings an end to his time as a Sabres prospect.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored a goal and assisted on the game winner Tuesday to lead pesky Rimouski to a 7-4 win over Gatineau. With an effort marked by quick execution in his own zone and the usual proper steering on the power play, it was an overall heady performance for the escapable 6'2 puckmover. He cashed his first goal of the playoffs on the power play to give the Nics a 4-3 lead late in the second period. At 4:10 of the third period, he sent a pass to Patrick Delisle-Houde for the game winning goal. The Oceanic now trail the series 2-1 with the clubs going right back at it on Wednesday.
Also from the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley was -1 as Val-d'Or got drilled by Quebec, 9-0. The 6'5 forward has gone without a point in nine career playoff games. Trailing the series 3-0, the Foreurs face a "win or go home" scenario on Wednesday.
In the OHL, Steven Shipley finished +1 as Niagara defeated Brampton, 3-1. The victory gives the IceDogs a commanding 3-0 series advantage with game #4 taking place Thursday in Brampton. The 6'3 Shipley, who was on for the Dogs final goal while centering scorer Darren Archibald and Myles Doan, has yet to record a point in seven career playoff games.
Gregg Sutch skated even with a minor penalty as Mississauga completed the first round sweep of Belleville, 4-0. Skating on the Majors fourth line with Jamie Wise and Corey Bureau, the grinding Sutch was whistled for a checking to the head penalty late in the first period. The 6'2 forward had no points in the series for the Majors, who will now wait to see who they'll face in round two. The injury-riddled Bulls dressed just nine forwards along with seven defensemen to end the season.
Marcus Foligno was unable to point for the third straight game as Sudbury battled back to steal a 5-4 overtime win over Ottawa. Foligno, who has been skating with Eric O'Dell and Michael Sgarbossa, hasn't been putting up points but he's still made noise in the offensive zone by pounding defensemen on the check. He started the night with a crowd pleasing boom on big Cody Ceci ('12) before lowering the boom on Ryan Shipley (brother of Steven) for the third time in the series. His efforts have drawn the attention of 67's bruiser Dalton Smith, making for a Sabres-centric sidebar when the #7 seed Wolves look to pull off the sweep/upset of the #2 seed Thursday in Ottawa.
In WHL action, Brayden McNabb was -1 as Kootenay lost game #3 of their first round series to Moose Jaw, 4-0. the shutout loss was the second in three games against the Warriors. The ICE will look to even the series at two games each on Wednesday.
Matt MacKenzie was kept off the scoresheet as Tri-City shut out Vancouver, 4-0. The Ams will look to take the brooms to the Giants when the puck drops for Wednesday's game #4.
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.
