2/3 Recap: Cat's three extends streak

Dan Catenacci scored a goal and two assists in the first period Friday as Owen Sound lost in overtime to Windsor, 6-5. Catenacci, who was returning from a one-game suspension, has now collected four goals and nine points in his last four games. Chris Marchese ('12) had a goal and two helpers for the Spits.



Steven Shipley scored his 13th goal of the year as Niagara battled to a key 3-2 victory over the CHL's top-ranked London Knights. The 6'3 center now has goals on two straight games for the third time this season.

Nathan Lieuwen made 28 saves as Kootenay edged Calgary, 2-1. The victory, his first in his last five starts, moves Lieuwen to 21-11-4-2 on the year. Sam Reinhart ('14) scored his second goal of the game with :01 left on the clock to ice the win for the ICE.  

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc picked up an assist as Rimouski blew the doors off Quebec, 9-3. The QMJHL's leading defensive scorer, Leduc has gathered points in four straight games. 2012 draft stud Mikhail Grigorenko finished the game a -6.

Joel Armia earned an assist as Assat got past Tappara, 2-1. At the 40 game mark, the 6'3 wing has 12 goals and 27 points. In 48 games last year, Armia collected 18 goals and 29 points.



In NCAA play, Drew MacKenzie (+1) picked up an assist as Vermont was defeated by #9 Lowell, 3-1. The 6'2 senior has now recorded a point in 18 of his last 21 games.

Brad Navin was credited with a late power play assist in Wisconsin's 5-1 home ice loss to St. Cloud State. The helper was earned when Frankie Simonelli's point-shot deflected off Navin before Brendan Woods tipped it into the Husky net.

Connor Knapp made 12 saves in two periods of relief work as Miami lost at Michigan, 4-1. Knapp allowed a goal on the only Wolverine shot in the second before stopping everything thrown at him in the third. The  6'6 senior had started both ends in two of Miami's four January sets, but began the game on the bench as Cody Reichard was given the nod after posting a shutout last Saturday.



Justin Jokinen assisted on the Mavs insurance goal as Minnesota-State bested Michigan Tech, 5-3. The 6'3 senior has a goal and three helpers in his last 15 games (since 12/1).

Elsewhere, Kevin Sundher did not factor as Brandon was doubled by Lethbridge, 4-2. The Wheat Kings have won just three of 12 games since acquiring Sundher at the WHL trade deadline. Sundher has gone without a point in five of the 12 appearances.

Gregg Sutch was even in lower line minutes as Barrie edged Mississauga, 1-0. Alex Lepkowski did not play for the Colts.

Cedrick Henley finished -1 with seven hits as Val-d'Or was hammered by Shawinigan. 8-1. The Foreurs have now last their last five games.

Colin Jacobs was kept off the scoresheet as Seattle lost at Tri-City, 4-1. The Texas-born pivot has gone without a goal in his last six games.

Mark Adams was scratched as Providence lost to New Hampshire, 3-1. Adams has sat out three of the Friars' last seven games.

1/29 Recap: Leduc bags winner

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored the overtime game winner Sunday as Rimouski bested Halifax, 4-3. The power play tally came just 26-seconds into the extra frame to give Leduc goals in two straight games. The Nics are at Victoriaville on Wednesday.

Steven Shipley scored his 12th goal of the year as Niagara blanked Brampton, 3-0. Shipley, whose mark snapped an eight-game drought, now has 30 points in 44 games. The IceDogs travel to London on Friday.

Cedrick Henley finished -1 in Val-d'Or's 4-2 loss to Chicoutimi. The 6'5 forward has now gone four games without a point. Les Foreurs battle Shawinigan on Friday.

Colin Jacobs did not factor as Seattle came up short against Kelowna, 4-3. The 6'1 center has recorded points in eight of 21 games this season, and has yet to click for a multiple point effort. He had 11 multi-point games last year. The T-Birds host Spokane on Tuesday.

Mark Adams finished even as Providence lost to Merrimack, 4-2. The Friars travel to UNH on Friday.

Daniel Catenacci served his one-game suspension as Owen Sound suffered a 3-1 loss to Brampton.

1/27 Recap: Cat pounces for pair, Armia streak at eight

Dan Catenacci scored a pair of goals Friday, his 22nd and 23rd of the year, as Owen Sound dropped a 5-4 decision to Kitchener. The speedy center, who now has five two-goal games this season, is currently tied for 17th in OHL scoring with 53 points (23+30) in 47 games.



Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his 22nd goal of the year as Rimouski defeated Gatineau, 5-2. The goal, Leduc's second game winner of the year, snaps his six-game scoring drought. Crafty 2011 eligible Tomas Hyka notched a goal and an assist for the Olympiques.



Colin Jacobs picked up an assist and then scored the only goal in the shootout as Seattle edged Kelowna, 2-1. The shootout goal was Jacobs' third in three tries in the tiebreaker, nearly matching his regulation/OT output of four in 19 games since returning from injury. One of those goals was a penalty shot.



Gregg Sutch recorded two assists for his third multi-point game of the year as Barrie downed Brampton, 6-2. Alex Lepkowski, who was on the ice for a short-handed goal for and two goals against (one on a 5x3 PP), finished even for the Colts.

Mark Pysyk picked up an assist as Edmonton spanked Brandon, 6-2. Kevin Sundher finished the night at -2, giving him two goals and four assists in his first 10 games in Brandon uniform. Pysyk, meanwhile, has two goals and seven assists in 10 games since returning from the World Junior Championships.

Cedrick Henley finished -1 as Val-d'Or lost at home to Chicoutimi, 7-6. The 6'5 forward has 10 goals and 26 points in 35 games this season after having the bulk of his 2010-11 washed out due to wrist surgery.

Steven Shipley upped his goalless stretch to eight games as Niagara was blanked by Guelph, 3-0. The 6'3 Shipley, who has collected 29 points through 43 games, is amidst his longest stretch without a goal since his nine-game drought back in 2008-09 as an OHL rookie.

Nathan Lieuwen allowed five goals on 17 shots before getting pulled late in the second period as Kootenay lost in a shootout to Prince Albert, 7-6. The 20-year old netminder has allowed 12 goals in his last three outings - all ICE losses.

In NCAA, Drew MacKenzie saw his nine-game point streak come to an end as Vermont was thumped by Northeastern, 8-3. The 6'2 defender is currently the sixth leading scoring among Hockey East defensemen with 16 points (6+10) in 22 games.

Connor Knapp stopped 11 of 13 shots but Miami scored just once on 41 shots in a 2-1 loss to Northern Michigan. Knapp, who entered the game with six straight wins including a 0.60 goals against average and .977 save percentage in the month of January, moves to 8-5 on the year.

Brad Navin continued to bring a physical element to to the third line as Wisconsin lost to North Dakota, 5-3. Brad Eidsness served as backup for UND.

Justin Jokinen did not factor as Minnesota State lost to Bemidji State, 2-1. The 6'3 senior has three goals and nine points in 27 games.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the 20th time this season in Minnesota's 2-1 win over St. Cloud State. The freshman, who has bounced between center and wing, is +1 with 14 shots on goal in eight appearances.

***

In the AHL, the Amerks continued their recent offensive woes with a 4-0 defeat at Syracuse. The Amerks coughed up two goals in the game's first three minutes en route to being shut out for the first time all year.

The Rundown:
Kassian: -2, 6 SOG
Crawford: 5 SOG
Foligno: 2 SOG
Szydlowski: -2, 1 SOG
Schiestel: -1
Lagace: -1
Biega: -1, 4 SOG
Fienhage: 2 PIM
Persson: -2
Parker: -2

Drew MacIntyre stopped 29 shots to fall to 6-11-0-2 on the year. Losers of two straight, the Amerks will travel to Toronto on Saturday before heading to the AHL All-Star break.

***

On Thursday, Joel Armia continued to ride his renewed confidence with a pair of assists in Assat's 6-1 win over the Blues. The 6'3 wing is red hot with points in eight straight games, including all six since returning from the World Junior Championship. He has gathered nine goals and eight assists in his last 15 overall.



In other Thursday games, Shipley failed to get in on the fun as Niagara smoked Belleville, 6-0.

Henley registered two hits in his return from a two-game absence as Val-d'Or lost to Drummondville, 3-1.

Sutch (-2) and Lepkowski (-3) were stifled as Barrie dropped a 4-1 home ice decision to Plymouth.

1/21-22 Recap: Armia on tear; Knapp stellar

Joel Armia continued his recent surge Saturday, scoring a pair of goals to extend his point streak to seven games as Assat smoked KalPa, 8-3. Armia's offensive spike, marked by a variety of goal celebrations, has resulted in 13 points (7+6) in his last 10 games to up his season line to 36GP 12-12-24.

>

In NCAA play, Connor Knapp made 22 saves for his 10th career shutout as Miami earned the weekend sweep with a 4-0 win over Western Michigan. The 6'5 senior, who earned back-to-back starts for the second time in three weekends, is now tops among Sabres goaltending prospects with a 1.77 goals against average and .932 save percentage. Knapp also added an assist the old fashioned way en route to securing his grip on the RedHawks' #1 goaltending spot.



In the OHL, Dan Catenacci notched a goal and two assists as Owen Sound lost in overtime to London, 6-5. The goal, his 21st of the year, snaps a seven-game goal drought. It was his fifth three-point effort since joining the Attack.



Colin Jacobs scored a power play goal in Seattle's 5-4 overtime loss to Everett. The goal was Jacobs' fourth point in eight January games, and seventh in 18 games since returning from a lengthy shoulder injury.



Gregg Sutch earned an assist as Barrie doubled Guelph, 4-2. The game marked Sutch's return to the Colts lineup after missing eight games with an upper body injury. Alex Lepkowski finished -1 on the Barrie blueline.

Steven Shipley assisted on the first Niagara goal as the IceDogs lost to Sudbury, 4-3. The point was Shipley's first in five games.

Justin Jokinen (+2) contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota State defeated Nebraska-Omaha 5-4 in overtime. Jokinen was on the ice as the Mavericks' third line clicked for the OT winner.

Brad Navin finished even as Wisconsin edged Alaska-Anchorage, 3-2. The freshman third-liner has two goals and two assists through his first 23 NCAA games.

Brad Eidsness served as backup in North Dakota's 3-2 win over St. Cloud State.

Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch as Minnesota defeated Colorado College, 2-1.

Mark Adams was a scratch as Providence was embarrassed by Boston University, 8-0.

***

On Sunday, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc logged a -2 as Rimouski was shut out by Baie-Comeau. The offensive-minded defender has just two goals and two assists in 10 game since returning from the Christmas break.

Cedrick Henley did not play for the second straight game as Val-d'Or was stomped by Rouyn-Noranda, 9-3.

Jacobs was kept off the scoresheet as Seattle was nipped by Vancouver, 3-2.

Shipley finished +2 with an assist in Niagara's 9-0 blowout of Peterborough.

Lepkowski (-1) and Sutch (2PIM) did not factor in Barrie's 3-0 loss to Oshawa.

1/20 Recap: A first for Pysyk as Oil Kings stay hot

Mark Pysyk recorded the first two-goal game of his WHL career Friday to lead Edmonton to a 6-1 win over Swift Current. The OKs captain, who also added an assist for his second three-point night of the year, now has four goals and 14 points in 12 games since returning from injury on 11/19. The Oil Kings, ranked #1 in the WHL's Western Conference with 67 points, are 7-2-0-1 in their last 10 games.

In NCAA play, Drew MacKenzie extended his point streak to nine games with a third period assist as Vermont lost to Massachusetts, 4-3. The senior defenseman, who also added six shots on goal, now has six goals and 16 points in 21 games. His nine-game streak is the most for a Sabres defensive prospect since Brayden McNabb's 11-gamer a season ago.

Connor Knapp made 26 saves for his fifth consecutive victory as Miami downed Western Michigan, 3-1. Knapp has stopped 101 of 104 shots faced in the month of January, dropping his season goals against average to 1.94 through 11 games heading into Saturday's rematch. With Knapp hot, perhaps coach Enrico Blasi will take corrective action from last weekend when Knapp's Friday win was washed out by a Cody Reichard loss on Saturday.

Kevin Sundher posted an assist as Brandon lost to Saskatoon, 3-2. The six-foot center carried the puck from the right corner and set-up a Mark Stone one-timer from the left circle to even the score 1-1 just 15-seconds after the Blades first struck. Sundher has four assists in six games as a Wheat King, and zero goals in nine January outings - tying the longest goalless stretch of his 261-game WHL career.

Elsewhere, Brad Eidsness made 27 saves in his first start since December 2nd as North Dakota lost to St. Cloud State, 3-1. The senior held firm with 15 stops in the first period before allowing two goals in the middle frame. An empty netter closed things out, giving UND their 12th straight Friday night loss when visiting St. Cloud.

Nathan Lieuwen made 30 saves as Kootenay lost in overtime to Moose Jaw, 6-5. The six goals against is the most allowed by Lieuwen this season. He allowed six on three occasions in 2010-11. The ICE are tied with Medicine Hat for #3 in the Eastern Conference with 58 points.

Colin Jacobs notched an assist as Seattle lost to Kamloops. 5-3. Jacobs helped get the T-Birds on the board when he found Chance Lund in the slot to cut the Blazers lead to 3-1 late in the opening period.

Brad Navin led all Badger forwards with four shots on goal as Wisconsin pitched a 4-0 shut out of Alaska-Anchorage. The freshman has continued to build momentum on the team's third line despite going without a point in five January games.

Steven Shipley finished -1 in Niagara's 3-2 win over Erie. The 6'3 forward has gone without a point in four straight games.

Dan Catenacci did not score as Owen Sound was shut out by London, 3-0. The 5'10 speedster has zero goals in seven January games.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc punched three shots on goal as Rimouski defeated Chicoutimi, 3-1. The mobile righty has one goal and one assist in six January contests.

Christian Isackson skated even as Minnesota lost to Colorado College, 2-1. The freshman, who has floated between center and wing during his first eight NCAA contests, should see more time moving forward with Nick Larson out over a month with a broken wrist.

Justin Jokinen contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota State dropped a 2-1 decision to Nebraska-Omaha. In 25 games, the 6'3 senior has three goals and nine points. He posted nine goals and 17 points in 38 games as a junior.

Mark Adams was -2 as Providence got throttled by Boston University, 6-1. The sophomore defender has an assist and a -7 rating through 13 games.

Cedrick Henley sat out of Val d'Or's 3-2 overtime win over Rouyn-Noranda.

1/15 Recap: MacKenzie continues roll

Drew MacKenzie recorded an assist Sunday to extend his point streak to eight games as Vermont lost to Providence, 5-2. Tied for second in team scoring this season with 15 points (6+9), the senior defender has 10 goals and 25 points in his last 31 NCAA games going back to last February. Friars defenseman Mark Adams skated even in the win. In 12 games, the sophomore has one assist, two shots on goal, and a -5 rating.

To best appreciate MacKenzie's point streak, see how it rates against others produced by NCAA prospects of recent memory:

12 - Nathan Gerbe, Boston College (2/12/07-3/24/07)
9 - Nathan Gerbe, Boston College (2 x 2007-08)
8 - Drew MacKenzie, Vermont (12/7/11-present)
8 - Corey Tropp, Michigan State (12/4/09-1/9/10)
6 - Thomas Vanek, Minnesota (4 x 2002-03, 1 x 2003-04)
6 - Drew Stafford, North Dakota (2/17/06-3/4/06)
6 - Corey Tropp, Michigan State (10/9/09-10/24/09)

*** 

In the WHL, Kevin Sundher picked up an assist as Brandon was throttled by Moose Jaw, 8-2. The Wheat Kings are winless in four games since acquiring Sundher. The six-foot center himself has cooled with zero goals in seven January games, his longest drought since last March. Sundher and the Wheat Kings will look to right the ship Wednesday at Saskatoon.

Mark Pysyk finished even as Edmonton suffered a 4-3 loss at Calgary. The Edmonton native, who has collected three goals and 23 points at the 30-game mark, has played 15 straight without a minus rating (since 10/28). The clear frontrunner in the WHL's Eastern Conference, the Oil Kings will next host Prince George on Wednesday.

In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley logged a +1 as Val-d'Or defeated Blainville-Boisbriand, 1-0. The Foreurs are off until Friday when they host Rouyn-Noranda.

1/14 Recap: Henley fuels Foreurs upset

Cedrick Henley notched a goal and an assist Saturday to earn the game's #1 star as Val-d'Or toppled Q frontrunner Quebec 4-3 in overtime. The Foreurs captain got on the scoresheet twice during a five-goal third period to record his eighth multiple point game of the season. The 6'5 power forward has 10 goals and 26 points this season including 4+4 in eight games since returning from a broken thumb. Val-d'Or plays at Blainville-Boisbriand on Sunday.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc didn't get a regulation point but scored the only goal of the shootout to clinch Rimouski's 3-2 win over Rouyn-Noranda. Producing at well above a point-per-game pace all season long, the 6'1 defender has just three goals and four assists in 10 games since being cut from Team Canada's selection camp. The Oceanic are off until Friday when they visit Chicoutimi.





In WHL play, Kevin Sundher picked up a pair of assists as Brandon dropped a 4-3 shootout decision to his former club, Victoria. The power play helpers, Sundher's first points as a Wheat King, keep him tied for second among WHL assist leaders. Brandon travels to Moose Jaw on Sunday.

Mark Pysyk gathered a pair of assists as Edmonton won a 3-2 overtime decision over Kootenay. The steady Oil Kings captain has a goal and four assists in four games since returning from the World Junior Championship. Kootenay netminder Nathan Lieuwen, who was shaken up after getting run into late in the third, finished with a season-high 41 saves to earn the game's #2 star. Edmonton travels to Calgary on Sunday. The ICE are off until Wednesday's tilt at Regina.

Colin Jacobs did not play as Seattle was trumped by Portland, 4-0. The Thunderbirds have been outscored 29-8 en route to losing six straight games. Seattle plays at Spokane on Monday.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley was held without a point for the third straight game as Niagara dominated Barrie, 4-1. Winners of five straight and nine of their last 10, the IceDogs are now tied with Ottawa atop the Eastern Conference standings. Alex Lepkowski finished -2 for the Colts, while Gregg Sutch missed his seventh consecutive game with a head injury. Barrie will battle Saginaw on Thursday. Niagara returns to action Friday at Erie.

Dan Catenacci did not factor into the scoring as Owen Sound shellacked Erie, 5-0. The speedy center has now gone five game without a goal. The Attack will host a well-oiled Whalers squad on Wednesday.

In NCAA action, Justin Jokinen picked up an assist as Minnesota State earned the weekend split with a 3-0 win over Wisconsin. Brad Navin recorded two shots on goal in the loss. Both schools resume their WCHA schedules next weekend, with Minnesota State hosting Nebraska-Omaha and the Badgers welcoming Alaska-Anchorage to Madison.

Brad Eidsness stopped seven of eight shots in relief of Aaron Dell as North Dakota was blown out by Minnesota, 6-2. The third period action was Eidsness' first in league play since picking up a 5-2 win at Alaska-Anchorage back on December 2nd. Gopher freshman Christian Isackson was scratched for the third straight game. North Dakota goes to St. Cloud on Friday while the Gophers get ready for a set with Colorado College.

Connor Knapp was given the the night off as Miami suffered a 4-3 loss at Lake Superior State. The big senior had backstopped three RedHawks wins coming out of the break before giving way to fellow senior Cody Reichard, who hadn't played since December 10th. Miami returns to Oxford for next weekend's battle with Western Michigan.

1/13 Recap: Knapp shines; MacKenzie extends streak

Connor Knapp made 25 saves Friday to earn his fourth consecutive win as Miami defeated #19 Lake Superior State, 2-1. The reigning CCHA Goaltender of the Week has started all three of Miami's games since the Christmas break, stopping 78 of 80 shots to guide the unranked RedHawks to a much needed winning streak. It's expected that Miami bench boss Enrico Blasi will continue to ride the 6'6 senior when the RedHawks look for the road sweep of the Lakers on Saturday.

Drew MacKenzie extended his career-high point streak to seven games with a pair of assists as Vermont upset #11 Lowell 3-2 in overtime. With his first multi-point game of the season (he had four last year), the 6'2 defenseman now has six goals and 14 points in 19 games. The Catamounts host Providence on Sunday.



Dan Catenacci set up the game winning goal as Owen Sound defeated Erie, 3-1. The 5'10 center has five assists in four January games, and a total of 48 points through 42 regular season tilts.The Attack and Otters will do it again on Saturday.



Kevin Sundher finished -3 as Brandon dropped a 5-4 decision to Red Deer. The 6'0 center has yet to record a point in two games (both losses) since being traded from Victoria prior to the WHL deadline. The WHL's #2 assist man, Sundher has also yet to earn first line time for the 8th place Wheat Kings. Sundher will get a chance to play against his former mates on Saturday when Brandon hosts Victoria.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc picked up a power play assist as Rimouski needed the shootout to down Rouyn-Noranda, 4-3. Leduc, who was stopped in his shootout attempt, has two goals and two assists in his last eight games. He continues to lead all QMJHL defensemen with 21 goals and 54 points.

Colin Jacobs assisted on his team's only goal as Seattle was hammered by Kamloops, 7-1. Playing his 13th game of the year on Friday the 13th, Jacobs has five points since returning from offseason shoulder surgery. The T-Birds resume play on Saturday against Portland.

Cedrick Henley posted one shot on goal as Val-d'Or was throttled by Victoriaville, 6-1. After collecting six points (3+3) in two games, the 6'5 wing has failed to get on the scoresheet in his last two outings.

Steven Shipley finished +1 as Niagara dropped Sudbury, 5-2. The IceDogs do battle with Barrie on Saturday.

Brad Navin recorded a shot on goal in third-line minutes as Wisconsin blanked Minnesota State, 4-0. Justin Jokinen was -1 for the Mavericks. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.

Brad Eidsness served as backup for the seventh straight game as North Dakota got past rival Minnesota, 2-1. Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch for the Gophers.

***

In Friday AHL action, Rochester continued to struggle against North Division foes with a 2-1 overtime loss to Toronto. The Sabres farmhands are now winless in four tries against the Marlies.

The Amerks were outshot 41-26 in the contest, with David Leggio's 39 saves earning him the game's #2 star. Travis Turnbull scored the lone Rochester goal on the period power play. Alex Biega and Mark Voakes picked up assists.

The Rundown:
Biega: A, 2 SOG
Kassian: 4 SOG
Foligno: 2 SOG, 16 PIM
Lagace: -1, 2 SOG
Schiestel: -1
Brennan: 2 SOG
Boychuk: -1
Parker: 1 SOG
Szydlowski: 1 SOG
Persson: -1

The Amerks will try to right their divisional struggles on Saturday when they host a Hamilton Bulldogs club that has beaten them in six of seven games this season.

1/8 Recap: Kassian's three point night not enough

Zack Kassian scored a pair of goals Sunday and added an assist - all in the third period - as Rochester lost a 4-3 shootout battle to longtime foe Hershey. Kassian, who added the lone Amerks goal in the shootout, now has four points in two games since returning to the AHL. It was the first three-point night of his professional career.

Trailing 2-0 after two periods, the Amerks came on strong in the final frame to make it a game. Kassian got the ball rolling with his eighth of the year on the power play just 15-seconds in. Minutes later, T.J. Brennan potted his seventh goal of the year to knot the game 2-2. The Bears would get the lead back before Kassian's second of the night with 1:01 left in regulation forced the OT.



The Rundown:
Kassian: 2G, SHOG, A, 5 SOG
Brennan: G, +1, 4 SOG
Foligno: A, +1, 3 SOG
Biega: A, 3 SOG
Tropp: -1
Schiestel: -1
Szydlowski: 1 SOG
Lagace: even

The Amerks are off until Friday when they host divisional rival Toronto.

***

Elsewhere, Nathan Lieuwen made 31 saves to guide Kootenay to a 3-1 win over Medicine Hat. The ICE travel to Red Deer on Wednesday.

Alex Lepkowski logged a -1 as Barrie downed Kingston, 5-3. Gregg Sutch missed his fifth straight game with a head injury. Barrie is off until Thursday when they take on Niagara.

Cedrick Henley recorded three shots on goal as Val-d'Or surprised Quebec, 2-1. The Foreurs will next play on Friday at Victoriaville.

Mark Pysyk finished even as Edmonton lost to Red Deer, 4-3. The Oil Kings travel to Medicine Hat on Thursday.