Showing posts with label knapp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knapp. Show all posts

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Amerks dominated; McCabe named Captain

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his second goal of the year Saturday as the Rochester Americans were dominated in a 5-1 loss at Binghamton. Leduc's tally came as he joined the rush to the top of the crease and buried a nice feed from Luke Adam, who extended his point streak to eight games with the assist. Connor Knapp made his sixth professional start, stopping 32 of 37 shots in defeat. The Amerks will begin a two-game set with Lake Erie Wednesday at Blue Cross Arena.

In USHL play, Judd Peterson recorded a minus-two rating as Cedar Rapids dropped a 7-4 decision at Sioux Falls. The St. Cloud State commit heads home for Christmas with five goals and 12 points through his first 12 junior "A" contests. Cedar Rapids returns to action Friday at Des Moines.

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In World Junior Championship news, Team USA made two of a required three cuts Saturday. Wisconsin defenseman Jake McCabe was not one of them. Instead, he was named the team's captain for the tournament. Safe to say the speculation that Phil Housley was "comfortable with McCabe" was quite accurate. Congratulations, Jake!



With McCabe's blueline partner Connor Murphy (PHX) reportedly nursing an injury with the tourney set to start Wednesday, Team USA sent just one defenseman, Brady Skjei (NYR) home, while waiting to determine whether or not they will need to send another rearguard home. Devils prospect Stephane Matteau was the lone forward released from the squad.

In Ufa, Mikhail Grigorenko and Andrey Makarov are set to take on Switzerland in their final pre-tourney tilt on Sunday. Russian goalie coach Vlad Myshkin told Sport-Express on Saturday that they have two number one goaltenders, and that they have yet to determine if Makarov or Tampa Bay prospect Andrei Vasilevsky will get the nod when pool play begins Wednesday.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Knapp, Catenacci under contract

The Sabres announced Tuesday that they have signed goaltender Connor Knapp (2009, 6th round, 164th overall) and center Dan Catenacci (2011, 3rd round, 77th overall) to entry-level contracts. The duo are expected to join the Rochester Americans of the AHL, who are currently in Abbotsford, B.C. for a Tuesday/Wednesday set with the Heat.

The 5'10 Catenacci inks a three-year deal on the heels of a 2011-12 campaign that saw him pot 33 goals and  72 points in 67 games for the OHL's Owen Sound Attack. The quick-footed pivot earned the contract with a strong finish, including a red-hot stretch from January 21st to March 3rd that saw him gather 13 goals and 23 points in 16 games. After spending the balance of this season on an amateur tryout, the 19-year old Catenacci is expected to return to Owen Sound in 2012-13 and hope to get on the radar for Team Canada's selection Camp for the 2013 World Junior Championship.


The 6'6 Knapp emerged as one of college hockey's hottest goaltenders after January 1st, taking control of the RedHawks #1 job for the first time in his career by posting a 12-4 record with five shutouts in his final 16 starts as a collegian. He'd finish the year 15-8 while placing among national leaders with a 1.69 goals against average and .933 save percentage. His 13 career shutouts are Miami University record. Like Catenacci, Knapp will finish the season on an ATO with the Amerks and begin his two-year deal next season.

The club not waiting until the last minute to get the deals done is just another sign that the new ownership group is committed to improving the team's image around the league. 2010 draft picks Mark Pysyk, Kevin Sundher, and Jerome Gauthier-Leduc were previously locked in well before due date. It's quite a change from the days of the Sabres going into May with a plate full of entry-level decisions.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

3/23 Recap: Shipley pots pair; Knapp's season complete

Steven Shipley scored a pair of third period goals Friday to earn the game's #3 star as Niagara dismantled Oshawa 6-1 in game #2 of the OHL Eastern Conference quarterfinal. The two-goal outing was Shipley's first in 20 career playoff games while the multi-point effort was his second. The victory gives the IceDogs a 2-0 series lead heading into Sunday's game #3.

In QMJHL action, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored on the power play as Rimouski opened the playoffs with an 8-5 win over Val-d'Or. Foreurs captain Cedrick Henley recorded an assist and a game-high five hits in defeat. The Nics will look to take a 2-0 series lead on Saturday.



In the NCAA East Region semifinal, Connor Knapp made 26 saves in his final game as a collegian as Miami was defeated by Lowell 4-3 in overtime.

Knapp started slowly, getting beat just 1:34 into the game when a shot rang off the crossbar behind him and then went off a crashing player before going over the goal line. Later in the period, a turnover at the Lowell blueline led to Knapp getting beat five-hole on the ensuing breakaway for a shorthanded goal against.

Trailing 3-0 entering the third, the RedHawks scored two goals in 14 seconds early on before completing the comeback midway through the frame to force the OT. However, Lowell ended it quickly by tipping a rebound over Knapp's arm at 2:13 of the extra session to end the RedHawks year.

The 6'6 netminder finishes the season 15-8 with a 1.69 goals against average, a .933 save percentage, and five shutouts. He amassed 46 wins in his four years in Oxford, while setting a Miami record with 13 shutouts.

Elsewhere, Nathan Lieuwen made 25 saves as Kootenay was blanked by Edmonton 3-0 in game #1 of the WHL Western Conference quarterfinal. Mark Pysyk finished +1 for the Oil Kings. The two clubs will continue the series on Sunday.

Kevin Sundher finished even as Brandon was shut out by Calgary, 4-0. Sundher, who was playing his second game after missing 13 of the previous 14 with a concussion, took a five minute rest after trading punches with 17-year old Chase Clayton early in the middle period. After combining for 80 minutes in penalties, the two clubs will unlock their 1-1 series on Sunday.



In the OHL, Gregg Sutch did not return for the third period after getting into a scrap with Trevor Carrick as Barrie was pounded 4-0 by Mississauga in game #2 of their first round series. Sutch, who earlier this season tuned up Leafs prospect Stuart Percy, tried to get his former Majors teammate to go another round before Carrick stepped in to take on the crash-and-banger. Alex Lepkowski finished even on the Colts blueline. The series heads back to Barrie for Monday's game #3.



Dan Catenacci finished -1 as Owen Sound lost to Kitchener 6-2 in game #1 of their OHL Western Conference series. The Attack will look to even the series in Saturday's game #2.

In the AHL, Colin Stuart scored two goals and Maxime Legault added a single as Rochester dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to Binghamton. David Leggio made 33 saves to fall to 23-18-2

Recently inked Phil Varone notched an assist for the Amerks, giving him 39 points in his last 42 games.

The Rundown:
Varone: A
Crawford: A
Adam: A
Biega: A
Szydlowski: even
Lagace: even
McNabb:-2
Brennan: +2
Persson:

Veteran blueliner Dennis Persson skated as a forward while Corey Tropp, Travis Turnbull, and Marcus Foligno continued their tour of duty with the surging Sabres. The Amerks were also playing without Matt MacKenzie, who on Thursday was assigned to Gwinnett of the ECHL.

Next up for the Amerks is a Saturday night tilt with Syracuse.

***

In Friday ECHL play, MacKenzie notched an assist as Gwinnett edged Greenville 3-2 in a shootout. Jonathan Parker did not factor in regulation and missed in his shootout attempt. Riley Boychuk was even with a roughing minor in the win.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Prospects set for second season

It’s the first day of Spring, meaning things are about to get a little more interesting for some Sabres prospects. The CHL playoffs kick off on Thursday while the puck drops on the NCAA tourney a day later. And hey, that Armia kid will be looking to put together a playoff run, too.

***

The Sabres pair of QMJHL prospects, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc of the Rimouski Oceanic and Cedrick Henley of the Val-d’Or Foreurs, will square off in the first round beginning Friday. Leduc, a finalist for the QMJHL Defenseman of the Year, led all Canadian junior defensemen this season with 28 goals while tying for the CHL lead with 74 points. Henley captained the Foreurs to a second place finish in the Telus East Division.

The Niagara IceDogs earned the top seed in the OHL’s Eastern Conference, creating a matchup with 8th place Oshawa. Dogs forward Steven Shipley, who was a point-per-game player over the final 20 games, will look to continue his late season pace on a line with David Pacan and Mitchell Theoret.

Dan Catenacci will be front-and-center for the defending OHL champion Owen Sound Attack as they travel to Kitchener for Friday’s game #1. The Attack will be playing without captain and leading scorer Mike Halmo, who was suspended 10 games in the final week of the regular season after lambasting Nail Yakupov with an open-ice headshot.

With star forward Tanner Pearson out with a broken leg suffered in the final game of the regular season, grinding wing Gregg Sutch, who was bumped down the lineup for most of the year, could see an elevated role for the Barrie Colts in their first round battle with Mississauga. West Seneca native Alex Lepkowski will be counted on to set a physical tone while earning big minutes on the Barrie blueline.

Out west, Edmonton captain and World Junior participant Mark Pysyk will lead the #1 seed Oil Kings into battle against the defending league champs, the Kootenay ICE. The ICE won’t have Brayden McNabb playing 30 minutes a night this go-round, but will again be backstopped by reigning playoff MVP Nathan Lieuwen, who enters the postseason with just three wins in his last 13 starts.

The Brandon Wheat Kings are hoping to have their key deadline acquisition, Kevin Sundher, back in the lineup when they begin their first round series with Calgary on Thursday. The speedy six-footer accumulated 64 points in 40 games with Victoria prior to being dealt, but has played just once after suffering a concussion on Valentine’s Day.

In other Thursday action, Joel Armia and Assat will begin their best-of-seven first round series with JYP. The 18-year old scored 18 goals for the second consecutive season, including a impressive 10 goals and 20 points in 21 games upon returning from the World Junior Championship.

After leading the NCAA with a 1.59 goals against average, Connor Knapp will lead Miami (#2 seed in the East Region) into Friday's NCAA tourney matchup with #3 Lowell. Knapp has been the most dominant netminder in all of college hockey since January 1st, compiling an 11-3 mark while allowing three or more goals just twice along the way.

In the West bracket, Brad Eidsness is expected to serve as back-up when #1 seed North Dakota battles #4 Western Michigan. On the other side, #2 Minnesota will take on Boston University. Gophers forward Christian Isackson will likely be a scratch as he has been for the last nine games.

***

Colin Jacobs and the Seattle Thunderbirds missed the WHL playoffs by two points but on Wednesday were awarded the first overall pick in the WHL bantam draft lottery. Justin Jokinen (Minnesota St.), Drew MacKenzie (Vermont), Brad Navin (Wisconsin), and Mark Adams (Providence) all saw their seasons end with losses in their respective conference tourneys.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

3/16 Recap: Knapp's run ends; Pysyk finds net

Mark Pysyk scored his sixth goal of the year Friday as Edmonton earned their 10th straight victory over Medicine Hat, 4-2. Pysyk now has points in four of his last five games. With a win Sunday, the Oil Kings will clinch the top overall spot in the WHL.

Connor Knapp allowed four goals on 19 shots before getting pulled midway through the second period as Miami was defeated by Western Michigan 6-2 in the CCHA semifinal. Knapp, who was named Best Goaltender at Thursday's CCHA Awards, had allowed four total goals in his previous eight games entering the matchup. The RedHawks will now wait for Sunday's NCAA Tourney Selection Show to learn where and when they'll continue their year.

Gregg Sutch assisted on the game's first goal as Barrie lost to Mississauga in overtime, 4-3. The helper was Sutch's first point since February 9th, ending a 14-game drought for the grinding forward. Alex Lepkowski logged a -3 in defeat.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc snagged a late power play assist as Rimouski skated to a 7-4 win over Chicoutimi. The mobile defender has collected points in three straight to raise his season total to 74 (28+46).

Brad Eidsness watched from the bench as North Dakota scored six unanswered goals en route to a stunning 6-3 win over Minnesota. The Sioux, who tied a WCHA record with their 12 straight playoff victory, will square off with Denver for the automatic NCAA tourney bid. 

Cedrick Henley finished -1 with a game-high five hits as Baie-Comeau was doubled by Chicoutimi, 8-4. Raphael Bussieres ('12) scored a goal and an assist for the winning side.

Dan Catenacci failed to get a point for the fifth straight game as Owen Sound was blanked by Guelph, 5-0. Storm forward Scott Kosmachuk ('12) scored a goal and an assist.

Nathan Lieuwen allowed two goals in the final minute of regulation and then another in the overtime as Kootenay stumbled to a 6-5 home loss to Calgary. The hottest goaltender in junior hockey at this point a season ago, Lieuwen has won just three of his last dozen starts.

Colin Jacobs tied the game with his ninth goal of the year then set-up former d-camp invite Burke Gallimore for the game winner as Seattle edged Spokane, 4-3. Jacobs' tally snapped an 11-game goal drought.

Kevin Sundher did not play in Brandon's 2-1 win over Regina. Sundher (concussion) has played in just one of the Wheat Kings last 13 games.

Mark Adams watched as Providence saw their season come to an end with a 4-2 loss to #1 Boston College in the Hockey East semifinal. The 6'3 sophomore missed the final nine games after suffering a concussion in a game against Northeastern back on 2/17.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

3/10 Recap: Knapp, Amerks extend streaks

Connor Knapp made 21 saves Saturday as Miami advanced to the CCHA semifinals with a 4-1 win over Michigan State. Knapp, who has now won seven straight starts, is 12-2 with five shutouts since January 1st while allowing one or none in all 12 of the wins. The RedHawks will now wait for the outcome of Sunday's Ferris State/Bowling Green tilt to see who they'll play on Friday at the Joe.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his 28th goal of the year as Rimouski was doubled by Blainville-Boisbriand, 4-2. Leduc has scored goals in two straight, bringing him within two points of Kevin Sundher in the race for the prospects scoring title with two games left to play. 

Mark Pysyk picked up an an assist to extend his point streak to three games as Edmonton toppled Red Deer, 7-4. The victory gives the Oil Kings 101 points, making them the first WHL club to hit triple digits this season.

Dan Catenacci went without a point for the third straight game as Owen Sound was shut out by Sarnia, 4-0. Catenacci sits with 33 goals and 71 points with three games to play. Stud 2012 prospect Nail Yakupov left the game in the second period after getting blown up by Attack captain Mike Halmo as he crossed the middle.

Nathan Lieuwen made 36 saves but Kootenay came up short in the final period for the second straight night in a 3-2 loss to Spokane. The game's #2 star, Lieuwen weathered the storm in a busy third until the Chiefs beat him for two goals in a span of 30-seconds with less than seven minutes to play.

In Finland, Joel Armia fired nine shots in Assat's 2-1 win over Tappara. The 6'3 wing is stuck at 18 goals with two regular season games remaining.

Elsewhere, Brad Eidsness got the start in the North Dakota net, making 23 saves to earn the game's #3 star as the Sioux finished off Bemidji State, 4-3. The defending back-to-back champions, North Dakota advances to next weekend's WCHA Final Five to face a yet to be determined opponent.

Brad Navin pumped two shots on net as Wisconsin was overcome by Denver, 3-1. The teams will play a third and deciding game Sunday at Magness for the right to advance to the Final Five next week in St. Paul.

Colin Jacobs finished -2 as Seattle suffered through an 11-3 drubbing by Portland. The big center has gone nine games without scoring a goal.

Alex Lepkowski played even as Barrie blanked Belleville, 3-0. Gregg Sutch was given a night off to rest some bumps and bruises

Justin Jokinen recorded four shots on goal as Minnesota State saw their season end with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Duluth in overtime. Chosen in the 4th round of the 2008 draft, the 6'3 forward ends his Mavericks career with 18 goals and 39 points in 124 games.

Kevin Sundher remained out of action (concussion) as Brandon edged Saskatoon, 2-1.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the eighth straight game as Minnesota defeated Alaska-Anchorage, 7-3.

***

While Marcus Foligno was busy scoring his first NHL goal in the Sabres Saturday night win at Ottawa, the Amerks were rather active themselves receiving marks from six different players en route to a 6-1 rout of Binghamton.

Travis Turnbull paced the winners with a goal and two assists. Mark Voakes dished his way to three helpers. Alex Biega, Maxime Legault, Derek Whitmore, Paul Szczechura and Shaone Morrisonn also scored for Rochester. David Leggio finished with 17 saves while holding the B-Sens scoreless for nearly 55-minutes

The Rundown:
Biega: G, +2
McNabb: A, +3
Crawford: +2
Brennan: +1
Szydlowski: +1

Winners of four straight, the Amerks are off until Friday when they visit in-state rival Syracuse.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

3/9 Recap: Knapp sets mark; Armia chips in

Connor Knapp made 27 saves Friday for his fifth shutout of the year and third in his last five starts as #11 Miami cruised to a 6-0 win over #15 Michigan State. The 6'6 senior improves to 14-6 on the year with a 1.45 goals against average (1st in nation) and .942 save percentage (2nd). The shutout, Knapp's 13th of his career, sets a new record for the storied RedHawks program. Miami will look to sweep the Spartans when they play game #2 of their CCHA quarterfinal matchup on Saturday.

In Finland, Joel Armia continued his strong season finish with a one goal, one assist performance to help Assat to a 4-0 victory over Jokerit. The 6'3 wing earned 21:33 of ice time (his second 20+ minute performance in the past two weeks) en route to posting his eighth multi-point game of the year. Armia has now collected 10 goals and 10 assists in 20 games since returning from the World Junior Championship. His 18 goals equals his output from a season ago.



In Quebec league play, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc gathered a goal and an assist as Rimouski downed Shawinigan, 5-3. The power play points give the defender 27-45-72 with just three games to go.

Nathan Lieuwen stopped everything thrown at him for 55-minutes before allowing three goals in the final five as Kootenay was toppled by Medicine Hat, 3-1. The ICE remain locked in the 5th spot in the WHL's Eastern Conference with four games left to play.

Mark Pysyk recorded an assist for the second straight game as Edmonton took out Eastern Division leader Red Deer, 5-2. With the win, the Oil Kings clinched the first overall spot in the Eastern Conference.

Dan Catenacci (-1) went without a point for the second straight game as Owen Sound edged Saginaw, 4-3. Attack forward Gemel Smith ('12) posted three assists to earn the game's #1 star.

Steven Shipley was held off the scoresheet as Niagara defeated Ottawa, 5-1. The victory gives the IceDogs their first Central Division title since moving to St. Catherines.

Cedrick Henley (-2) contributed six shots on goal as Val-d'Or earned an exciting 6-5 win over Gatineau. Foreurs forward Anthony Mantha ('13), whose 9/16 birth date misses the cutoff for the 2012 draft by one day, continued to impress with two goals and two assists.

Kevin Sundher remained out of the lineup as Brandon was hammered by Saskatoon, 6-2. The center has played in just one game since getting his bell rung back on Valentine's Day.

Brad Navin was even as Wisconsin took a 1-0 decision at #9 Denver. A win over the Pioneers on Saturday would thrust the Badgers into next weekend's WCHA Final Five.

Justin Jokinen posted a shot on goal as Mankato lost to #3 Duluth, 4-2. The Mavericks will look to stave off elimination on Saturday when they rematch with the defending national champs.

Brad Eidsness served as backup in #12 North Dakota's 4-1 win over Bemidji State. The Sioux will go for their 10th consecutive WCHA playoff victory on Saturday.

Mark Adams missed his seventh game with a concussion as Providence dropped a 3-2 overtime decision at #7 Lowell. With the Friars taking Thursday's opener by a 5-3 count, the two clubs will play a rubber match on Sunday afternoon to decide the first round playoff series.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the seventh straight game as #5 Minnesota defeated Alaska-Anchorage, 2-1.

***

In the AHL, Luke Adam scored the game-winning goal late in the middle frame as Rochester earned a 3-1 win over Binghamton. The marker gives Adam two goals and seven points in 11 games since being sent down by the Sabres.

Matt MacKenzie assisted on the winner, while veterans Paul Szczechura and Derek Whitmore supplied the other Amerks goals. David Leggio made 35 stops for his 21st win of the year.

The Rundown:
Adam: GWG, +1, 5 SOG
MacKenzie: A, +1
Crawford: A, +1
Brennan: +1, 2 SOG
Biega: 2 SOG
McNabb: SOG
Szydlowski: even

Sunday, February 26, 2012

2/25 Recap: Knapp wins again; Leduc stands out

Connor Knapp racked up his fifth straight win Saturday, making 22 saves as Miami earned the weekend sweep with a 5-1 victory at Ohio State. The 6'6 senior has now won 12 of his last 14 starts while allowing one goal or less in 11 of those decisions. Knapp finishes the regular season leading the nation in goals against average (1.53) while ranking second in save percentage (.939). The RedHawks will get a week off before taking on Michigan State in a CCHA quarterfinal matchup.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored a pair of goals as Rimouski defeated Baie-Comeau, 7-4. Leduc's first multi-goal effort since December 2nd (27 games) increases his season point total to 67, which is 12 more than any other QMJHL defenseman. With 26 goals on the year, Leduc has now set a new single-season high for defensive prospects drafted by the Darcy Regier regime (going back to 1997).

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc - 26 (2011-12)
Dennis Wideman - 24 (2003-04)
Brayden McNabb - 22 (2010-11)
Marc-Andre Gragnani - 22 (2006-07)
Andrej Sekera - 21 (2005-06)

The 6'1 righty has seven games left in his quest to hit the 30-goal mark. The Nics are now off until Friday when they host Cape Breton.



Dan Catenacci scored his 31st goal of the year on the power play as Owen Sound smoked Kitchener, 7-1. The speedy center, who also added a helper in the rout, has collected 11 goals and 10 assists in his last 14 games to jump up to 14th in OHL scoring with 69 points. The Attack return to action Wednesday versus Barrie.



Nathan Lieuwen made 25 saves as Kootenay came away with a 5-4 overtime victory at Prince Albert. The victory, which snaps a personal four-game skid, was the 83rd of hiss career, setting the ICE all-time franchise record for goaltender wins. There's still some room to improve though, as the 6'5 stopper has allowed three or more goals in four of his last five games. The ICE will head home to prepare for Wednesday's battle with Eastern Conference leaders, Edmonton.



Fourth-line forward Brad Navin slammed home a rebound for his third goal of the year and contributed a team-high five shots on net as Wisconsin ended the regular season with a 4-2 win over Bemidji State. The Badgers will begin the WCHA playoffs next weekend with a road set at Minnesota.

Cedrick Henley scored his 12th goal of the year as Val-d'Or drilled PEI, 7-3. The 20-year old forward has scored three times in his last 15 games. Les Foreurs go right back at it on Sunday when they welcome Drummondville to town.

In SM-liiga action, Joel Armia picked up an assist as Assat lost to HIFK, 4-1. Playing the point on the power play, Armia's one-timer deflected right to teammate Mark Lee for the Aces only goal. The helper bumps the 18-year old up to 34 points (16+18) through 47 games. A sign of a growing all-around player, the 6'3 wing earned a season-high in icetime for a second straight game by capturing 21:55 of work. Assat travels to JYP on Tuesday.



Drew MacKenzie collected an assist in the final home game of his career as Vermont suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss to #5 Boston University. The Catamounts took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission and held the lead all the way until the 59th minute when Wade Megan's 17th of the year tied it up for the Terriers. Vermont (6-25-1) closes out the regular season next weekend with a nationally televised set at Boston College.

Brad Eidsness stopped 19 of 23 shots in two periods of work as North Dakota was dominated in the middle frame en route to a 5-3 loss at Denver. The senior, who was making his fifth straight start, was replaced by Aaron Dell to start the third period. The Fighting Sioux will host Minnesota State next weekend in the first round of the WCHA playoffs.

Colin Jacobs finished +1 as Seattle shut out Everett, 3-0. The T-Birds will play the front end of home-and-home with Tri-City on Sunday.

Gregg Sutch and Alex Lepkowski were both held off the scoresheet as Barrie was defeated by Mississauga, 2-1. Majors defenseman Trevor Carrick ('12) scored his third of the year.

Kevin Sundher missed his sixth game with a concussion as Brandon edged Regina, 2-1. The Wheat Kings are 6-0 without the services of their prize deadline acquisition.

Mark Adams did not play (concussion) as Providence got hammered by Boston College, 7-0. The sophomore has missed the past three games after getting injured in a hard hitting affair with Northeastern two Fridays ago. The Friars close the regular season next weekend with a home-and-home against Lowell.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the fourth straight game as Minnesota defeated Nebraska-Omaha, 3-2. Isackson and Adams remain as the only two Sabres prospects who have yet to score in 2011-12.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

2/24 Recap: Knapp ties mark; Eidsness steps up

Connor Knapp remained the hottest goaltender in all of college hockey Friday, stopping 28 shots to tie Miami's all-time record for shutouots in a 3-0 win over Ohio State. The 6'6 senior has been stellar since January 1st, claiming a 9-2 record with a .90 goals against average, .962 save percentage, and four shutouts. Knapp, who moves to 12-6 overall, now leads the nation with a 1.56 goals against average, while his .938 save percentage ranks third (the co-leaders have .939). Look for him to remain in the RedHawks net when the teams travel to Columbus for Saturday's rematch.



Brad Eidsness made 26 saves in his third consecutive start to backstop North Dakota to a 4-3 win over Denver. The Sioux took a 4-1 lead late into the game before the Pioneers beat Eidsness for two goals in the final 47 seconds. Unbeaten in his last four starts, the senior could cause some tough decisions for the North Dakota coaching staff down the stretch. The Sioux, who sit in the fourth spot in the WCHA standings, will look to complete the road sweep on Saturday.

Alex Lepkowski scored his seventh goal of the year as Barrie earned a 5-4 shootout win over Ottawa. The 6'4 defender flung a point shot past World Junior sensation Petr Mrazek to give the Colts their first lead at 4:15 of the third. It was his third goal this season against the 67's. Gregg Sutch (even) committed a slashing minor at the end of the second period that resulted in a 67's power play goal at 1:23 of the third. The Colts head home for a Saturday night tilt with Mississauga.

Elsewhere, Dan Catenacci was held in check as Owen Sound dropped a 6-2 decision at Guelph. Catenacc, who has 10 goals and 19 points in his last baker's dozen, will look to keep his mojo going on Saturday when the Attack host Kitchener.

Nathan Lieuwen allowed five goals on 31 shots as Kootenay was smoked by Saskatoon, 5-0. The 6'5 netminder has lost his last four starts. The ICE will visit Prince Albert on Sunday.

Mark Pysyk did not register as Edmonton got past Calgary, 4-1. The Oil Kings will begin the final 10-game block of the season on Sunday against Lethbridge.

Steve Shipley finished -1 as Niagara was defeated was Mississauga, 3-2. The Dogs return to action Sunday when they host Kingston.

Drew MacKenzie pumped four shots on goal as Vermont was blanked by Boston University, 5-0. The senior defenseman will play his final home game at Gutterson Fieldhouse on Saturday.

Brad Navin recorded a shot on goal as Wisconsin rode a strong second period to a 4-2 win over Bemidji State. The Badgers will complete their first-ever trip to Bemidji on Saturday.

Kevin Sundher remained out of the lineup (day to day, concussion) as Brandon skated to a 3-2 victory over Swift Current.

Mark Adams remained out of action with a concussion as Providence lost to Boston College, 3-0.

Christian Isackson was scratched as Minnesota edged Nebraska-Omaha, 3-2.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

2/18 Recap: Cat keeps cashing; Knapp stays sharp

Dan Catenacci continued his recent surge Saturday with his 29th goal of the year as Owen Sound earned a 5-4 overtime win at Windsor. The speedy pivot, who broke the game's seal at 3:08 of the first period, has been on a tear with nine goals and 16 points in his last 10 games. Chris Marchese ('12) had a goal and an assist for the Spits. Winners of six straight, the Attack will continue their three-games-in-three-nights run through the Western Division on Sunday at Saginaw.

Connor Knapp was again sharp in the crease, stopping 28 of 29 shots as Miami earned the weekend sweep with a 4-1 win over Notre Dame. The 6'6 senior has racked up 10 wins in his last 12 starts to improve to 11-6 with a 1.65 GAA and .934 save percentage. The RedHawks will finish the CCHA regular season schedule next weekend with a home-and-home with Ohio State.

Colin Jacobs returned from a one-game absence to score his eighth goal of the year as Seattle got pummeled by Portland, 11-2. The 6'1 center scored on the wraparound at 17:25 of the third. On the very next shift, he gave the puck up at the blueline to allow the Winterhawks the chance to get their 11th of the game. The T-Birds host Spokane on Sunday.



Brad Eidsness made 23 saves as North Dakota played to 1-1 overtime tie with Michigan Tech. The weekend marked the first back-to-back WCHA starts since March of 2010 for Eidsness, who has held firm in limited duty this season with a 5-2-1 record, 1.92 goals against average, and .926 save percentage. The Sioux return to action next weekend at Denver.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished -1 as Rimouski dropped a 2-1 overtime decision at Cape Breton. With 10 games remaining on the regular season schedule, the 6'1 righty continues to lead all QMJHL defensemen with 62 points (24+38). He has zero goals in his last six games, and just 10 points since January 1st. The Oceanic will remain in Sydney for Sunday's afternoon rematch with the Eagles.

Justin Jokinen notched a secondary assist on the game-tying goal with just 2:04 to play as Minnesota State and Minnesota-Duluth skated to a 4-4 tie. The senior forward has four assists in his last six games while going without a goal in his last dozen. Of his 13 points (3+10) this season, zero have come on the power play. The Mavericks will take next weekend off before closing the WCHA schedule at North Dakota.

Gregg Sutch got into his fifth scrap of the year and Alex Lepkowski was +1 as Barrie downed Oshawa, 5-1. With the Colts holding a 3-0 lead late in the third period, the 6'2 Sutch tangled with 6'2 Josh Graves, getting the better of the Generals forward on the punchstat. The Colts travel to Oshawa on Monday.



Steven Shipley was held without a point as Niagara pitched a 3-1 shutout of Sault Ste. Marie. With 16 goals and 21 assists, the 6'3 center will need to average over a point-per-game in the final dozen games to equal his point output from last season. The Dogs will welcome the Greyhounds back to St. Catharines on Thursday.

Nathan Lieuwen allowed four goals on 24 shots as Kootenay lost to Regina, 4-2. Regina's Chandler Stephenson ('12) broke a 2-2 tie on the power play with 4:03 left before the Pats added another late mark in the waning seconds. Despite the less than sparkling performance, the 6'5 stopper remains atop the WHL leaderboard with a 2.32 goals against average. The ICE will travel to Brandon on Tuesday.

Kevin Sundher missed his third game with an upper body injury as the Wheat Kings defeated Prince Albert, 6-2. Brandon will ride a four-game winning streak into Tuesday's meeting with the ICE.

Drew MacKenzie finished -1 while going without a shot on goal for the first time in 16 games as Vermont lost to New Hampshire, 3-1. The Catamounts are back at it Friday when they host Boston University.

Brad Navin was unable to get a shot on net for the second straight night as Wisconsin downed Denver, 5-2. The freshman left wing has recorded just one assist in his last 12 games. The Badgers will be on the road again next weekend when they travel to Bemidji State.

Mark Adams was scratched as Providence and Northeastern played to a 2-2 tie. The weekend ends without a win or loss in both games for the Friars, who will ready themselves for Friday's tilt with Boston College.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the second straight game as Minnesota skated to a 4-1 win over Bemidji State. The Gophers will pay a visit to Nebraska-Omaha next weekend.

***

In AHL play, Phil Varone scored a shorthanded goal midway through the third period for the only Amerks offensive highlight in a 3-1 loss at Lake Erie. The tally, Varone's eighth of the year and 26th point in his last 30 games, elevates the rookie into the team's scoring lead.



The Rundown:
Brennan: 2 SOG, 2 PIM
Tropp: 6 SOG, 6 PIM
Foligno: 4 PIM
McNabb: 3 SOG, 5 PIM
Lagace: -1, 2 SOG, 2 PIM
Biega: 1 SOG, 2 PIM
Schiestel: +1
Crawford: -2, 2 SOG
Adam: -2, 2 SOG

The Amerks will close out their three-game weekend on Sunday when they welcome division rival Hamilton to the BCA.

***

In the ECHL, Shawn Szydlowski scored his first professional goal as Gwinnett took a 4-3 shootout win over Kalamazoo. On Friday, Szydlowski, Riley Boychuk, and Jonathan Parker all picked up assists in their first games since being re-assigned as the Gladiators defeated Chicago, 4-3.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

2/17 Recap: Knapp red hot for RedHawks, MacKenzie strikes

Connor Knapp made 31 saves for the third shutout in his last eight starts and 11th of his career as #19 Miami blanked #13 Notre Dame, 3-0. The senior netminder moves to 10-6 on the year with a 1.69 goals against average (2nd in nation) and .931 save percentage. It's fair to expect Knapp to remain in net when the RedHawks go for the CCHA sweep on Saturday. In nine starts since the new year, he's posted a dominating 1.03 goals against average and red hot .957 save percentage.

Drew MacKenzie scored on a backhand at 1:38 of overtime as Vermont won at New Hampshire, 4-3. MacKenzie, who also recorded an assist, now has seven goals and 22 points this season while registering in 19 of 27 games. His .81 points per game ranks 11th in nation for NCAA defenders. The win snapped a seven-game losing streak for the Catamounts, who will look for their first sweep of the season Saturday in Durham.



Dan Catenacci scored his prospect-leading 28th goal of the year as Owen Sound throttled Plymouth, 5-1. The 5'10 center has 63 points with 13 games remaining in the schedule. The Attack, third in the Midwest Division and fifth in the Western conference, continue their road trip on Saturday in Windsor.

Cedrick Henley scored his 11th goal of the year and first in 10 games as Val-d'Or lost in a shootout to Drummondville, 4-3. The rugged affair featured a total of seven fights, including five in a span of seven seconds in the middle frame during which Henley dropped the mitts for his fourth major of the year. The Foreurs next visit Blainville-Boisbriand on Sunday.



Brad Eidsness made 19 saves as #14 North Dakota doubled Michigan Tech, 4-2. The victory was the 55th of Eidsness' career, tying for him 3rd on the Sioux's all-time list. Eidsness, who has won his last three starts, could get the nod again on Saturday with Aaron Dell listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed upper-body injury.

Steven Shipley notched an assist in Niagara's 5-2 win over Sudbury. The IceDogs return to action Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie.

Mark Pysyk (-1) earned a pair of minor penalties as Edmonton ended their road trip with a 6-2 loss Vancouver. The Oil Kings get the weekend off with their next game coming Monday at home against Medicine Hat.

Gregg Sutch (2 PIM) and Alex Lepkowski (+1) did not factor into the scoring as Barrie defeated Kitchener, 5-3. The Colts will welcome Oshawa to town on Saturday.

Joel Armia recorded two shots on goal as Assat was shut out by SaiPa, 2-0. The big wing will look to avoid his first three-game point drought since November on Saturday when Assat takes on Lukko.

Mark Adams was -1 as Providence and Northeastern played a 1-1 tie. The two clubs will close the Hockey East set on Saturday in Boston. You can see Adams (#4) on the play as the Huskies scored their only goal.



Justin Jokinen assisted on the game's first goal as Minnesota State lost to #4 Minnesota-Duluth, 4-2. The 6'3 senior has no goals in his last 11 games.

Brad Navin skated even as Wisconsin was shut out by #10 Denver, 3-0. The Badgers, who outshot the opponent for the third straight, for look for the split Saturday at Magness.

Nathan Lieuwen was given the night off as Kootenay got past Spokane, 4-3. The 6'5 netminder is expected to return to action on Saturday when the ICE host Regina.

Kevin Sundher missed his second game with an upper body injury as Brandon crushed Prince Albert, 6-1. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.

Colin Jacobs did not play as Seattle lost to Tri-City, 5-2. The T-Birds go right back at it on Saturday with an afternoon tilt at Portland.

Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch as #7 Minnesota shut down Bemidji State, 3-0.

***

In the AHL, T.J. Brennan (9th) scored the game winning goal as Rochester dominated Lake Erie, 6-2. Brayden McNabb struck late on the power play for his second goal of the season, while Marcus Foligno potted his 13th of the year. Luke Adam notched two assists for his first points as an Amerk.

Derek Whitmore paced the Amerks with a pair of goals, while Phil Varone added three assists. David Leggio made 20 saves for his 15th win of the year.

The Rundown:
Brennan: G, A, 3 SOG
Foligno: G, -1, 4 SOG
McNabb: G, 3 SOG
Adam: 2A, 4 SOG
Tropp: A, +1, 2 SOG, 5 PIM
Schiestel: A
Crawford: A, +1, 2 SOG
Biega: +1, 4 SOG

Sunday, February 12, 2012

2/11 Recap: Catenacci grabs lead in Attack rout

Dan Catenacci scored his prospect-leading 27th goal of the year Saturday and added an assist as Owen Sound pitched a 12-0 blowout of Peterborough. The speedy 5'10 center has seven goals and 14 points in his last eight games. A season ago, he posted just six marks in 30 games after January 1st. Catenacci now has 21 multi-point games this season, while the 27 goals sets a new career high.



Nathan Lieuwen made 22 saves as Kootenay downed Saskatoon, 5-2. The 6'5 netminder has gone 3-1 thus far in February, allowing two goals or fewer in all four starts. He'll enter the stretch run with a WHL-leading 2.30 goals against average.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc extended his blueline points lead with a pair of assists in Rimouski's 5-4 shootout win over Blainville-Boisbriand. Leduc, who missed in his attempt as the Nics third shooter, has a goal and five assists in five February games to up his line to 24-38-62 through 50 games.



Cedrick Henley snapped an eight-game point drought with an assist as Val-d'Or bagged a 6-5 overtime win over Cape Breton. The 20-year old forward has 27 points (10+17) in 41 games.

Mark Pysyk tied a career-high with a +4 rating as Edmonton avenged their loss the night before with a 5-0 victory over Prince George. The steady captain has 10 points (2+8) in 16 games since returning from the World Junior Championship.

Colin Jacobs earned an assist as Seattle got smoked by Portland, 7-2. The 6'1 Texan has three goals and two assists in his last five games.

Steven Shipley did not factor into the scoring as Niagara blanked Barrie, 3-0. Alex Lepkowski finished -1 for the Colts, while Gregg Sutch collected two minor penalties including an unsportsmanlike after a spirited wrestling match with Luke Mercer late in the third.

Brad Eidsness entered the game in the 22nd minute, stopping all 14 shots he faced the rest of the way as North Dakota's comeback came up short in a 5-4 loss to Minnesota-Duluth. Eidsness, who came over the boards at 1:46 of the middle frame after Aaron Dell allowed five goals on 17 shots, used the relief work to improve to a 2.08 goals against average and .924 save percentage.

Justin Jokinen (-2) punched two shots goal on as Minnesota State earned their first WCHA sweep of the seaosn with a 2-1 win at Alaska-Anchorage. The senior has three goals and 11 points with four games left on the regular season schedule.

Mark Adams played even as Providence defeated Massachusetts, 5-4. Undrafted forward Mike Pereira, a player mentioned in the past two previews, scored a hat trick for the Minutemen.

Christian Isackson (-1) contributed two shots on goal as #2 Minnesota was defeated for the second straight night by #14 Denver, 4-3. The weekend split marked the first time that Isackson played in both games of a WCHA series.

Connor Knapp was given the night off as Miami earned the non-conference sweep with a 4-1 win over Alabama-Huntsville. The 6'6 senior currently leads the CCHA with a 1.81 goals against average (t3rd in nation).

***

T.J. Brennan scored in his first game back on the farm as Rochester was defeated by San Antonio, 4-1.

Trailing 1-0 in the second period, Brennan fired a laser from the point to tie the game. The mark was his eighth of the year and first AHL point since January 8th. Drew Schiestel and Paul Szczechura drew assists on the play.

Reigning AHL Most Outstanding Rookie Luke Adam, who along with Brennan was loaned to the AHL club earlier in the day, finished with two shots on goal and a pair of stick penalties. It was his first game in a Rochester uniform after scoring 29 goals and 62 points last season with Portland.

The Rundown:
Brennan: G, -1, 1 SOG
Schiestel: A, 1 SOG
McNabb: -1, 1 SOG
Tropp: -1, 1 SOG
Crawford: 1 SOG
Parker: 1 SOG
Foligno: -1
Adam: 2 SOG
Fienhage: even
Lagace: even

The Amerks are now off until Friday when they host division foe Lake Erie.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

2/10 Recap: Kassian collects, Jacobs ramping up

In Friday AHL action, Zack Kassian scored a pair of goals while Corey Tropp (three assists) and Brayden McNabb (two assists) posted multi-point nights in Rochester's 9-4 blowout win over Texas. Kassian, whose effort included a short-handed tally, has now scored five goals on 12 shots in his last three games with Rochester.

Travis Turnbull (+5) earned the game's first star with two goals and an assist. Jonathan Parker, Paul Szczechura, Derek Whitmore, Mark Voakes, and Maxime Legault added singles for the Amerks.

All but four Amerks skaters (Lagace, Schiestel, Persson, Ryan) earned a point in the win. Drew MacIntyre made 23 stops to move to 8-11-0-2 on the year.

The Rundown:
Kassian: 2G, 6 SOG, +2
Parker: G, 3 SOG
Tropp: 3A, +4
McNabb: 2A, +2
Fienhage: 2A, +1
Crawford: A, +1
Foligno: A
Lagace: 2 SOG
Schiestel: +1
Persson: +2

The Amerks (22-18-6-3, 2nd in North Division) host San Antonio on Saturday.

***

Colin Jacobs recorded a goal and an assist as Seattle lost to Spokane, 5-4. While on a 5x3 in the middle period, the 6'1 center took a long pass and buried the breakaway backhander for his third goal in his last four games. The T-Birds will welcome another division rival to town on Saturday when they host Portland.

Kevin Sundher scored his 26th of the year and second in as many games as Brandon doubled Swift Current, 6-3. The win snaps the Wheat Kings six-game losing streak at home. Brandon will travel to Medicine Hat on Sunday.

Connor Knapp was forced to make just 11 saves as #12 Miami downed Alabama-Huntsville 3-1 in a non-conference affair. The 6'6 senior, who has now started eight of Miami's last 11 games, moves to 9-6 on the year. The two clubs will close the set Saturday in Oxford.



Justin Jokinen picked up an assist as Minnesota State defeated Alaska-Anchorage, 3-2. The senior wing now has a goal and three assists in three games this season versus the Seawolves. The teams will play it back on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished +1 as Rimouski edged Quebec, 2-1. Leduc continues to lead all QMJHL defenders in scoring with 60 points (24+36), nine more than his next closest competitor. The Oceanic will battle Blainville-Boisbriand on Saturday.

Cedrick Henley registered three hits as Val-d'Or was dealt a 3-1 defeat by Moncton. The 6'5 captain will look to snap an eight-game point drought on Saturday when the Foreurs host Cape Breton.

Alex Lepkowski skated even while Gregg Sutch got into his third fight of the year (and second in a week) as Barrie got past Sudbury, 4-3. Winners of five straight, the Colts will host the Niagara IceDogs (winners of four straight) on Saturday.



Drew MacKenzie was held to one shot on goal as Vermont was blown out by #5 Boston College, 6-1. The senior rearguard has gathered points in 18 of his last 24 games. The Catamounts are off until Friday when they visit New Hampshire.

Mark Adams logged a shot on goal as Providence earned a 4-3 win over #12 Maine. The friars move on to face Massachusetts on Saturday.

Christian Isackson saw action as the fourth line center, finishing -2 with a shot on goal as #2 Minnesota suffered a 5-3 loss at #14 Denver. The six-footer will look to dress in both ends of a WCHA set for the first time when the clubs rematch Saturday at Magness.

Mark Pysyk logged a season-low -3 rating as Edmonton dropped a 5-4 overtime decision at Prince George. The Oil Kings, ranked sixth in the latest CHL rankings, will look for the road split when the clubs play the rematch on Saturday.

Brad Eidsness served as backup as #16 North Dakota downed #3 Minnesota-Duluth, 3-1. The Sioux will likely keep the same lineup when they go for the sweep on Saturday.

Nathan Lieuwen was given the night off as Kootenay was shut out 2-0 by Red Deer. The ICE host Saskatoon on Saturday.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

2/4 Recap: Cat scratch fever; Ship back on course

Dan Catenacci streaked in for the shorthanded game winner Saturday and added an assist as Owen Sound held on to defeat Belleville, 2-1. The speedy center is currently riding a five-game point streak that has seen him gather five goals and 11 points. Through 50 games in 2011-12, Catenacci has 25 goals and 59 points, good for 14th in the OHL scoring race.



Steven Shipley scored his 14th goal of the year and added an assist as Niagara erupted for four unanswered goals in the third period to overcome Brampton, 5-2. The 6'3 Shipley has struck in three straight for the IceDogs on the heels of a season-long eight-game drought.



Gregg Sutch notched his eighth goal of the season and a fighting major in Barrie's 5-0 shutout win over Sault Ste. Marie. The tally was the first since December 28th for the 6'2 grinder, while the fight was his first since getting the better of former teammate Stuart Percy back in October. Colts defender Alex Lepkowski missed his second straight game due to an unspecified reasons.



Colin Jacobs scored his fifth goal of the year as Seattle's losing losing streak hit five with a 3-1 loss to Kamloops. The 6'1 center, who missed the year's first 26 contests, has nine points this season including three goals in 15 games of the 2012 calendar year.




Nathan Lieuwen made 28 saves to earn the game's #3 star as Kootenay downed Spokane, 4-2. The 20-year old has stopped 56 of 59 shots over his last two starts to move his season record to 22-11-4-2 with a 2.31 goals against average (2nd in WHL) and .921 save percentage (2nd).

In NCAA action, Drew MacKenzie racked up two assists as Vermont was swept by Lowell, 6-4. The Connecticut native, who has new career highs with six goals and 14 assists, is tied for 10th in all of Hockey East with 11 power play points.

Connor Knapp made 28 stops but Miami was shut out by Michigan, 3-0. The 6'6 senior let in three goals for the first time since a 5-3 win at Ohio State back on 12/9. If his 1.86 goals against average (3rd in the country) wasn't enough, Knapp seems to have a firm grip on the #1 job down the stretch after having started seven of the RedHawks' last 10 games.

Elsewhere, Kevin Sundher finished +1 as Brandon dominated Swift Current, 7-3. Sundher has gone without a point in four straight games en route to accumulating just two goals and four assists in 13 appearances for the Wheat Kings. Despite the recent lapse, the six-footer remains tied for 8th in WHL scoring with 70 points (24+46).

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (-2) saw his four-game point streak come to an end in Rimouski's 2-1 loss to Drummondville. Leduc, who had recorded three goals and three assists during the four-game stretch, has a career-best 24 goals and 60 points through 48 games.

Cedrick Henley finished -1 as Val-d'Or lost to Gatineau, 6-3. The Foreurs have lost six straight games. The 6'5 captain has gone without a point in all six of those defeats while contributing just four shots on goal.

Brad Navin recorded a shot in goal as Wisconsin was swept by St. Cloud State, 2-1. The 6'3 freshman has just one assist in his last 10 games while landing back in bottom line minutes.

Justin Jokinen (-1) recorded two shots on goal as Minnesota State suffered a 7-3 loss to Michigan Tech. The 6'3 senior has a goal and two assists in his last 10 games.

Mark Adams was even as Providence lost a 3-2 overtime decision to New Hampshire. The sophomore rearguard has recorded a shot on goal in just three of 16 games this season.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

1/28 Recap: Lepkowski lights lamp; Cat facing discipline

Alex Lepkowski scored the first game winning goal of his OHL career Saturday to lead Barrie to a 2-1 win over Ottawa. The 6'4 defender, who didn't score his first goal until his 100th game, now has six in his last 26. Gregg Sutch did not score but earned the game's #3 star for his all-around work.

Dan Catenacci recorded an assist before being ejected in the second period for a slew foot match penalty as Owen Sound lost to Guelph, 3-2. The infraction carries a one-game suspension, forcing Catenacci out of Sunday's game against Ottawa. The match penalty is the second of Catenacci's career after getting called for a slew foot on Erie's Brett Thompson a year ago.

Brad Eidsness made 20 saves in his fifth start of the year (and first of the year on a Saturday) to help North Dakota to a 4-2 win over Wisconsin. The victory was Eidsness' fourth of the year and 54th of his WCHA career. Brad Navin contributed one shot on goal in bottom line minutes for the Badgers.

Joel Armia saw his eight-game point streak come to an end as Assat dropped a 6-3 decision to the Pelicans. The 6'3 wing picked up four shots on goal and a roughing minor over 13:53 of work.

Kevin Sundher did not factor into the scoring as Brandon got past Red Deer, 3-2. The six-foot center has gone without a point 15 times this season, with six of those coming during his first 11 games in a Brandon uniform.

Nathan Lieuwen stopped 41 of 46 shots but Kootenay fell in overtime to Spokane, 5-4. The ICE netminder was especially busy in middle period when he faced 18 shots. After starting January with four wins in six outings, Lieuwen is winless in his last four starts.

Mark Pysyk finished -2 as Edmonton was defeated by Vancouver, 3-2.

Colin Jacobs finished -1 with a diving minor as Seattle got pounded by Portland, 8-3.

Drew MacKenzie notched an assist as Vermont was doubled by Northeastern, 4-2. The two-way defender has six goals and 17 points in 23 games.

Justin Jokinen registered one shot on goal as Minnesota State handled Bemidji State, 5-2.

Christian Isackson (3 SOG) was inserted into the lineup as a fourth-line center as Minnesota edged St. Cloud State, 3-2.

Connor Knapp was given the night off as Miami pitched a 6-0 shutout of Northern Michigan.

***

In the AHL, Zack Kassian (11th) and Derek Whitmore (17th) scored first period goals, and David Leggio provided the rest with 37 saves as Rochester held on to defeat Toronto, 2-1. The Amerks head into the All-Star break withb a 19-17-5-3 mark.

The Rundown:
Kassian: G, 2 SOG
Foligno: A, 3 SOG
Persson: A, 1 SOG
Parker: 2 SOG
Crawford: 2 SOG
Biega: 1 SOG
Schiestel: 1 SOG
Lagace: even
Fienhage: even
Szydlowski: even

Saturday, January 28, 2012

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.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

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.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

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.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

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.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

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.