Showing posts with label lepkowski. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lepkowski. Show all posts

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Zadorov hit a key moment in London's run

It was game five of the OHL Western Conference final. The London Knights were leading the Plymouth Whalers 2-0 at the start of the second period. With a 3-1 series lead, the Knights were smelling blood but knew they had to keep their foot on the gas pedal in order to close it out. That's when Nikita Zadorov stepped in.

Plymouth forward Tom Wilson had been lighting it up all series long. The Washington Capitals prospect had victimized London goaltenders six times in the previous three games and was again getting opportunities. It was clear that knocking him of his game would help the Knights maintain their edge and provide a spark on the bench. Enter Zadorov, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound Sherman tank on skates who seemed to be the right man for the job.

 When Zadorov says that he "likes to hit", this is what he means:



Mission accomplished.

Plymouth ended up rallying to force overtime, but Max Domi scored the winner to give the Knights a 4-1 series victory. Following the game, Zadorov was praised for his freight-train job that no doubt rattled one of the Whalers' top guns at a key point in the series. Sometimes hits are as good as goals, and you can bet that Sabres scouts were on hand to witness the effort.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Class of '11: Jacobs in, Lepkowski out

In case you missed it, the Sabres last week signed Colin Jacobs (2011, fourth round) to a three-year entry-level contract. The WHL product was the leading scorer for the Prince George Cougars in 2012-13  with 25 goals and 53 points. Following his junior campaign, Jacobs reported to the Rochester Americans on an amateur tryout contract (ATO), where he scored a goal and two assists in 11 games. A big playmaking forward, Jacobs did not see any action in the Amerks’ three playoff games. Improving his quickness out of the blocks will be the key for the Texan to rise through the ranks.

The Sabres were unable to reach an agreement with 2011 fifth-rounder Alex Lepkowski, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound stay-at-home defenseman for the OHL’s Barrie Colts. The West Seneca, NY native performed well in a shutdown role for the Colts en route to their run to the OHL Championship series, scoring six points (2+4) in 22 postseason tilts. He had gone through the regular season without a goal. With the Sabres’ late-season signing of Chad Ruhwedel and the on-going AHL development of Matt MacKenzie and Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, sheer numbers made it difficult for Lepkowski to earn a role in the organization.

The Jacobs signing means that the Sabres have inked four of their six picks from the 2011 draft. The final player from that year’s haul, Wisconsin forward Brad Navin, will enter his junior year this fall. The Sabres won’t have a decision due on Navin until 2015.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

5/13 Recap: Lepkowski's Colts drop heartbreaker

Bo Horvat continued to impress NHL execs on his way to the draft with a pair of goals Monday including the winner with less one second remaining in regulation as London claimed the OHL championship with a 3-2 victory over Barrie. Horvat amassed 16 goals and 23 points in 21 games to earn MVP of the OHL playoffs. Horvat, along with fellow draft eligibles Max Domi and Nikita Zadorov will move on to Saskatoon for the 2013 Memorial Cup to battle Portland, Halifax, and the host Blades for Canada's junior crown.

Sabres defensive prospect Alex Lepkowski logged a plus-one rating in the game seven loss, and will now await next steps from the organization regarding his career path. Fans should expect to get a closer look at the 6-foot-4 defender at when development camp opens in July.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

5/11 Recap: Colts comeback falls short

Alex Lepkowski notched an assist Saturday as Barrie dropped a 5-4 overtime decision to London in game six of the OHL Championship series. Maple Leafs prospect Ryan Rupert recorded two goals including the OT winner to pace the Knights, while 2013 draft eligible Bo Horvat scored for the third straight contest.

The Colts trailed 4-0 after forty minutes but went on the attack in the final frame with four goals on nine shots to force extra time. With under five minutes to play in regulation, Lepkowski sprung Tyson Fawcett for an opportunity down the left side that was cleaned up by Mitchell Theoret (NYI) to make it a 4-3.

In Friday's game five, Lepkowski posted a plus-two rating as the Colts were downed by the Knights 6-4. Horvat struck twice and added an assist, while fellow draft eligible Max Domi contributed one goal and one assist.

The series now heads to an exciting game seven Monday in London to settle the league title. The winner will join QMJHL champion Halifax, host Saskatoon, and one of Portland or Edmonton at the Memorial Cup beginning on May 15.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

5/8 Recap: Lepkowski tough as Colts inch closer to championship

Alex Lepkowski maintained his chippy posture on the Barrie blueline Wednesday as the Colts got past London 6-4 in game four of the OHL Championship series. The victory gives Barrie a commanding 3-1 series lead with a chance to capture the title Friday in London. Lepkowski was a physical presence throughout the tilt, using his body and stick to defend while logging an even rating in the 10-goal affair (he was not on the ice for any of the goals). Winnipeg prospect Mark Schiefele collected four goals and an assist to lead the Colts, while 2013 draft eligible Bo Horvat pumped an NHL-style shot from the slot for one of the Knights’ goals.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

5/6 Recap: Lepkowski lights lamp as Colts grabs lead

Alex Lepkowski scored the game winning goal Monday as Barrie downed London 6-3 win game three of the OHL championship series. The doubling gives the Colts a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Lepkowski, who went through the regular season with scoring a goal, scored his second of the post-season just 1:40 into the third period to give the Colts the 4-3 lead. The Colts will look to inch their way closer to an OHL championship and Memorial Cup berth when the puck drops for game four Wednesday in Barrie.

Monday, May 6, 2013

5/5 Recap: Lepkowski helps out in Colts loss

Alex Lepkowski notched an assist Sunday as Barrie was defeated by London 4-1 in game two of the OHL championship series. Draft eligible forward Bo Horvat picked up a goal and an assist for the Knights, who were led by pair of goals from Bruins prospect Seth Griffith. Game three takes place Wednesday in Barrie.

On Friday, Lepkowski recorded a minus-one rating as the Colts opened the series with a 4-2 victory in London. The 6-foot-4 defender has two points (1+1) and a minus-three rating through 17 post-season games.

Last Wednesday, Zemgus Girgensons scored his third goal of the playoffs and Nick Tarnasky also marked as Rochester was eliminated from the AHL playoffs with a 3-2 overtime loss to Toronto. The Amerks end the season by being swept three games, losing to the Marlies for the second straight year in the first round. David Leggio made 27 saves in defeat while Johan Larsson assisted on all three of Girgensons’ tallies to finish the playoffs with three points.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

4/29 Recap: Lepkowski's Colts get shot at title

Alex Lepkowski (even) continued his blue-collar defensive ways Monday as the Barrie Colts advanced to the OHL championship with a 3-1 win over Belleville. Paired with offensive-minded Ryan O'Connor for the final games of the best-of-seven victory, the steady leader will need to elevate his play when the Colts square off with the London Knights for the league title beginning Friday. Brady Austin finished even for the Bulls to finish the post-season with five assists and a plus-14 rating in 17 games.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

1/19 Recap: Catenacci keeps pace

Dan Catenacci assisted on the game winning goal Saturday and added an empty-netter as Owen Sound pitched a 4-0 shutout of Belleville. Catenacci, who finished 2012 with goals in four straight games, has marks in two consecutive outings for the first time in 2013 to bump his line to 24-33-57 through 44 games. The Attack concludes a three-games-in-three-nights run Sunday at Ottawa. Brady Austin finished with an even rating for the Bulls, who next take on Oshawa on Wednesday.



Elsewhere, Justin Kea notched his 17th goal of the year as Saginaw was doubled by Erie 4-2. Kea's power play strike, which gave the Spirit a 1-0 lead, was his sixth goal in his last seven games. The two clubs will rematch Wednesday in Erie.

Alex Lepkowski was plus-one as Barrie struck for five straight goals in a 6-3 win over Kitchener. The top ranked team in the OHL's Eastern Conference, the Colts will battle Owen Sound on Wednesday.

In WHL play, Andrey Makarov celebrated his Bobblehead Night with 31 saves in regulation and another 10 in the shootout as Saskatoon dropped a 3-2 decision to Brandon. The squads will re-convene for what should be another exciting contest Tuesday in Brandon.

Colin Jacobs was blanked as Prince George got past Red Deer 3-1. Jacobs will look to get back in the goal column Sunday afternoon in Edmonton.

Joel Armia recorded five shots in 17:13 of work as Assat was shut out by Espoo 4-0. The Aces are next in action Thursday at JYP.

Jake McCabe was steady on the top pair in Wisconsin's 2-1 loss to Miami. With the loss to the RedHawks, Wisconsin's seven-game winning streak and 11-game unbeaten streak come to an end. For the fifth straight weekend, Brad Navin did not dress in the back end of the Badgers' weekend doubleheader.

Christian Isackson picked up a secondary assist as Minnesota played to a 4-4 tie with North Dakota. The Gophers continue the WCHA schedule next weekend versus Minnesota State.

Judd Peterson (-3) recorded two shots on goal as Cedar Rapids lost to Sioux Falls 7-4. The Riders host Des Moines on Friday.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

1/18 Recap: Cat pounces on PP

Dan Catenacci scored his 23rd goal in regulation and then another in the shootout to help spark Owen Sound to a 5-4 come-from-behind win over Kingston. With the Attack trailing 4-2 in the third period, Catenacci buried a Cody Ceci rebound to cut the deficit in half. The Attack travel to Belleville on Saturday.



Brady Austin returned after missing two weeks with a hand injury as Belleville toppled Niagara 7-2 to earn their fourth straight victory. Tyler Graovac (MIN) and Brendan Gaunce (VAN) each got fat with a plus-six rating in the win.

Justin Kea (-1) was unable to point as Saginaw defeated Sault Ste. Marie 5-3. Kea, who has eight points in his last six games, will look to continue his excellent January when the Spirit tackle Erie on Saturday.

Alex Lepkowski finished with an even rating as Barrie dropped a 3-2 decision at Sudbury. The Colts take on Kitchener on Saturday.

In the WHL, Andrey Makarov made 27 saves as Saskatoon held on for a 5-4 win over Moose Jaw. The victory was Makarov's first in four starts since returning from the World Junior Championship. The Blades host Brandon on Saturday.

Colin Jacobs did not get in on the scoring as Prince George lost to Calgary 5-3. Jacobs continues to struggle in January, posting just one goal in seven games since flipping the calendar. The second-worst team in the league standings, PG will travel to Red Deer on Saturday.

In NCAA action, Jake McCabe finished plus-one as Wisconsin extended their winning streak to seven games and their unbeaten run to 11 with a 1-0 triumph over No. 8 Miami. Brad Navin did not factor for the Badgers, who will go for the home sweep on Saturday.

Christian Isackson continued to bounce around the lineup Friday, this time centering a checking line as Minnesota earned a 5-1 win over North Dakota. The Gophers will battle their rivals for the final time in the regular season as member of the WCHA on Saturday.

Joel Armia (-1) registered four shots on goal in 16:51 of work as Assat lost to the Espoo Blues 4-1. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.

Judd Peterson (-1) went without a point as Cedar Rapids was trumped by Waterloo 7-3. The Junior A rookie will look to snap a four-game funk Saturday versus Sioux Falls.

Phil Varone scored a goal and an assist and Brian Flynn added his 13th goal as Rochester skated to a 4-1 victory over Syracuse. Evan Rankin andMark Mancari added the other Amerks tallies, while David Leggio made 26 stops to improve to 19-12-4-1 on the year.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc was a healthy scratch following a career-low minus-four in Wednesday's loss to Binghamton.

The Amerks are off until Monday's 1:05 PM matinee with Hamilton.

The Rundown:
Varone: G, A, +2
Flynn: G
Sundher: A
Adam: A
Crawford: A, +2
Schiestel: +2
McNabb: even
Pysyk: SOG
Parker: even

Friday, January 18, 2013

1/17 Recap: McNabb tabbed

On Thursday, Brayden McNabb and Kevin Porter of the Rochester Americans were chosen for Western Conference duty at the 2013 Dunkin Donuts AHL All-Star Game. The duo will head to Providence for the events which take place Jan. 27-28.

In Thursday play, Alex Lepkowski (-1) did not register as Barrie earned a 3-2 shootout decision over Oshawa. The Colts return to action Friday at Sudbury.

On Wednesday, Luke Adam scored his ninth goal of the year as Rochester got throttled by Binghamton 5-1. The power play tally, which was assisted by Nick Crawford and McNabb, tied the game at one apiece late in the first period. David Leggio made 33 saves in defeat. The Amerks will hit the ice Friday versus Syracuse.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson (-1) recorded a shot on goal in Cedar Rapids' 5-2 loss at Omaha. The RoughRiders will host Waterloo on Friday.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

1/12 Recap: Kea connects; Brennan's "Gordie" leads way

Justin Kea notched a goal and an assist Saturday as Saginaw extended their winning streak to five games with a 5-2 victory over London. Kea, who finished with a game-best plus-three rating, was rewarded with the game's number three star while upping his season line to 16-20-36 through 44 games. The Spirit victory was the first time in 29 games that the Knights were defeated in regulation time. Saginaw hosts Sault Ste. Marie on Friday

Dan Catenacci recorded an assist as Owen Sound blasted Kingston 7-0. The polished pivot now has 54 points (22+32) in 42 appearances heading into next Friday's tilt at Kingston.



Alex Lepkowski did not play as Barrie handled Niagara 5-1. The Colts' stay-at-homer returned this week for a pair of games, but was forced to sit Saturday after agitating the shoulder that saw him miss seven games from mid-Dec. to early Jan.

In the WHL, Andrey Makarov made 30 saves as Sakatoon lost to Edmonton 2-1. The Blades are back at it Tuesday versus Kootenay.

Colin Jacobs scored his 14th goal of the year on the power play as Prince George lost a 2-1 overtime decision to Kamloops. The Cougars visit Calgary on Friday.


In NCAA play, Jake McCabe returned to WCHA action, earning an assist on the overtime game winner as Wisconsin swept Minnesota State with a 2-1 overtime victory. The Badgers extended their winning streak to six games, while going unbeaten in their last 10 games (7-0-3). Brad Navin was a healthy scratch for the Badgers, who welcome CCHA power Miami to town next weekend.

Christian Isackson saw his four-game point streak snapped as No. 1 Minnesota skated to a 7-1 win over Alaska-Anchorage. Minnesota returns to action next weekend, hosting WCHA rival North Dakota for the final time in the regular season as members of the WCHA.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson was a game-low minus-three as Cedar Rapids was defeated by Dubuque 4-1. The Riders are off until Wednesday's visit to Omaha.

In SM-Liiga action, Joel Armia directed nine shots in 14:08 of work in Assat's 3-2 win over TPS. Armia has one assist in three games with the Aces since returning from the World Junior Championship. The Aces will be in action again on Tuesday versus Tappara.

Linus Ullmark served as backup MODO lost to Linkopngs 4-3. Ullmark will start for the J20 on Sunday, while the top club is off until Thursday when they face HV71.

In the AHL, T.J. Brennan notched the Gordie Howe hat trick by scoring his 14th goal, picking up an assist, and getting in a second-period scrap as Rochester downed Syracuse 4-1. Rick Schofield, Nick Tarnasky, and Kevin Porter added the other Amerks goals.

Rochester rookie Zemgus Girgensons was wiped out by a Richard Panik elbow in the second period and did not return. Girgensons was taken for observation and more info should be known about his status early next week.


Saturday, January 12, 2013

1/11 Recap: Amerks roll; Grigo empty on eve of camp

Brian Flynn scored a goal and an assist Friday to help the Rochester Americans to a 5-2 win over Hamilton. T.J. Brennan, Mark Mancari, Brayden McNabb, and Nick Tarnasky added the other Amerks goals, while Zemgus Girgensons, Luke Adam, and Kevin Porter gathered two assists each. For Girgensons, the two-assist outing was the first multi-point game of his professional career.

The game was a statement for Brennan and McNabb, who both await their missions on the eve of Sabres training camp. Brennan, who currently is tied for 12th in league scoring with 33 points (13+
20), stepped into a booming slap shot for a short-side goal to give the Amerks a 2-1 lead. McNabb dug in and played his physical brand of hockey while adding his third tally of the year. With Marcus Foligno and Cody Hodgson already tabbed for camp duty, the defensive duo are expected to be in the discussion as the Sabres look to round out their troops for the week-long evaluation.

Elsewhere, Mikhail Grigorenko (-2) went without a point for the second straight game as Quebec was embarrassed in a 4-0 home-ice loss to league cellar-dweller Shawinigan. Grigorenko, whose two-game drought is a first in the 2012-13 campaign, will leave for Buffalo early Saturday to participate in his first NHL training camp.

In Western League action, Andrey Makarov returned to action for Saskatoon for the first time since his bronze medal winning performance versus Canada, making 30 saves as the Blades dropped a 3-1 decision to Red Deer. Makarov saw his shutout streak of 134:49 (going back to early Dec.) snapped by surrendering a goal 5:28 into the first period. The Blades battle defending champion Edmonton on Saturday.

Colin Jacobs was kept off the scoresheet as Prince George edged Kamloops 1-0. Jacobs has yet to notch a point in five January games. The Cougars and Blazers play a rematch on Saturday.

In OHL play, newly-named assistant captain Justin Kea was unable to get a point in Saginaw's 4-3 win over Erie. Kea and the Spirit will ride a four-game winning streak into Saturday's game against top-ranked London.

Alex Lepkowski registered a minus-one rating as Barrie suffered 3-2 defeat at Guelph. The Colts welcome Niagara to town on Saturday.

Brady Austin remained out of the lineup with a hand injury as Belleville smoked Kingston 8-2. The Bulls host Windsor on Saturday.

In college action, Christian Isackson notched a pair of assists as No. 1 Minnesota skated to a 4-3 win over Alaska-Anchorage. The helpers extend Isackson's point streak to four games, giving him season totals of 3-11-14 through 21 games. The clubs complete the WCHA set on Saturday.

Jake McCabe made his return from an impeccable performance on Team USA's blueline as the 2013 World Junior Championship as Wisconsin earned a 4-3 overtime victory at Minnesota State. Brad Navin maintained his fourth-line role for the Badgers, who have won five straight and are unbeaten in their last nine games.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson (+1) saw his four-game point streak come to an end as Cedar Rapids defeated Muskegon 4-1. The RoghRiders tangle with Dubuque on Saturday.


Friday, January 11, 2013

1/10 Recap: Ullmark stars; Lepkowski returns

Linus Ullmark earned his second SEL start of the year Thursday, making an impressive 33 saves to guide MODO to a 3-1 win over Brynas. Ullmark has now appeared in three Elite League games, garnering two wins, a 1.19 GAA, and .957 save%. The red-hot Ullmark, who following the game celebrated victory with his patented moonwalk, could again get the nod when MODO returns to action Saturday versus Linkopings.



In Finland, Joel Armia (+1) finished with two shots on goal as Assat edged SaiPa 3-2. Assat takes on TPS on Saturday.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci snapped his four-game goal drought as Owen Sound lost at Niagara 3-2 in a shootout. Catenacci's goal, his 22th of the year, came on a first period power play to knot the score 1-1. He'd later miss on a wrister in shootout attempt. The Attack battle Kingston on Saturday.


Alex Lepkowski returned to the Barrie lineup for the first time since Dec. 15 as the Colts earned a 5-4 shootout win over Mississauga. Lepkowski, who missed seven games while recovering from a shoulder injury, finished with a game-best plus three rating while skating with 2014 draft eligible Aaron Ekblad. Barrie visits Guelph on Friday.

In QMJHL play, Mikhail Grigorenko (-1) fired two shots on goal but seemed to show travel wear late as Quebec was defeated by Chicoutimi 4-1. Grigorenko, who nearly notched his 30th goal of the year when he rang off a shot off the post, finished the game with a 25% success rate on faceoffs.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

10/27 Recap: Armia unloads; Kea extends streak

Joel Armia scored on the power play Saturday as Assat lost 4-3 to KalPa. The big wing unloaded a one-timer from the left side for his eighth of the year as the Aces third period comeback came up a goal short. Next up for Assat is a Wednesday meeting with the Espoo Blues.


Also from Europe, Linus Ullmark made 20 saves as MODO J20 scored a late goal to capture a 4-3 win over AIK. Ullmark was a driving force with many big saves late in the game en route to picking up his fifth win of the year. MODO J20 will face Vasteras on Sunday.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci notched the game winning goal as Owen Sound downed Sudbury 3-1. Catenacci, who added an assist on a Cameron Brace empty-netter, has seven goals and 16 points through the first 13 games. The Attack go back at it Sunday versus Windsor.


Justin Kea picked up an assist to extend his point streak to a career-best four games as Saginaw dropped a 3-1 decision at Peterborough. The 6-foot-4 center elevates his season line to 11 points (3+8) through 15 games. He posted a line of 3-11-14 in 65 games a season ago. After playing three games in three nights, the Spirit get to rest their legs until Saturday's meeting with Belleville.


Alex Lepkowski finished with an even rating as Barrie downed Niagara 4-1. Lepkowski continues to play tough defensively while also seeing time at the left point on Barrie's power play. The Colts travel to Sudbury on Friday.

Brady Austin did not factor into the scoring as Belleville pitched a 1-0 shutout of Kingston. The Bulls are off until Friday when they visit London.


In the WHL, Colin Jacobs connected for a pair of assists as Prince George dominated early but needed a shootout to get a 3-2 win over Brandon. Normally an ace breakaway performer, Jacobs missed on a penalty shot attempt in regulation and was stopped as the first Cougars shooter in the tiebreaking frame. The 6-foot-2 center has 18 points (8+10) at the 15 game benchmark. Prince George returns to action Friday at Kamloops.



Logan Nelson registered an assist in Victoria's 5-2 loss at Kamloops. The helper maintains Nelson's point-per-game pace through the first 15 games of the year (3+12). The Royals continue their road trip next Friday at Portland.



In the USHL, Judd Peterson scored a late third-period goal as Cedar Rapids fell short in a 3-2 loss to undefeated Dubuque. The St. Cloud State commit capitalized on a turnover and scored through the five-hole in the game's final minute. The RoughRiders host Tri-City on Friday.

In NCAA play, Jake McCabe and Brad Navin were unable to factor into the scoring as Wisconsin played to a 2-2 tie at Minnesota-Duluth. The Badgers return home next weekend for a WCHA set with Colorado College.

Mark Adams played even as Providence earned the weekend sweep with a 3-0 win over Maine. Jon Gillies (CAL) made 26 saves for his first career NCAA shutout. The Friars continue the Hockey East schedule next weekend at Vermont.

In AHL play, Rick Schofield recorded the first two-goal game of his AHL career to lead the Rochester Americans to a 6-2 win at Adirondack.

Schofield scarfed up a rebound to give Rochester at 1-0 lead 9:28 of the opening period. Frederick Roy assisted on the goal to record his first professional point.

Schofield again lit the lamp in the middle frame, sandwiched between power play marks by Kevin Porter and Evan Rankin as the Amerks took a 4-1 lead into the second intermission.

The Phantoms would get one back in the third before Nick Crawford's empty-netter and Nick Tarnasky's first of the year sealed the deal for Rochester.

With assists on the Rankin goal, Marcus Foligno and Cody Hodgson each hit the 10-point mark in game number eight to gain a share of the AHL scoring lead. T.J. Brennan went without a point to see his four-game point streak snapped.

Rochester heads home for Friday's tilt with Hamilton. The contest will be the first of five Friday night home games for the Amerks.

Friday, October 26, 2012

10/25 Recap: Grigo comes up empty

In Thursday action, Mikhail Grigorenko went without a point for the first time this season as Quebec was squashed by Baie-Comeau 8-2. Grigorenko, who entered with a 12-game point streak that saw him collect 10 goals and 24 points, centered a line with 2013 draft eligible Adam Erne and fellow countryman Nikita Kucherov (TAM), who was making his season debut following shoulder surgery. The Remparts return to action Friday versus Shawinigan.

Alex Lepkowski maintained his steady defensive play as Barrie skated to a 2-1 overtime win over Brampton. Defenseman Aaron Ekbland ('14) scored on the power play in the final minute of the extra session to snap the Colts' two-game losing streak. Barrie will tangle with Niagara on Saturday.

Monday, October 22, 2012

10/21 Recap: Grigorenko feeds winner

In Sunday action, Mikhail Grigorenko set up Logan Shaw for the game winning goal with just under five minutes to play as Quebec skated to a 3-2 triumph at Drummondville. The power play helper extends Grigorenko's season-starting point streak to a dozen games, equaling his previous best set last January. The Russian pivot, who has collected 10 goals and 24 points thus far, will look to continue the hot hand Thursday versus Baie-Comeau.


In Sweden, Linus Ullmark made 18 stops as MODO J20 earned a 5-2 win over Lulea. Ullmark improves to 4-3-0 in SuperElit league play. His 2.32 goals against average is tops in the league for goaltenders with more than one start.

Alex Lepkowski finished with an even rating as Barrie was outplayed in a 4-1 loss at Brampton. The Colts, who were unbeaten in regulation in their previous nine games, will host a rematch with the Battalion on Thursday.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

10/20 Recap: Foligno posts best; Armia returns in style

The Rochester Americans applied their rally caps Friday, scoring seven times in the final two periods to earn a wild 8-7 victory at Hershey. Marcus Foligno (first star of the game) paved the way with a career-best two goals and two assists as the Amerks twice overcame two-goal deficits to spoil the Bears' home opener.

For Foligno, the four-point night bests his previous AHL high of 2+1 posted last April versus Syracuse. It's his highest single-game output since a 3+1 effort in December 2010 as a member of the Sudbury Wolves.

T.J. Brennan (second star) collected two goals and an assist, while Cody Hodgson (three assists), Mark Mancari (1+1), and Brayden McNabb (two assists) also posted multiple-point outings.

The Amerks are off until Tuesday when they face the Hamilton Bulldogs at First Niagara Center in Buffalo.

Joel Armia returned from injury, cashing a goal and an assist as Assat blazed past Ilves 6-1. Armia, who now has seven goals and 11 points through 15 games including three multi-point efforts, missed just one Assat contest after getting his bell rung early in Tuesday's tilt with SaiPa.


Linus Ullmark made 26 saves as MODO J20 lost 3-2 to Brynas. The game looked to be heading to OT before a Brynas goal in the final minute of regulation handed Ullmark his first SuperElit loss since returning from Mora.

In WHL action, Colin Jacobs scored his eighth goal of the year on the power play as Prince George took a 3-2 loss to Spokane. The Cougars allowed a goal with 24-seconds left on the clock en route to accepting their fifth consecutive loss.



Andrey Makarov made 24 saves in Saskatoon's 3-2 loss to Everett. The Blades, who have allowed a league-high 55 goals against, have lost lost two straight games to remain in last place in the WHL's Eastern Conference.


In the OHL, Dan Catenacci extended his point streak to six games as Owen Sound was defeated by Oshawa 3-2. The loss halts the Attack's five-game winning streak.


Justin Kea picked up two assists as Saginaw lost an 8-5 barnburner to Guelph. The 6-foot-4 center has a goal and seven points through the Spirit's first 12 games.

Alex Lepkowski did not point as Barrie battled back to force extra time but lost to London 3-2 in the shootout. The loss was the first at home this season for the Colts, who remain unbeaten in regulation in their last nine games.

In NCAA action, Christian Isackson went without a point for the first time in four regular season games as top-ranked Minnesota earned the weekend split with a 3-2 win over Michigan Tech. The Gophers will host the U.S. Under-18 team on Friday before welcoming Canisius to Mariucci Arena on Sunday.

Mark Adams finished -1 as Providence suffered a 4-3 overtime defeat at #4 Miami. The Friars battled back from three one-goal deficits before succumbing in the extra session.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson did not play as Cedar Rapids came from behind to claim a 7-5 win over Indiana.

Friday, October 19, 2012

10/18 Recap: Nelson helps in win

Logan Nelson recorded an assist Thursday as Victoria skated to a 3-1 win over Calgary. A Hitmen panalty was expiring just as Nelson unleashed a wrist shot that was tipped over Chris Driedger's blocker late in period two. Nelson has points in nine of the Royals' 12 games this season (3+10). Victoria gets the weekend off before resuming play Tuesday versus Brandon.


Colin Jacobs finished -1 as Prince George was shutout by Kelowna 3-0. Jacobs, who registered a point in each of the Cougars' first eight games, has gone three straight without getting on the scoresheet.

In the OHL, Alex Lepkowski logged a +1 rating as Barrie earned their eighth straight victory 7-3 over Ottawa. The Colts, went an impressive five of eight on the power play, host London on Saturday.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

10/13 Recap: Catenacci powers Attack; Austin posts career best

Dan Catenacci scored his second goal of the game in the final minute of regulation and then notched the shootout winner as Owen Sound downed Peterborough 5-4. The 5-foot-10 speedster has six goals, 11 points, and two shootout winners in nine games this season. The Attack are off until Friday when they host Ottawa.


Elsewhere in the OHL, Brady Austin earned the game's number two star with a career-best three assists as Belleville skated to a 4-1 win over Oshawa. Austin has collected five helpers through the Bulls' first nine games.


Alex Lepkowski played even as Barrie earned a 2-1 victory over Sudbury. The Colts are back at it Thursday versus Ottawa.

In USHL action, Judd Peterson pocketed a pair of assists as Cedar Rapids was dealt a wild 8-7 shootout loss to Green Bay. The St. Cloud State commit has a goal and four points through his first four games in a RoughRiders uniform.

In Sweden, Linus Ullmark made 28 stops as MODO J20 defeated Leksands 5-3. The win was Ullmark's second in as many days after being returned to MODO from his loan to Mora.

In Finland, Joel Armia finished -1 in 13:34 of work as Assat lost to Tappara 2-1. Armia will enter Thursday's game against Karpat with nine points (6+3) in 13 games.

In WHL action, Andrey Makarov made 27 saves to backbone Saskatoon to a 5-2 win over Lethbridge. Makarov's victory, his first in two weeks (since 9/29), improves his season record to 3-6 with a 3.51 goals against average and .888 save percentage. The Blades continue their road cruise through Alberta on Sunday with a stop in Medicine Hat.


Logan Nelson earned an assist on the game winning goal as Victoria edged Kelowna 3-2. Fellow Minnesotan Ben Walker (undrafted) had a pair of goals for the winners.


Colin Jacobs (-3) saw his eight-game point streak come to an end as Prince George was buried by Medicine Hat 7-2.

In the college ranks, Christian Isackson netted a pair of assists as #2 Minnesota cruised to a 7-1 hammering of Michigan State. Isackson helped out on goals by linemates Nick Bjugstad (game winner) and Kyle Rau. The Gophers will look to keep their early momentum going next weekend at Michigan Tech.


Mark Adams was +1 with a shot on goal as Providence lost to Boston University 4-2. The Friars return to the road next weekend when they visit #8 Miami.

Brad Navin (-1) and Jake McCabe were both held off the scoresheet as Wisconsin was swept by Northern Michigan 4-2. The Badgers open WCHA conference play next weekend at Minnesota-Duluth.

In the AHL, Marcus Foligno scored on the power play but it was all the Rochester Americans could muster in taking a 3-1 loss to Toronto. David Leggio made 34 saves including 15 in the third period. The Amerks host Binghamton on Tuesday.