10/12 Recap: Amerks open with win

Corey Tropp scored a pair of goals and Mark Mancari scored the only mark in the shootout as Rochester opened the 2012-13 season Friday with a 6-5 win over Syracuse.

Tropp lit the lamp in the game's opening minute when he tapped in a two-on-one feed from Cody Hodgson. Later in the period,  Tropp batted down a Luke Adam shot in front of the net and beat Dustin Tokarski to give the Amerks a 2-1 lead. Marcus Foligno scored shortly after Tropp's second goal to give the Amerks a 3-1 advantage at the first intermission.

Mark Pysyk notched his first professional goal in the second period before the Crunch went on to score four unanswered the take a 5-4 lead midway through the final frame. Mark Mancari rounded out the Rochester scoring to make it 5-5 with under four minutes to play in regulation to force the OT.

David Leggio made 29 saves and another five in the shootout to earn the win. Tropp suffered a lower body injury and is unlikely to play when the Amerks continue their opening weekend Saturday in Toronto.

In the QMJHL, Mikhail Grigorenko continued his superb start to the 2012-13 season by scoring two goals and an assist to extend his point streak to nine games as Quebec defeated Gatineau 4-1. The talented Russian currently ranks second in QMJHL scoring with eight goals and 20 points through the Remparts' first nine games. The Remparts are off until Wednesday's tilt with Saint John.


 In Finland, Joel Armia scored his sixth goal of the year as Assat doubled Tappara 4-2. The 6-foot-3 sniper got the Aces on the board when he cut to the net and directed a Michael Ryan pass past the Tappara netminder. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.



Linus Ullmark made 30 saves as MODO J20 downed Leksands 6-2. Ullmark was making his return to SuperElit action after a three-week loan to Mora IK of HockeyAllsvenskan. MODO and Leksands will play a rematch on Saturday.

In the WHL, Colin Jacobs picked up an assist as Prince George downed Lethbridge 3-2. The helper extends Jacobs' season-starting point streak to a career-best eight games (7+7). The Cougars continue their road trip Saturday in Medicine Hat.

Logan Nelson saw his five-game point streak come to an end as Victoria lost to Kelowna 4-1. The Royals and Rockets will again face off Saturday in Victoria.

Andrey Makarov made 24 saves as Saskatoon lost to Kootenay 4-3. The Blades have lost five straight games to occupy last place in the East Division.

In OHL action, Brady Austin was +1 as Belleville pitched a 2-0 shutout of Brampton. The Bulls, who have secured five wins through the season's first eight games, return to the ice Saturday versus Oshawa.

Justin Kea logged a +1 as Saginaw smoked Sudbury 6-1. The Spirit moves on to face Brampton on Sunday.

Alex Lepkowski (-1) did not point as Barrie got past Oshawa 4-3 in a shootout. Barrie will host Sudbury on Saturday.

Christian Isackson scored his first goal of the year as Minnesota downed Michigan State 5-1. Skating with Florida prospects Nick Bjugstad and Kyle Rau, Isackson buried a wrist shot from the slot for the first regular season goal of his collegiate career. The Gophers and Spartans will conclude their opening weekend set on Saturday.


Brad Navin (2 SOG) and Jake McCabe (4 SOG) each went without a point as Wisconsin lost to Northern Michigan 2-1. McCabe was paired with Frankie Simonelli on the Badgers blueline after sitting out last weekend's tune-up win over the U.S. Under-18. Navin formed a line with Keegan Meuer and Brendan Woods. The Badgers will look for the weekend split on Saturday.

Mark Adams finished +1 as Providence opened the season with an 8-2 throttling of Sacred Heart. The Friars finish their weekend Saturday with a visit to Boston University.

Judd Peterson was +1 with three shots on goal as Cedar Rapids dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Muskegon. The RoughRiders take on Green Bay on Saturday.

10/11 Recap: Kea points in Spirit loss

Justin Kea recorded two assists Thursday as Saginaw dropped an 8-5 decision at Barrie. The even strength helpers give Kea five points (1+4) through the season's first eight games. Colts defenseman Alex Lepkowski finished -1 with a slashing minor. The two clubs will return to action Friday with the Colts traveling to Oshawa, and the Spirit making a trip to Sudbury.

10/6 Recap: Grigorenko, Nelson spark Saturday wins

Mikhail Grigorenko scored a pair of goals Saturday as Quebec blew past Rimouski 7-2. Grigorenko had his speed and puckhandling abilities on display from the get-go between linemates Logan Shaw (FLA) and 2013 draft eligible Adam Erne. The brilliant center now has six goals and 16 points on the year, good for a share of the QMJHL scoring lead, while boosting the Remparts to a perfect 7-0 start. The CHL's top-ranked club, Quebec will conclude the weekend with a Sunday visit to Blainville-Boisbriand.


In the WHL, Logan Nelson scored two regulation goals and the only mark in the shootout to lead Victoria to a 4-3 win at Tri-City. Nelson, who earlier had tied the game 2-2 with a nice backhand finish, struck again with 35-seconds to play in the third to force the OT. The first-star effort gives Nelson three goals, eight points, and two shootout winners in the Royals' first seven games.


Colin Jacobs kept rolling with a goal and an assist as Prince George was outgunned by Kelowna 7-5. The big Texan opened up for a second-period one-timer as the Cougars attempted to overcome a three-goal deficit. Jacobs has points in all six Cougars' contests this year en route to co-leading the WHL with 12 points (6+6).


Andrey Makarov made 31 saves as Saskatoon lost 4-1 at Edmonton. Makarov surrendered three power play goals in the middle frame to see his record drop to 2-4 with a 3.59 goals against average and .888 save percentage.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci scored the game winning goal in the shootout as Owen Sound defeated Guelph 4-3. In the second period, Catenacci picked up an assist when the rebound of his speedy breakaway attempt was buried to give him seven points (3+4) through the Attack's first seven games.



Alex Lepkowski notched a pair of assists as Barrie won their fourth straight game 4-3 over Peterborough. Lepkowski's breakout pass earned him a secondary helper on Mark Scheifele's game winner in the final minute of regulation. The multi-point effort was the third of Lepkowski's career and his first since a one-goal, one-assist outing last April in game six of the OHL Eastern Conference semifinal.



Belleville defenseman Brady Austin skated even as the Bulls got past Ottawa 5-3. Sean Monahan ('13) scored his fourth goal of the year for the 67's in a losing effort.

Justin Kea played even as Saginaw earned a 2-1 shootout win over Kitchener. Next up for Spirit is a Thursday visit to Barrie.

In Finland, Joel Armia earned a season-high 20:16 of work but was unable to score as Assat edged TPS 2-1. Former Sabres forward Mike Ryan scored the shootout winner for the Aces, who are off until Wednesday's tilt at Jokerit.

In NCAA exhibition play, Christian Isackson netted a natural hat trick as Minnesota crushed the University of Lethbridge 7-0. Isackson, who manned the right side on a line with Nick Bjugstad (FLA) and Kyle Rau (FLA), scored scored the first three goals of the game as the Gophers dominated with 65 shots on goal.


Brad Navin collected two assists as the Badgers skated to a 5-0 exhibition win over the U.S. U-18 squad. Navin, who made nice pass to slot for his second helper of the night, skated on a line with Joseph Labate (VAN) and Brendan Woods (CAR). Defenseman Jake McCabe sat out with an upper body injury.


In the USHL, Judd Peterson did not dress as Cedar Rapids was handled by Youngstown 5-1. The RoughRiders continue their homestand Friday versus Muskegon.

10/5 Recap: Grigorenko gets winner as Remparts remain perfect

Mikhail Grigorenko scored in overtime Friday as Quebec remained perfect through their first six games with a 4-3 come from behind win over Victoriaville. Grigorenko, who earlier helped force the extra frame with an assist in the final minute of regulation, has registered a point in all six Remparts' contests for a total of 14 (4+10) on the year. The crafty pivot dazzled with several exciting plays, including a superb blind pass from his knees in the middle period that was nearly converted. The Remparts will look to remain unbeaten on Saturday when they host Rimouski.

In the WHL, Colin Jacobs scored on the power play as Prince George rode a five-goal first period to a 6-3 win over Kelowna. Jacobs now has five goals and 10 points has through his first five games to remain tied atop the WHL points leaderboard. The teams will finish their weekend set Saturday night in Prince George.

Logan Nelson picked up an assist as Victoria lost a hard-fought 4-3 decision at Spokane. The Royals continue their road trip Saturday in Tri-City.

Andrey Makarov got another short rest as Saskatoon got shellacked by Swift Current 10-1. Makarov, who was previously forced into relief action during his game off last week, entered in the 34th minute with the Blades trailing 7-1. He'd allow two power play goals before settling in the third period with 10 saves on 11 shots. The Blades pay a visit to defending WHL champion Edmonton on Saturday.

In OHL action, Dan Catenacci set up the game winning goal as Owen Sound held off Sarnia 4-3. Catenacci stayed out of the penalty box for the first time this season en route to collecting his sixth point (3+3) through the Attack's first six games. Owen Sound returns to action Saturday versus Guelph.

Justin Kea recorded his first fighting major of the year as Saginaw was blanked by Niagara 4-0. Trailing 2-0, Kea tangled with IceDogs forward Joel Wigle late in the second period. Saginaw welcomes Kitchener to town on Saturday.

Alex Lepkowski logged a +1 as Barrie earned a 4-3 shootout victory over Mississauga. The Colts take on Peterborough.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson finished -1 with a shot on goal as Cedar Rapids downed Fargo 5-2. The RoughRiders will play the second of five straight games at home Saturday against Youngstown.

Joel Armia recorded three shots on goal in 15:55 of action as Assat dropped a 2-1 decision to the Blues. The Aces head back to the ice Saturday against TPS.

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In AHL preseason play, Nick Crawford scored a pair of regulation goals and then the shootout clincher as Rochester closed the preseason with a 4-3 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Phil Varone added the other Amerks goal. Rookie netminders Connor Knapp and Nathan Lieuwen split the crease duties, with Knapp stopping 15 of 16 shots before giving way to Lieuwen, who blocked 16 of 18 and another three in the shootout to secure the victory.

9/29 Recap: Grigo, Ullmark continue good starts

In Saturday QMJHL action, Mikhail Grigorenko scored a pair of goals including a beauty on a breakaway as Quebec rolled to their third straight win 5-0 over Sherbrooke. Grigorenko, who finished just 4/16 (25%) at the faceoff circle, scored what would eventually hold up as the game winner just 2:35 into the game. He'd go in all alone to add another, his third of the year, late in the second period. Nick Sorensen ('13) added two goals for Quebec, who next do battle with Val-d'Or on Sunday.



Linus Ullmark made 25 saves and then another three in the shootout as Mora edged Leksands 3-2. Ullmark, who allowed a goal from long range midway through the third, now has three wins in four appearances since his loan from MODO while amassing a 1.61 goals against average (2nd in Allsvenskan) and .928 save percentage (4th). Ullmark could again get the nod when Mora plays Orebro on Wednesday.


In the WHL, Colin Jacobs earned an assist to extend his point streak to four games as Prince George was defeated in overtime by Seattle 2-1. The helper gives Jacobs nine points on the year, good for the co-lead among WHL scorers entering the Cougars' pair of tilts with Kelowna next weekend.


Andrey Makarov made 26 saves as Saskatoon clawed their way back to a 2-1 overtime win at Swift Current. The Blades will welcome Red Deer town on Wednesday.


In the OHL, Brady Austin picked up an assist as Belleville lost to Oshawa 5-2. Austin fed Jordan Subban ('13) for a power play mark in the first minute of the third period but the Bulls were unable to further mount a comeback. Belleville is off until Saturday's date with Oshawa.


Dan Catenacci was unable to score but did add four minutes to his OHL-leading penalty total as Owen Sound lost to Sarnia 2-1. After making it clear to the team earlier this week that undisciplined play will not be tolerated, the Attack coaching staff watched as Catenacci was whistled for a checking-from-behind minor three minutes into the game. Owen Sound is off until Friday's rematch with the Sting.

Justin Kea racked up six minutes in penalties as Saginaw dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Sault Ste. Marie. The Spirit and Hounds will rematch Wednesday in Sault Ste. Marie.

Alex Lepkowski finished -1 as Barrie skated to a 4-1 win over Mississauga. The Colts and Steelheads will go back at it on Friday.

Judd Peterson potted an empty-net goal and added an assist as Cedar Rapids kicked off the 2012-12 schedule with a 4-1 win at Green Bay. The RoughRiders will play their home opener Friday against Fargo.

9/23 Recap: Grigorenko helps out

Mikhail Grigorenko notched a pair of assists Sunday as Quebec blanked Baie-Comeau 5-0. Both of Grigorenko's helpers came on goals by Florida prospect Logan Shaw. Grigorenko now has six points after his first two games. The 6-foot-3 pivot rounded out his line with four shots on goal, a +3 rating, and a 60% success rate at the faceoff circle (18/30). The Remparts are off until Saturday when they visit QMJHL newcomer, Sherbrooke.


In the WHL, Colin Jacobs followed his five-point effort with an assist and a shootout marker as Prince George edged Everett 7-6. Jacobs (2+4) enters the week as the WHL's second-leading scorer behind Portland's Nicolas Pedan ('13), who has eight points in three games. Prince George welcomes Jacobs' former mates from Seattle to town next weekend.

Alex Lepkowski picked up hsi first point of the year, a power play assist, as Barrie dropped a 3-2 decision at Mississauga. The Colts host Dan Catenacci and the Owen Sound Attack on Thursday.

9/21 Recap: Russian duo solid in openers

Mikhail Grigorenko scored a goal and three assists Friday as Quebec opened the QMJHL regular season with a 9-4 win over Chicoutimi. All three of Grigorenko's helpers came on goals by Anthony Duclair ('13), who also added an assist to his hat trick. The Remparts return to action Sunday versus Baie-Comeau.


In the WHL, Andrey Makarov made 40 saves to earn the game's #1 star as Saskatoon defeated Prince Albert 2-1 in a shootout. Makarov saw just five shots in the opening period, but was equal parts busy and spectacular the rest of the way beginning with a 17-save second. The Blades and Raiders will complete the home-and-home series Saturday in Saskatoon.


Logan Nelson was +1 as Victoria downed Vancouver 6-4. The two clubs will play it back Saturday in Victoria.

In the OHL, Justin Kea posted an assist as Saginaw squandered a two-goal late in a 4-3 overtime loss at Guelph. Kea was efficient at the faceoff circle all the way from a clean win on his first-period helper to another key decision in the final minute of regulation. Saginaw continues the schedule Saturday in Owen Sound.


Brady Austin assisted on an empty-net goal as Belleville skated to a 3-1 victory over Sarnia. The Bulls go back at it Saturday at Plymouth.


Alex Lepkowski earned an ejection as Barrie dropped their opener 3-1 to Kingston. At 4:30 of the middle frame, Lepkowski racked up a fighting major and an automatic misconduct for being third man in on an altercation. The Colts resume play Sunday at Mississauga.

At the USHL Fall Classic, Judd Peterson recorded two shots on goal as Cedar Rapids closed the preseason with a 3-0 win over Tri-City. The RoughRiders begin the regular season Saturday, September 29 at Green Bay.

9/20 Recap: Catenacci opens with goal

Dan Catenacci had an active third period Thursday, recording a Gordie Howe hat trick in a span of 5:26 as Owen Sound opened the 2012-13 season with a 6-1 win over Windsor. The Attack has Friday off before returning to work Saturday versus Saginaw.

Catenacci followed up his own rebound on the power play to give the Attack a 4-0 lead at 1:36 of the middle frame. At 5:05 he earned an assist on another man advantage marker. Just under two minutes later, Catenacci was cited for his second career fighting major after his cross check set off a minor melee.


Elsewhere, Alex Lepkowski finished +2 as Barrie got past Ottawa 6-4. Mark Scheifele (WIN) and Andreas Athanasiou (DET) paced the winners with two goals apiece. The Colts continue opening weekend Friday at Kingston.

At the USHL Fall Classic, Judd Peterson notched an assist as Cedar Rapids edged Lincoln 4-3. Denver commit Landon Smith scored a hat trick for Cedar Rapids. The RoughRiders close the preseason Friday afternoon when they take on Tri-City.

9/15 Recap: Armia gets helper; Kea, Nelson find net

Joel Armia notched a power play assist Saturday as Assat earned their second straight shutout with a 3-0 win over TPS. Armia now has two goals and two assists in the Aces first two regular season games. Next up for Assat is a Wednesday visit to Karpat.


In Sweden, Linus Ullmark made 26 saves as Modo J20 lost their SuperElit North opener 3-2 to Brynas. Modo came back with a pair of second period goals after trailing 2-0 at the end of the first. The game would remain tied until Henrik Messfeldt struck for Brynas at 4:54 of the third just as a power play expired. Modo J20 tangles with Vasteras J20 on Sunday.

In the WHL, Logan Nelson scored his first goal of the preseason as Victoria doubled Vancouver, 4-2. With the exhibition slate complete, the Royals will now eye the start of their regular season Friday back in Vancouver.


Andrey Makarov played the entire game for Saskatoon, stopping 17 of 21 shots as the Blades were downed by Regina, 4-3. Morgan Klimchuk ('13) scored a pair of goals for the Pats. Saskatoon begins the regular seaosn Friday at Prince Albert.


In OHL preseason play, Justin Kea scored a late second period goal as Saginaw topped Sault Ste. Marie, 5-3. The Spirit, who completed their exhibition schedule with a 4-1 record, begin the regular season Friday evening in Guelph.

On Thursday, Kea got his scrapping on with his first major of the 2012-13 year in a 8-0 loss to Sarnia.


Alex Lepkowski skated without a point as Barrie closed out the preseason with a 4-2 win over Guelph. The Colts outshot the Storm by a 52-28 margin to earn the win. Barrie opens the OHL regular season Thursday at Ottawa.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson did not factor as Cedar Rapids was defeated by Waterloo, 4-2. Peterson, who scored a hat trick the night before in a loss to the Blackhawks, will look to get back on the scoresheet Wednesday when the RoughRiders continue the preseason in Des Moines.

9/14 Recap: Armia leads Aces; Peterson pots hatty

Joel Armia scored two goals and an assist to earn the game's #1 star Friday as Assat opened the regular season with a 3-0 shutout of Lukko. Not a bad start for a player who failed to light the lamp in four preseason appearances, and who a season ago needed 15 games to get his second regular season tally.

The 6-foot-3 wing racked up several quality chances throughout the game, unloading a total of 10 shots in 14:45 of work. He finally got the Aces on the board at 10:58 of the middle period when he took a pass as he crashed the net and calmly lifted a backhand. Armia would strike again just under 10-minutes later by unleashing a heavy wrist shot from the right circle to earn the game winning goal. He capped the three-point night late in the third by finding Mika Niemi from behind the net for the insurance marker. Assat continues their weekend with a Saturday tilt against TPS.


In USHL preseason action, 2012 seventh round pick Judd Peterson scored a hat trick as Cedar Rapids dropped a 5-4 overtime decision at Waterloo. The goals came in just Peterson's second junior "A" appearance after scoring 47 times in 30 games last season with Duluth Marshall High School. Taylor Cammarata, who will be in Buffalo on September 29th to play in the CCM/USA Hockey All American Prospects Game, bagged two goals and an assist including the overtime winner just 38-seconds into the extra period. The two clubs will play a rematch on Saturday.

In WHL play, newly-inked Andrey Makarov stopped all 13 shots faced over 31-minutes of work in Saskatoon's 2-1 win over Regina. Makarov started the game before giving way to Patrick Johnson midway trough the second period. The Blades and Pats will resume their weekend set Saturday in Saskatoon.

Colin Jacobs posted an assist as Prince George was defeated by Kamloops 4-3 in a shootout. The helper gives the 6-foot-2 center a goal and two assists through four preseason contests. The Cougars are now done with the preseason with their sights set on Saturday's regular season opener at Everett.

Logan Nelson went without a point in Victoria's 11-round shootout win over Vancouver. The 6-foot-1 Nelson missed in his attempt as the first Royals shooter in the deciding frames. The Royals head home for Saturday's preseason finale against Vancouver.

In the OHL, Brady Austin was left off the scoresheet as Belleville closed out the preseason with a 5-4 win over Oshawa. Austin, who was paired on defense with 2013 draft eligible Jordan Subban, wore an "A" for the Bulls. Belleville opens the regular season Friday at Sarnia.

Alex Lepkowski did not register as Barrie lost to Kitchener, 6-4. The 6-foot-4 rearguard has posted a goal and an assist in his exhibition work. The Colts will close the preseason Saturday at Guelph.

Jacobs guides Cougars

Colin Jacobs scored a goal and an assist Friday as Prince George rolled to a 3-1 preseason victory over defending WHL champion Edmonton. The goal, which came off a deflection in front of the Rockets cage late in the second period, gives Jacobs a multi-point game in just his second outing as a Cougar after having just two in all of 2011-12 with Seattle. Alex Forsberg ('13) added a pair of assists for Prince George, who moved to a 3-0 thus far in exhibition play. The two teams will go back at it on Saturday in Prince George.


In Finland, Joel Armia notched an assist as Assat completed their preseason with a 4-2 win over Ilves. Armia, who continued to man a scoring line right wing spot, was unable to light the lamp in any of his four exhibition appearances. The Aces open the regular season Friday at Lukko.

Elsewhere, Logan Nelson finished even with a roughing minor in Victoria's 4-1 win over Kelowna. The two clubs will play a rematch of their fight-filled affair Saturday in Kelowna.

In the OHL, Brady Austin recorded a power play assist as Belleville was doubled by Kingston, 6-3. The two clubs will play a rematch on Saturday.

Alex Lepkowski did not point as Barrie dropped a 4-1 decision to Guelph. The Colts next take the ice on Sunday when they take on Kitchener.

In USHL action, Judd Peterson was -2 with three shots on goal as Cedar Rapids opened the exhibition schedule with a 5-3 loss to Dubuque. The two clubs, which combined for 99 penalty minutes on Friday, will resume the home-and-home battle Saturday in Cedar Rapids.

Lepkowski chips in

In Monday preseason action, Alex Lepkowski notched an assist as Barrie edged Owen Sound 4-3 in a shootout. The 6'4 defender made a nice board pass in the first period to send Brendan Bell in for the game's first goal.

Lepkowski is hoping to be more comfortable starting the transition game in what should be his final year of junior. After just three assists in all of 2011-12 and a total of 10 in his three-year OHL career, the simple play is a good start.

Dan Catenacci did not score for Owen Sound, who falls to 0-2 in the exhibition season after back-to-back losses to the Colts.

Next up for Barrie is a game with Guelph on Friday. The Attack are off until Saturday when they battle the newly minted Mississauga Steelheads.

OHL open for business

Dan Catenacci got his first preseason skate in Sunday as Owen Sound dropped a 3-1 decision to Barrie. The speedy forward is the top returning scorer on the Attack roster after scoring 33 goals and 72 points a season ago. The 2012-13 Barrie blueline will be anchored in part by 19-year old Alex Lepkowski, who emerged as a top stay-at-home presence in last spring's playoffs. The two clubs will go back at it Monday night in Barrie.

Justin Kea did not point as Saginaw won 2-0 at London. The two-way Kea is competing for second line center duty this season behind Panthers prospect Vincent Trocheck. Sunday's game featured more fights than goals (three) as some bad blood spilled over from last spring's Western Conference semi-final. Jake Paterson (DET) earned the shutout for Spirit, who are now off until Thursday when they take on Sarnia.

In the WHL, Colin Jacobs did not play as Prince George buried Medicine Hat, 5-0. Chase Witala ('13) paced the Cougars with two goals and an assist. PG returns to action Friday when they host defending WHL champion Edmonton.

In Kravare, CZE, Linus Ullmark served as backup as Sweden defeated Finland 2-1 in overtime to win the Four Nations tourney. Sebastian Collberg (MON) roofed a shot in the first minute of the OT to push the Swedes to a 3-0 weekend mark. Ullmark will head back to Ornskoldsvik to join Modo J20 for Tuesday's tilt with Timra.

4/17 Recap: Sutch scores as Colts get bounced; Leduc plays on

Gregg Sutch scored an early goal Tuesday but Barrie was defeated by Ottawa 4-3 in overtime of game seven of the OHL Eastern Conference Final. The 6'2 grinder took advantage of a turnover to pot his 2nd of the playoffs just 2:52 in. The Colts would battle back to force OT with :09 left in regulation before 67's forward Brett Gustavsen ended it at 2:09 of the extra session. Alex Lepkowski was +1 on the Colts blueline, finishing the playoffs with two goals, an assist, and a +10 rating in 12 games.


Ottawa advances to the Eastern Conference Final to face Steven Shipley and the Niagara IceDogs. The series begins Friday in St. Catharines.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc earned an assist as Rimouski advanced to the semifinal round with a 5-4 win over Blainville-Boisbriand. The mobile righty advances to the next round with five goals, 12 points, and a +6 rating through 11 postseason contests. After coming back to defeat the Armada in seven games, the Oceanic will square off with Nathan MacKinnon and the Halifax Mooseheads beginning Friday. MacKinnon, who is considered to be the top dog for the 2013 draft, has 11 goals and 21 points in 11 playoff games.

4/15 Recap: Lepkowski, Sutch produce in Colts loss

Alex Lepkowski scored off a wrister from the point and added an assist Sunday as Barrie was defeated by Ottawa 3-2 to force a game #7 in the OHL Eastern Conference final. The multi-point effort was the second of his three-year career. Gregg Sutch scored the other Colts, his first of the playoffs and first in his last 18 post-season tilts. The clubs will decide the series Tuesday in Ottawa.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc recorded three shots on goal as Rimouski edged Blainville-Boisbriand, 3-2. With the series locked at three games each, the clubs will play #7 Tuesday in Boisbriand.

In other news, the idle Amerks watched on during the final day of the regular season as the chips in place to give them the 7th spot in the AHL’s Western Conference playoffs. Rochester will square off with division rival Toronto for a best-of-five series beginning Thursday.

Game 1 – Thu., Apr. 19 – Rochester at Toronto, 7:00
Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 21 – Rochester at Toronto, 3:00
Game 3 – Mon., Apr. 23 – Toronto at Rochester, 7:05
*Game 4 – Wed., Apr. 25 – Toronto at Rochester, 7:05
*Game 5 – Sat., Apr. 28 – Rochester at Toronto, 3:00

Foligno fuels Amerks with season on line

With their playoff hopes hinging on a positive outcome, Marcus Foligno (#1 star) bagged two goals and an assist Friday to lead Rochester to an important 5-1 victory over Syracuse. The win bumps the Amerks into 7th place in the AHL's Western Conference standings with just one game left to play. A Saturday win over the Lake Erie Monsters, who are tied with Rochester with 84 points but sit in 6th place with two more victories, should give the Amerks a spot in the playoffs.

Nick Crawford, Evan Rankin, and Colin Stuart supplied the other Amerks goals, while Corey Tropp and Derek Whitmore each chipped in two assists. David Leggio made 30 saves for his 27th win of the year and the game's #2 star.

The Rundown:
Foligno: 2G, A
Crawford: G, A
Tropp: 2A
Brennan: +3
McNabb: 2 SOG
Adam: +1
Varone: even

A Saturday win gives the Amerks a legitimate playoff shot. Kevin Oklobzija of the Rochester D&C goes over the scenarios here.

In Friday QMJHL play, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc notched an assist as Rimouski lost game #5 of their playoff quarterfinal 3-2 to Blainville-Boisbriand. The helper was Leduc's 11th point through nine playoff games. Tommy Giroux scored the game winning goal for the Armada with under two minutes left in regulation. Trailing the series by a 3-2 margin, the Nics will head home looking to force a game #7 with a win on Sunday.

In the OHL, Alex Lepkowski (+1) and Gregg Sutch (even) did not factor into the scoring as Barrie missed a chance to close their Eastern Conference semifinal by dropping a 2-1 decision to Ottawa. Cody Ceci ('12) scored a power play goal for the 67's. The Colts, who previously had earned a 3-2 win on Thursday, will take a 3-2 series lead back to Barrie for Sunday's game #6.

On Thursday, Steven Shipley went without a point for the sixth straight game as Niagara bounced Brampton from the OHL playoffs with a 3-1 win. Fresh off a sweep of the Troops, the IceDogs will get the winner of the Barrie/Ottawa battle in the OHL Eastern Conference final beginning next week.

4/10-11 Recap: Pysyk strikes; Lepkowski pots winner

On Wednesday, Mark Pysyk scored on a shorthanded break, his 2nd goal of the playoffs, as Edmonton swept Brandon from the WHL playoffs with a 6-0 victory. The Oil Kings captain took a nice saucer pass and lifted a forehand to give Edmonton a 2-0 lead at 9:00 of the opening period. The Oil Kings move on to face Moose Jaw in the Eastern Conference finals beginning next Friday (4/20). Wheat Kings center Kevin Sundher (-2) was unable to gain a point in the four-game defeat, and finishes his disappointing stay in Brandon with five goals and 14 points in 27 games. The six-footer, who previous earned a three-year deal from the Sabres by averaging 1.60 points-per-game with Victoria before his January trade, is now eligible to sign an ATO with Rochester of the AHL.



In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc picked up an assist as Rimouski evened their quarterfinal series at two games apiece with a 4-3 overtime win over Blainville-Boisbriand. The 6'1 defender has gathered five goals and 10 points in eight postseason tilts. Game #5 takes place on Friday.

In Tuesday action, Alex Lepkowski (+3) scored the game winner on the power play for his first career playoff goal as Barrie downed Ottawa, 5-2. The 6'4 defenseman pounded a slapshot from the point to give the Colts a 3-1 lead in the 2nd period. Colts forward Gregg Sutch returned to the lineup after missing three games due to injury. Barrie now takes a 2-1 series advantage in their Eastern Conference semifinal with game #3 coming Thursday.



Steven Shipley finished -1 as Niagara doubled Brampton, 6-3. After busting out with six points (5+1) in the first four postseason games, the 6'3 center has gone without a point in his last five. With a 3-0 series lead in hand, Niagara will look to use the brooms Thursday night in Brampton.

4/8 Recap: Biega, Leggio key Amerks to victory

In Sunday AHL action, Alex Biega scored the game winning goal with less than five minutes remaining in regulation to vault Rochester to their second straight win, 4-2 over Adirondack. The road win gives the Amerks 89 points, good for 10th in the AHL's Western Conference with just three games left to play.

David Leggio made 46 saves for his 26th win of the year but was somehow not among the game's three stars. Phil Varone, Evan Rankin, and Paul Szczechura scored the other Amerks goals.

Rochester will next host Grand Rapids on Tuesday with two key points on the line.

In the OHL, Alex Lepkowski finished +2 as Barrie bested Ottawa 3-2 in double overtime to even their series at one game apiece. Gregg Sutch missed his third straight game due to injury. Game #3 is Tuesday in Barrie.

Steven Shipley was held off the scoresheet as Niagara got past Brampton, 3-1. The IceDogs hold a 2-0 series lead with game #3 taking place Tuesday night in St. Catharines.

4/6 Recap: Leduc streak snapped

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc saw his four-game point streak come to an end Friday as Rimouski defeated Blainville-Boisbriand 5-3 in game #1 of the QMJHL quarterfinal. While not getting in on any of the goals, the 6'1 defenseman did fire a game-best seven shots. Leduc continues to lead league blueliners with eight points (4+4) through five postseason tilts. He'll play his sixth when the Nics travel to Blainville for Saturday's game #2.

In the WHL, Mark Pysyk skated even as top-seeded Edmonton opened their WHL Eastern Conference semifinal with a 2-1 overtime win over Brandon. Kevin Sundher did not record a point but helped get the Wheat Kings going in the third when he was bumped up to center the top line with Mark Stone and Michael Ferland. Brandon would fire 15 of their 29 shots in the final period, including an excellent two-on-one opportunity for Sundher, but could only get one past Laurent Brossiot to fall behind 1-0 in the best of seven series. The two clubs will play game #2 Saturday in Edmonton.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley helped provide late pressure despite being held without a point as Niagara downed Brampton 2-1 in overtime. Amherst native Dylan Blujus ('12) finish +1 for the Troops, who take a 1-0 series deficit back home to Brampton for Sunday's game #2.

Alex Lepkowski finished -1 and Gregg Sutch remained out with an injury as Barrie lost to Ottawa, 5-1. Rochester native Shane Prince earned the game's #1 star with two goals and an assist for the 67's. Game #2 will be played Sunday afternoon in Ottawa.

4/1-2 Recap: Sutch out as clubs advance

Alex Lepkowski was +1 with a minor penalty Monday as Barrie closed out their first round series with a 3-2 overtime win at Mississauga. Fourth-line grinder Gregg Sutch did not play due to a separated shoulder, and is expected to remain out of the lineup when the Colts begin their second round tilt with Ottawa on Friday.

On Sunday, Steven Shipley (+1) was held without a point for the second straight game as Niagara advanced to the second round of the OHL playoffs with a 4-1 win over Oshawa. The 6'3 center collected five goals and an assist in the six game victory. The IceDogs move on to face the Brampton Battalion, who feature West Seneca native Dylan Blujus ('12) on the blueline. The puck drops on game #1 Friday night in St. Catharines.