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.

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

1/15 Recap: Armia strikes; Makarov falls in shootout

Joel Armia scored a goal and an assist Tuesday as Assat overcame a late two-goal deficit but fell in overtime to Tappara 5-4. After a wrap-around attempt led to an assist in the opening minute of the third, Armia converted a long stretch pass into his 11th goal of the year to knot the game 4-4 with just under two minutes to play in regulation. Currently on the outside of the SM-Liiga playoff picture, Assat returns to work Friday versus Espoo.



In the WHL, Andrey Makarov made 26 saves as Saskatoon dropped a 4-3 shootout decision to Kootenay. A bronze medalist with Team Russia at the 2013 World Junior Championship, Makarov has yet to capture a victory in three starts since returning to Saskatoon. The Blades host Moose Jaw on Friday.

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.

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.

McCabe golden in USA triumph; Russian duo gets bronze

Team USA captain Jake McCabe earned a gold medal Saturday as Team USA downed Sweden 3-1 to claim first place at the 2013 World Junior Championship. The victory was USA's first gold medal at the U20 event since defeating Canada in the 2010 final.

The Wisconsin sophomore, who began each period paired with Seth Jones, played a simple defensive game in the tourney finale. His stick was down, he made quick clears, and he kept his position around the USA net while not chasing the play en route to earning a plus-two rating. McCabe did a great job of forcing the Swedish forwards wide to the outside. His most impressive play came early in the second period with a great read to break up a two-on-one chance for the Swedes.

A native of Eau Claire, Wis., McCabe finishes the event with a line of 3-3-6 through the seven games, along with 16 PIM, 13 shots on goal, and a team-best plus-nine rating. His overall effort was rewarded with a spot on the tournament All-Star Team.

In the end, players from 13 different states, including 15 who currently play with NCAA Division I programs, banded together and got better with each passing game to take the gold medal on Russian soil.

***

In the day's first game, Andrey Makarov made 40 saves to backstop Russia to a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory over Canada to earn the bronze medal. With the loss, Canada's streak of 14 straight years with a medal came to an end.

With a decision in a medal game for the second consecutive year, Makarov ends the tournament with a 2-1 record, 2.99 GAA, and .933 save%.

Mikhail Grigorenko was unable to score in the game, but made perhaps his biggest defensive play of the tournament with a leg save in overtime prior to Valeri Nichushkin breaking in and scoring the game winner to get Russia the medal.



The talented centerman was named as one of Russia's top three players at the conclusion of the tournament with a productive 2-4-6 in seven games. Grigorenko rounded out his performance with 33 shots on goal, a 48.5% success rate on faceoffs (65W-69L), and a plus-four rating.

Makarov stands tall in defeat

Andrey Makarov made 44 saves Monday as Russia closed the Group B round robin with a 4-1 loss to Canada. The Saskatoon Blades netminder was forced to battle Canadian shooters on a five-minute power play in the first period, surrendering two goals during the span while hanging tough to prevent additional strikes with second and sometimes third saves. Through two tourney starts, the athletic backstop has been very good in amassing a 1-1 record with a 2.02 GAA and .955 save%.

Russian centerman Mikhail Grigorenko was held off the scoresheet, winning just five of 15 draws in defeat. The 18-year old finishes pool play with three assists, 18 shots on goal, and a 53 percent success rate at the faceoff circle (34/64).

Russia will square off with Switzerland on Wednesday in a quarterfinal matchup.

12/29 Recap: Grigorenko dishes; Peterson posts best

Mikhail Grigorenko notched a pair of assists Saturday as Russia downed Germany 7-0 at the 2013 World Junior Championship.

The crafty pivot feathered a beautiful saucer pass to former Quebec Remparts teammate Nikita Kucherov for the game winning goal at 1:18 of the first period. It was the second time he connected with Kucherov in the tourney, with both goals coming on nearly identical plays. Grigorenko would later send a soft pass back to the point that was pounded in for a goal by Albert Yarullin to make it a 4-0 score. After three tourney tilts, Grigorenko has accumulated three helpers, two penalty minutes, a plus-three rating, and 16 shots on goal.



Following his masterful 41-save performance in Friday's win over the USA, goaltender Andrey Makarov was given the day off while Igor Ustinsky was tabbed to backup Tampa prospect Andrei Vasilevski.

With three wins and eight points in the tournament, Russia gets a day off before battling Canada in a game that will likely settle first place in Group B.

Elsewhere, Judd Peterson posted a career-best three points (1+2) as Cedar Rapids was defeated by Waterloo 7-4. The St. Cloud State commit scored his sixth goal of year, and first on the power play, at 11:46 of the opening period to give the Riders a 1-0 lead. Buffalo Jr. Sabres product Andrew Poturalski drew an assist on the play. Cedar Rapids closes the 2012 portion of the schedule Monday at Tri-City.

Colin Jacobs scored a goal and and assist as Prince George coughed up a three-goal third period lead in losing a 4-3 shootout decision at Victoria. Jacobs has five points in four outings since returning from a six-game suspension. Prince George completes a three games in three nights run Sunday in Vancouver. The Royals were playing without Logan Nelson, the team's second-leading scorer who injured his left leg in Friday's victory over the Cougars. His status going forward is still to be determined pending results of Saturday's medical exam.



In OHL action, Brady Austin assisted on the game winning goal as Belleville edged Kitchener 3-2. The 6-foot-4 defender has two goals and eight points in his last 11 games. Belleville begins a home-and-home series with Peterborough on Tuesday.



Justin Kea posted a power play assist in Saginaw's 8-3 pummeling of Windsor. The Spirit trailed 3-1 in the first minute of the second period before unleashing seven unanswered goals to get the victory. Saginaw next hits the road for a Monday tilt at Sault Ste. Marie.

In NCAA play, Christian Isackson posted a nice assist as Minnesota advanced to the final of the Mariucci Classic with a 4-0 win over Air Force. Isackson chased a loose puck down in the second period and quickly fed it to a crashing Ryan Reilly to give the Gophers a 2-0 lead. On Sunday, Minnesota will square off with Boston College, winners over Alabama-Huntsville in Saturday's opener, for the tourney title.



In the AHL, Marcus Foligno scored his 10th goal of the year and David Leggio earned the game's number two star with 27 saves, but Rochester dropped a 2-1 home-ice decision to Binghamton. The goal gives Foligno points in three straight games heading into Monday's matinee versus Hamilton.

The Rundown:
Foligno: G, +1, 3 SOG
Brennan: -1, 6 SOG, 4 PIM
McNabb: -1, 2 SOG
Flynn: A, +1
Girgensons: -2, SOG
Sundher: SOG
Gauthier-Leduc: SOG
Varone: -2, 2 SOG
Pysyk: even
Adam: even

Makarov magnificent as Russia nips USA

Andrey Makarov earned Player of the Game honors Friday thanks to a sparkling 41-save performance as Russia earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the USA.

Makarov made several point-blank stops, including perhaps his biggest in the game's second minute when he pushed from right to left in stopping a mini three-on-one break.


The Saskatoon Blades reigning MVP was tough from start to finish in the Russian crease, using quick limbs, and at one point even his head, to steer pucks out of danger.

Mikhail Grigorenko punched five shots on goal while winning 50% of his faceoffs (8/16). Despite being listed on paper as Russia's second line centerman, the 6-foot-2 distributor was the focus of an American clamp-down for much of the contest, as the defensive pressure pushed Grigorenko to the outside on the majority of his opportunities.

Team USA captain Jake McCabe, who finished the game with one shot on goal, showed a strong compete level while again being paired with Connor Murphy. His active stick was one factor in keeping Nail Yakupov off the scoreboard for the second straight game.

Russia will look for their third straight victory Saturday against Germany. Next up for Team USA is a Sunday showdown with Canada.