10/29 Recap: Sundher lays four of a kind; Armia scratched

Step aside, Leduc. There's a new sheriff in town and his name is Kevin Sundher.

Sundher potted four goals for his first ever WHL hat trick and added an assist as Victoria stomped to a 7-3 Saturday night shellacking of Seattle. The slick playmaker, who now has multiple points in 11 of 17 games this season, vaults into the WHL scoring lead with 32 points (11+21).





The four goals tie for second-most in a single game among recent Sabres prospects, equaling efforts from repeat offenders Luke Adam (11/9/07, 12/10/09) and Tyler Ennis (2/21/09). Ennis set the recent mark with a six-goal night for Medicine Hat on 2/27/09. Sundher will get some time to enjoy his recent roll before strapping it back on Friday for a tilt with rival Vancouver.

Nathan Lieuwen made 28 saves to guide Kootenay to a 4-1 win over Portland. The 6'5 Lieuwen, victorious in four straight for a league-best nine wins on the year, continues to lead the WHL with a 1.45 goals against average and .948 save percentage. The ICE will do battle with Everett on Friday.

In QMJHL action, Cedrick Henley scored his fifth goal of the year as Val-d'Or lost to Halifax, 5-2. Henley had zero goals in the season's first 10 games (and none in his last 20 going back to the end of 2010-11), but has five in his last six. Les Foreurs return to action Thursday at Cape Breton.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci picked up a power play assist as Owen Sound downed Oshawa, 6-2. The 5'10 center continues to lead the Attack offense with 20 points (8+12). Owen Sound plays host to Windsor on Sunday.

Gregg Sutch logged a -1 in Barrie's 5-1 win over Windsor. After being paired with Mark Scheifele for two games, Sutch instead skated on a line with Zach Hall and Ivan Telegin. Alex Lepkowski (-1) returned to the Barrie blueline after an eight-game absence. The Colts will get a few days off before Thursday's tilt at Windsor.

Steven Shipley returned to the lineup after missing four games with a concussion, finishing -1 as Niagara lost in a shootout to Sudbury, 2-1. The IceDogs welcome Oshawa to St. Catharines on Thursday.

Mark Pysyk did not play due to illness as Edmonton lost at Brandon, 3-2. The Oil Kings will get a full week of rest before Saturday's games with Seattle.

In Finland, Joel Armia was a healthy scratch as Assat was blanked by JYP, 2-0. The 18-year old wing, who has steadily seen his minutes slide over the past couple of weeks, was relegated to fourth-line duty on Friday before the Saturday benching. He has just two goals through his first 17 games, a total that needs to be higher with World Juniors under two months away. We'll be keeping a close eye out Tuesday to see if Armia can re-enter the lineup when the Aces lace 'em up with HIFK.

In NCAA play, Brad Navin was even with a shot on goal as Wisconsin defeated Nebraska-Omaha, 6-3. The Badgers will travel to St. Cloud on Friday.

Brad Eidsness backed-up Aaron Dell as North Dakota earned the split by defeating St. Cloud State, 3-1. The Sioux tangle with Minnesota next weekend.

Christian Isackson was scratched in Minnesota's 3-1 sweeper over Alaska-Anchorage.

Drew MacKenzie missed his second game due to injury as Vermont was doubled by Merrimack, 4-2. The Catamounts continue their Hockey East schedule next weekend with a set against Providence.

Providence defenseman Mark Adams remained on the shelf with a lower body injury as the Friars lost at Maine, 3-1.

10/28 Recap: Leduc streak snapped; Sundher leads pack

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc saw his 12-game point streak come to an end Friday as Rimouski came up short against Shawinigan, 2-1. The 6'1 righty remains the QMJHL's top scoring defenseman, ranking fifth in the league with 26 points (11+15). Leduc's roll was the longest for a Sabres defensive prospect since Kootenay's Brayden McNabb ripped off an 11-gamer last year. Marc-Andre Gragnani posted a 10-game streak for PEI back in 2005-06. Leduc will look to start anew Sunday against Victoriaville.

Kevin Sundher scored a pair of regulation goals, his sixth and seventh of the year, as Victoria lost a 4-3 shootout to Seattle. The two clubs went scoreless for two periods before opening things up with a six-goal third. Sundher opened scoring 23-seconds in with an unassisted shorthanded goal. He'd later force overtime with just 1:25 to play to give him 27 points this season, overcoming Leduc for tops among all Sabres prospects. Per the WHL injury report, T-Birds center Colin Jacobs remains out for a month with an upper body injury. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.



Gregg Sutch scored a goal and an assist while tossing his weight around throughout as Barrie lost at Brampton, 4-3. The 6'2 checker has four points (2+2) in his last three games, and it's fair to expect those numbers to keep spiking if he continues skating on a line with Winnipeg Jets property Mark Scheifele. Alex Lepkowski missed his eighth game with an upper body injury. The Colts host Windsor on Saturday.



Elsewhere, Cedrick Henley notched two assists as Val-d'Or lost to Halifax, 3-2. The 6'5 forward had five assists in his first 10 games, but has four goals and three assists in five game since. The teams will play a rematch on Saturday.

Dan Catenacci picked up a power play assist but finished a game-low -3 as Owen Sound was edged in overtime at London, 3-2. Seven of Catenacci's 11 helpers this season have come with the man advantage. The Attack host Oshawa on Saturday.

Mark Pysyk logged a -1 as Edmonton dropped their fourth game of the year, falling to the Regina Pats 4-1. Pysyk took a third period cross-checking penalty that resulted on a Dominik Volek ('12) goal to give the Pats a 3-1 lead. The Oil Kings travel to Brandon on Saturday.

In NCAA play, Connor Knapp was pulled after allowing four goals in 27-minutes of work as #16 Miami  lost for the second straight night to #18 Lake Superior, 5-3. Knapp had stopped 11 of 15 shots prior to getting the hook. The Redhawks (2-6-0), who were swept at home for the first time since 2006-07, will look to snap a five-game losing streak next weekend at Alaska.

Brad Navin (1 SOG) committed a costly hooking penalty late as Wisconsin lost to Nebraska-Omaha, 5-4. With Navin off to the box at 18:42 of the third, the Badgers gave up a power play goal with 21-seconds left in regulation to fall to 3-4-0 on the year. The series continues Saturday in Madison.

Christian Isackson was a scratch as #8 Minnesota cruised to a 5-0 win over Alaska-Anchorage. The Gophers and Seawolves will do it again Saturday.

Brad Eidsness served as backup as #12 North Dakota suffered a 4-0 home-ice defeat at the hands of St. Cloud State. It's unclear as of now, but Eidsness could get the nod Saturday as the Sioux (2-4-1) look to earn the split.

Drew MacKenzie did not play due to injury as Vermont opened their Hockey East schedule with a 4-1 loss to #9 Merrimack. The Catamounts and Warriors will rematch on Saturday.

Mark Adams remained out with a lower body injury as Providence lost in OT at Maine, 5-4. The sophomore is likely still multiple weeks away from returning to the Friars.

In the ECHL, Corey Fienhage tapped-in a 2x1 finish for his second professional goal as Gwinnett fell in overtime to Wheeling, 3-2. The 6'3 defenseman has two goals and an assist in six Coast League contests.

10/22 Recap: Armia pots 2nd; Leduc stays at eight

Joel Armia scored his second goal of the season Saturday as Assat pitched a 4-0 shutout of Jokerit. The 6'3 wing, who may be feeling pressure to produce this season amidst increased expectations, has seven points through his first 15 games. Assat will next face the Blues on Tuesday.





In QMJHL play, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc earned an assist to extend his point streak to 12-games as Rimouski doubled Rouyn-Noranda, 4-2. The talented blueliner, who Friday set a QMJHL record for defensemen with goals in eight straight games, was unable to find the back of the net for the first time since October 1st. The Nics (10-7) are off all week before facing Shawinigan on Friday.

Nathan Lieuwen stopped 35 shots to backstop Kootenay to a 2-1 win over Moose Jaw. The ICE goaltender, who picked up his sixth win of the year, was cruising to his second shutout before being beaten by a slapshot with 27 seconds left in regulation. The ICE (8-3-0-2) have allowed a league-low 26 goals against this season. Lieuwen could get a rest Sunday when Kootenay travels to Calgary.

Kevin Sundher continued his productive early season pace, collecting two assists to help lead Victoria to a 3-2 win over Kelowna. The dynamic center is currently tied for the WHL lead with 19 assists, and ranks fourth overall with 23 points through his first 13 games. The Royals (7-6, 2nd place B.C. Division) return to action Tuesday at Tri-City.

Dan Catenacci saw his three-game point streak come to an end as Owen Sound was defeated by Sault Ste. Marie, 7-4. The game was Catenacci's first against his former 'mates after a late-summer trade landed him with the reigning OHL champs. He continues to lead his new club in scoring with eight goals and 18 points. The Attack (6-8) hosts Sudbury on Sunday.

Gregg Sutch recorded his fourth point of the year, an assist, as Barrie clubbed Kingston, 6-1. Alex Lepkowski remained out of the Colts lineup with an upper body injury. Barrie (6-4-0-1) gets back to work Wednesday at Belleville.

On the college sheet, Justin Jokinen was -2 with a team-best five shots on goal as injury-riddled Minnesota State got smoked by Denver, 10-2. The Mavericks (1-5-0, 0-2-1 WCHA) will take a weekend off before beginning a set at Michigan Tech on November 4th.

Brad Navin contributed a shot on goal as Wisconsin earned the weekend sweep with a 5-4 win over North Dakota. A night after giving up four goals on 18 shots in just over a period of work, Sioux senior Brad Eidsness served as backup while Aaron Dell allowed five goals on 15 shots. The Badgers (3-3-0, 2-2-0 WHCA) continue league play next weekend versus Nebraska-Omaha, while the Sioux (2-3-1, 0-2-0 WCHA) return home to host St. Cloud State.

Connor Knapp made 20 saves while surrendering a pair of power play goals as Miami was shut out by Ferris State, 2-0. Swept and shut out for the first time since January, the RedHawks are now 0-2 in the CCHA for the first time since 2000-01. Miami (2-4-2, 0-2-0 CCHA) will look to fix some things when it returns home to host Lake Superior State Thursday and Friday.

10/21 Recap: Leduc breaks record; Henley goes Gordie

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc broke a 31-year old QMJHL record for defensemen Friday by scoring a goal in his eighth consecutive game as Rimouski downed Rouyn-Noranda, 5-2. Leduc has really got it cranking this year, potting 11 goals and 25 points through his first 11 games while catching the eye of Hockey Canada scouts. The goal mark mark was previous held by Gaetan Therrien of the Quebec Remparts, who went on to play 22 NHL games for the Quebec Nordiques in the early 1980's.

Cedrick Henley posted a Gordie Howe hat trick, the second of his career, as Val-d'Or doubled Drummondville, 6-3. Henley opened the game with his first fighting major of the year just 6:34 in before potting a goal and an assist in the third period. The 6'5 power forward, who now has goals in two straight games, repeats the Gordie feat first accomplished last October 2nd.





Elsewhere, Kevin Sundher logged a -2 as Victoria got smoked by Vancouver, 8-1.

Mark Pysyk was +1 with four penalty minutes in Edmonton's 8-4 hammering of Portland.

In NCAA play, Justin Jokinen assisted on the game's first goal as Minnesota State lost to Denver, 4-2.

Brad Eidsness made 14 saves before getting pulled early in the second period as North Dakota dropped a 5-3 decision at Wisconsin. Brad Navin was -1 for the Badgers but is gaining the confidence of his coaching staff in the early stages of his freshman season.

Drew MacKenzie finished -3 as Vermont was embarrassed by Minnesota, 6-0. It was the first-ever meeting between the two storied programs.

Connor Knapp served as backup as Miami lost to Ferris State, 4-2.

Mark Adams remained out of the lineup with a lower body injury in Providence's 5-2 loss to Minnesota-Duluth.

10/15 Recap: Third-rounders shine

Kevin Sundher turned in a #1 star performance Saturday, netting a goal and three assists including a sensational pass on the game's final goal to lead Victoria to a 4-3 overtime win over Kelowna. The four-point night gives the Surrey, BC native an impressive 12 points in his last five games. Sundher, chosen in third round of the 2010 draft (75th overall), leads the WHL with 17 assists and is tied for the league scoring lead at 21 points with Brandon's Mark Stone and Medicine Hat's Emerson Etem. The Royals (6-5) return to action Friday at Vancouver.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc continued to tear up the QMJHL, scoring a goal and two assists to earn the game's #1 star as Rimouski edged Baie-Comeau, 5-4. Leduc has now scored in a club-record six straight games en route to piling up an impressive nine goals and 21 points in his first nine games. The 2010 third-rounder (68th overall) will look to tie the QMJHL record for consecutive games with a goal for a defenseman on Wednesday when Rimouski (7-7) hosts Val-d'Or.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci potted two goals and an assist for his first three-point night of the season as Owen Sound lost to Kitchener for the second straight night, 5-3. The 5'10 center currently ranks third in the OHL with eight goals, and eighth in the league with 16 points. The Attack (5-7) travel to Mississauga on Thursday.And yes, Cat was chosen by the Sabres in the third round (77th overall) of this past summer's draft.



Elsewhere, Gregg Sutch was +1 with a pair of minor penalties as  Barrie defeated Sault Ste. Marie, 5-4. Alex Lepkowski missed his fourth straight game due to injury. The Colts shoot out to a 5-3-0-1 mark after nine games, proving to be one of the most improved clubs in the Ontario League after just 15 wins a season ago.

Steven Shipley (-1) left the game with a mild concussion as Niagara lost at Saginaw, 6-4. The big center slips to -10 rating as part the Dogs slow start (17th out of 20 in the OHL), becoming the first Sabres prospect of the season to hit double-digits going the wrong way. Shipley is expected to miss a week of action, meaning he'll likely be absent when Niagara (3-7-0-1) hosts Ottawa on Thursday.

Cedrick Henley recorded a game-high five hits as Val-d'Or dropped a 4-1 home-ice decision to Saint John. The 6'5 wing, who has yet to score a goal through his first nine games, will look to break from his slumber Sunday when his Foreurs (6-6-0-2) against Shawinigan.

Nathan Lieuwen was given a rest as Kootenay downed Prince Albert, 3-1. The ICE (6-2-0-2) travel to Lethbridge on Monday.

In college play, Connor Knapp made 37 saves, the third-most of NCAA career, but #5 Miami was shocked by Colgate in overtime, 3-2. Knapp was spectacular throughout, weathering a slew of penalties and keeping the RedHawks in the game before a power-play deflection ended things in the OT. The RedHawks (2-2) are at Ferris State next weekend.

Brad Navin collected his first collegiate assist in Wisconsin's 3-2 overtime loss to Michigan Tech. An apparent goal by the Badgers during a third period power play was waved off when it was determined that Navin had interfered with the Tech goalie. Wisconsin (1-3) will look to shake off the sweep when they take on North Dakota.

Justin Jokinen scored his team's only goal, his first of the year, as Minnesota State was defeated by Lowell for the second straight night, 4-1. The 6'3 wing cleaned up a scrum to break the shutout midway through the third period. The Mavericks (1-3), who have now lost three straight games, will look to right the ship next week at #3 Denver.

Brad Eidsness gave way to Aaron Dell (25 saves) as #6 North Dakota played to a 3-3 tie with #17 Maine. Eidsness looked sharp in Friday's win over the Black Bears, and with another solid week of practice, should earn at least one start next weekend when the Sioux (2-1-1) host the Badgers

Christian Isackson was scratched for the second straight night as #14 Minnesota won an exciting 5-4 battle over rival #9 Minnesota-Duluth. Fresh off a sweep of the defending NCAA champs, the Gophers (4-0) will begin a set with Vermont on Friday.

10/14 Recap: Eidsness earns nod, win

Brad Eidsness' recent hard work was rewarded Friday with his first start of the season as North Dakota downed Maine, 3-1. The 30-save victory comes in Eidsness' first home start since October of last year after spending the majority of 2010-11 as backup to All-WCHA first teamer, Aaron Dell. The win, the 51st of the senior's career, snaps the Sioux's four-game losing streak to the Black Bears.





In OHL play, Dan Catenacci (-1) scored his sixth goal of the year as Owen Sound lost at Kitchener, 5-3. The Attack's leading scorer with 13 points, Catenacci slid a puck five-hole at 13:26 of the second period to cut the Rangers lead to 3-2.





In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his eighth goal of the year as Rimouski lost to red hot Baie-Comeau, 5-3. Leduc, who marked with less than three minutes to play in the game, extends his season-starting point streak to eight games. His 18 points (8+10) lead all Q defenders while ranking 10th overall in the league.

In the WHL, Kevin Sundher had a pair of assists as Victoria stormed back with four third period goals to defeat Kelowna, 7-5. Sundher's first period helpers, the first a secondary and the second off a nifty backhand play in the slot, give the six-footer 17 points through his first ten games, good for second overall in the WHL. His 14 assists are tops in the league. Through his first ten games a season ago, Sundher had just six points (2+4).

Nathan Lieuwen had to make just 16 saves as Kootenay got past Lethbridge, 2-1. The 6'5 netminder improves to 4-1-0-2 on the year with 1.26 goals against average and .952 save percentage.

Mark Pysyk finished even with a boarding minor as Edmonton saw their three-game winning streak snapped in a 6-3 loss to Regina. Pysyk's excellent defensive play was displayed in the second period when he burned nearly a quarter of a Pats power play by controlling the puck along the boards.

In Finland, Joel Armia contributed four shots on goal in Assat's 5-2 win over Karpat. The 18-year old wing has just one goal in 12 games this season to go along with three assists. His icetime has dipped of late, so the big wing will need to up his effort level to boost those numbers.

Elsewhere, Gregg Sutch picked up a power play assist as Barrie lost to Sudbury, 3-2. Alex Lepkowski remained out of the lineup with an undisclosed injury (possibly an upper body deal).

Steven Shipley finished -2 as Niagara got doubled-up by Plymouth, 6-3. Despite his point-per-game pace, the 6'3 center has been a "minus player" in five of nine games this season, contributing to a cumulative -9 on the year.

In the college ranks, Drew MacKenzie scored Vermont's only goal as the Catamounts dropped a 2-1 exhibition tilt to Team USA U18. The senior rearguard found the net with a long wrister on the power play, but the Catamounts have plenty of things to work on before their season-opening series next weekend at Minnesota.

Justin Jokinen notched an assist, his first point of the year, as Minnesota State was defeated by Lowell, 4-2. The senior wing picked his point up as the Mavericks scraped away with the goalie pulled late in the game.

Brad Navin was -1 with a shot on goal in Wisconsin's 2-1 overtime loss at Michigan Tech. The freshman wing, who came close to scoring his first collegiate goal late in the second period, will continue his quest for his first point in Saturday's rematch.

Connor Knapp served as the #2 goaltender as Miami defeated Colgate, 4-3. Knapp is expected to get the start when the RedHawks look for the sweep at Starr on Saturday.

Christian Isackson was scratched as Minnesota edged Minnesota-Duluth, 5-4 in overtime.

Mark Adams sat injured as Providence downed Boston University, 5-3. The sophomore defenseman has been on crutches and is expected to be out of the lineup for the next couple of weeks.

10/8 Recap: Usual suspects stay warm; Lieuwen shines

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored a goal and an assist Saturday as Rimouski was delivered an 8-2 hammering by defending Memorial Cup champion Saint John. The 6'1 defender, who in defeat continued his streak of six consecutive multi-point games, is the QMJHL's top scorer among defenseman with 15 points (6+9). Leduc and Nics will play at Moncton on Sunday.




In the WHL, Nathan Lieuwen made 33 saves, many of the spectacular variety, to lead Kootenay to a 2-1 win over Red Deer. The game's #1 star, Lieuwen maintains his stature as the WHL's top netminder with a 3-1-0-2 record, 1.30 goals against average, and .953 save percentage. The ICE return to action Wednesday when they welcome Edmonton to Cranbrook.




Kevin Sundher notched a goal and an assist as Victoria skated to a 5-4 loss in Seattle. The center drifted into open space to beat Avalanche prospect Calvin Pickard at 10:52 of the third period. Sundher leads the WHL with 12 assists and is currently the league's #2 scorer with 15 total points. He'll look for points in four straight games Monday afternoon at Vancouver.




Mark Pysyk finished -1 as Edmonton lost at Saskatoon, 5-1. The Oil Kings continue their eastern swing Sunday at Swift Current.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci scored his fourth goal of the year and added an empty-net assist as Owen Sound doubled Erie, 6-3. The goal came off a scramble in front of the net to give the Attack a 3-2 lead. Owen Sound out-shot the Otters by a 61-23 margin. The Attack will next host Saginaw for a Monday matinee.

More than a dozen goals were scored, but neither of Barrie's Gregg Sutch or Niagara's Steven Shipley were able to register a points as the Colts downed the IceDogs, 8-6. Barrie defenseman Alex Lepkowski was a scratch for the second straight game. Niagara will correct some things this week in practice before Thursday's game with Belleville. Sutch and the Colts are off until Friday's tilt at Sudbury.

In NCAA play, Connor Knapp made 19 saves to help #1/2 Miami avenge Friday's loss with a 3-2 come-from-behind win over Bemidji State. The victory was the 32nd of Knapp's career in Oxford. The 6'6 netminder will likely play the Saturday half of next weekend's set at the country club of Colgate University.

Brad Eidsness stopped seven of eight shots in relief as #3 North Dakota was handled by #5 Boston College in the IceBreaker championship, 6-2. Eidsness, who entered the game with under three minutes remaining in the second period, gave up a goal but generally looked sharp in his first attempt to win back time from Aaron Dell. A year ago at this time, the skate was on the other foot as Dell was the one chasing then-starter Eidsness. With the Dell allowing five goals on 15 shots Saturday, don't be surprised if Eidsness gets another look next weekend when the Sioux host Maine.

Justin Jokinen was -1 with two shots on goal as Minnesota State dropped a 4-1 decision to RPI. The Mavericks (1-1-0) return to action next weekend at home against Lowell.

Christian Isackson played his first NCAA contest, finishing even in Minnesota's 6-0 blanking of Sacred Heart. The Gophers open the WCHA schedule next weekend at Duluth.

Brad Navin was scratched in Wisconsin's 3-2 win over Northern Michigan. The Badgers travel to Michigan Tech on Friday.

10/7 Recap: Sundher, Leduc add to early season resumes

Kevin Sundher stacked a career-best four assists Friday as Victoria won an exciting back-and-forth affair with Medicine Hat, 5-4. Tied for second overall in WHL scoring, Sundher dished two helpers on the power play and another shorthanded before setting up Hayden Rintoul for the game winning goal with just :24 to play in regulation. The Surrey, BC native has recorded multiple points in four of seven games this season, in stark contrast to his first seven a season ago when he posted just three assists (0+3). Ducks prospect Emerson Etem scored all four Tigers goals in defeat. The Royals will next take the ice Saturday at Seattle.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc extended his early season point streak to five games, scoring the game winning goal and adding an assist in Rimouski's 4-1 win over PEI. Leduc is posting dominant offensive numbers at the major-junior level, piling up 13 points through his first five games, including five goals on 30 shots, while being the #1 star three times. To truly appreciate the five-game feat, take into consideration that defenseman Ryan Ellis, who last year marked in 50 of 58 skates en route to ringing up 101 points for Windsor, only had one five-game block all year (2-13-15) that was more productive than Leduc's start. JGL will look to continue his roll Saturday against Saint John.




Elsewhere, Mark Pysyk notched an assist, his third point of the year, as Edmonton defeated Moose Jaw, 3-1. The Oil Kings travel to Saskatoon on Saturday.

Cedrick Henley added kneeing, hooking, and roughing (two) minors to his season portfolio but was again unable to score as Val-d'Or edged Chicoutimi, 1-0. The Foreurs captain, who rounded out his effort with seven hits, has no goals and five assists in seven regular season contests. Val-d'Or will play their first-ever game in Boisbriand (formerly the Montreal Junior) on Sunday.

In the OHL, Steve Shipley (+1) saw his four-game point streak come to an end as Niagara was beaten in a shootout by Sudbury, 5-4. The former fourth-rounder amassed two goals and five assists over the productive stretch. Niagara returns to action Saturday versus Mississauga.

Dan Catenacci did not factor into the scoring as Owen Sound was bested by Erie, 7-5. The speedy center was whistled for tripping and roughing penalties in the loss, and now has more minors (12) than points (8) through the first 21 periods of his 2011-12 season. The Attack and Otters will do it again Saturday in Erie.

In Finland, Joel Armia saw his three-game point streak come to an end, finishing -1 with seven shots on goal as Assat was shut out by TPS, 1-0. Armia, who received 16:37 of work in the loss, will look to get into a goal scoring groove Wednesday at HPK. He's scored just once this season despite firing 47 shots on goal.

In NCAA action, Justin Jokinen failed to get a shot on net while on a line with J.P. Burkemper and Eli Zuck as Minnesota State took a 1-0 decision at #18 Renssalaer. Cheektowaga native Scott Diebold made 19 saves in his first start for RPI, holding off the Mavericks for 58:38 before Cameron Cooper beat him during a late 4x4. Mankato will go for the sweep Saturday in Troy.

Brad Navin was unable to get on the sheet in his NCAA debut as #17 Wisconsin lost to Northern Michigan, 3-2. The senior-less Badgers will look to earn the split Saturday night in Madison.

Connor Knapp served as the back-up to Cody Reichard as #2 Miami was upset by Bemidji State, 5-3. The 6'6 Knapp is expected to resume his role as "Mr. Saturday Night" when the RedHawks try breaking even on...Saturday.

Brad Eidsness backed-up as #3 North Dakota came from behind with two goals in the third to overcome Air Force, 4-3. The Sioux will square off with Boston College on Saturday in the IceBreaker championship.

Christian Isackson was a scratch as #19 Minnesota opened the 2011-12 season with a 9-0 thrashing of Sacred Heart.

9/21 Recap: Catenacci succeeds in Attack debut

Dan Catenacci got his stay in Owen Sound off on the right foot Wednesday, scoring a goal and an assist while showing some competitive bite as the Attack pounded Plymouth, 6-2. The 5'10 center, fresh off the heels of his first NHL training camp which included a goal in the championship of the Traverse City Prospects Tournament, is looking to take his game to the next level this season after a 71-point campaign a year ago in Sault Ste. Marie. Catenacci was traded to the defending OHL champs this summer after a disagreement with Soo brass.



In Tuesday play, Joel Armia earned his first point of the year, an assist, as Assat lost in a shootout to Lahti, 2-1. The 6'3 wing saw 17:28 of icetime in the loss. Assat will next face the Blues on Friday.

***

In case you somehow missed the mainstream coverage, the Sabres earlier in the week returned the bulk of their CHL prospects to their junior clubs. Along with Catenacci, Mark Pysyk (Edmonton), Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (Rimouski), Cedrick Henley (Val-d'Or), Steven Shipley (Niagara), Alex Lepkowski (Barrie), Gregg Sutch (Barrie), Nathan Lieuwen (Kootenay), Kevin Sundher (Victoria), and invite Steven Beyers (Barrie) will all begin their junior seasons this week.

A pair of 2010 draft picks, Riley Boychuk, 20, and Matt MacKenzie, 19, remain with the Sabres.

It's not all CHL these days as college puck is just a few weeks away. As a primer, check out this profile of Wisconsin freshman and Sabres 2011 7th round pick, Brad Navin.

Sabres close draft by selecting Brad Navin at #197

The Buffalo Sabres closed the 2011 draft by taking a flyer on productive forward, Brad Navin. A 6'2, 183-pound center from the Waupauca High School Comets, graduating class of 200, Navin brutalized the Wisconsin scholastic ranks this past season, posting 29 goals and 52 points in an injury-shortened 14 games. Per Bluechip Bulletin, he was the only player this year to register zero no-point games and the only only to post two or more in every outing.

And for the second straight year the Sabres take a high-scoring, high school player in the seventh round that was ranked in the 160's by Central Scouting. Navin was ranked #163. St. Thomas' Christian Isackson was rated 166th a year ago.

Wisconsin high school is a far reach from being a superior level of competition, but Navin's skating, shooting, and all-around offensive package made him an easy scholarship target for a few division I programs including the one he settled on - his home state Wisconsin Badgers. He will be the first Sabres prospect to develop in Madison since Doug MacDonald, a fourth-round pick in 1989.

Unlike Isackson and many WCHA commits though, the 19-year old Navin is not expected to play a developmental year in the USHL, but will instead make the difficult leap directly into the collegiate ranks. Navin, who also starred as a quarterback on the football field, has already begun molding his power forward college game, enrolling for summer classes and training with his new teammates.

Navin represents long range offensive potential that teams often look for late. Way to close the draft on a high note.