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.
Colin Jacobs made his Prince George debut a scrappy one Saturday as the Cougars skated to a 6-3 preseason win over Red Deer.
The 6'2 center, who arrived in PG last month after a trade from Seattle, was unable to get in on any of his club's half-dozen goals but still made a mark with under five minutes to play by earning instigator, fighting major, and 10-minute misconduct penalties after a dust-up with Rebels defenseman Kevin Pochuk.
The Texas-born forward is better known for using his hands elsewhere (80% in shootouts last season), having just five majors in his WHL career and none since December of 2010.
Tate Olson, a 6'1 defenseman who isn't eligible for the NHL draft until 2015, led Prince George with a pair of goals including the game winner. The Cougars return to action Sunday against Medicine Hat.
In Friday preseason play, Logan Nelson finished -1 as Victoria was downed by Kamloops, 5-3. A 23-goal scorer a year ago, the game was Nelson's first in front of Royals new bench boss, Dave Lowry. Clay Spencer ('13) scored two goals in a losing effort. Victoria will continue their exhibition schedule on Friday when they host Kelowna.
Logan Nelson has been released from the United States National Junior Development Camp following Team White’s Monday loss to Sweden. The Victoria Royals forward was unable to point in any of the three games he appeared in while playing both the center and wing positions.
Nelson was one of 11 cuts from the USA camp roster, leaving 34 players including Sabres prospect Jake McCabe in Lake Placid for more action. USA is off Tuesday before closing camp with games Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Joel Armia scored the game's first goal Monday but Finland was overcome by USA Blue 5-4 at the United States National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid. Mario Lucia paced Blue with a hat trick including the game winning goal in the final minute of play. Sean Kuraly and Alex Galchenyuk rounded out the scoring for Team Blue.
Armia scored at 8:39 of the opening period when Blue's mismanagement of the puck in their zone allowed Robert Leino to find the sniper in the slot for a point-blank wrister. Armia, 19, is considered one of Finland's headliners for the 2013 U20 squad in what will be his third World Junior Championship.
Shifty 2013 eligible Jussi Ikonen notched a pair of goals for Finland, while London Knights defender Olli Maatta tallied the other.
Finland returns to action Tuesday afternoon for a tilt with rival Sweden.
The Swedes made their Lake Placid debut Monday with a 5-1 dismantling of USA White. Victor Rask led the defending U20 champs with two goals. Pontus Aberg, Mika Zibanejad, and Viktor Arvidsson added singles for Team Sweden.
Minnesota commit Mike Reilly scored the lone goal for White to join Sabres prospect Jake McCabe as the only American defensemen in camp with a goal. McCabe and 2012 draft mate Logan Nelson were held off the scoresheet in the loss.
Phil Housley and the USA Hockey brass will conduct a cutdown Monday evening before preparing the trimmed down squad for the final three games of camp. McCabe was an average performer on a crowded blueline but could earn a spot on USA's final pair for the balance of the week. Nelson seems like a longer shot despite a good camp showing, an experience that will translate well as he kicks off what should be his final year of major-junior.
Sean Kuraly (SJS) struck for a pair of early goals Sunday, and John Gibson (ANA) stopped all 21 shots he faced as Team Blue avenged their opening day loss with a 4-3 win over Team White at USA's National Junior Evaluation Camp.
Sabres prospects Jake McCabe and Logan Nelson did not factor into the White scoring. McCabe showed his active two-way game and physical side while earning regular shifts on both PP and PK. He made some nice break-ups. He was whistled for a hit from behind on Johnny Gaudreau. Also of note was a key hustle play to get a clear while killing off a 5x3 in the third period.
After playing wing in Saturday's win, Nelson was moved to center on a line with Tyler Biggs (TOR) and Jimmy Vesey (NAS). He fared well at the dot, save for a few losses when opposite Alex Galchenyuk (MON), and showed quick feet and an ability to convert loose pucks into plays at the net.
After Kuraly beat Anthony Stolarz (PHI) for a pair of goals in the top half of the first, Vince Trocheck (FLA) connected on the power play for White after a nice cross-ice feed from Joakim Ryan (SJS) at 11:22. White would cash-in another cross-ice look at 17:17 when J.T. Miller (NYR) hit Stefan Matteau (NJD) for a one-timer to even the score heading into the first intermission.
Vesey gave White the 3-2 lead at 4:22 of the second when he capitalized on a bounce off an official's leg to beat Jon Gillies from the right side. Blue took control from there, starting with a Colin Blackwell (SJS) tally off a Jacob Trouba (WIN) rebound at 12:52 to tie the game. Steven Fogarty (NYR) capped the middle frame by cutting to the middle and scoring a heavy wrister at 18:34. Fogarty's mark made it 4-3 Blue, and eventually held up as the game winner as Gibson shut the door in the final period.
What happens next for McCabe and Nelson will be settled following Monday's White/Sweden tilt. McCabe is the only defender in camp with a goal but could use a strong game to stand out on the crowded blueline. Nelson has played like he belongs but needs to get on the scoresheet. He missed a golden opportunity on a re-direct early in Sunday's loss and hasn't received any power play time in the two games.
Jake McCabe scored a goal and Logan Nelson provided offensive spark Saturday as Team White opened the USA National Junior Evaluation Camp with a 5-2 win over Team Blue. The teams will return to the ice on Sunday for a 4:00 rematch.
I should say that the teams will return to the "soft" ice, as the 90+ degree heat in Lake Placid delivered a chippy surface that challenged the players from the get-go.
McCabe, wearing jersey #4 in white, started each period on the left point opposite Notre Dame's Robbie Russo (NYI). He began the game well, showing good vision out of his zone and a smart stick that allowed for a few key clears. The second and third periods had peaks and valleys as good offensive chances were balanced out by some mistimed hits and passes. His third period goal stemmed from good awareness by stepping into the high slot to bury a shot.
Nelson (#22) skated at wing on a line with Cole Bardreau and Blake Pietila. The unit was unable to score but maintained a quick pace throughout, providing pressure and action around the Blue cage including plays off the draw. Nelson unofficially registered three shots on goal and nearly had an assist when his no-look backhand feed from behind to the net went right to Cole Bardreau for a point-blank opportunity. Later on the same shift he corralled a puck in the left corner and made a strong move to the net where his stuff attempt was thwarted by Providence-bound netminder, Jon Gillies.
Blue dominated play for the majority of the opening period, finally striking with a Colin Blackwell (Harvard) goal at 14:46. White would quickly even the score when Sarnia Sting sniper Reid Boucher finished a play less than a minute later to knot the game 1-1 heading into the first intermission.
The teams began the middle frame with a quick exchange as Travis Boyd (White) and Sean Kuraly (Blue) scored within the first two minutes of play. White would get the go-ahead goal with less than seven minutes left when Seth Jones rocketed a pass from his goal line up the left side to Boucher, who hit a streaking Alex Broadhurst for the finish.
White continued to capitalize despite the poor ice conditions in the third. McCabe beat Gillies to make it 4-2 at 9:59. Nealy three minutes later, Tyler Biggs provided the game's final tally by scoring from in front while on a 4x4.
Michigan commit Jacob Trouba, who was one of USA's better rearguards at the 2012 WJC, was a healthy scratch but could play on Sunday as the split squads prepare for Monday tilts with Finland (Blue) and Sweden (White) before the camp's main cutdown.
USA Hockey has divided its roster for the 2012 National Junior Development Camp and the two Sabres prospects in attendance, Jake McCabe and Logan Nelson, will be on the same side skating for Team White.
The 2012 draft mates will begin the tournament with Saturday and Sunday games against USA Blue. White will play their final preliminary game Monday versus Sweden before USA releases some campers and consolidates into one squad for three more tilts with Joel Armia's Team Finland (twice) and the Swedes.
It has yet to be decided whether or not Linus Ullmark will be in Lake Placid. Sweden will announce their camp roster following Thursday's game with the Czech Republic.
With training for the 2012-13 season not officially beginning until late August, a group of Sabres prospects will get a head start by skating with their respective national teams as a first step towards earning a roster spot at the IIHF World Junior Championship. The 2013 tournament will take place in Ufa, Russia from December 26th to January 5th.
The Sabres top pick in 2012, Mikhail Grigorenko, was among 29 players named to Russia's preliminary roster for the Canada-Russia Challenge. The four-game event, which this year replaces Canada's National Junior Development Camp, will be split between Yaroslavl, Russia (August 8-9) and Halifax, Nova Scotia (August 13-14). Filling a prominent role in international play over the past few seasons, the talented center posted five points (2+3) in six games at the 2012 tourney while playing through an ankle injury suffered in the Russians' third tilt. The 6'3 pivot will likely center a line featuring 2012 #1 pick Nail Yakupov down the right side during the series with Canada, who will ice a summer squad absent of any Sabres prospects for the first time since 2007.
Also among the highlighted prospects is 2011 first-round pick, Joel Armia. The 6'3 wing, who recently participated in his first NHL development camp, is a veteran of two U20 tourneys with Team Finland, including a five-goal, seven-point effort at the 2012 event, and should be considered a virtual lock for continued scoring line duty in 2013. A year removed from what he thought was his "worst game ever played", the big-bodied 19-year old will return to New York State (Lake Placid) on August 4th for the four-nation tournament at USA's National Junior Evaluation Camp.
Two picks from the 2012 draft, Jake McCabe and Logan Nelson, will skate in Lake Placid as USA Hockey evaluates a total of 46 under-20 players. The Americans will be split into Team White and Team Blue for intra-squad games and international tune-ups before cutting down for a round robin tourney with their European visitors.
A mobile left-handed warrior, McCabe is one of 17 defensemen in camp, a group that includes four first round NHL picks (Jacob Trouba, Connor Murphy, Jordan Schmaltz, Brady Skjei) and another eyed for top-five status in 2013 (Seth Jones). The 6'0", 195-pounder is set to enter his sophomore season at the University of Wisconsin, where he is expected to again log major minutes while manning a point on the Badgers' top PP unit. The Eau Claire, WI native has previous international experience with a 2011 U18 gold medal and should be right in the mix when USA releases their preliminary roster in December.
Nelson, 18, shot on to the radar following his impressive WHL rookie season that saw him collect 23 goals and 62 points (3rd on team, 4th among league rookies) with the Victoria Royals. Playing with an edge while going to the net, the 6'1" wing demonstrated a significant jump from the 6-3-9 posted in 41 games the year before as a member of the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers. If the momentum of his stunning rise continues, there is a decent opportunity for him to get a deeper look from the staff headed by fellow Minnesotan and former Sabres first-rounder, Phil Housley.
Linus Ullmark, 19, is one of four netminders in Norrtälje this weekend as Sweden prepares for a two-game set with the Czech Republic on August 1st and 2nd. The 6'3" stopper joins Oscar Dansk (CBS), Niklas Lundström (STL), and Joel Lassinantti in the nets before the Swedes trim their roster from 34 to 22 and head over the pond for USA's camp tourney. Dansk and Lundstrom represent very stiff competition so a strong showing will be necessary for Ullmark to survive the cutdown and get a leg up entering the year with Modo.
Zemgus Girgensons is eligible to play for Latvia at the 2013 tourney, but his availability likely won't be addressed until their selection camp in December. As a contracted NHL player, the Sabres will dictate whether or not he participates. There is no question that the Latvians would love to have their prize forward help them compete after their 2012 promotion.
Grigorenko tries on the colors for the first time.
"Now it's time for me to make my impression felt... so sit back, relax, and strap on your seat belt"
The Buffalo Sabres made great strides in their quest to get bigger and more talented down the middle Friday, selecting Quebec Remparts leading scorer Mikhail Grigorenko (12th overall) and Dubuque Fighting Saints power froward Zemgus Girgensons (14th overall) in the first round of the NHL draft.
In all it was a successful opening night for the Sabres. They nabbed the most gifted player available at their original spot, and then acted swiftly with Flames GM Jay Feaster for the second straight draft by bundling the 21st and 42nd picks in exchange for #14 to close out their round earlier than scheduled.
I mentioned in the draft preview how many top-end Europeans are now playing in North American in their draft years. Rated the #3 North American skater by Central Scouting, Grigorenko is the first Russian-born player drafted by Buffalo since 2005, while Girgensons, who was ranked 18th, becomes the first-ever Latvian to be selected in the first round of the NHL draft.
For those wondering, there are no language issues whatsoever with either player. Girgensons is 100% fluent after spending three years in the U.S., while Grigorenko picked things up rather quickly despite living in a city dominated by en francais. Kevin Devine dropped the line of the weekend by joking that Grigorenko already speaks better than (Sabres amateur scout) Iourri Khymlev.
With Grigorenko, the Sabres pick up a highly-skilled center with excellent offensive sense and balance. He has great hands around the net but it's his passing and vision that really stand out. The 6'3, 200+ pounder controls the offensive tempo, a trait that causes many to believe that he's close to NHL ready with a future as a #1 pivot. From a skill standpoint, Devine thinks he could good to go as early as this fall. I fully expect the Sabres to act quickly on a contract but time will tell on that front.
After accumulating four goals and 18 points at the 2011 U18s, Grigorenko was an instant North American hit with 85 points (40+45) to be an easy choice as the CHL's Rookie of the Year. Despite the sparkling results, his will to compete was often questioned, but his coach with the Quebec Remparts, Patrick Roy, always spoke glowingly of his Russian rookie and recently suggested that it has simply been an issue of stamina at the root of the chatter. I'm no doctor, but it makes you wonder about his spring bout with mononucleosis and the impact of its onset.
After listening to Kevin Devine and Darcy Regier speak after Friday's first round, it appears that Roy's input heavily influenced their decision. Grigorenko has informed the Sabres that he'll return to Quebec City next season if he is unable to crack the NHL roster.
The pick worked out the way it should have - don't chase him but don't let him pass by. I'm glad the Sabres agreed that you couldn't pass up a potential Malkin clone with the 12th pick in the draft.
Girgensons: fit for duty in a blue collar town
With Girgensons, the Sabres nabbed a well-rounded center with high character who plays the game hard. He'll hound the puck. He'll slide to block a shot. He'll stand in the crease and push back after the whistle. Simply put, the 6'2, 198-pounder is a natural leader who goes in straight line with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
While some speculated on Grigorenko's work ethic, no one ever questioned Girgensons'. Devine remarked about his no-quit attitude at the World Juniors when he sacrificed his body late in a blowout loss to Russia. He even kept chugging for a few shifts after breaking his jaw in an April playoff game on a play that saw him lay a hit.
And by the way, Girgensons can score. His aggressive style led to 45 goals through 100 USHL games over the past two seasons. While a very capable offensive player, the best seems yet to come as his hard working style should see him create a little more on his own as he develops. The blend of skills combined a very high effort level makes perfect sense after picking a dominant offensive talent two picks earlier.
While the Kelowna Rockets maintain his WHL rights, Girgensons is expected to honor his early commitment to the University of Vermont, where he'll be skating over the next two weeks in preparation for the upcoming Sabres d-camp.
Ironically, Calgary ended up nabbing Girgensons' replacement on the Dubuques roster with the pick they got from the Sabres, selecting Providence commit Mark Jankowski at #21.
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The Sabres began day two by selecting American-born defenseman Jake McCabe out of the WCHA's Wisconsin Badgers. From the draft preview:
Many of the defenders in this draft bring a strong two-way skill set to the table, and McCabe’s total package could be considered among the best. The Wisconsin native played in the WCHA as a true freshman in 2011-12, using smarts and excellent mobility to score three goals and 12 points while getting PP time alongside points machine Justin Schultz on the Badgers top PP unit.
It’s not all offense though. McCabe has a mature body and good shutdown skills that could make for a nice #4 defenseman after his days in Badgerland. A product of the U.S. NTDP, McCabe’s history with Amerks bench boss Ron Rolston could lend to some valuable input on draft day as the Sabres re-load youth on the blueline.
McCabe rebounded well after missing some time thanks to a cut tendon courtesy of a teammate's skate. While pegged in the preview as a third, the pick in the second makes sense given the relationships and overall skills of the player. Needless to say, I really like McCabe as quality two-way defensemen are always welcome in the NHL.
Happy with their organizational skill and speed at the center spot, the Sabres used their third round pick on another big body that more likely projects to checking line duty.
A former first-rounder in the 2010 OHL draft (13th overall), the 6'4, 211 pound Kea employs a hard-working power forward style that sees him strong on the forecheck, valuable on the PK, and a willing pugilist as evidenced by 14 scraps through his first two years of major junior. Moving forward, many expect the lanky forward to get more opportunity to show his offensive side while filling out his frame.
The Sabres brought the big pivot in for their combine and certainly thought highly enough of his make-up to produce the third round investment. Per Kevin Devine, they think he could be Paul Gaustad type with better skating.
5th round (133rd): Logan Nelson - C/W, 6'2", 188 lbs.
Yet another Sabres combine visitor, the Minnesota native is a strong, skilled forward who compiled 23 goals and 62 points this past season in Victoria while playing parts of the year alongside fellow Sabres prospect, Kevin Sundher. Naturally a center, Nelson plays with an edge, using his big body to make plays around the net.
Passed over in his first draft year as a member of the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers, Nelson moved to the WHL where he emerged as a more complete player. His production did not go unnoticed by USA Hockey, who invited the talented Nelson to their U20 Evaluation Camp later this summer. He'll turn 19 in September, giving him one more year of junior to become a stronger skater before hitting the AHL.
Nelson notched his first WHL hat trick back on January 3rd in a 9-4 loss to Calgary. All three goals can be seen below.
I thought that perhaps the Sabres would stop their "every other year" trend and add a goalie to build more top-to-bottom depth, and they did just that. We'll go back to the draft preview for the goods on the big Swede who the Sabres had good intelligence on thanks to the January hiring of former MoDo GM Fredrik Andersson as a professional scout.
Linus Ullmark – G, 6’3, 198 lbs., Modo (SWE Jr)
Big and raw, the talented Ullmark enters his second draft year after an excellent season with Modo’s J20 squad that saw him post a solid 2.76 goals against average and .918 save percentage with the storied franchise. Ullmark’s play steadily improved throughout the season and into the playoffs, where he sparkled with a 2.24 GAA, .927 sv%, and one shutout in five starts.
Growing up dreaming of playing for Modo’s top club, Ullmark got his wish at the Christmas break when he was called in to back up Mikael Tellqvist while Anton Forsberg was away at the U20s. When Telllqvist fell ill, Ullmark was thrust into his first start as an 18-year old on two hours notice and held up well in an OT loss to Lulea.
While the bottleneck kept him buried most of the year, we’re still giving Ullmark a good shot to be drafted by the Sabres and an equally good chance to earn a larger SEL role with Modo before coming to North America.
The Sabres continued their run of three straight players in their second year of eligibility with the selection of Austin. The mammoth rearguard flourished this past season after an offseason trade to Belleville, leveraging his past experience as a spot-duty forward to score six goals and 26 points while developing his stay-at-home game under the guidance of former Edmonton Oilers bench boss George Burnett. Named the Bulls' Most Dedicated player, the steady improvement and overall package including a strong shot and a nice set of feet for a big man make him a smart pick late in the draft.
One Austin's season highlights came as he showed his mobility up-ice to score the overtime game winning goal in game #4 of the Bulls' first round playoff series against Ottawa (below).
Developing just up the road from Sabres amateur scout Keith Hendrickson, Peterson enters Sabreland following a prolific high school season that saw him rack up 47 goals and 83 points with Duluth-Marshall (MN) High School. Peterson's offensive package, which includes a nice burst and sniping accuracy, along with his relationship earned him an up-close audition at the Sabres pre-draft combine, where he confirmed his standing as a deeper day two option and potential depth scorer.
Native Minnesotan Brian Burke was also said to be interested, but the Sabres acted before the Leafs final pick to snatch up the 2012 Mr. Hockey Finalist. Peterson will play for the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders in 2012-13 before entering the WCHA ranks with the St. Cloud State Huskies.
Peterson ( gold #18) opened the 2011 scholastic season with a hat trick and an assist. You can see the points below.
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Sabres Development Camp is scheduled for July 8th-14th. (So just chill 'til the next episode).
