3/28 Recap: MacKenzie, Cats skate into Frozen Four

In the East Region Final, Drew MacKenzie was +1 as Vermont earned a ticket to the NCAA Frozen Four for the first time since 1996 after a 3-2 double overtime win over Air Force. The freshman rearguard made a key defensive play in the first OT to keep the Cats in it when he slid across the slot to knock the puck from an otherwise unabated attacker. The winning goal came after a 12-minute review that determined that a Dan Lawson shot a few minutes before the stoppage in play entered and exited the Falcons cage. The Cats will play the winner of Sunday's battle between Boston University and New Hampshire. In a Northeast Region semi-final, Brad Eidsness made 28 saves as North Dakota gave up a two-goal lead in their stunning 6-5 OT loss to New Hampshire. UNH's Thomas Fortney shoved a puck past Eidsness with just .01 left in regulation, before Peter LeBlanc completed the thriller just :45 into to overtime to end the Sioux's season. Eidsness ends his freshman year with a 24-12-4 mark, a regular season title, and two games of valuable NCAA tourney experience. In St. Catharines, Drew Schiestel was -1 as Niagara defeated Ottawa 4-3 in a pivotal game five. With a 3-2 series edge, the Dogs will look to cancel out the 67's Monday night in Ottawa. In the QMJHL, defenseman Jordon Southorn had three shots and five hits as PEI's season came to end with a 4-3 loss to Moncton. The Rocket had trouble getting past a firm Wildcats defense to drop the first round series 4-1. Southorn was -2 with two assists in the five postseason games.

Schiestel eyeing the pros

On Friday the St. Catharines Standard ran a story on Drew Schiestel as he wraps up his OHL career with the Niagara IceDogs. IceDogs head coach Mario Cicchillo has been more than pleased with Schiestel’s play in the playoffs. “He’s shown why he’s a high draft pick in the NHL and he’s become a real good leader,” he said. “He came in here as a young kid and he’s become a young man. “Our organization should be proud of him because he’s going to have a real good career.” Schiestel was a plus-two heading into Thursday’s game before he was done in by turnovers by teammates and being on the ice for an empty-net goal. The 2005 IceDogs third-round pick was a team-worst minus-29 during the regular season, but that was an unfair representation of his play. “People can look at it and think what they want, but from the amount of minutes I’ve played, and when you’re missing key guys with injuries and being at world juniors, and with two rookie goalies at the start of the year, that’s tough,” he said. “And those empty-net goals will kill your plus-minus.”

3/26 Recap: "O" defenders goal it up

Thursday in the OHL, Drew Schiestel scored for Niagara in their 6-4 loss to Ottawa. The power play snapper was Schiestel's second of the playoff season. The 67's win evens the first-round series at two games apiece. In Guelph, Nick Crawford scored a short-handed empty net goal as Saginaw defeated the Storm, 4-1. The win gives the Spirit a quarterfinal sweep with the second round opponent yet to be determined.

3/24 Recap: Brennan engine as Juniors take lead

T.J. Brennan scored the game winning goal and added a pair of power play assists as Montreal defeated Rouyn-Noranda, 4-1. Brennan's first-star performance helped the Juniors get out to a 2-1 series lead heading into Wednesday's game four. Tyler Ennis scored his fourth goal of the playoffs as Medicine Hat lost to Swift Current, 5-2. The Tigers now trail the Broncos two games to one in their opening round series. Tyler Myers was +2 in Kelowna's 3-2 overtime win over Kamloops. Myers was named the #3 star of the game. The victory gives Kelowna a 3-0 series lead. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel had an assist as Niagara took a 5-2 win over visiting Ottawa. The defenseman also received a questionable double minor after checking 67's center Logan Couture from behind late in the third period. The Dogs lead the series 2-1. Nick Crawford was -2 as Saginaw edged Guelph, 7-6 in 2OT. 2009 draft eligible Peter Holland had a hat trick in the losing effort, while fellow '09 Jordan Szwarz had three assists to help pace the Spirit. Saginaw will look for the sweep on Thursday. Jordon Southorn had an assist and three minors as PEI lost 3-2 in overtime Moncton. Inside of 2:00 to play, the Rocket scored two goals within :11 of each other before Wildcats defenseman David Savard capped the game with his hat trick goal in OT. Down 3-0, PEI will fight for their season on Wednesday. Paul Byron had an assist and a team-high three hits as Gatineau dropped a 5-2 decision to Bathurst. Les Olympiques hold a 2-1 series lead over the Titan. Jacob Lagacé had an assist as Chicoutimi lost to Rimouski, 6-3. The Sags will look to avoid elimination on Wednesday. Finally, J.S. Allard had an assist as Quebec lost to Baie-Comeau, 4-3. The Remparts lead the Drakkar 2-1 in their series despite the loss.

3/22 Recap: Schiestel points in loss

In Sunday OHL play, Drew Schiestel had an assist as Niagara failed to earn the road sweep in a 6-2 loss to Ottawa. The defenseman has a point in each playoff game, and 14 in 16 career postseason appearances, after notching just eight in his final 20 regular season contests, including a five game stretch of zeros to close the season. With the series tied at one, the clubs will resume their first round series on Tuesday in St. Catherines. Nick Crawford finished -1 as Saginaw edged Guelph, 3-2. The back-and-forth contest saw the teams compile a total of 85 shots on goal (44-41). The Spirit take a 2-0 series lead to Guelph on Tuesday.

3/20 Recap: Myers with strong start as Cup run begins

Tyler Myers opened the WHL playoffs with a power play goal and #1 star performance as Kelowna defeated Kamloops, 4-2. Working for over 24:00 of play, Myers was rock defensively while exhibiting his skating ability with several rushes up ice. In another first round opener, 43-goal scorer Tyler Ennis scored both Medicine Hat goals, but the Tigers gave up twice as many in their 4-2 loss to Swift Current. Drew Schiestel scored just :51 in to the opening period as Niagara defeated Ottawa 5-3 to take Game One of their OHL first-round series. The skating rearguard finished +2 in the win, while the goal was his first in 15 career playoff games. In opening night in the QMJHL playoffs, J.S. Allard had a power play goal and later added an assist as Quebec downed Baie-Comeau, 8-1. Jordon Southorn was -3 with a team-leading three hits as PEI was rubbed out by Moncton, 7-1. Wildcats UFA goaltender Nicola Riopel stood on his head to make 40 saves and earn the game's top star. Paul Byron set-up the overtime game winner as Gatineau defeated Bathurst, 5-4. The 5'9 dangler also added seven shots on goal as the 'Piques fired a total of 55 at Titan netminder Nicholas Champion. T.J. Brennan assisted on the game winner as Montreal defeated Rouyn-Noranda, 5-3. Just :10 into a 5-3 power play, Brennan started the play that resulted in Matt Fillier's third period tally that at the time put the Juniors ahead, 4-1. Jacob Lagacé was -3 as Chicoutimi was dominated by Rimouski, 8-2. At the WCHA Final Five, Brad Eidsness made 21 saves in North Dakota's 3-0 shutout loss to Duluth. Eidsness was caught playing the puck behind the net for the first goal against before a rebound to the left circle was pounced home for a two-goal deficit. An empty netter sealed the deal for the upset minded Bulldogs. The Sioux will face Wisconsin for third place. In the ECAC Tournament semifinals, Matt Generous returned from his MCL injury to assist on the first goal of the game as St. Lawrence lost to Yale, 4-3. Up 3-2 with entering the third, the Saints surrendered two goals in the final 1:34 to miss a chance at an NCAA bid. SLU will play Princeton in the third place game. At the Hockey East tourney, Andrew Orpik was even with two minors in his final NCAA contest as Boston College fell to Boston University, 3-2. With a 1-0 lead in the third, the senior forward looked like he was going to extend his collegiate career another day before BU scored a record three goals in :44 to snatch the win. The past week also saw the season end for defenseman Dennis Persson, as Timra lost a deciding game seven to HV71 in the first round of the SEL playoffs. Persson did not see the ice in the final three games of the series.

3/14 Recap: Ennis equals; Eidsness backstops sweep

In the WHL, Tyler Ennis scored his 43rd goal of the season as Medicine Hat fell to Calgary, 4-1. The goal total equals his 2007-08 season output in nine fewer games. Finishing fifth in the East, the Tigers will open their first round series with #4 Swift Current on Friday. Tyler Myers was +1 as Kelowna stomped Kamloops, 7-1. The Rockets have now won seven straight games heading into their season closer with Spokane on Monday. In WCHA playoff action, Brad Eidsness made some key saves late, a total of 24 in all, to help North Dakota to a 4-3 win over a Michigan Tech and a sweep of their first round series. On Friday, the Sioux will face the winner of Thursday's Minnesota/Minnesota-Duluth play-in game. Justin Jokinen saw his season come to an end, registering a shot on goal as Minnesota State lost a 4-2 decision to Wisconsin. At the Gut, Drew MacKenzie was even as #7 Vermont was shockingly swept by Lowell, 4-2. It was a MacKenzie penalty for contact to the head that changed the flow of the game just 6:25 into the first period. Up 1-0 and immediately after his shot clanged off the post, MacKenzie battled a puck at his feet on his own blueline that forced him to take out a RiverHawk attacker about to blow past him. The aggressive infraction created a power play goal against, and Lowell never looked back. Andrew Orpik was even as Boston College knocked New Hampshire out of the Hockey East tournament with a 1-0 win. The Eagles must wait for the Sunday outcomes of Northeastern/UMass and BU/Maine to see who they'll face in next weekend's semifinal match-up. Matt Generous was again idle as St. Lawrence moved to round two with a 5-3 win over Quinnipiac. Drew Schiestel finished even in Niagara's 3-2 loss to Sudbury. The Dogs close the regular season with the loss, and will move on to face Ottawa in the first round of the playoffs. Nick Crawford was +1 as Saginaw ended their regular season with a 3-2 loss to Sarnia. They will wait for the dust to settle on the OHL's Sunday finale to see if they'll host Plymouth, Sarnia, or Guelph in round one of the playoffs. In the SEL first round, Dennis Persson did not see the ice as Timra lost a 3-2 battle with HV71. The best-of-seven is nowlocked a three games apiece, with game seven coming on Monday.

3/13 Recap: Drew draws two; Byron within reach

In a Hockey East quarterfinal battle, Drew MacKenzie had a pair of secondary assists as #7 Vermont was upset in overtime by Lowell, 4-3. With his first multi-point game as a collegian, the freshman rearguard now has four points in the three games since his return from mono after posting a total of four through the first 24 games of the season. The Catamounts held a 3-1 third period lead when Brayden Irwin was whistled for a major and game misconduct for a hit from behind at 9:31. Lowell scraped their way back, capped with a Nick Schaus (Orchard Park, NY) goal with :30 to play to force overtime, before netting their third unanswered goal to win the game with just :02 remaining in the extra session. Andrew Orpik scored his fifth goal of the season as #18 Boston College defeated #9 New Hampshire, 5-3. Orpik one-timed a Joe Whitney pass in the first period to give the Eagles a 2-0 lead. Brad Eidsness opened the WCHA playoffs by making 20 saves in #6 North Dakota's 5-1 win over Michigan Tech. Eidsness surrendered just a power play goal to run his record to 23-9-4 on the season. In Madison, Justin Jokinen (-1) assisted on the only Mavericks goal as Minnesota State was throttled in their opener with #17 Wisconsin, 7-1. Skating in practice but tentative, Matt Generous sat out with a sprained MCL as #15 St. Lawrence defeated Quinnipiac, 5-3. In the QMJHL, Paul Byron (+1) had a pair of power play assists as Gatineau defeated Shawinigan, 3-2. Sitting in fourth place on the Q scoring list with 98 points, Byron will look for 100 with the final regular season game of the coming on Sunday against Rouyn-Noranda. Jacob Lagacé scored his 32nd goal of the season as Chicoutimi could not match the offensive dynamo in Drummondville, 7-2. On the Island, Jordon Southorn (-1) had an assist in PEI's 5-4 OT loss to Cape Breton. J.S. Allard had an assist as Quebec lost to Rimouski, 5-3. T.J. Brennan was even in Montreal's 2-1 overtime loss to Rouyn-Noranda. In the WHL, Tyler Myers assisted on a power play goal just :38 seconds into the first period as Kelowna downed Kamloops, 6-4. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel was even as Niagara fell to Mississauga, 2-1. Nick Crawford was -2 in Saginaw's 3-0 loss to London. In Thursday action, Crawford (+2) assisted on the first goal of the game in Saginaw's 6-3 win over Owen Sound. Also from Thursday, Schiestel was -1 in Niagara's 2-0 loss to Barrie.

3/7 Recap: Season ends for Biega, Eno

In an ECAC first-round playoff game, Alex Biega (-1) had eight shots on goal as Harvard was shut out for the second straight night by Brown, 2-0. The junior defenseman provided some jump as the game wore on, but Harvard couldn't connect against the upset-minded Bears. Biega's season ends as the Crimson's second leading scorer with four goals and 16 assists in 31 games. Brown moves on to to the second round to face Yale. The Bears upset of the Crimson means that St. Lawrence will face Union in round two. The Saints may be without senior rearguard Matt Generous, whose status is still uncertain after undergoing an MRI on his injured MCL. In the CCHA playoffs, Nick Eno made four saves while surrendering two goals, including one on a breakaway, in 20:00 of relief as Bowling Green got pummeled by #14 Ohio State, 7-1. The game was marked by a second period brawl that saw multiple players ejected from both sides. With the Falcons loss, the shortened season comes to an end for the sophomore netminder who made just five starts and seven overall appearances after returning from a season long ankle sprain. In the WHL, Tyler Myers (+1) scored his ninth goal of the season as Kelowna overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat Vancouver in overtime, 3-2. Stout all evening, Myers' rising to the occasion defensively against the top teams in the league continued with his #2 star performance against the Western Conference leading Giants. The Rockets suffered a scare in the first when Myers crashed his shoulder hard into the boards when hunting a check, but all systems were a go after a short breather. 5'9 flyer Tyler Ennis got into his first career fight as Medicine Hat lost to Kootenay, 4-1. After his second period tussle, Ennis later earned a roughing minor near the end of the third as the Tigers hopes for home ice keep slipping with just three games remaining. Swift Current is up by three points to hold down the #4 seed over the #5 Tigers. The Tigers and Ice will rematch in Cranbrook on Sunday. In the SEL playoffs, Dennis Persson was -1 in 18:35 of work as #8 Timra got whooped by #4 HV71, 7-0. The best-of-seven series is now locked at one game apiece. In Boston, senior Andrew Orpik was even with eight penalty minutes as #20 Boston College closed the regular season with 4-1 upset of #4 Northeastern. Orpik's aggression led to four minors including two for roughing and another for charging. The Eagles move on to face UNH next weekend in the first round of the Hockey East playoffs. Rounding out a fantastic league schedule, Brad Eidsness made 32 saves as turnover ridden #6 North Dakota suffered a letdown against #19 Wisconsin, 4-1. Derek Stepan (NYR) scored a pair of shorthanded goals to lead the Badgers to victory. The WCHA champion Sioux will face #10 seed Michigan Tech in next week's playoff opener. Drew MacKenzie posted an assist for the second night in a row as #7 Vermont lost a wild 6-5 decision in overtime to #9 New Hampshire. Returning from a one month absence to due to mono, the two-point weekend gives the freshman a total of six on the year. The Cats match-up with #5 seed Lowell next week. Justin Jokinen scored a goal for Minnesota State in their 4-4 tie with #18 St. Cloud State. The freshman's unassisted tally, his third of the season, came when he roofed one high after a clean steal at the SCSU blueline. The #8 seeded Mavericks enter the WCHA tourney where they'll face #3 Wisconsin. Jacob Lagacé had an assist as Chicoutimi lost to Victoriaville, 5-4. The short-handed helper gives him 67 points on the year. Drew Schiestel was -2 as Niagara got roughed up by Peterborough, 6-0. 2010 eligible Ryan Spooner had four consecutive goals for the Petes, with '09 Zack Kassian, a 6'3 205-pound wing, assisting on two of them. Schiestel now sits at a prospects-low rating of -29 for the season. In the OHL, Nick Crawford (-1) had an assist in Saginaw's 4-3 win over Owen Sound. 2010 prospect Steven Shipley had a goal and an assist in the losing effort.

3/6 Recap: Jordon like Gordon; Eidsness leads to title

Jordon Southorn (-1) had a goal, assist, and a fight to complete his first Gordie Howe Hat Trick of the season in PEI's 5-3 loss to Lewiston. Southorn was aggressive with some big hits, rounded out by a semi-uneventful fight with Samuel Finn. The GHHT was the second of the season for Sabres prospects. Drew Schiestel registered the first back in late September. In the WHL, Tyler Ennis stayed warm with a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat lost to Regina, 4-3. Ennis now has a whopping 42 goals in 57 games this season (.74 gpg) to go along with 40 helpers. Last year, Paul Byron had 37 goals in 52 games (.71 gpg) while Nathan Gerbe led the way with 35 goals in 43 games (.81 gpg). Jacob Lagacé had a pair of assists as Chicoutimi defeated Montreal, 4-1. T.J. Brennan was -2 for the Juniors, who with the loss split the home-and-home series with the Sags. Paul Byron had an assist as Gatineau lost to Rimouski, 7-2. Despite the defeat, the Piques remain atop the Telus Western Division standings with an eight point lead over Montreal. Tyler Myers was +2 in Kelowna's 3-1 win over Chilliwack. The Rockets will square off with rival Vancouver on Saturday. J.S. Allard posted a shot on goal as Quebec defeated Shawinigan, 4-2. In the OHL, Nick Crawford was even as Saginaw defeated Guelph, 5-3. The victory allows the Spirit to leapfrog Plymouth into third place in the Western Conference. 2009 eligible Jordan Szwarz had three assists in the win. In the NCAA, Brad Eidsness made 22 saves in North Dakota's 2-1 win over Wisconsin. The victory over the Badgers clinches the MacNaughton Cup as the WCHA regular season champions while pushing the freshman's record to 22-8-4 on the year. Eidsness now has the most wins and best goals against average among WCHA goaltenders. At the Gutt, Drew MacKenzie picked up an assist just 1:30 into his return from mono in #7 Vermont's 6-4 win over #9 New Hampshire. In an ECAC playoff opener, Alex Biega had five shots on goal for Harvard in their 1-0 loss to Brown. The Crimson will look to force a Sunday game three with a win on Saturday. Also in Boston, Andrew Orpik registered one shot on goal as Boston College lost to Northeastern, 2-1 in overtime. Justin Jokinen had a shot on goal as Minnesota State smothered St. Cloud State, 5-1.

3/3-3/5 Recap: Lagacé, Byron race down the stretch

Tuesday in the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé had a goal and an assist as Chicoutimi lost to Montreal, 4-2. The goal was Lagacé's 31st of the season. In the win, Juniors defenseman T.J. Brennan earned the game's #3 star by pumping nine shots at the Sagueneens net. Paul Byron assisted on the power play winner, then sealed it up with an empty-netter in Gatineau's 3-1 decision over Rouyn-Noranda. The goal was Byron's 31st of the year, keeping him on the same pace with Lagacé with both having five games left. Jordon Southorn was -2 with an assist as PEI outgunned Bathurst, 7-5. In the OHL, Nick Crawford (2PIM) played even as Saginaw defeated Sarnia, 4-2. On Wednesday, Byron had a goal and an assist as Gatineau came back from a 4-0 deficit to defeat Val-d'Or, 6-5. Also from the Q, J.S. Allard did not register a stat as Quebec lost to Rimouski, 4-2. On Thursday, Dennis Persson saw 17:29 of action as Timra opened their first round playoff with a 2-1 win over HV71. In St. Catharines, Drew Schiestel finished -3 in Niagara's 5-2 loss to Brampton.

2/27 Recap: Ennis sparkles with six goal night

Reigning WHL Player of the Week Tyler Ennis was a one-man wrecking crew on Friday, connecting for an amazing six goals as Medicine Hat defeated Prince Albert, 6-2. Missing the WHL league record by one goal, the star left wing closed the night with two highlight reel plays to up his 2008-09 season total to 41 in 54 games. Trailing 1-0 to start the second period, the Edmonton native completed a natural hat trick through the first 11:48 to make it 3-1 Tigers entering the third. Minutes after scoring his fourth of the night at 2:48, Ennis shot down the right side past a Raider dman and buried a wraparound for his fifth. His sixth of the night came at 13:24 when he spun to his backhand on a partial break for a roofing finish. The speedster didn't see much action in the final 6:00, completing the most dominating single game performance that the league has seen in years. Tyler Myers was +1 as Kelowna fell to Red Deer, 3-2. The final buzzer saw a minor scrum that earned the defenseman a double minor for roughing and a misconduct. Myers, who has 10 points in February, saw his streak of four straight appearances in the Three Stars of the Game come to an end in the loss. He had earned three firsts and one second in that stretch. Alex Biega (+1) used a blistering left point shot to score the game winning goal as Harvard defeated Quinnipiac, 2-1. The junior defenseman scored his fourth of the year on a 4-4 after brother Michael put the Crimson on the board earlier with his sixth. Harvard is now unbeaten in five games since the Beanpot. Also from the ECAC, senior defenseman Matt Generous did not return from a first period injury as St. Lawrence defeated Union, 2-0. Generous went down with sprained MCL in his left knee after being checked in to the boards by Union's Brian Yanovitch. In Hockey East, Andrew Orpik picked up a late assist as Boston College cruised past Providence, 5-1. Justin Jokinen was even as a left wing in Mankato's 4-3 OT win over Wisconsin. Nick Eno served as Jimmy Spratt's backup as Bowling Green fell to Western Michigan, 5-2. In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé (-1) had a power play assist as Chicoutimi came up short in a 6-5 loss to red-hot Rimouski. Trailing 6-3 with just over 14:00 to play, the Sags would score two third period goals but couldn't catch up as the Nics won their 15th consecutive game. Paul Byron had five shots on goal and was stopped in the shootout as Gatineau lost to Lewiston, 2-1. J.S. Allard was even as Quebec lost to Shawinigan, 7-4. T.J. Brennan was -3 in Montreal's 7-3 loss to Drummondville. In OHL action, Drew Schiestel was -2 as Niagara got smoked by Brampton, 6-0. Losers of four of their last five, the struggling Dogs played without defenders Alex Pietrangleo and Reggie Traccitto. Now sitting at -25, Schiestel is among the bottom four for all league skaters in the category. In Germany, Philip Gogulla had two shots on goal in Cologne's 5-2 loss to Mannheim.

2/24-26 Recap: Schiestel shoots for 9th

Drew Schiestel scored a goal in Niagara's 7-4 loss to Mississauga St. Mike's. The tally was a career-high ninth for the Dogs defender, and raises his season point total to 46 in 56 games. In the QMJHL, Jordon Southorn (-2) assisted on Benjamin Casavant's 33rd goal of the season as PEI lost to Halifax, 4-2. The helper snaps a six-game drought for the defenseman. Jacob Lagacé was -2 in Chicoutimi's 5-2 loss to Shawinigan. Entering play, the winger had registered a point in six straight games. Dennis Persson was -1 in 17:22 of icetime as Timra fell to Brynas, 4-3. Earlier in the week, Persson (+1) had an assist in 16:04 of work in the Eagles 3-2 loss to Frolunda. On Wednesday, Tyler Myers (+1) had an assist as Kelowna routed Medicine Hat, 6-1. Tyler Ennis was -2 for the Tigers while seeing his six-game point streak snapped in the loss. In the OHL, Nick Crawford had an assist as Saginaw stumbled for the second straight time against Plymouth, 6-2. Crawford committed a bad turnover just :11 into the second period to give the surging Whalers a 2-1 lead. Tyler Seguin ('92) had a goal and two assists while on Whaler power plays in the win. On Tuesday, Justin Jokinen (3 SOG) was -1 as Minnesota State played to a 2-2 tie with Nebraska-Omaha.

2/22 Recap: Myers wires 8th; Allard, Lagacé roll fours

In the WHL, Tyler Myers (+2) continued his strong play in the 2009 calendar year by scoring the shorthanded winner in Kelowna's 4-1 win over Chilliwack. With his second game winner in as many nights, and eighth of the season, Myers earned the game's #2 star. The clinchers were his first two of the season and the first ever time he's scored in back-to-back games, while the weekend also saw the first two-goal game of his career on Saturday. Watching the gliding rearguard over the weekend reveals a player who, if able to maintain the pace and momentum since returning from Team Canada, will likely get some level of NHL exposure next season. In QMJHL play, J.S. Allard shook off a costly turnover on Saturday by scoring a goal and three assists on Sunday as Quebec doubled up Halifax, 8-4. Allard notched his 15th of the season while earning secondary helpers on three of Mikhail Stefanovich's four goals. The four-point night was Allard's highest single game output of the season. In Chicoutimi, Jacob Lagacé scored a goal and added three assists as the Sagueneens outlasted Baie-Comeau, 8-6. The 2008 fifth-rounder also fired seven shots on goal while blocking five. T.J. Brennan set up the game winning goal on the power play as Montreal defeated Bathurst, 4-1. Steady in both ends, Brennan was named the game's #3 star. Drew Schiestel was even as Niagara defeated Ottawa in overtime, 4-3. The defenseman was on the ice for a first period goal against, but wiped it off as the Dogs tied the game with :22 left in regulation. In Michigan, Nick Crawford finished -2 in Saginaw's 4-1 loss to Plymouth. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla had an assist as Cologne lost to Straubing, 7-5. The 6'2 wing spent most of the third period in the penalty box after getting ten for arguing a hooking call.

2/20 Recap: CHLers produce; Eidsness shines

Tyler Ennis had a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat defeated Lethbridge, 6-3. Ennis scored his 31st of the season when he pounced on a rebound from the end boards in the second period. Luca Sbisa (PHI), who leveled Ennis with a big hit in the contest, scored his first goal since returning from the NHL. The two teams will play it back on Saturday. Tyler Myers (-2) had no points but set the pace for Kelowna in their 6-2 win at Western Conference leader Vancouver. The towering defender made physical statements early, and logged monster minutes throughout en route to earning the game's first star. In the OHL, Nick Crawford scored his seventh goal of the season as Saginaw upended Erie, 6-4. Crawford recorded a season-best +4 on the evening after notching a season-low -3 on Monday. Drew Schiestel scored on the power play in Niagara's 4-2 loss to Kingston. Schiestel's eighth of the season put the Dogs up 2-0 before giving up four unanswered goals to the Fronts in the final period and a half. In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé had a goal and an assist as Chicoutimi downed Gatineau, 5-3. The goal, Lagacé's 28th through 55 games played, came off a solid second effort down low. Les Olympiques leading scorer Paul Byron did not make the trip due to illness. T.J. Brennan returned from his five-game suspension, posting an assist for Montreal in their 3-1 win over PEI. Jordon Southorn had a game-high five hits for the Rocket in defeat. The Rocket's anchor has gone six games without a point, and hasn't scored a goal since December 19th. J.S. Allard (+2) assisted on an empty net goal as Quebec defeated Bathurst, 5-2. Allard now has points in two games after forming a line with Kelsey Tessier (COL) at center and Mikhail Stefanovich (TOR) on the opposite wing. In Germany, Philip Gogulla scored his 17th goal of the season as Cologne lost a 4-3 shootout to Sinupret. Gogulla was the only Sharks shooter to connect in the deciding frame. In NCAA play, Brad Eidsness came up huge, making 25 saves as North Dakota won at Anchorage, 2-1 in OT. Keeping his team in the game late, Eidsness moves his record to 19-8-3 on the season. Harvard's Alex Biega (+1) posted five shots on goal as Harvard played to a 2-2 tie with #20 St. Lawrence. Despite not getting a point, it was a long headman pass from the junior defender that set-up the first Crimson tally. Matt Generous was even for the Saints. Andrew Orpik was -1 as Boston College lost to New Hampshire, 3-2. Nick Eno watched as Bowling Green dropped a 3-2 decision to Michigan State.

2/18-19 Recap: Schiestel sour in six

Drew Schiestel was -3 as flat Niagara lost to Belleville, 4-1. The defenseman has now gone six straight games without registering a point. Dennis Persson was even through 12:34 of work as Timra owned Skelleftea, 8-0. On Wednesday, Tyler Ennis had an assist but was a season-low -4 as Medicine Hat lost at Brandon, 4-1. The fleeting forward has points in four straight games. Also from the WHL, Tyler Myers was even in Kelowna's 4-3 shootout loss to lowly Chilliwack. The Bruins entered the evening on a ten-game losing streak.

Allard breaks out for three

J.S. Allard (+3) had two goals and an assist as Quebec downed Chicoutimi, 8-2. Allard opened scoring just :14 in, and later added his 14th of the season in the third period to earn the game's #2 star. Jacob Lagacé had an assist for the Sags in the loss. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla was even with three shots on goal as Cologne fell to Krefeld, 3-1. Dennis Persson was -1 in 11:41 of work in Timra's 4-1 loss to Djurgardens. On Monday, Nick Crawford was a season-low -3 as Saginaw lost to Oshawa, 7-5. Crawford has been a plus player just once in seven February games. Tyler Myers was even as Kelowna came up short against Portland, 4-3. In Sunday QMJHL action, Lagacé potted his 27th of the season on the power play as Chicoutimi lost a 3-2 shootout to Baie-Comeau. Lagacé added seven shots on goal to earn the game's #2 star. Paul Byron had an assist and five shots on goal as Gatineau lost to Montreal, 4-3. Rounding out the OHL weekend, Drew Schiestel finished +1 as Niagara defeated Kingston, 4-1. Amidst a career offensive year, the defenseman has now gone five games without a point for the first time all season. 2009 prospect Ethan Werek had a goal for the Fronts. Also from Sunday, Gogulla had an assist in Cologne's 8-5 win over Hannover.

2/14 Recap: Albertans roll; Biega guides Crimson

Edmonton native Tyler Ennis (+1) scored a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat defeated Kamloops. 5-3. His shiftiness showed when he burst through two Blazer defenders before one-on-one faking his way to his 30th goal of the season in the first period. The #1 star performance was his third consecutive two-point outing after seeing his ten-game point streak snapped on Tuesday. Also in the WHL, Calgarian Tyler Myers (+1) picked up an assist on a Mikael Backlund goal as Kelowna downed Prince George, 5-1. The blue-chip rearguard now has five points in six February skates, all Rockets wins. Kelowna will defend the season-high six-game win streak Monday afternoon at Portland. In the NCAA, Chestermere, Alberta resident Brad Eidsness made 21 saves as #11 North Dakota edged Minnesota State, 4-3. The win continues the freshman's WCHA ascent, moving his season mark to 18-8-3 with a 2.47 goals against average and .909 save percentage. Justin Jokinen was inserted into the Mavericks fourth line after sitting on Friday, but did not produce a stat line. Alex Biega had a pair of assists, both with the man advantage, as Harvard posted a big upset win over #6 Cornell, 4-2. The helpers were his first points in four games, and raise his team-leading point total to 17 (3+14). The Crimson take both ends of the weekend set for the first time since mid-November. In Ontario, Nick Crawford had a power play assist as Saginaw came up short in a 4-3 OT loss to Belleville. The Spirit scored two goals in the final 4:00 to force the extra session with the Bulls. Drew Schiestel was even as Niagara defeated Owen Sound, 2-1. The defenseman has now gone without a point for a season-long four straight games. In the SEL, Dennis Persson returned from a shoulder injury to skate for 16:34 of action as Timra defeated Linkopings, 3-1. The left-side man has averaged 11:40 of time with the Eagles this season. Matt Generous (+1) registered two shots on goal as St. Lawrence won a key ECAC match-up with #9 Princeton, 3-1. Andrew Orpik was even as #15 Boston College played to a 4-4 tie with Lowell. The Eagles move to 0-2-1 against the Riverhawks this season. Sophomore goaltender Nick Eno was again idle as Bowling Green defeated Ferris State, 3-1.

2/11-12 Recap: Lagacé rips winner; Ennis ends at 10

In Thursday QMJHL play, Jacob Lagacé broke a scoreless tie with under 2:00 to play as Chicoutimi edged Val-d'Or, 1-0. The game winning goal was Lagacé's team-leading 26th of the season. With the SEL returning from break, Dennis Persson dressed but did not see the ice as Timra played to a 3-3 tie with HV71. On Wednesday, Tyler Ennis had a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat gave up three third period goals in a 6-5 OT loss to Prince Albert. A night earlier, The Edmonton native saw his ten-game point streak snapped in a 3-0 loss to Saskatoon. In the OHL, Nick Crawford scored his sixth goal of the season on the power play in Saginaw's 4-3 overtime loss to Plymouth. At Erie, Drew Schiestel was +1 as Niagara dropped a 3-2 shootout to the Otters. The gliding defenseman failed to connect on his breakaway attempt. In the Q, Jordon Southorn finished -5 with three hits as PEI got rocked by Drummondville, 10-3. 2009 prospect Benjamin Casavant scored his 30th for the Rocket in the loss. J.S. Allard was -2 in Quebec's 5-0 shutout loss to red-hot Rimouski.

Schiestel leading Dogs rush

Per the The St. Catharines Standard, Niagara defenseman Drew Schiestel is using the entire ice to make his impact felt down the stretch. The article contains the three word concept that Sabres scouts have been stressing since bringing him aboard - keep it simple. With added strength and game exposure, the credo is one that should lead the Hamilton native to good things as a pro given his skill set.

The mobile defenceman’s biggest assets are his skating and ability to move the puck, create scoring chances and jump into the play. On the other hand, Schiestel is a defenceman which means he must take care of things in his own end first, then worry about offence. “It’s just an issue of keeping things simple and then, when you get your chances, especially on the power play,” you make them count,” Schiestel said. “You can play well defensively and still capitalize on your chances on the power play.” Schiestel, a 19-year-old Hamilton native, ranks eight among OHL defencemen in scoring with seven goals and 44 points in 49 games. Ryan Ellis of the Windsor Spitfires leads all rearguards with 17 goals and 68 points. “I understand that every defenceman needs to play good defence, but what got me to this point is jumping into the rush, picking my spots and moving the puck well,” said Schiestel, who ranks third on the IceDogs in scoring, one point behind Matt Sisca and five in arrears of Andrew Agozzino. “I got drafted (by Buffalo) for that and can’t just take that out of my game. I’ve got to keep that in there and utilize it.” With Alex Pietrangelo concentrating on his defence — he’s gone 14 games without a goal — Schiestel is clearly the man when it comes to Niagara defencemen leading the rush. “We’ve told him we trust him to make the proper decision to decide when to go and when not to go,” Niagara general manager Dave Brown said. “We don’t have a red light or anything like that. We’re trying to get them to educate themselves.”