10/24-25 Recap: Tropp sparks Spartans

Corey Tropp scored the first Spartan goal and added an assist as Michigan State continued to surprise the college hockey world on Saturday with a 3-2 overtime win over Miami. The junior right wing leads all NCAA icers with six goals and six assists for the 4-2 Spartans. State finished a miserable 10-23-5 in 2008-09. Sophomore Connor Knapp made 19 saves for the RedHawks to move to 1-1 as the Saturday starter. In the QMJHL, Luke Adam scored his eighth goal of the year in Cape Breton's 4-3 shootout loss to PEI. Adam, who was stopped as one the four Eagle shooters, is currently ranked seventh in league scoring with 22 points. Jordon Southorn was +1 with an assist for the winning Rocket. Maxime Legault scored his first goal of the season as Shawinigan stomped Drummondville, 7-3. The game's #3 star, Legault added four hits to help set an early tone for the Cataractes. The two clubs played it back on Sunday, with Legault earning a fighting major in a scrappy third period as the Cataractes lost to the Voltigeurs, 6-3. The big forward paced the losing side with a game-best seven shots on goal. In the OHL, Saginaw's Nick Crawford had an assist in Saturday's 5-2 win over Ottawa. The Spirit's shutdown dman, Crawford has three goals and 13 assists in his first 14 games. Out west, Brayden McNabb went without a point for just the third time this season as Kootenay was shutout by Moose Jaw, 1-0. The games marked the 150th WHL contest for the 6'4 defenseman. Returning after a one-game rest, Brad Eidsness stopped 18 shots as North Dakota suffered their first loss of the season to Alaska-Anchorage, 2-1. The sophomore netminder was beaten by a floating puck in tight for the first goal against, and later surrendered a long point shot on the power play. Defenseman Corey Fienhage was again a scratch for the Sioux as the six defensemen ahead of him continue to play well. After a 6-0 shelling at the hands of Wisconsin the night before, Justin Jokinen was left out of the lineup as Minnesota State bounced back to defeat the Badgers, 3-2. Nick Eno worked the door as Bowling Green lost a 3-1 decision to Providence. Bowling Green will be overmatched on many nights, creating a stiff challenge to Eno to improve on his current 9.15 goals against average and .818 save percentage. In the USHL, Mark Adams was -1 as Chicago edged Sioux Falls, 4-3.

10/13-16 Recap: Tropp, Lagacé get tricky; Eidsness blanks rival

Corey Tropp scored his first collegiate hat trick Friday as Michigan State posted a big win at Maine, 5-3. The junior right wing scored one goal at even strength, and one each on the power play and penalty kill. Tropp was excellent with the puck throughout, making sharp moves around defenders to earn six shots on goal to help push the Spartans to a 3-0 season start. In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé had three goals and an assist as Chicoutimi plowed their way to a 6-4 win over Halifax. The 5'11, 196-pound forward filled an empty net in the final minute to complete his second career hat trick. The game's #1 star, Lagacé becomes the first Sabres prospect to hit double-digit goals with 10 in 12 games. Brad Eidsness stopped all 22 shots sent his way as North Dakota defended home-ice with a 4-0 shutout of rival Minnesota. The sophomore made a few clutch stops along the way to move to 3-0 on the season. The shutout, Eidsness' second of his NCAA career, was sealed when the Sioux killed off a five minute major in the final minutes. Sophomore Corey Fienhage was again a healthy scratch for the Fighting Sioux. In the WHL, Brayden McNabb continued his strong 2009-10 start, notching his third goal of the year and finishing +2 as Kootenay edged Spokane, 4-3. The 6'4 defenseman also earned a fighting major when he tangled with Chiefs disturber Kyle Beach (CHI) after the Ice scored the game's first goal. Elsewhere, Luke Adam scored his fifth goal of the year and went 16 of 24 at the faceoff circle as Cape Breton defeated Shawinigan, 2-1. The consistent 6'2 center has five goals and 11 assists by collecting points in all but two of his 11 games this season. Jordon Southorn was -2 as PEI was shutout by Moncton, 4-0. Top 2009 prospect Kirill Kabanov had three assists for the victorious Wildcats. In the OHL, Nick Crawford scored a goal and finished +1 as Saginaw defeated Sault Ste. Marie, 4-1. Crawford's third goal of the year got the 7-2-1 Spirit on the board in the first period to help hand the Hounds their fourth straight defeat after being the hottest OHL club in the first two weeks of the season. Marcus Foligno was -1 with hooking and roughing minors as Sudbury lost to Oshawa, 3-1. In the WCHA, Justin Jokinen had four shots on goal as Mankato dropped a 5-2 decision at Duluth. The sophomore right wing missed a chance at this first goal of the year when a good opportunity went high with his club trailing 2-1 in the second period. Nick Eno made 14 saves and surrendered one goal against as three Bowling Green netminders split time in a 7-2 exhibition loss to the USA U18s. DU-bound Nick Shore banked a puck off Eno from behind the goal line to put the Falcons down 5-0 in the late second period. ------------------------------------------- Playing catch-up.... Jordon Southorn was +2 with an assist on Tuesday as PEI shutout a strong Saint John club by a 4-0 count. Marek Zagrapan was even with two shots on goal as Severstal lost a tough one to HC MVD, 2-1. On Wednesday, Luke Adam had a pair of assists as Cape Breton downed Montreal, 6-2. Jacob Lagacé scored his seventh goal of the year on the power play as Chicoutimi came up short in a 3-2 loss to Rimouski. Vjacheslav Buravchikov was even through 12:16 of work in Ak Bars' 3-1 win over Motorist. In Thursday Q action, Southorn was -2 as PEI defeated Moncton, 4-2.

10/11 Recap: Streaks get Sunday rest

Brayden McNabb saw his career-best nine-game point streak come to an end on Sunday as Kootenay lost to Moose Jaw, 5-2. McNabb, who was -1 with a minor in the loss, amassed one goal and 11 assists over his run that started on the opening night of league play. In the QMJHL, Luke Adam (-1) saw his career-best six-game point streak come to a halt in Cape Breton's 4-0 shutout loss to Saint John. The top line center continues to fare well at the dot, going 12-9 in the loss. Jacob Lagacé registered three shots on goal as Chicoutimi snuck past Montreal, 1-0. The 5'11 forward has scored six times on 40 shots on goal this season. Jordon Southorn had two shots on goal in PEI's 2-1 loss to Lewiston. In the USHL, Mark Adams did not dress in Chicago's 5-3 loss to league newcomer, Youngstown.

10/10 Recap: Crawford piles helpers; Adam jamming

In the OHL, fourth-year defenseman Nick Crawford posted a career-best four assists on Saturday as Saginaw cruised past Belleville, 8-3. The 6'1 Crawford now has 12 points in nine games. Josh Shalla ('10) had a hat trick for the Spirit, while summer camper Adam Payerl connected on the power play for the Bulls. Marcus Foligno finished -1 as Sudbury was handed a 9-2 beatdown by Plymouth. Tyler Seguin ('10) had an even strength hat trick and two assists for the Whalers. At 6'1, 190 pounds, the 17-year old center leads the OHL with 14 goals, three hatties, and 11 assists in 10 games, and would be an ideal first-round target for the Sabres next June. In the QMJHL, Luke Adam extended a career-best six-game point streak with a pair of assists as Cape Breton lost to Saint John, 5-2. The big pivot paced the Eagles with six shots on goal and four hits, and continued to show improvement at the dot by taking 13 of 18 draws, but his club was forced into multiple turnovers by the hard skating Sea Dogs. Adam, who had a nice center ice collision with Dog dman Simon Despres (PIT), will enter Sunday's rematch as Cape Breton's leading scorer with 13 points (4+9) including eight in his last three games. Jordon Southorn (+2) assisted on both Rocket goals as PEI edged Rouyn-Noranda, 2-1 in OT. With Southorn putting forth a sound effort at both of the ice, Sabres Prospects continues to be impressed with undrafted Rocket, Adam Polasek. The import defenseman can skate with the puck, makes smart decisions, and likes the physical game. PEI was playing their first game under new head coach Eric Lavigne after the firing of Guy Chouinard earlier in the week. In Saturday college action, Corey Tropp had two power play assists as Michigan State swept Clarkson with a 4-3 win. The junior right wing had back-to-back multi-point efforts for the first time in his NCAA career, and seems to be clicking on the Spartans first line with Nick Sucharski and former BCHLer Derek Grant. Sophomore Connor Knapp was sharp in his first start of the year, stopping 20 shots to earn his third career shutout in Miami's 2-0 blanking of St. Cloud. Knapp directed the puck well, but was rarely tested by the Husky forwards. The #1 RedHawks will continue their Friday/Saturday goaltender rotation when they travel to New Hampshire next weekend. In Grand Forks, Brad Eidsness made 16 saves as North Dakota pushed off to a 2-0 season start with a 3-2 win over Merrimack. The Warriors were a little more active around the NoDak goalmouth, but Eidsness held his ground with good rebound cpntrol. Corey Fienhage was again a scratch for the Sioux as Dave Hakstol dressed a pair of freshmen ahead of him this weekend. Drew MacKenzie had an assist as Vermont defeated Denver, 6-4. Summer camper Brayden Irwin (#1 star) had two goals to lead the Catamounts, who earned the weekend split with the win. In the KHL, Vjacheslav Buravchikov was +1 as Ak Bars lost to Atlant, 4-3.

10/3 Recap: McNabb main motor; Foligno steps in

In Saturday WHL action, Brayden McNabb assisted on the game winning goal as Kootenay battled to an exciting 5-4 overtime win over Medicine Hat. Logging major minutes (30/35+) and riding a six-game point streak, McNabb continues to be tied atop the WHL scoring list for dmen with eight points. 2010 eligible Emerson Etem (Long Beach, CA) scored a pair of goals for the Tigers in defeat. In the OHL, Marcus Foligno was even as Sudbury lost a hard-fought battle to Peterborough, 5-3. For the second straight weekend, the Wolves physical pacesetter earned a first period instigator and fighting major for coming in to defend teammate John Kurtz after he was checked from behind by Petes dman, Chad Lowry. Foligno quickly engaged and earned the takedown. Still no word on when Petes captain Zack Kassian will return from his upper body injury. Nick Crawford had an assist as Saginaw defeated Sarnia in a rough-and-tumble affair, 3-1. Josh Shalla ('10) scored a pair of goals to lead the Spirit. After a second period that featured three fights, hard feelings spilled into the third with a line brawl that involved a match penalty and the goalies squaring off at center ice. Jacob Lagacé posted an assist as Chicoutimi lost to defending QMJHL champion Drummondville, 3-2 in a shootout. The Sags' leading goal getter with five, Lagacé was not tabbed as a shooter in the deciding frame. Also from the Q, Jordon Southorn was even as PEI got trounced by Rouyn-Noranda, 7-2. The rearguard had a bumpy third period, earning minors on back-to-back shifts and a misconduct in the final 10-minutes. In Europe, Vjacheslav Buravchikov was -1 in 16:19 of play as Ak Bars was shutout by CKSA, 3-0. Connor Knapp greased up his NCAA exhibition season, relieving Cody Reichard and stopping 17 of 18 shots as #1 Miami defeated Windsor, 6-2. Nick Eno made 13 saves and gave up a goal before giving way to Andrew Hammond as Bowling Green defeated Wilfrid Laurier, 7-3. Justin Jokinen was +1 with an assist as Minnesota State needed overtime to edge Lethbridge, 4-3.

10/2: Kassian injured; Crawford pots pair

In Sault Ste. Marie, Zack Kassian suffered an upper body injury after a second period hit and did not return as Peterborough lost 4-1 to the undefeated Greyhounds. Outshot, out-fought, and outscored, the Petes were in the tough situation of back-to-back games with long travel in between. Kassian, who failed to notch a point for the first time this season, is thought to be day-to-day and likely out of the lineup for Saturday's meeting with Sudbury. Marcus Foligno (-2) had another strong physical performance as Sudbury coughed up a four-goal lead in a 6-5 shootout loss to Plymouth. Skating on the Wolves second line, Foligno was whistled for a misconduct after arguing a first period call, and later earned a checking from behind minor that led to Whalers goal. The Wolves were at one point up 5-1 in the second period before the Whalers captialized on defensive miscues to own the final 25-minutes. Stud 2010 prospect Tyler Seguin (6'1, 190 lbs) had a hat trick and an assist for the winning side, and now leads the OHL with 10 goals and 16 points in six games. Nick Crawford scored a pair of goals and an assist as Saginaw faltered at Kitchener, 6-5 in overtime. The goals, one each shorthanded and on the power play, were Crawford's first of the season, and came on a night when the Spirit sqaundered a 5-3 lead in the final 10:00 of play. The game's #2 star, Crawford's three point night was his first of the season after three such efforts in 2008-09. The 6'1 defenseman likely caught the attention of Sudbury GM Mike Foligno, who was rumored to be scouting blueliners in Kitchener's barn while his club suffered a breakdown on home ice. In the WHL, Brayden McNabb picked up an assist as Kootenay lost to Calgary, 2-1. McNabb currently leads all WHL defenseman with seven points (1+6) in five games. Also from Friday, Luke Adam scored his second goal of the season and was named the game's #2 star as Cape Breton came back to earn a 5-4 victory over Bathurst. The Eagles outshot the Titan 40-17 en route to overcoming a 4-0 deficit to move to 3-2-2 on the year. Jacob Lagacé registered an assist as Chicoutimi got squashed by Gatineau, 9-2. In Western Quebec, Jordon Southorn was +2 as PEI defeated Val-d'Or, 5-2. The Rocket was lucky to sneak away with a win despite being outshot 24-3 in the second period, and 51-22 overall. 2010 eligible Jordan Escott (6'1, 176 lbs) scored a hat trick and an assist to lead the Rocket. Mark Adams made his USHL debut, finishing -1 with two stick infractions as Chicago defeated Team USA, 5-1.

9/27 Recap: Kennedy makes case

The Sabres ended their exhausting preseason Sunday night with a 7-6 win over Toronto. With some players having their spots locked up, Tim Kennedy, Nathan Gerbe, Tyler Myers, and Mike Weber made their final auditions before the team decides on the opening day battle roster. Kennedy (+2) showed the most value on the night, executing well defensively while doing good things with the puck in the Leafs end. Centering Clarke MacArthur and Jason Pominville, the Buffalo native snapped home a MacArthur back pass and added a nice assist in 16:44 of action for his best performance in a Sabres sweater. Gerbe (-1) rounded out his strong weekend by netting a goal for the second straight night and earning a helper on Matt Ellis' game winner. Gerbe played just under 14:00 in the win. As of now, it's hard to say what's going to happen with the two second-year guys. Kennedy's ability to make plays from the pivot make him a good flexible option, but he'll need to improve on faceoffs to solidify his NHL standing. Gerbe demonstrated the ability to zip in and out of space and finish plays while going hard every shift. On the blueline, Myers continued his ramp-up towards earning a spot this season with excellent skating and steady defensive posture. There was one particular play that I didn't like, where Matt Stajan escaped his cluthces behind the net and sent a pass to the front for a Nikolai Kulemin tally. Playing the man, Myers was unsuccessful in rubbing Stajan off the puck, but that's a play where his long stick (that I'm always talking about) could have been more effective in stopping the throw to the front. Weber, who has been plagued by turnovers for most of the preseason, made some nice defensive plays early before mixing in a few giveaways. His aggressive nature will be a welcome element to the blueline, but perhaps a start on the farm will reset his puck focus and propel him into better decisions. There will be more on this as the week progresses. In New Hampshire, Portland defeated Manchester 5-1 to move to 1-1 on the pre-season. Felix Schutz, Paul Byron, T. J. Brennan, and Derek Whitmore were among the Pirates scorers. Dennis Persson had three assists, while Tyler Ennis contributed a pair of helpers. Jhonas Enroth made 34 saves for the win. Also on Sunday, Marcus Foligno (+1) assisted on the game-tying goal midway through the third period as Sudbury went on to defeat Oshawa in overtime, 4-3. Foligno, who clicked on a line with overager Daniel Lombardi, continues to give teams trouble down low and has shown marked all-around improvement over last season. Jacob Lagacé finished a nasty -5 as Chicoutimi was steamrolled by Lewiston, 7-1. Jordon Southorn was even with two shots on goal as PEI edged Gatineau, 2-1.

9/26 Recap: Busy night for CHLers

A trio of Sabres prospects are leading the way in the young season by registering points in every game since returning from Buffalo's training camp. Zack Kassian (+1) had a goal and an assist but tired Peterborough finished their third game in as many days with a 4-3 loss. The banging right wing has two goals and five assists to start the year, and will look to tie a career-best six-game point streak on Thursday against Oshawa. Ethan Werek (NYR) scored for the Fronts, while stud 2010 rearguard Erik Gudbranson had a pair of assists. In the QMJHL, Jacob Lagacé (-2) scored his fifth goal of the season then added another in the shootout as Chicoutimi came back to defeat Quebec, 4-3. Lagacé's tally at 10:27 of the third period knotted the game 3-3 and forced the extra time. Lagacé now has nine points through his first four games. Last season, he scored four goals and three assists in his first four games before notching just two assists in his next six. In the WHL, Brayden McNabb had an assist as Kootenay stumbled at home against Medicine Hat, 4-2. The Tigers, who were 1/5 on the power play, connected in the second period while McNabb served a roughing minor. The big defenseman will look to equal a career best five-game point streak when the Ice host Calgary on Friday. After scrapping on his first shift the night before, Marcus Foligno (+2) scored his first goal of the year in the opening minute on Saturday as Sudbury opened up a can on Belleville, 7-1. Showing no signs of wear from his energetic Friday, the grinding forward continued to throw his weight around in the second of a three-games-in-three-nights run. With an obvious affection for a fresh sheet of ice, Foligno was called for a checking from behind minor in the opening minute of the second period. Also from the OHL, Nick Crawford notched two assists as previously unbeaten Saginaw lost to Erie, 6-4. 2010's Andrew Yogan and Greg McKegg had goals for the Otters, while Anthony Camara ('11) had two goals and an assist for the Spirit. Rounding out QMJHL play, Jordon Southourn scored PEI's only goal of the game as the Rocket fell to Victoriaville, 3-1. The 6'2 defenseman beat Kevin Poulin (NYI) cleanly with :07 to play in the first period for his 2nd of the season. In Russia, Vjacheslav Buravchikov notched his first point of the year, an assist, as Ak Bars held on to defeat Salavat Yulayev, 4-3. Buravchikov's assist came late in the second period to put Ak Bars ahead 4-0. Salavat came back with third period goals by former NHLers Patrick Thoresen, Alexander Radulov, and Viktor Kozlov, but couldn't connect on a fourth with the goalie pulled and a power play in the final minute. In Sioux City, Mark Adams was even with 4 PIM as Chicago closed the USHL Fall Classic with a 4-3 shootout loss to Waterloo. Adams, who was earlier called for a tripping infraction, comitted a hook at 3:53 of the third period that led to the game-tying goal being scored on a penalty shot. Chicago finishes the pre-season with a 2-4 record.

9/23 Recap: Marek on mark with new bunch

Marek Zagrapan had a busy second period on Wednesday, igniting Severstal with two goals and an assist in a 4-1 win over Amur. Zagrapan, who was also +2 on the game, sits as the club's second leading scorer (3-1-4) through five games despite averaging just 12:14 of action. In the WHL, Brayden McNabb (+1) earned an assist as Kootenay needed a shootout to edge Edmonton, 3-2. McNabb, who entered the game tied for the Ice lead with four points, helped put Kootenay on the board when his point blast was tipped in by Steele Boomer at 9:35 of the first period. The 6'4 defender brought the heat physically as well, laying solid pops in the final period including one on Tomas Vincour (DAL) to held give the Ice the comeback edge. In the QMJHL, Jordon Southorn was sidelined with a flu bug as PEI dumped undefeated Saint John, 6-1. The Rocket are tied with the Sea Dogs for first place in the Atlantic Division.

9/22 Recap: Pirates ship begins to fill; KHL heating up

The Sabres today announced their first batch of names leaving camp for farm assignments. Off to Portland of the AHL are the following 14 players: F: Tyler Ennis, Paul Byron, Maxime Legault, Travis Turnbull, Derek Whitmore, Kyle Rank, Brad Larsen, Mark McCutcheon D: T.J. Brennan, Drew Schiestel, Dennis Persson, Matt Generous, Mike Kostka D. J.P. Lamoureux No real surprising moves, as all were expected to start the year with the Pirates. Ennis had the potential to play one more game, but there are too many other battles to be won in other areas. Technically still the captain of the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL, Legault, 20, will shoot for an AHL roster spot and first NHL contract when he reports. The cutdown leaves 33 players still in camp including defensive prospects Tyler Myers, Mike Weber, and Marc-Andre Gragnani; forwards Nathan Gerbe, Tim Kennedy, Philip Gogulla, and Felix Schutz; and goaltender Jhonas Enroth. For those who've not watched any of the pre-season games, Myers has gradually gotten better with each of his three appearances. He's shown an adjustment to speed, demonstrated good escapability to start breakouts, and used his stick well to break up plays for quick clears. At this point I score him ahead of Gragnani and Weber, who committed several turnovers in Monday's win over Washington, but need more views to project him out against the current top-6. ---------------------------- Overseas, a pair of 2005 draft picks are getting deeper into their KHL seasons. Vjacheslav Buravchikov was -2 on as Ak Bars lost to Avangard on Tuesday, 3-1. The 6'1 dman manned the bottom pair with Alexei Yemelin (MTL) for 15:03 if action, a few ticks above his season average of 13:45. Ak Bars next plays on Thursday at Barys. On Monday, Marek Zagrapan was -1 as Severstal dropped a 3-1 decision to Metallurg. The 23-year old is -3 with four shots on goal in three games since scoring the winner in the season opener. Severstal will take the ice on Wednesday against an Amur club carrying former Sabres defenseman, Nolan Pratt. -------- Also of note, PEI's Jordon Southorn stayed away from practice Tuesday with a bug, and may not be ready to go for their Wednesday tilt with 4-0 Saint John. Brayden McNabb and Kootenay will host the Edmonton Oil Kings in a mid-week WHL battle.

Early season jab by McNabb

Aside from scoring Kootenay's only goal in Saturday's lopsided 7-1 loss to Red Deer, defenseman Brayden McNabb also earned a slashing and fighting combo late in the game after a quick scrap with Rebels forward Cody Esposito. The bout was the closing act in a game featuring five fights. Tale of the Tape: McNabb, 18, 6'4, 210 lbs, 13 career majors Esposito, 20, 6'3, 205 pounds, 43 career majors Remember how the theme of the draft was team toughness? The Sabres have invested quite a bit in goaltender Ryan Miller, yet in recent years have too often came up short when protecting their meal ticket. Names like Tallinder, Spacek, Sekera, Numminen, and Campbell weren't scaring anyone away from taking a whack. That's why hard-nosed Craig Rivet was viewed as a Godsend when he arrived, why Steve Montador was a free agent target, and why it's important for Mike Weber to show a disciplined edge when trying to earn the 6/7 spot in Buffalo. Along the same lines, it's refreshing to see another Sabres CHL defenseman show a consistent willingness to "go" as he develops NHL chops. Aside from the occasional police work of future workhorse Tyler Myers, the use of fight-or-flight adrenaline is one trait that's been somewhat lacking among the Sabres' junior rearguards since the lockout. T.J. Brennan rarely pulled that club out of the bag in the Q, while OHL products Drew Schiestel and Nick Crawford have been developing with cooler heads. Even Mike Weber, who in 2007-08 had nine fights as an AHL rookie (including an infamous tune-up by Mike Keane), only had 11 scraps in his four junior seasons. (The team toughness movement is obviously not limited to defensemen. Veteran forwards Jeff Cowan and Cody McCormick are being fitted for grit in camp, and it's likely that Travis Turnbull's 14-fight USHL resume was consulted before signing him out of Michigan. There's no need to even mention what Zack Kassian represents down the road.) I'm not making a case for a back end goon, nor am I proclaiming the current blueline crop a bunch of "nice guys". Players like Matt Generous, Jordon Southorn (seasons of three and four majors) and Drew MacKenzie (three fights in 2007-08) have shown minor flare-ups in the past. I'm merely suggesting that variety is a requirement when building a blueline stable, and the drafting of third-rounders McNabb (2009) and Corey Fienhage (2008) are positive steps towards toughness while Rivet leads by example ahead of them. McNabb's 10 goals last season would have tied Schiestel for tops among all Sabres defensive prospects, while his 10 fights and 140 PIMs proved more active than his next closest competitor, Myers (5 majors, 105 PIM in nine fewer games). Fienhage had 28 PIMs in nine games including six roughing minors, one high stick, one check from behind, and a fighting misconduct. These are young, talented players acting mean and putting up different types numbers in terms of Sabres D prospects. So yes, this is all old news. Pardon me if it sounds like I'm going out of my way to state the obvious, but it's encouraging to see the plan in action.

9/20 Recap: Quartet comes up empty

Luke Adam fired a team-best five shots on goal but was held without a point Sunday as Cape Breton lost a marathon shootout at Moncton, 5-4. Adam, who won 18 of 35 draws at the dot, was the first of 11 Eagles shooters who failed to crack Wildcat netminder Wendell Vye in the tiebreaker session before Daniel Pettersson finally bested Olivier Roy (EDM) to call it a night. High-end defenseman Brandon Gormley ('10) had a goal for the Wildcats. Also from the Q, Jordon Southorn was even with three shots on goal as PEI lost a 3-2 shootout to Bathurst. In the KHL, Vjacheslav Buravchikov was even through 15:23 of action as Ak Bars lost to Neftekhimik, 3-2. Mark Adams was even as Chicago lost a USHL pre-season contest to Green Bay, 3-1. Undrafted Buffalo native and Shattuck-St. Mary's product Sam Alfieri had an assist for the winners after notching the game winner a night earlier against Indiana.

9/18 Recap: Lagacé leads

Fresh off a strong showing at Sabres camp, Jacob Lagacé maintained his NHL momentum in the QMJHL on Friday by collecting two goals and two assists as Chicoutimi edged Victoriaville, 6-4. The #1 star performance saw both goals come at even strength while his helpers came with the man advantage. The best player on the ice all night, Lagacé was stronger in the corners, faster to the puck, and generally quick to execute. He looks locked in for a big year as his professional aspirations unfold. Also in the Q, Jordon Southorn was -1 as PEI fell to Moncton, 4-3 in a shootout. In Cranbrook, promising WHL rearguard Brayden McNabb got a solid season jump, posting two assists and a +3 as Kootenay shelled Lethbridge, 8-1. The 6'4 McNabb had six multi-point outings in 2008-09. The Ice take on Red Deer on Saturday. In the OHL, Nick Crawford had a power play assist as Saginaw opened their OHL season with a 4-3 shootout win over Guelph. The Caledon, Ontario native had 19 power-play assists last season. Marcus Foligno was held out for rest as Sudbury dropped a 4-3 decision to Erie. The Wolves, who lost all six of their pre-season games, were outshot 43-25 on home ice.

9/13 Recap: Zagrapan starts anew

Marek Zagrapan made his KHL debut Sunday, scoring what proved to be the game winning goal and finishing +1 as Severstal defeated Avtomobilist, 4-1. Zagrapan, chosen 13th overall at the 2005 draft, scored 56 goals and 127 points in three AHL seasons between Rochester and Portland. When his entry-level deal with the Sabres expired in the off-season, the RFA bolted for KHL colors in Cherepovets, an industrial city in northern Russia. Despite the move, the Sabres extended Zagrapan a 'qualifying offer' in June to retain his NHL rights. His KHL deal with Severstal is for three seasons, but he can opt out after year two if the Sabres were to offer a one-way NHL contract (or perhaps trade his rights). Also from Sunday, Jordon Southorn (+2, 1 SOG) assisted on the game winning goal as PEI edged Halifax, 7-4. The win gives the Rocket a 2-0 regular season jump before the 60+ QMJHLers in NHL camps start trickling back to junior. The Rocket next plays on Friday at Moncton. In the USHL, Mark Adams helped Chicago open the pre-season with a 6-2 win over Youngstown on Friday. The 6'3, 207-pounder was -1 as the Steel dropped the Saturday rematch, 3-1.

9/11 Recap: Southorn lights lamp; KHL gets krackin'

Jordon Southorn cast the first Sabres-centric stone of the 2009-10 regular season, scoring a goal and adding five hits as PEI defeated Moncton, 2-1, in the QMJHL opener for both teams. Paired with Czech import Adam Polasek, Southorn (+1) put forth a strong effort by leading numerous rushes up-ice and getting shots to the goal area while settling his own zone. He put the Rocket on the board at 8:55 at the second period when his crisp rising wrist-shot beat Wendell Vye to tie the game 1-1. These are the types of tempo dictating efforts that the 19-year old lefty will have to regularly produce to remain in the Sabres mix after a suspension kept him from skating in his second NHL camp alongside fellow Q'ers Luke Adam, Jacob Lagacé, and Maxime Legault. At 6'2, 200-pounds, Southorn has the frame, skating, and two-way tools to develop into a solid professional. As the raw foundation is present, demonstrating growth in consistency and maturity could make the Sabres' contract decisions more interesting next offseason. If the money wasn't there to sign RW Andrew Orpik for depth, the Sabres are in no position to gamble with character when the blueline is already well-stocked. A Harvard educated leader with a two-year experience edge, Alex Biega, 21, appears to be the better bet for a deal at this point, but it will be interesting to monitor the year since Southorn has the potential to put up some big numbers on the Island. -------------- In Thursday's KHL opener, recently re-upped Vjacheslav Buravchikov logged nearly 14:00 of icetime and spent another 4:00 in the box as Ak Bars defeated Lokomotiv, 3-2 in OT. On Saturday, Ak Bars fell to Spartak by a 4-1 count. Severstal's Marek Zagrapan will make his KHL debut on Sunday against Motorist.

Southorn stays in PEI as peers gear up

The CHL pre-season is coming to a close, and the bulk of prospects are in Buffalo for early work before the opening of main camp later in the week. However, one Sabres property will be wearing his junior colors when the QMJHL kicks off its regular season. The Sabres this week informed PEI Rocket defenseman Jordon Southorn that they were rescinding his 2009 training camp invitation due to his second team-imposed suspension in as many seasons. Southorn, who was suspended by the Rocket for an alleged curfew violation, will be in uniform when the club opens their QMJHL regular season this week instead of competing in Buffalo.

The group, including Southorn’s agent Don Meehan, sat down (with input from the Buffalo Sabres which nabbed Southorn in the fourth round of the 2008 NHL draft) to decide his fate. Savard helped make last year’s docking call and the recent suspension. He said Southorn’s back in the fold, but what happens next is up to him. “The kid knows what to expect. He’s getting another chance,” said Savard, who selected the blue-liner 17th overall in the first round in the 2006 QMJHL draft. “That’s the way it’s going to be. He knows things have to change as we move forward (and) the season begins.” The greater damage might be Buffalo reneging Southorn’s invitation to its training camp next week. He had been scheduled to leave P.E.I. for New York, Sept. 7. He might get another chance later in the camp, said Southorn, but for now the NHL squad has cooled his jets. “They don’t want me in Buffalo breaking curfew or getting into trouble,” he said. “They don’t want me there in that state of mind.”

At this point, Southorn will have to be lights out this season to be considered for an NHL contract. Harvard's Alex Biega and Saginaw's Nick Crawford are also up for a blueline look after this season, while T.J. Brennan and Drew Schiestel have already joined Mike Weber, Mike Kostka, Dennis Persson, and Matt Generous in the minor league mix. Add in top clubbers Chris Butler, 22, and Andrej Sekera, 23, and the already-inked Tyler Myers, 19, and it's easy to think that only one of the three could be signed next offseason. Speaking of Myers, the 6'8 defenseman arrived in Buffalo on Saturday for his second NHL camp.

“Having one year and one camp under my belt, I’m going in with some confidence,” Myers said. “I’m very excited to go in there, do the best I can and just keep things simple. Whatever they have planned for me I’ll accept. “I’d love to play with Buffalo this year, but I know there’s a possibility I may get sent back. If that happens, Kelowna’s not a bad place to come play hockey and I don’t think another year of development would hurt me at all.”

Meanwhile Buffalo News reporter John Vogl spoke with GM Darcy Regier, who confirmed that Tyler Ennis will be signed and done shortly.

"He’ll come to camp and we’ll work on his contract, but the expectation is that he’ll turn pro and not return to junior this year," Regier said.

The same article mentioned that RFA Mark Mancari would like a chance to play elsewhere. Four years into his pro career, the big wing has essentially graduated from this space. Cruising the other CHL training camps for updates on those heading to Buffalo this week... Luke Adam saw his first pre-season action for Cape Breton on Wednesday, posting two goals and an assist as the Eagles hammered Halifax, 9-2. The 6'2 forward, who also led the Eagles with five shots on goal and five blocks, departed for Buffalo the following day. On Friday, Jacob Lagacé had two shots on goal as Chicoutimi lost 4-2 to Shawinigan. Cataractes forward Maxime Legault did not play. Lagacé played again the following night, getting into a fight with 6'1, 194-pound Maxime Lamarche in the Sags 6-1 loss at Victoriaville. The 17-year old Lamarche got the better of Lagacé, who rarely drops the mitts. Portland forward Felix Schutz was seen skating in Saint John on Friday as his former junior club, the Sea Dogs, broke camp for a week before the start of the regular season. In the OHL, Marcus Foligno was tossed from Sudbury's loss to Barrie on Thursday. The big forward earned a five-minute major and a game misconduct after a slew foot in the second period. On Friday, Foligno tipped a shot in from his belly for his second goal of the pre-season in Sudbury's 5-2 loss to Oshawa. Saginaw rearguard Nick Crawford had an assist in Friday's 5-3 loss to Sault Ste. Marie, and did not play as the Spirit lost a Saturday rematch, 4-2. After sitting out the pre-season opener, Zack Kassian had two assists in Peterborough's 6-4 win over Oshawa on Wednesday. Kassian arrived in Buffalo Monday morning. In the WHL, Brayden McNabb did not play in either of Kootenay's pre-season losses before heading to Buffalo over the weekend. The OHL and WHL will drop the puck for regular season play on the 17th. 2009 pick Mark Adams started his USHL career this week as Chicago opened up with a holiday weekend of practices. The New England high school product will hone his skills for a season under the guidance of former NHLer Steve Poapst before entering Providence College next fall. The USHL regular season doesn't get underway until October 2nd.

Southorn reacts to suspension

Here is a follow-up from Charlottetown's The Guardian regarding the recent suspension of 2008 4th round pick, Jordon Southorn of the PEI Rocket. “I broke a rule. I’m not going to get into details. It’s being dealt with privately with the team,” Southorn told The Guardian. “Everyone knew (about the rule). I skipped the rule in the rule book. It was a bad move on my part (and) I would take it all back if I could.” Southorn, who flies out of P.E.I. on Sept. 7 for the Buffalo Sabres’ training camp, hasn’t signed with the NHL team yet, and so far hasn’t talked to the organization. It’s probable Southorn would have missed P.E.I. home opener Sept. 11 versus Moncton and the next game against Halifax on Sept. 13 anyway. Chouinard said the suspension will be re-visited after the Sabres camp, but Southorn could return to Rocket practice earlier. Southorn, who’s limited to gym workouts, said he’s happy with the Rocket, just prone to bad judgment. “Everyone knew (about the rule). I skipped the rule in the rule book,” he said. “I feel fine about the organization. It’s not them, it’s not Guy, it’s on Jordon Southorn. I started my junior career here, I’m hoping to end it here. I’ll come back whenever they let me.”

Southorn suspended...again

For the second time in as many seasons, PEI defenseman Jordon Southorn has been suspended by the team.

Rocket head coach Guy Chouinard wouldn’t be specific about Southorn’s offence expect to say the player violated team policies set early in camp. “We have rules on this team and he crossed over those rules,” Chouinard told The Guardian. “He should take that time, go to Buffalo and come back with a better attitude.”

The disciplinary action is in response to a violation of team rules - presumably a curfew issue - and will land the 6'2 blueliner in the Rocket sin bin until the close of Sabres training camp in September. Last season, head coach Guy Chouinard suspended the defender after a verbal spat on the bench during a game. Chosen in the 4th round of the 2008 draft, Southorn, 19, is being counted on to lead the Rockets attack from the backend and provide veteran leadership in the room. With the Sabres forced to make a few defensive decisions next offseason in terms of their prospects, this latest development does not bode well for the talented yet maligned rearguard.

Pistol sounds as CHL camps begin

It's late August, and cuts are already being made in junior hockey. QMJHL camps have opened, and four Sabres hopefuls saw their exhibition schedules get underway over the weekend before Hurricane Bill put a damper on the north Atlantic coast. Chicoutimi's Jacob Lagacé kicked the pre-season off on Friday, scoring an early power play goal as the Sags blanked Baie-Comeau, 4-0. The 19-year old forward, who last season led the Sags with 32 goals and 69 points, gave way to younger players in a pair of weekend contests. On Saturday, fourth-year blueliner Jordon Southorn had a goal and three shots on net as PEI took a 6-5 shootout win over Halifax. Southourn's marker midway through the second period launched a three-goal outburst in a span of 2:14 for the Rocket. The 6'2 defender had looked strong and sharp through a pair intrasquad scrimmages heading into the weekend. Cape Breton's Luke Adam practiced with his new team for the first time on Tuesday, but did not play in Friday's 7-2 loss at Moncton. The 6'2, 210-pounder has been skating on a top line with fellow newcomer Ashton Bernard (NJ). The early favorite to wear the "C" in Shawinigan, Maxime Legault, 20, did not play in pair of weekend home games for the Cats. It's worth noting that former Sabres prospect Jean-Simon Allard decided to not return to the QMJHL for his 20-year old season. After four years in the Q, the unsigned Allard instead had planned on playing for Alma College (QC) before his transfer was denied by the AAA league offices. It is unknown where or if Allard will be playing this season. -------------------------------------------------------------- OHL and WHL clubs will follow by opening training camps on Wednesday and Thursday. Nick Crawford, 19, will head to Saginaw on Wednesday, where the Spirit will conduct three Blue/White scrimmages on Thursday and and Friday before opening their exhibition schedule against Plymouth on Saturday. Fresh off the heels of a Team Canada Evaluation Camp, 2009 first rounder Zack Kassian will get things underway in Peterborough on Thursday. The Petes will skate in their first tune-up on Sunday the 30th at Oshawa. Marcus Foligno and the Sudbury Wolves will also begin camp on Thursday, with their annual Blue/White scrimmage set for Friday. The Wolves will begin their pre-season schedule at Soo on Tuesday, September 1st. In the WHL, Kootenay's Brayden McNabb, 18, will join his teammates for the start of camp on Thursday. The 6'4 rearguard recorded 10 goals, 36 points, and 140 PIM last season for the Ice, who won't hold their first preseason game until Friday, September 4th against Calgary. Also of western note, development camp invite Burke Gallimore of the Saskatoon Blades will be attending the rookie portion of the Edmonton Oilers training camp.

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.