12/10 Recap: Brennan solid in win; Ennis heads east

T.J. Brennan (+3) had two assists, including a set-up on the game winner, as Montreal defeated the Q's top-club, Shawinigan, by a 4-1 score. Luke Adam (2 PIM) failed to hit the sheet for the fourth straight game as the Juniors take tail end of the home-and-home. Cedric-Lalonde McNicoll scored the lone Cataractes goal, extending his current point-streak to an alarming 21 games. In snowy Charlottetown, Jordon Southorn had an assist and his usual two hits for PEI in their 5-2 win over Halifax. The 6'2 defenseman is even with five points in his last three games. Also from the Q, Jean-Simon Allard was +1 but failed to register for the fourth straight game as Quebec stomped on Chicoutimi, 7-1. The 6'3, 193-pounder has been hot and cold all season long after getting traded to the Remparts at the Q draft last offseason, and he'll need to be a more consistent presence moving forward. The Sags' Jacob Lagacé posted a -5 in the loss, a season low amongst all of the Sabres prospects. In Michigan, Nick Crawford was -1 as Saginaw lost at Plymouth, 3-2. The minus took place when Crawford got beat on a play by Chris Terry, who skated past the sixth-rounder and bested Edward Pasquale from 20-feet out for the Whalers second goal of the night, and his 14th of the season. And now, catch-up time. On Monday, Tyler Ennis (-1) had an assist as Medicine Hat fell to Lethbridge, 4-3. The game was the final tune-up for the left wing before skating in Team Canada's camp beginning Thursday. In the DEL, Philip Gogulla was -1 with three shots on goal as Cologne dropped a shootout to Iserlohn, 3-2. The winger did not make the Sharks shooter list. In Tuesday evening action, Jean-Simon Allard was quiet for his third straight game, finishing -1 as Quebec was shutout by Baie-Comeau, 4-0. Over in Sweden, Dennis Persson dressed but did not get a shift as Timra lost to SSK, 3-2.

12/7 Recap: Trio contributes with mixed results

In the OHL, Nick Crawford (-1) posted three primary assists on the power play as Saginaw dumped Sault Ste. Marie, 6-3. The third-star effort gives the Caledon, Ontario native six multi-point games this season through the first 26 outings, while his 20 total points have already equaled his 2007-08 output (68 games). 2009 eligible Michael Fine had a goal and an assist for the Greyhounds in the loss, while highly rated netminder Edward Pasquale of Saginaw made 22 saves for his 18th win of the season. Jacob Lagacé posted two first period goals for Chicoutimi in their 5-3 loss to Val-d'Or. Looking for their third win in as many nights, the Sags top line of Lagacé, Nicolas Deschamps (ANA), and Joel Champagne (TOR) was clicking early, but fell victim to four unanswered goals from the Foreurs in the final 7:32 of play. Maxime Sauvé (BOS) had a goal and two helpers to lead Val-d'Or. Also from the Q, Jordon Southorn had a goal and an assist as PEI got pounded by Drummondville, 8-3. The 6'2 defenseman has picked up his play in recent weeks for a Rocket club that has now lost six straight games. On the other side, the Volts victory was their 13th in a row. Luke Adam (-2) and T.J. Brennan (-3, 6 PIM) both failed to hit the sheet as struggling Montreal dropped their third straight game, 5-2 at Shawinigan. Both Juniors prospects are a cumulative -5 over the past three, with the former going pointless while seeing more shifts at center away from the top-line combo of Angelo Esposito (ATL) and Nick Layton.

12/6 Recap: Myers ready to compete; Byron keeps pilin'

Tyler Myers (+1) was a controlling presence throughout as Kelowna needed a three-goal third period to defeat Chilliwack, 5-2. Paired with offensive-minded 2009 prospect Tyson Barrie, the 6'7 World Junior hopeful stepped up and labeled a Bruin forward with a solid shoulder midway through the opening period, and was steady on the puck in all zones in the win. Showing a physical spike while making quick, simple plays up ice for the bulk of his 26 games to date, the mobile Myers will take a five-day break before hitting the ice at Team Canada's selection camp on Thursday in Ottawa. Tyler Ennis was -2 as Medicine Hat lost at Brandon, 4-1. The speedy left wing will play one more game on Monday before heading east to Ottawa. The Wheaties' 2009 eligible duo did not disappoint with Scott Glennie potting pairs of goals and assists while Brayden Schenn hit for a three-point night (1G, 2A). Red hot Paul Byron (+2) had a pair of assists for Gatineau in their 3-0 shutout of Montreal. Byron has now connected for a point in 15 straight games, the second longest streak in the Q this season (Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll is currently amidst a 19-gamer for Shawinigan). T.J. Brennan and Luke Adam were both -2 for the Juniors. In Lewiston, Jean-Simon Allard snagged an unassisted goal as Quebec downed Lewiston, 5-4. Lewiston goaltender Peter Delmas became the first of two QMJHL goaltenders credited with a goal on Saturday (Rimouski's Maxime Gougeon was the other) when former Sabres pick Benjamin Breault sent a point pass all the way back into his own net on a delayed penalty. Also from the Q, Jacob Lagacé (+2) scored an empty-netter in Chicoutimi's 3-1 win over Rouyn-Noranda. The goal was the 12th of the season for the Sags' top-line winger. Drew Schiestel was -2 as Niagara couldn't keep up with #1 ranked Windsor in an 8-4 loss. The Spits closed strong, posting four goals in the final 12:00 to up their record to 26-3. 2009 eligible Taylor Hall had a goal and three assists for the winners. In the NCAA, Brad Eidsness made 33 saves, some of the spectacular variety including 13 in the third period, as North Dakota earned the sweep at Harvard with a 4-3 win. The weekend wins improve Eidsness' line to 7-5-1, with the first star performance placing him into contention for WCHA Rookie of the Week for a second time this season. Corey Fienhage dressed for the ninth time, finishing +1 while registering his fourth shot on goal of the year. Alex Biega combined with his brother Michael to set-up the first Harvard goal. Corey Tropp (-2, 2 PIM) assisted on Jeff Petry's slapper goal as Michigan State got swept by rival Michigan, 5-3. The Spartans (4-11-3) held a 3-2 lead with 4:00 to play before a three goal collapse extended the season-long frustration in E. Lansing. Matt Generous had another steady game defensively as St. Lawrence was shutout at Lynah, 1-0. Colin Greening (OTT) scored the game's only goal to put Cornell into a tie for first place in the ECAC with Princeton. In Hockey East, Andrew Orpik was whistled for an interference minor as Boston College lost to BU, 3-1. The senior has three goals and eight points on the year. After a rather less-than-savory effort on Friday, Justin Jokinen was scratched in Mankato's loss to St. Cloud. In the SEL, Dennis Persson was -1 in 7:55 of shifts as Timra defeated Rogle, 5-2.

Funk injury mars Pirates victory

Marek Zagrapan scored his fourth goal of the season, and Tim Kennedy had three assists as Portland rode a Colton Fretter hat trick past Lowell, 5-2. Kennedy now has points in two consecutive nights after a six-game slumber. Jhonas Enroth made 31 saves for his eight win of the season, while Mark Mancari picked up an assist in his first game back from Buffalo. The game became secondary at 10:29 of the third period when Mike Funk was taken off the ice on a stretcher after getting checked from behind by the Devils' Anssi Salmela. He'll be hospitalized overnight with his injury status yet to be determined. The Rundown: Zagrapan: 1G, -1 Kennedy: 3A, -1 Mancari: 1A Butler: 2A, -1 Schutz: +1, 4 SOG Gragnani: 1 SOG Kostka: 1 SOG Whitmore: -1 Weber: 1A, 2 PIM Hunter: 2 PIM Funk: -1, injured Enroth: 31 saves, W

Gerbe called up; Mancari goes other way

The Sabres today announced that Nathan Gerbe has been called up from Portland of the AHL, while Mark Mancari has been sent back down. The shifty left wing is expected to skate with the Sabres in Saturday night's contest with the the Lightning.

Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have recalled C Nathan Gerbe from Portland (AHL). In addition, the Sabres have returned RW Mark Mancari to Portland. In just his first professional season, Gerbe (7/24/1987, 5’6”, 160 lbs.) is currently second on the Pirates in scoring with 24 points (14+10) in 21 games. Included in his goal totals are 7 PP tallies and a pair of game winners. Gerbe also has 25 PIMs and has taken a team-high 91 shots.

12/5 Recap: Byron lends helping hand; Fighting Fienhage fetches first

Paul Byron continued to shake his disappointing omission from Team Canada's WJC camp by posting a five-assist night in Gatineau's 7-4 win over Val-d'Or. The explosion gives the Ottawa native points in fourteen straight games, propelling him into a tie for 11th overall in the Q with 38 points. Jordon Southorn had a pair of assists in PEI's 5-4 overtime loss to Victoriaville. The Rocket jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first minute of the second period, but surrendered five unanswered goals by the Tigres, capped with Philip-Michael Devos' winner in the first minute of OT. The talk of goal support being an issue for Brad Eidsness and the Fighting Sioux simmered some on Friday as NoDak marched into Harvard with a pummeling 10-1 victory. Eidsness made 39 saves, including a solid breakaway stop, to improve his record to 6-5-1. Freshman Corey Fienhage notched a power play assist for his first career point, and played policeman in the final 10:00 as Harvard took their frustrations out with some questionable hits. Fienhage, who earlier was called for a roughing penalty, earned another plus a game misconduct after a scuffle with 3:29 remaining that stemmed from Alex Biega (-3) boarding a Sioux forward. Matt Generous (+2) buried a bomb from the slot as St. Lawrence fell to Boston University, 4-1. The goal was the third of the year for the senior rearguard, who later received two-and-a-ten after a melee following the fourth Saints goal. In WHL play, Tyler Ennis scored a goal and an assist as Medicine Hat defeated Moose Jaw, 5-4. The goal was Ennis' 15th of the season, as the Edmonton native now has 35 points in 29 games. Tyler Myers was even with a tripping minor as Kelowna edged Regina, 3-2. Rounding out the evening's NCAA action, Justin Jokinen was on the ice for the first Mavericks goal, finishing +1 as Minnesota State lost to St. Cloud, 4-2. Andrew Orpik was -1 as Boston College played to a 1-1 tie with BU. In the CCHA, Corey Tropp (2 PIM, 1 SOG) finished -1 as Michigan State was throttled by Michigan, 6-1. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel saw his point shot tipped in for the game winner as Niagara defeated Sarnia, 2-1. His 24 assists on the season rank 7th in the OHL. Nick Crawford had an assist and was +2 as Saginaw defeated Kitchener, 4-3. 2009 eligible Jordan Szwarz had three assists for the Spirit. In other Q action, Jacob Lagacé posted an assist in Chicoutimi's 3-2 shootout win over Rouyn-Noranda. Lagacé was stopped as the second shooter in the deciding frame. J.S. Allard was -1 Quebec defeated Lewiston, 5-2. In an exhibition contest, Drew MacKenzie was even as Vermont downed the USA Under-18 squad, 6-4.

Gerbe gets 14th as Pirates slip

Nathan Gerbe scored his 14th goal of the season, and Marc-Andre Gragnani forced OT by one-timing a nice backhand pass from Felix Schutz while shorthanded as Portland fell to Springfield, 3-2 in a shootout. Jhonas Enroth made 30 saves, while Gerbe was only successful Pirate in the breakway drill. The Rundown: Gerbe: 1G, 4 SOG Gragnani: 1G, +1 Schutz: 1A, +1 Butler: 1A Kennedy: 1A Kostka: +1 Funk: even Weber: -1, 2 PIM Zagrapan: -1 Whitmore: 2 PIM Hunter: 2 PIM Enroth: 2 GA, 30 saves, SOL

Byron and Myers stretch streaks

In Wednesday action, Tyler Myers celebrated his chance at skating for Team Canada with an assist in Kelowna's 4-2 loss to Saskatoon. The 6'7 defenseman now has points in seven straight games, and upped his season PIM total to 59 after a two-and-a-ten late in the third period. In the Q, Paul Byron stretched his scoring streak to 13 games by netting an assist in Gatineau's 6-2 loss to Shawinigan. The pivot has scored an even 20 points over his run. On Thursday, Nick Crawford was even in Saginaw's 5-2 win over Brampton. He was whistled for a checking-from-behind minor in the first period. The Spirit remains in third place in the OHL Western Conference with 35 points. Dennis Persson did not see the ice for Timra in their 3-2 win over HV71.

Tylers in, Byron draws short straw

The Sabres pair of 2008 first round picks, Tyler Ennis and Tyler Myers, have been chosen to skate in Team Canada's World Junior selection camp. Starting December 11th, the CHLers will toil in the five-day session in hopes of earning a chance to play for Canada's fifth-straight gold medal on home ice in Ottawa at the end of the month. Gatineau's Paul Byron, an Ottawa native, participated in the Canadian summer evaluation camp, but did not get a second look as only five QMJHLers will contribute to the 38-man camp roster. Prior to the roster release, the slick center had potted points in 12 straight games along with a goal in each ADT Canada-Russia Challenge contest, but it wasn't enough to move Pat Quinn's pencil. It's not a huge surprise, as the coach hinted late last week that the roster would be dominated by WHL talent (18). Byron's coach in Gatineau last season, Benoit Groulx, was originally tabbed to man the Canadian bench, but had to step away in August was he left the Q for Rochester of the AHL. Again, another possible tick working against the 5'10 playmaker. And so the chip on Byron's shoulder will only get bigger as the Q season wears. Getting hot with the QMJHL trade period still a few weeks away, look for the talented stick to get moved to a contender like Shawinigan, giving him the opportunity to dominate offensively while being reunited with ex-Pique linemate, Matthew Pistilli. Here is the complete roster: Goaltenders Player Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2008-09 Team Pro Status Jake Allen 6'1 180 08/07/90 New Maryland, NB Montreal (QMJHL) STL Chet Pickard 6'1 216 11/29/89 Winnipeg, MB Tri-City (WHL) NSH Tyson Sexsmith 5'11 211 03/19/89 Priddis, AB Vancouver (WHL) SJ Dustin Tokarski 5'11 189 09/16/89 Watson, SK Spokane (WHL) TB Defence Player Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2007-08 Team Pro Status Keith Aulie 6'6 215 06/11/89 Rouleau, SK Brandon (WHL) CGY Tyler Cuma 6'1 189 01/19/90 Bowmanville, ON Ottawa (OHL) MIN Ryan Ellis 5'9 176 01/03/91 Freelton, ON Windsor (OHL) 2009 Cody Goloubef 6'1 194 11/30/89 Oakville, ON Wisconsin (WCHA) CBJ Travis Hamonic 6'0 202 08/16/90 St. Malo, MB Moose Jaw (WHL) NYI Thomas Hickey 5'11 194 02/08/89 Calgary, AB Seattle (WHL) LA Kevin Marshall 6'0 203 03/10/89 Boucherville, QC Quebec (QMJHL) PHI Tyler Myers 6'7 213 02/01/90 Calgary, AB Kelowna (WHL) BUF Alex Pietrangelo 6'2 204 01/18/90 King City, ON Niagara (OHL) STL Brendan Smith 6'1 181 02/08/89 Mimico, ON Wisconsin (WCHA) DET Jared Spurgeon 5'8 167 11/29/89 Edmonton, AB Spokane (WHL) NYI P.K. Subban 5'11 206 05/13/89 Rexdale, ON Belleville (OHL) MTL Colten Teubert 6'3 189 03/08/90 White Rock, BC Regina (WHL) LA Patrick Wiercioh 6'4 185 09/12/90 Maple Ridge, BC Denver (WCHA) OTT Forwards Player Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2007-08 Team Pro Status Jamie Arniel 5'10 183 11/16/89 Kingston, ON Sarnia (OHL) BOS Jamie Benn 6'1 202 07/18/89 Victoria, BC Kelowna (WHL) DAL Zach Boychuk 5'10 175 10/04/89 Airdrie, AB Lethbridge (WHL) CAR Matt Calvert 5'10 175 12/24/89 Brandon, MB Brandon (WHL) CBJ Patrice Cormier 6'1 201 06/14/90 Cap-Pele, NB Rimouski (QMJHL) NJ Stefan Della Rovere 5'11 200 02/25/90 Maple, ON Barrie (OHL) WSH Chris DiDomenico 5'11 170 02/20/89 Woodbridge, ON Saint John (QMJHL) TOR Matt Duchene 5'11 201 01/16/91 Haliburton, ON Brampton (OHL) 2009 Jordan Eberle 5'10 181 05/15/90 Calgary, AB Regina (WHL) EDM Tyler Ennis 5'8 165 10/06/89 Edmonton, AB Medicine Hat (WHL) BUF Angelo Esposito 6'1 180 02/20/89 Montreal, QC Montreal (QMJHL) ATL Taylor Hall 6'0 181 11/14/91 Kingston, ON Windsor (OHL) 2010 Cody Hodgson 5'11 189 02/18/90 Markham, ON Brampton (OHL) VAN Nazem Kadri 5'11 174 10/06/90 London, ON London (OHL) 2009 Evander Kane 6'1 180 08/02/91 Vancouver, BC Vancouver (WHL) 2009 Riley Nash 6'0 176 05/09/89 Kamloops, BC Cornell (ECAC) EDM Brayden Schenn 6'0 199 08/22/91 Saskatoon, SK Brandon (WHL) 2009 Brett Sonne 6'0 187 05/16/89 Maple Ridge, BC Calgary (WHL) STL John Tavares 6'0 203 09/20/90 Oakville, ON Oshawa (OHL) 2009 Dana Tyrell 5'9 182 04/23/89 Airdrie, AB Prince George (WHL) TB

12/2 Recap: Ennis, Byron get last licks in while awaiting call

On the eve of Hockey Canada releasing their selection camp roster for the 2009 World Junior Championships, a pair of Sabres prospects made one last effort in hopes getting the call in the morning. In the Q, Paul Byron set-up Jan Stransky's game winning goal as Gatineau edged Rouyn-Noranda, 2-1. The power play helper extends Byron's point streak to 12 games while the Piques have won six of their last seven games. While marveling at Byron's splendid November reign, let's not forget the crafty WHL forward who also scored 17 points (8+9) over the course of the month - Tyler Ennis. Ennis scored a goal and an assist in Medicine Hat's 7-2 win over Edmonton on Tuesday. Ennis now has 14 goals this season, and a total of nine multi-point games. 2009 eligible Tomas Vincour, a 6'2, 203-pound center, was -3 for the Oil Kings. Byron and Ennis joined Kelowna's Tyler Myers at Team Canada's summer gathering. All three are expected to get a last look at the five-day camp that begins December 11th in Ottawa, while Montreal's Luke Adam has a shot at getting an invite after a strong overall start and a pair of goals in the ADT Challenge.