Biega earns preseason honors

In what seems like an annual occurence, ECAC coaches and media have tabbed Harvard senior defenseman Alex Biega for their preseason all-conference teams.

Biega, a two-time selection to the All-ECAC Hockey third team, received his fourth and fifth preseason all-conference honors. It was his third straight selection to the media's all-league squad and his second straight to the coaches' team. He led Harvard with 16 assists last season and placed second on the squad with 20 points. Biega was also a key part of ECAC Hockey's top power play in league games (19.2 percent). The Crimson captain was one of four players named preseason all-league by both the ECAC coaches and media. Princeton goaltender Zane Kalemba, Colgate forward David McIntyre and Cornell forward Riley Nash were picked to both teams. Dartmouth's Evan Stephens was the other defenseman on the coaches' team, while Cornell's Brendon Nash made the media's squad. The coaches chose Yale forward Sean Backman to their preseason team, while the media selected his teammate, Mark Arcobello.

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.

Gerbe makes push; Pirates push off

The Sabres lost to Montreal on Saturday, 3-2, in their second-to-last pre-season contest. Clarke MacArthur and Nathan Gerbe scored the Buffalo goals. Gerbe looked hungry for a roster spot, impressing with his hustle and attitude in the paint. His unassisted shorthanded goal in the first period came when he sharply hit a seam into the slot and roofed a backhander over Carey Price's left shoulder. As time expired in the first, a determined Gerbe followed the play in tight and took a solid cross-check as fellow hopeful Tim Kennedy was getting bowled over at the side of the net. The 5'6 buzzer immediately got up and deposited Maxime Lapierre in the crease before a minor melee ensued. Gerbe finished the night with one shot on goal in 11:28 of action, while Kennedy was -1 with one shot on goal in 11:58 of work. Defenseman Tyler Myers continues to show the Sabres that he's worth a longer look, holding his own in all situations with fluid movement and increasing NHL fluency. He's making safe plays and contact in his own zone, easing his way into rushes out of it, and learning to find lanes for shots and passes in the offensive end. He was low man on the blueline with 17:50 of play, but he's gradually showing more poise and promise. I'm not sure there's much more the Sabres could expect from him at this point. Myers' ramp-up will no-doubt carry into the regular season, potentially making for some sticky decisions by the time Halloween rolls around. As of now, a ticket back to Kelowna should not on the radar. ----------------------- The Portland Pirates opened the exhibition season Saturday with a 6-3 loss to Lowell. Rookie Tyler Ennis had a goal and an assist for the Pirates, while Paul Byron also netted a goal in his first professional sniff. Free agent rookie Mark Voakes, 26, also had a goal and an assist for Portland. Voakes is signed with Cincinnati of the ECHL, but is looking to postion himself for an AHL gig after scoring 56 goals over a four-year CIS career with Wilfred Laurier. The Pirates will scoot to New Hampshire for a 2:00 Sunday faceoff with Manchester.

Next batch heads to Portland as final cuts near

The Sabres today announced that forwards Philip Gogulla and Felix Schutz, defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani, and goaltender Jhonas Enroth have been assigned to Portland of the AHL. Also sent to the Pirates were veterans Joe Dipenta (D) and Jeff Cowan (F). Remaining with the big club for the final round of cuts are Nathan Gerbe, Tim Kennedy, Mike Weber, and Tyler Myers, with all but Weber suiting up for Saturday night's game at Montreal. The moves come on the same day that Mark Mancari decided to re-enter the Sabres fold on a one-year deal. Portland's top point-getter last season, the fifth-year man will be subject to waivers before re-joining the Pirates.

9/25 Recap: Friday night fights

Marcus Foligno led the way physcially on Friday, earning a noticeable +2 as Sudbury defeated well-balanced Barrie, 4-3. The 6'3, 216-pounder did not register a point, but he set an early tone with a fight, instigator, and misconduct on his first shift after coming to the aid of star teammate, John McFarland ('10). A projected top-10 pick next June, McFarland was rocked cleanly in open ice by Colts veteran dman, Ryan Gottschalk. Foligno reacted quickly, making a beeline and taking the scrap. The win was the Wolves first of the year, with an opportunity for two more coming Saturday and Sunday against Belleville and Oshawa. In Oshawa, Zack Kassian had an assist as Peterborough defeated the Generals, 6-4. The Petes captain matched OHL mate Foligno, earning a major, instigator, and misconduct for a quick second period southpaw session with Gens' 6'3, 221-pound forward Victor Terreri ('10). Kassian has points in all four Petes games thus far, and will look for five on Saturday against Kingston. In the QMJHL, Luke Adam kept his gloves on and posted an assist as Cape Breton lost to Moncton, 4-1. Adam's helper came on the power play when the rebound of his shot was scooped up by Nick MacNeil. The Eagles, who have scored the first goal in four straight games, will next take the ice on Friday at Bathrust. At the USHL Fall Classic, Mark Adams and Chicago edged Omaha, 5-4. Adams (2 PIM) did not factor into any of the goals, but adjusted well to the quick Lancer forwards. The Steel move to 2-3 on the pre-season. Marek Zagrapan and the rest of his teammates were quiet in Severstal's 1-0 overtime loss to Novosibirsk. The Slovakian was whistled for a tripping minor on his first shift, and did not register a shot on goal all game.

9/24 Recap: Q forwards impress

Jacob Lagacé continued his hot start on Thursday, scoring a goal and adding an assist as Chicoutimi dropped a 4-2 decision to Val-d'Or. The reigning QMJHL Offensive Player of the week now has four goals and four assists in his first three games. Also in the Q, Luke Adam posted an assist in Cape Breton's 2-1 win over Gatineau. The big center had another strong all-around effort, showing dominance at the dot by winning 15 of 21 draws, while also pacing the Eagles with four shots on goal and four hits. In the OHL, Zack Kassian (-2) picked up an assist as Peterborough lost to Sault Ste. Marie, 5-3. The Petes held a 2-0 lead after the first period, but were outworked in the final forty minutes on home ice to take their first loss of the year. Nick Crawford was even as Saginaw remained undefeated with a 6-1 drubbing of Plymouth. 2010 eligible Ivan Telegin scored twice for the Spirit. In the KHL, Vjacheslav Buravchikov played even over 16:44 of action as Ak Bars defeated Barys in overtime, 5-4. The defenseman again skated bottom pair minutes with 23-year old Montreal Candiens prospect, Alexei Emelin. -------------------------------------- The USHL Fall Classic kicked off Thursday morning in Sioux City with the Chicago Steel falling to Sioux Falls, 3-1. Steel defenseman Mark Adams was -1 with a shot on goal in the loss. Russian scorer Andrei Kuchin had Chicago's lone goal, while Grand Island, NY native Matt Zarbo had two assists and team-best five shots on goal for the winners. Zarbo will join brother Joe next fall at Clarkson. The Fall Classic is highly scouted preseason tournament with all 14 clubs participating under two roofs. NHL teams will have eyes in the stands, as will all of the major NCAA D-I and D-III programs. The Steel open the regular season next Friday against Team USA. ------------------ Also of note, undrafted summer camp invite Michael Fine was sent home earlier this week by the Soo Greyhounds for disciplinary reasons. The 5'11 Fine will likely be traded to another OHL club this weekend as all parties agree that's the best option moving forward. With locker room troubles plaguing the Hounds last season, Fine reportedly had issues with attitude, focus, and committment in the early goings this year. He was moved from his natural center position in camp, and may have felt that his role was being diminished after not being selected for a shootout over weekend. This is the second early departure in the past six months for the skilled forward, who left Canada's U-18 camp last spring due to family issues. This can be a breakout year for the North York, Ontario native once he lands back with another team.

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.

Foligno grinds gears early

Newly measured at 6'3, 216 pounds, Sudbury left wing Marcus Foligno appears in mid-season form as the 2009-10 season catches stride. It could be tough sledding nightly for opposing skaters if the freshly turned 18-year old plays every game with the same intensity as he did the Saturday's 3-1 loss to Ottawa.

Win or lose, Sudbury Wolves forward Marcus Foligno wants to make sure any opposing team leaves the city with bumps and bruises. Foligno made his return from the Buffalo Sabres camp to the Wolves lineup Saturday night against the visiting Ottawa 67's and made his mark with crushing bodychecks that left more than one Ottawa player going back to the bench in pain. When the dust settled though, Ottawa skated away with a 3-1 victory, leaving Foligno with a bad taste in his mouth, but not dejected. "It feels great to be back," the strapping forward said. "This team has a lot of upside. I'm here to play hard every game and be a leader for the team. The Buffalo camp was a great experience for me and I learned a lot." Foligno wasted no time, seeking out his first target. On his first shift, he sent an Ottawa player sprawling to the ice within seconds of stepping on the ice. Throughout the game, Foligno never let up with the rough play. Opponents can expect plenty more. "It's part of my game," Foligno said about his nasty, remorseless physical side. "The fans love the bodychecks and I love it, too. There's nothing better than putting a guy down and seeing your team stand up and the fans cheering. I'll keep playing it and hopefully the points come with it, too."

Last season, Foligno registered 12 goals, 18 assists, and 96 PIM in 65 games for the Wolves.