The CHL rights to North Dakota sophomore Corey Fienhage have been protected by the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL, giving the defenseman a major-junior option in the event that he leaves college in search of more playing time. The team hasn't spoken to Fienhage directly, but has been in contact with his advisor entering the offseason.
SabresProspects prefers the 20-year old stays in school to allow for two more developmental years, but the Sioux blueline will only get more crowded as all seven healthy defensemen from this season's Broadmoor Cup winners will be returning, with another top commit on the way in Derek Forbort of the USNTDP and another rumored to be close.
Fienhage has played 39 games in his first two seasons in Grand Forks after making the jump straight to the WCHA as an 18-year old out of high school. By foregoing a planned year of seasoning in the USHL, he wasn't put into a position to succeed out of the gate with the Sioux. A WHL move would certainly offer more playing time.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
3/28 Recap: Knapp's 55 keep 'Hawks alive
Connor Knapp made 55 saves Sunday as Miami advanced to the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four with a 3-2 win over Michigan in 2OT. The 6'5 sophomore had to be sharp out of the gate, as the attacking Wolverines forced him to make a pair of quick stops in the first :15 of play. While Knapp was tested in regulation, the smelling salts really came into play in the first overtime when he was forced to make 20 of his 55 stops with an exhausted group in front of him.
Knapp and the RedHawks received a lucky break in the first OT when a premature whistle saw Kevin Lynch's apparent game winner waved off. Knapp got turned around in his crease after a shot squeezed through his legs, but the whistle sounded before Lynch jammed it in. Miami survived the extra session, including another close call via a Matt Rust (CBS) rip off the pipe, before charging their batteries and winning it on an Alden Hirschfeld wrister at 1:54 of the second overtime.
The RedHawks will now make the skate into Detroit's Ford Field two weeks from now to faceoff against Boston College in the national semifinal. Wisconsin and Cinderella RIT will battle in the other side of the bracket. If Enrico Blasi sticks to his rotational guns, Miami could see Knapp could give way to Cody Reichard in the tilt with the Eagles while readying himself for duty in the championship game. After all, that would be Knapp's start using the "if it aint broke, don't fix it" approach.
In the WHL playoffs, Brayden McNabb was -1 as Kootenay saw their season end with a 4-1 loss to Medicine Hat. After taking the first two games of the series, the Ice went cold to allow the Tigers to take four straight games to seal the deal in six. McNabb posted four assists in the first-round loss after finishing the regular season sixth among league defenders with 57 points (17+40).
Knapp and the RedHawks received a lucky break in the first OT when a premature whistle saw Kevin Lynch's apparent game winner waved off. Knapp got turned around in his crease after a shot squeezed through his legs, but the whistle sounded before Lynch jammed it in. Miami survived the extra session, including another close call via a Matt Rust (CBS) rip off the pipe, before charging their batteries and winning it on an Alden Hirschfeld wrister at 1:54 of the second overtime.
The RedHawks will now make the skate into Detroit's Ford Field two weeks from now to faceoff against Boston College in the national semifinal. Wisconsin and Cinderella RIT will battle in the other side of the bracket. If Enrico Blasi sticks to his rotational guns, Miami could see Knapp could give way to Cody Reichard in the tilt with the Eagles while readying himself for duty in the championship game. After all, that would be Knapp's start using the "if it aint broke, don't fix it" approach.
In the WHL playoffs, Brayden McNabb was -1 as Kootenay saw their season end with a 4-1 loss to Medicine Hat. After taking the first two games of the series, the Ice went cold to allow the Tigers to take four straight games to seal the deal in six. McNabb posted four assists in the first-round loss after finishing the regular season sixth among league defenders with 57 points (17+40).
Sunday, March 28, 2010
3/27 Recap: Five more bounced as Sioux, Eagles lose
Brad Eidsness put forth a solid effort Saturday, stopping 20 shots and keeping his team competitive as North Dakota lost in the NCAA Northeast Regional to Yale, 3-2. Eidsness was beaten by a first period tip before surrendering goals via an inside cut-and-deke and a bad rebound off the rear boards to allow the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead through 40-minutes. The sophomore ends his season 24-10-4 with a 2.11 goals against average and .914 save percentage. Corey Fienhage was even on the Sioux blue to end the year with two assists and a +4 rating in 30 appearances.
At the NCAA Midwest Regional in Fort Wayne, Connor Knapp served as back-up as Miami edged Alabama-Huntsville, 2-1. With Coach Enrico Blasi sticking to his goaltender rotation, Cody Reichard earned the nod over the hot-handed Knapp to guide the RedHawks into a Sunday showdown versus CCHA rival Michigan with a Frozen berth on the line. The RedHawks and Wolverines will rematch last week's CCHA semifinal which saw UM light Reichard up for five goals and force Knapp in to stop the bleeding. As of now, it is unclear who gets the Sunday call, but there's no question that Knapp is deserving.
In the QMJHL, Luke Adam (-2), Maxime Legault (-2), and Jacob Lagacé (-1) were all quiet as Cape Breton was bounced out of the playoffs thanks to a 4-0 blanking by Moncton. Legault, who had the best scoring chance of the three when he was stopped on an early breakaway, was the best Eagles forward throughout the 4-1 series loss, showing heart and character when the majority of the club was playing a baffling uninspired brand of hockey.
Adam, a candidate for league MVP, ends the series with three goals, an assist, and a -8 rating. Legault banged in a goal, while Lagacé collected three assists and just eight shots on goal in the five-game affair. It is expected that the Sabres will look to bolster their AHL affiliate in Portland by adding one or two Eagles for the playoff run. SabresProspects sees Adam and Legault as the most logical choices for extended duty.
In the USHL, Mark Adams was whistled for three minor penalties as Chicago lost to Des Moines, 4-3.
At the NCAA Midwest Regional in Fort Wayne, Connor Knapp served as back-up as Miami edged Alabama-Huntsville, 2-1. With Coach Enrico Blasi sticking to his goaltender rotation, Cody Reichard earned the nod over the hot-handed Knapp to guide the RedHawks into a Sunday showdown versus CCHA rival Michigan with a Frozen berth on the line. The RedHawks and Wolverines will rematch last week's CCHA semifinal which saw UM light Reichard up for five goals and force Knapp in to stop the bleeding. As of now, it is unclear who gets the Sunday call, but there's no question that Knapp is deserving.
In the QMJHL, Luke Adam (-2), Maxime Legault (-2), and Jacob Lagacé (-1) were all quiet as Cape Breton was bounced out of the playoffs thanks to a 4-0 blanking by Moncton. Legault, who had the best scoring chance of the three when he was stopped on an early breakaway, was the best Eagles forward throughout the 4-1 series loss, showing heart and character when the majority of the club was playing a baffling uninspired brand of hockey.
Adam, a candidate for league MVP, ends the series with three goals, an assist, and a -8 rating. Legault banged in a goal, while Lagacé collected three assists and just eight shots on goal in the five-game affair. It is expected that the Sabres will look to bolster their AHL affiliate in Portland by adding one or two Eagles for the playoff run. SabresProspects sees Adam and Legault as the most logical choices for extended duty.
In the USHL, Mark Adams was whistled for three minor penalties as Chicago lost to Des Moines, 4-3.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
3/26 Recap: Seasons end for defensive pair
Drew MacKenzie was even Friday as Vermont saw their season come to an end in the NCAA West regional with a 3-2 loss to Wisconsin. The sophomore defenseman turned in a solid second half of the season to finish with four goals, 10 assists, and a -1 rating in 36 games played.
In the QMJHL, Jordon Southorn skated -1 as PEI was finished off by Saint John, 7-2. Losing their QMJHL quarterfinal by a 4-1 count, Southorn and the Rocket see their seasons end with a admirable effort against one of the elite teams in all of the CHL.
In the WHL playoffs, Brayden McNabb was even in as Kootenay lost to Medicine Hat, 5-2. After taking a 2-0 series lead, the Ice are now on the verge of elimination heading into Sunday's game six after dropping three straight to the Tigers.
In the USHL, Mark Adams was even as Chicago lost to Sioux City, 2-1.
In the QMJHL, Jordon Southorn skated -1 as PEI was finished off by Saint John, 7-2. Losing their QMJHL quarterfinal by a 4-1 count, Southorn and the Rocket see their seasons end with a admirable effort against one of the elite teams in all of the CHL.
In the WHL playoffs, Brayden McNabb was even in as Kootenay lost to Medicine Hat, 5-2. After taking a 2-0 series lead, the Ice are now on the verge of elimination heading into Sunday's game six after dropping three straight to the Tigers.
In the USHL, Mark Adams was even as Chicago lost to Sioux City, 2-1.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
3/25 Recap: Kassian stacks helpers as Spits use broom; Crawford honored
Zack Kassian piled up three assists Thursday as Windsor earned a first-round playoff sweep with a 5-1 win over Erie. The fresh-legged pacesetter has been very effective over the past 120-minutes of hockey, getting work on both sides of the special teams cause while being a load to handle at even strength. Kassian totaled two goals and four assists in the quarterfinal cruise.
The Spits, now perfect in five straight series clinching games dating back to last season, will move on to the Western Conference semifinals where they'll face Tyler Seguin and the Plymouth Whalers. Seguin and Windsor's Taylor Hall are the top two North Americans rated for this June's draft after sharing the OHL scoring title with 106 points each.
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Congratulations to Barrie Colts defenseman Nick Crawford after being named the Best Offensive Defenseman in the 2009-10 Eastern Conference coaches poll. The 6'1 Crawford was topped all league rearguards with 70 points (11+59) between Saginaw and Barrie, including 36 (7-29) on the power play.
The Spits, now perfect in five straight series clinching games dating back to last season, will move on to the Western Conference semifinals where they'll face Tyler Seguin and the Plymouth Whalers. Seguin and Windsor's Taylor Hall are the top two North Americans rated for this June's draft after sharing the OHL scoring title with 106 points each.
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Congratulations to Barrie Colts defenseman Nick Crawford after being named the Best Offensive Defenseman in the 2009-10 Eastern Conference coaches poll. The 6'1 Crawford was topped all league rearguards with 70 points (11+59) between Saginaw and Barrie, including 36 (7-29) on the power play.
3/24 Recap: Adam trick keeps Eagles alive
Luke Adam notched his first career playoff hat trick Wednesday as Cape Breton emerged from their rut with a 4-1 win over Moncton. After a scoreless first period, Adam opened the gates on a second period power play when his point shot fluked off of Nicola Riopel's glove. He'd cash his own rebound upstairs for his second power play goal of the game at 3:38 of the third before riding another man advantage a few minutes later to complete the hat trick.
Jacob Lagacé posted a pair of assists for Cape Breton, while Maxime Legault registered one shot on net. Outplayed in the first three games of the quarterfinal series, the Eagles now trail the best-of-seven 3-1 heading into Saturday's game five.
Also from the QMJHL, Jordon Southorn finished -1 as PEI lost in overtime to Saint John, 2-1. The Sea Dogs will return home for Friday's match-up holding a 3-1 series lead, putting Southorn and the Rocket on the brink of elimination along with the Eagle troika.
In the OHL, Marcus Foligno was even as Sudbury saw their 2009-10 season end with a 6-3 loss to Barrie. The 6'3 forward missed a chance at his second postseason goal when he rang one off the post late in the first period with the score tied 1-1. Nick Crawford (+2) earned an assist, his seventh point of the playoffs, for the broom-toting Colts.
In the WHL, Brayden McNabb was +1 as Kootenay lost to Medicine Hat, 5-1. The series is now even at two games apiece. On Tuesday, the Tigers started their claw-back by defeating Ice by a 4-1 count. McNabb earned an assist in the loss while picking up a fighting major for the second consecutive night.
Jacob Lagacé posted a pair of assists for Cape Breton, while Maxime Legault registered one shot on net. Outplayed in the first three games of the quarterfinal series, the Eagles now trail the best-of-seven 3-1 heading into Saturday's game five.
Also from the QMJHL, Jordon Southorn finished -1 as PEI lost in overtime to Saint John, 2-1. The Sea Dogs will return home for Friday's match-up holding a 3-1 series lead, putting Southorn and the Rocket on the brink of elimination along with the Eagle troika.
In the OHL, Marcus Foligno was even as Sudbury saw their 2009-10 season end with a 6-3 loss to Barrie. The 6'3 forward missed a chance at his second postseason goal when he rang one off the post late in the first period with the score tied 1-1. Nick Crawford (+2) earned an assist, his seventh point of the playoffs, for the broom-toting Colts.
In the WHL, Brayden McNabb was +1 as Kootenay lost to Medicine Hat, 5-1. The series is now even at two games apiece. On Tuesday, the Tigers started their claw-back by defeating Ice by a 4-1 count. McNabb earned an assist in the loss while picking up a fighting major for the second consecutive night.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
3/23 Recap: Kassian cashes in win; Eagle trio teetering
Zack Kassian scored a goal and an assist Tuesday as Windsor outshot Erie 58-19 en route to taking a 7-6 win and a commanding three-games-to-one advantage in their OHL first round series. Skating primarily on a line with Eric Wellwood and Stephen Johnston, Kassian hobbled off the ice midway through the first after getting hit in the leg by teammate Ryan Ellis' point shot. He would return to the bench a few shifts into period two, eventually getting his groove back by giving Windsor a 5-4 lead on the power play with :10 play in the period. Often found down low and now being used in front on the PP, the 6'3 forward has three points in three playoff games after posting the same total in nine games over the previous two postseasons with Peterborough. The Spits will look to close out the Otters on Thursday.
In the QMJHL, Maxime Legault scored a power play goal as Cape Breton lost their third straight playoff game to Moncton, 3-2. Legault, who fired seven shots on net, scored his first goal of the postseason at 13:37 of the third to halve the Wildcat lead to 2-1. Luke Adam (-3, 20-12 at the dot) finished with seven shots on goal in addition to two others ringing posts, while Jacob Lagacé (-2) contributed two shots for the Screaming Eagles. Trailing the series 3-0 heading into Wednesday's game four, the Adam-to-Portland watch is officially underway. Legault may not be far behind, with Lagacé's status still questionable.
In Charlottetown, Jordon Southorn was -1 as PEI dropped a 3-0 shutout to Saint John. After lining up seven hits in the first two games including a monster in game two, the 6'2 blueliner did not register in that column in the loss. The Sea Dogs will take a 2-1 series lead into Wednesday's tilt in PEI.
In the QMJHL, Maxime Legault scored a power play goal as Cape Breton lost their third straight playoff game to Moncton, 3-2. Legault, who fired seven shots on net, scored his first goal of the postseason at 13:37 of the third to halve the Wildcat lead to 2-1. Luke Adam (-3, 20-12 at the dot) finished with seven shots on goal in addition to two others ringing posts, while Jacob Lagacé (-2) contributed two shots for the Screaming Eagles. Trailing the series 3-0 heading into Wednesday's game four, the Adam-to-Portland watch is officially underway. Legault may not be far behind, with Lagacé's status still questionable.
In Charlottetown, Jordon Southorn was -1 as PEI dropped a 3-0 shutout to Saint John. After lining up seven hits in the first two games including a monster in game two, the 6'2 blueliner did not register in that column in the loss. The Sea Dogs will take a 2-1 series lead into Wednesday's tilt in PEI.
Pest gets dozen for dropping Foligno
Zac Rinaldo of the Barrie Colts has been suspended 12 games by the Ontario Hockey League after his blindside hit on Marcus Foligno this past Sunday. Rinaldo, a pest prospect of the Philadelphia Flyers, came up high from the side on the 6'3 Foligno, dropping the Wolves physical leader and forcing him off the ice in a woozy state. Foligno would gather his marbles and return to the game.
With Rinaldo taking a seat, Foligno and the Wolves will have one less thorn in their side when they stave off elimination against the CHL's #1 ranked team on Wednesday. Also worth considering is that the next time Foligno gets to settle the score, it could be in a Sabres-Flyers tilt a few years down the line. Foligno was already ahead on the judges scorecard after pounding the 5'11 agitator a few weeks back.
After Zack Kassian received 20 games for his hit on Barrie's Matt Kennedy, does Rinaldo's dozen fit the crime?
With Rinaldo taking a seat, Foligno and the Wolves will have one less thorn in their side when they stave off elimination against the CHL's #1 ranked team on Wednesday. Also worth considering is that the next time Foligno gets to settle the score, it could be in a Sabres-Flyers tilt a few years down the line. Foligno was already ahead on the judges scorecard after pounding the 5'11 agitator a few weeks back.
After Zack Kassian received 20 games for his hit on Barrie's Matt Kennedy, does Rinaldo's dozen fit the crime?
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sophomore quartet skates into brackets
Four Sabres prospects will be packing their bags this week as the 16-team field for the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament was announced Sunday.
The Miami RedHawks were named the #1 seed in the Midwest region in what could be a coming-out party for sophomore Connor Knapp. The 6'5 goaltender has been hot of late, and should be in the crease when the RedHawks open the tourney Saturday against #4 Alabama-Huntsville (4:00. ESPNU). Bemidji State (#2) and Michigan (#3) round out the action in Ft. Wayne.
The North Dakota Fighting Sioux, winners of the WCHA Final Five, have been tabbed the #2 seed in the Northeast Regional in Worcester. Sophomore Brad Eidsness will lead the Sioux charge between the pipes when they square off with #3 Yale on Saturday (5:00, TV TBD). After playing six games in nine days, the Saturday opener essentially gives the Sioux an extra day of rest. Fellow sophomore Corey Fienhage is set to remain as the #6 defensemen pending the health of freshman Joe Gleason. Boston College (#1) and Alaska (#4) occupy the other half of the bracket.
With their fate riding on Saturday night's results, the University of Vermont Catamounts earned an at-large as the #4 seed in the West. Sophomore Drew MacKenzie, a key situations defender looking to erase an unfortunate bounce in last year's Frozen Four, will be primed for Friday's opener against #1 Wisconsin (8:00, ESPNU HD). #2 St. Cloud State and #3 Northern Michigan will open the action in St. Paul.
The Miami RedHawks were named the #1 seed in the Midwest region in what could be a coming-out party for sophomore Connor Knapp. The 6'5 goaltender has been hot of late, and should be in the crease when the RedHawks open the tourney Saturday against #4 Alabama-Huntsville (4:00. ESPNU). Bemidji State (#2) and Michigan (#3) round out the action in Ft. Wayne.
The North Dakota Fighting Sioux, winners of the WCHA Final Five, have been tabbed the #2 seed in the Northeast Regional in Worcester. Sophomore Brad Eidsness will lead the Sioux charge between the pipes when they square off with #3 Yale on Saturday (5:00, TV TBD). After playing six games in nine days, the Saturday opener essentially gives the Sioux an extra day of rest. Fellow sophomore Corey Fienhage is set to remain as the #6 defensemen pending the health of freshman Joe Gleason. Boston College (#1) and Alaska (#4) occupy the other half of the bracket.
With their fate riding on Saturday night's results, the University of Vermont Catamounts earned an at-large as the #4 seed in the West. Sophomore Drew MacKenzie, a key situations defender looking to erase an unfortunate bounce in last year's Frozen Four, will be primed for Friday's opener against #1 Wisconsin (8:00, ESPNU HD). #2 St. Cloud State and #3 Northern Michigan will open the action in St. Paul.
3/21 Recap: Crawford collects; Foligno gets rung
Nick Crawford notched a pair of power play assists Sunday as Barrie took a commanding series lead by defeating Sudbury, 6-2. The Colts, who have now taken the first three games of the quarterfinal match-up, will look to close out the Wolves on Wednesday.
Marcus Foligno finished even for Sudbury, while getting his bell rung by Colts pest Zac Rinaldo early in the middle period. The blindside hit saw the 6'3 grinder's helmet pop off, leaving him a little dazed as he skated off the ice on his own power before returning a short time later.
If you recall, Foligno obliged the Colts pest a few weeks back and delivered a proper lumping. Rinaldo got tossed from the game, and no one should be surprised is Foligno looks to settle the score before the close of the chippy, fight-filled series.
In Windsor, Zack Kassian was +1 with a roughing minor in the game's final minute as Windsor bested Erie, 3-1. Despite being outplayed for the bulk of the action, the Spits will take a 2-0 lead into Tuesday's game three of the quarterfinal series.
In the USHL, Mark Adams was +1 with two shots on goal as Chicago dropped a 4-3 shootout decision to Green Bay. Prior to the shootout, Gamblers goaltender Steve Summerhays and Chicago goaltender Nick Piselini squared off at center ice in what was a first for this longtime hockey watcher. Both goaltenders were ejected after the fracas.
Marcus Foligno finished even for Sudbury, while getting his bell rung by Colts pest Zac Rinaldo early in the middle period. The blindside hit saw the 6'3 grinder's helmet pop off, leaving him a little dazed as he skated off the ice on his own power before returning a short time later.
If you recall, Foligno obliged the Colts pest a few weeks back and delivered a proper lumping. Rinaldo got tossed from the game, and no one should be surprised is Foligno looks to settle the score before the close of the chippy, fight-filled series.
In Windsor, Zack Kassian was +1 with a roughing minor in the game's final minute as Windsor bested Erie, 3-1. Despite being outplayed for the bulk of the action, the Spits will take a 2-0 lead into Tuesday's game three of the quarterfinal series.
In the USHL, Mark Adams was +1 with two shots on goal as Chicago dropped a 4-3 shootout decision to Green Bay. Prior to the shootout, Gamblers goaltender Steve Summerhays and Chicago goaltender Nick Piselini squared off at center ice in what was a first for this longtime hockey watcher. Both goaltenders were ejected after the fracas.
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