In the Friday recap, we mentioned the highlight reel leather flashed by Brad Eidsness to preserve #2 North Dakota's 5-5 tie with UAA. With the teams locked in the overtime session, Eidsness quickly reacted to a turnover to his right to prevent a NCAA opening night upset.
This isn't the first time Eidsness snared a one-timer against the Seawolves. Longtime readers may recall this gem from early in his freshman year.
Despite the fine stop, the three-year starter ended the night with a .782 save percentage and 4.62 goals against average. He'll look to get those numbers in line next weekend when the Sioux head to Bemidji.
Justin Jokinen scored his second goal of the weekend Saturday as Minnesota State played to a second straight tie with St. Lawrence, 1-1. The 6'3 junior has appeared stronger and quicker after being scratched for the Mavericks final ten games last season. The marked improvement helped him draw an early penalty and later lay a solid open-ice pop before scrumming and jamming his way to the lone Mavs goal. All three things didn't happen nearly enough through his first two seasons in Mankato, but his game looks well enough thus far to make us wonder what it'd be like if Tyler Pitlick had remained in school. Jokinen and the Mavs will look for their first win next weekend when they travel to Michigan Tech.
In the OHL, Steven Shipley kept his early season momentum going by scoring his fourth goal of the year and third in as many games as Niagara dumped Barrie, 4-1. Shipley, who has six points in his first five games as an IceDog, will look to extend his goal-scoring streak Wednesday evening at Belleville. Niagara's Ryan Strome ('11) had a pair of assists in the win.
Zack Kassian scored his second goal of the year as Windsor came up short in the shootout against London, 5-4. After the Spits fell behind 4-0, Kassian capped the four-goal comeback with 1:24 to play in regulation to give him seven points (2+5) in his first three games of the season. The big wing regularly got to the net and imposed his strength on the boards while on a line with Alexander Khokhlachev and Zack MacQueen. His physical play saw him get whistled for a boarding penalty early in the third before forcing the OT session. Kassian and the Spits will battle Sarnia on Monday afternoon. Vladislav Namestnikov ('11) had a goal and an assist for the Knights.
Days removed from fellow 2010er Matt MacKenzie posting a sparkling +5, WHL counterpart Mark Pysyk earned an impressive +4 as Edmonton held off Swift Current on "Mullet Night", 4-3. The dependable defender now has two assists and a cumulative +8 through his four games back with the Oil Kings. Game #5 of his 2010-11 campaign comes Monday afternoon against Prince George.
Not to be outdone, Corey Fienhage skated to a +4 rating of his own while adding an assist on the game's first goal as Kamloops needed overtime to defeat Vancouver, 5-4. The assist was the first WHL point for the 20-year old defenseman. The two clubs will play it back on Monday.
Brayden McNabb notched an assist for the third straight game as Kootenay dominated Lethbridge, 6-3. The Ice, who outshot the Hurricanes 46-22 in the win, will visit the Broncos on Monday afternoon. Philip Tot ('12) had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes.
Riley Boychuk went without a point for the third straight game as Portland edged Spokane, 2-1. The 6'5 power forward was whistled for three minor penalties on the evening, one each for roughing (coindental), tripping, and high sticking. Sven Bartschi ('11) scored his fifth and sixth goals of the season to pace the Winterhawk attack.
Kevin Sundher finished even as Chilliwack lost to Seattle, 6-3. The 6'0 center has yet to record a point in three games since returning from Buffalo.
In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley (-1) assisted on the first Foreurs goal as Val-d'Or lost to PEI, 5-2. The developing power forward now has six points through his first seven games. Felipe Corbo ('11) scored a goal and an assist for the Rocket.
In the USHL, Christian Isackson contributed four shots on goal as Sioux Falls was shut down by Indiana, 5-0. The Ice got out to 4-0 lead in the opening twent, and held off every Stampede opportunity the rest of the way. Sioux Falls returns to action next Friday against the USNTDP.
Elsewhere, Connor Knapp made 15 saves through two periods before getting pulled as #3 Miami lost to New Hampshire, 6-3. Knapp, who stopped all seven Wildcat shots through a scoreless opening period, allowed five goals on 13 shots in the second as UNH opened up a 5-1 lead. Knapp's goals against consisted of one power play, one shorthanded (turnover->breakaway->rebound), and three at even strength (sharp angle wraparound, re-direct between the legs, rebound).
Drew MacKenzie was even as Vermont skated to a 1-1 tie with #9 Denver. The Catamounts got their legs going as the game progressed, getting the tying goal before the second intermission and working their way to 13-5 shots on goal advantage in their third period. UVM will take next week off before opening the Hockey East schedule against Merrimack.
At the Kendall Classic, Brad Eidsness took a rare night off North Dakota defeated Alaska, 3-1. The talented junior will return to the crease next weekend when NoDak travels to the newest WCHA member, Bemidji State.
In the CCHA, Nick Eno served as back-up as Bowling Green hung tough in a 4-2 loss to #5 Michigan. Eno and Andrew Hammond will likely split the goaltending duties next weekend when the Falcons hit up the North Country for a set with Clarkson.
And finally...
The continued appeasement of the savage masses continues with footage of Marcus Foligno's scrap from Friday night's loss to Shipley's IceDogs.
Per Chris Roy of the Maine Hockey Journal, Sabres prospect Felix Schutz is being designated for assignment and no longer part of the Pirates organization.
This move isn't much of a surprise, as Schutz has encountered tough treading in the AHL after a semi-successful ramp-up in the DEL three seasons ago. Chosen in the fourth round of the 2006 draft, the 5'11 center missed a good chunk of time in 2009-10 after getting KO'd in his first professional fight and from there had difficulty finding quality minutes upon return. Portland coach Kevin Dineen basically saw him as a tweener player in the bottom six mix; not quite gifted enough to consistently man a third line spot yet not having enough speed, grit, and physical wherewithal to lock down a spot on the fourth line. Because of this, he was left off Portland's clear-day roster last season in preparation for the playoffs.
Schutz, 22, returned to Buffalo this fall for training camp, where he put forth an average effort while nearly coming to blows with Nathan Gerbe in the final scrimmage of rookie camp. Nearly coming to blows seems to have been the common theme for the German this fall, as Roy mentions a near-fight with Travis Turnbull this week in a Pirates practice.
While we wait to hear where Schutz lands this season, my best guess would be a return over the pond to find his center with Ingolstadt of the DEL.
As reported a week ago, Val-d'Or forward Cedrick Henleylogged a Gordie Howe hat trick to lead the Foreurs to a Saturday night win over Lewiston. While it would be nice to post more scoring highlights, here's to the continued appeasement of the savage masses who enjoy a good tussle by showing how the 6'5 Henley completed the task.
Steven Shipley continued his hot start Friday, scoring a goal and an assist to help lead Niagara to an overtime win over Sudbury, 4-3. The 6'3, 212-pound center now has three goals and five points through his first four games as a Dog. Marcus Foligno, who finished the night +1 for the Wolves, earned his first major of the season after a spirited tussle with Jason Wilson late in the first period.
Gregg Sutch (+1) recorded an assist as Mississauga shut out Peterborough, 3-0. Ahead 1-0 in the early third, Sutch sent a sharp pass to a driving Joe Cramarossa ('11) to thrust the Majors into a two-goal lead. Mississauga outshot the Petes 36-14 to get the W.
In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored the game winning goal as Rimouski doubled Shawinigan, 6-3. The goal, JGL's first of the season, came on the power play midway through a busy, five-goal third period. The 6'2, 194-pounder added three hits for the Nics while keeping things simple in his own zone.
Cedrick Henley skated -1 as Val-d'Or defeated Cape Breton, 3-2.
In the WHL, Matt MacKenzie was -1 as Calgary was shut out on home ice by Swift Current, 3-0.
Riley Boychuk was even as Portland edged Spokane by a 3-2 count despite being outshot 48-19.
Corey Fienhage played even as Kamloops defeated Prince Albert, 4-3.
In NCAA play, Justin Jokinen scored a goal and an assist as Minnesota State played to a 5-5 tie with St. Lawrence. Just 38 seconds into the third period with the Mavs trailing 4-2, Jokinen cut into the Saints zone and rung his shot off the inside of the pipe for his first goal since January 8th. A minute later he helped create Eli Zuck's game-tying tally. The multi-point night was Jokinen's first of his NCAA career.
In Bowling Green, Nick Eno surrendered three goals on 32 shots as the Falcons dropped their season opener to #5 Michigan, 4-1. The 6'3 senior, who was spectacular in the first period with 14 saves to keep the game 2-1 into the intermission, gave up goals on a breakaway, a point shot deflection, and a shot from the slot high over his blocker. Eno will likely serve as back-up when the two clubs play it back on Saturday.
In Anchorage, Brad Eidsness made 18 saves as #2 North Dakota squandered a four-goal lead to walk away with a 5-5 tie with the Seawolves. After Eidsness backboned an excellent effort through thirty minutes, the wheels started to come off for the Sioux in the middle of the second period. Anchorage crept back with three goals in the final ten minutes of the frame, including a shorthander when Eidsness was caught out of the net trying to play the puck from the corner. The 6'0 netminder later made the save of the game in overtime when he snared a blast with his glove while moving right-to-left.
Mark Adams was even in his first NCAA contest as Providence held on to defeat Northeastern, 3-2. The Friars, who many picked to finish last in Hockey East, will take a 1-0 record into next Friday's game at Duluth.
Drew MacKenzie was -2 with a shot on net as Vermont was defeated by #9 Denver, 5-3. The Cats shot out to a 2-0 lead before allowing four straight goals to begin the year 0-1. MacKenzie wasn't credited with a point, but did start the play on Vermont's final goal late in the third when, with the extra attacker, he threw the puck down low where Wahsontiio Stacey finished off the hat trick.
Connor Knapp will get the Saturday start for #3 Miami after watching the RedHawks defeat #10 New Hampshire, 6-3.
In the USHL, Christian Isackson (+1) registered an assist and four shots on goal as Sioux Falls needed a shootout to defeat Muskegon, 5-4. Isackson was stopped by future Gopher mate Joel Vienneau in the deciding frame after Buffalo native and Yale-bound forward Anthony Day put the Herd on the board as the team's #1 shooter.
Zack Kassian continued his productive start Thursday with a pair of assists as Windsor was on the wrong end of a 5-2 decision to Saginaw. The 6'3 wing has continued to build chemistry with rookie Alexander Khokhlachev ('11), finding the gifted Russian on both of the Spits tallies. Kassian has a goal and five assists through his first two OHL contests.
With Friday seeing the Sabres kick off their 2010-11 season slate, the evening will also bring a full load of prospect action.
The NCAA season opens this evening headlined by Connor Knapp and #2 Miami taking on the University of New Hampshire.
Brad Eidsness will split the weekend action with back-up Aaron Dell when North Dakota makes the trek for their set against Anchorage.
Mark Adams will make his Hockey East debut when the Providence Friars host Northeastern.
Drew MacKenzie and the Vermont Catamounts will face a stiff WCHA test when the Denver Pioneers travel east to the Gutt.
Nick Eno is the expected starting goaltender when Bowling green kicks off their 2010-11 year by hosting Michigan.
Justin Jokinen and the Minnesota State Mavericks will play a two-game set with St. Lawrence.
In the OHL, Gregg Sutch and the Missisauga Majors will host Peterborough, while Steve Shipley's Niagara Ice Dogs travel north to take on Marcus Foligno and the Sudbury Wolves.
In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc and the Rimouski Oceanic will take on Shawinigan. Cedrick Henley and the Val-d'Or will face Cape Breton.
In the WHL, Riley Boychuk and the Portland Winterhawks square off with Spokane. Corey Fienhage and Kamloops will battle Prince Albert, while Matt MacKenzie and the Calgary Hitmen will play hosts to Swift Current.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (+1) posted an assist Wednesday as Rimouski downed Chicoutimi, 4-3. The helper came with the man advantage late in the second period to tie the game 3-3 heading into the break. Alexander Lavoie ('11) potted a pair of goals for the losing side.
Prior to the game, Gauthier-Leduc told L'Avantage that he prefers the freer style of the Rimouski system to that of his previous club, the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.
Continuant sur la même ligne, Jérôme ajoute que « c’est certain que j’ai plus de marge de manœuvre ici qu’à Rouyn-Noranda. J’aime le style de jeu, le système de jeu de Rimouski. On a plus le droit de contrôler la rondelle, et il y a toutes sortes de détails qui font que j’aime plus ça ici.»
Translation: "I have more leeway here. I like the style. I can control the puck more. There are many reasons why I like it better here..."
Also from the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley set up the game winning goal as Val-d'Or used a balanced attack to defeat the CHL's #4 ranked team Drummondville, 4-2. Sean Couturier ('11) scored his eighth goal of the season for the Voltigeurs.
In the WHL, Corey Fienhage was -1 while earning his first major-junior fighting major as Kamloops lost to Spokane, 4-3. Trailing 2-0 after the first, the 6'4, 221-pound rearguard was looking to give his team a spark despite the Blazers only have five healthy blueliners for the tilt. The Kamloops broadcast team questioned the decision, but either way one has to think the rugged Fienhage was eager to get a mark on his fight card after two seasons of inconsistent action in Grand Forks.
Elsewhere, Matt MacKenzie posted a shiny +5 while logging major minutes as Calgary dumped Medicine Hat, 5-2. Solid in both ends, the 18-year old took a hooking penalty early that allowed Emerson Etem to get the Tigers off to a 1-0 lead. Defenseman Peter Kosterman ('11) notched his first career WHL goal for the Hitmen.
Brayden McNabb chipped in an assist as Kootenay was dominated by Prince George, 6-3. The physical McNabb, who finished the night at -2, rounded out his line with a kneeing penalty late in the second period.
Riley Boychuk was even as Portland downed Everett, 5-3. The 6'5 power forward was called for a goaltender interference penalty early in the third that his teammates were able to burn off.
On Tuesday, Kevin Sunder finished even as Chilliwack eeked out a 2-1 win over Spokane. The 6'0 center has yet to record a point in his first two games of the season.
In Monday exhibition play, Justin Jokinen was held scoreless as Minnesota State edged the University of British Columbia, 1-0. Jokinen saw power play time for the Mavs and is expected to be a significant contributor for the team that many is picking to be near the bottom of the WCHA heap.
Zack Kassian made a statement in his return to Windsor Sunday, scoring a goal and adding three assists to lead the Spitfires past Sudbury, 6-3. Kassian's four-point night nudged the Spits out of a two-game funk to even their record to 3-3. Marcus Foligno, again skating on a line with John McFarland and Kris Kontos, scored a power play goal and an assist for the Wolves (1-4).
Foligno and Kassian were roommates while with the Sabres, and per the Windsor Star's Bob Duff, the Sudbury checker was impressed with what Kassian brought to the table in their second go-round in Buffalo.
“It was a good time in Buffalo,” Foligno said. “We were actually roommates in Buffalo. He (Kassian) had a great camp.”
Lasting well into pre-season play, both players allowed their minds to drift to the possibility that they might break into the NHL as teenagers. “Once you made the first cuts and most of the junior guys had been sent home, Kassian and I were in the same boat,” said Foligno, who wears the same No. 71 made famous in the NHL by his father Mike. “You kind of start thinking, ‘Maybe I have a chance,’ and your confidence begins to build up. I was happy with what I did there. I thought I impressed them a little bit, got some NHL experience. Hopefully, we’ll both bring it back to this level.”
Lots of folks are excited about Kassian's big night, but in reality he's supposed to perform like this against a lower level of competition after getting a nice slate of NHL work during the Sabres exhibition schedule. The most refreshing development out of Sunday's performance is that his foot seems to be a non-issue after leaving Friday's game in Philadelphia.
Elsewhere in the OHL, Gregg Sutch finished -1 with six penalty minutes as Mississauga suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Ottawa, 6-2. Sutch was whistled for three stick infractions (two for slashing, one for high sticking) on a night when the Majors were playing their third game in three nights. Tyler Graovac ('11) recorded his first OHL hat trick to lead the 67's.
In the WHL, Riley Boychuk scored his first goal of the season as Portland downed Lethbridge, 6-2. On a second period power play, Ryan Johansen (CBJ) found Boychuk alone in front of the net to give the Hawks a 4-2 lead. Portland (3-1-0-1) has seen all but one of their draftees (Nino Niederreiter) return from NHL camps, setting the talented club on a path to gain a little separation in their division as the Dub season kicks into gear.
Mark Pysyk was even with two minor penalties as Edmonton skated to a 3-2 win over Moose Jaw. The Oil Kings, winners of three in a row, will take a five-day break before hosting Swift Current next Saturday.
In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (-2) had an assist as Rimouski was doubled on home-ice by Gatineau, 4-2. JGL and the Oceanic (5-4) will host Chicoutimi on Wednesday.
A night after leading his club with three points en route to a victory, Cedrick Henley registered two shots on goal and four hits as Val-d'Or lost in overtime to Lewiston, 5-4. Henley and the Foreurs (4-3-1-0) will host Drummondville on Wednesday.
In the opening weekend of NCAA exhibition play, Brad Eidsness stopped 15 of 16 shots in half a game's worth of work as #2 North Dakota defeated the University of Manitoba, 5-2. The only goal surrendered came when a puck deflected off the skate of dman Ben Blood (OTT) into the ND net.
Connor Knapp faced just four shots in 30:04 of play, stopping them all before giving way to Cody Reichard, as #3 Miami opened the exhibition schedule with a 6-0 shutout of Waterloo.
Nick Eno earned the start for Bowling Green in their exhibition opener with Wilfred Laurier, stopping 11 of 12 shots through a period and a half in the Falcons 4-3 win. The goal allowed by Eno came when former Dartmouth and OHL forward Ryan Bellows pounced on a turnover to quickly beat the 6'3 netminder. Bellows is the nephew of former NHL scorer Brian.
Drew MacKenzie was -2 as Vermont lost to New Brunswick, 3-2. The perennial CIS power Varsity Reds have historically played Hockey East clubs tight, and Sunday proved a good test to a Catamount defense that is expected to be relied on quite heavily this season in Burlington.
Cedrick Henley rallied for a Gordie Howe hat trick Saturday, posting two goals including the game winner, an assist, and a third period fight to lead Val-d'Or to a 4-1 win over visiting Lewiston. The 6'5, 196-pound forward was physically dominant in his first game since returning from Sabres camp, rounding out his night with a game-high seven hits while helping the Foreurs sustain pressure down low. Henley's younger brother, 6'3 Samuel ('11), finished -1 for the MAINEiacs and will look to avenge his bro getting the better end when two clubs play it back on Sunday.
Henley's Gordie was the first for a Sabres prospect since PEI's Jordon Southorn scored, dished, and scrapped his way to one back on March 6, 2009 - also against Lewiston. Niagara's Drew Schiestel pulled one off on September 26, 2008 against Oshawa.
In the OHL, Marcus Foligno notched his first two goals of the year as Sudbury downed Plymouth, 8-4. Wearing an "A" for the Wolves but conducting business as the team's heart and soul leader on a line with Kris Kontos and John MacFarland (FLA), Foligno is looking to step up his both his physical and offensive games this season, and so far the early returns look good. Stefan Noesen ('11) had two goals and an assist for the Whalers, who dropped a home game to the Wolves for the first time in 15 years.
Steven Shipley scored his second goal of the year late in the third period to force overtime, but Niagara failed to capture the momentum in a 4-3 loss to Brampton. Defenseman Dylan Blujus ('12), a 16-year old product of the Wheatfield Blades and Buffalo Regals, had an assist for the Battalion. Shipley and the Dogs will continue to gel through a wekk of practice in preparation for Friday's meeting with Foligno's Wolves.
Gregg Sutch earned an assist on the game winning goal as Mississauga defeated Belleville, 5-3. Austen Brassard ('11) finished -3 for the Bulls in the loss. Sutch and the Majors will host Ottawa on Sunday afternoon.
In the WHL, co-captain Matt MacKenzie scored a goal and an assist in his first game back as Calgary dropped Moose Jaw, 6-2. With the game tied 2-2 at the first intermission, the Hitmen outshot the Warriors 21-6 the rest of the way to get their season on track after a 0-2 start. The shutdown MacKenzie scored an insurance goal on the power play with a little over five minutes to play.
Kevin Sundher was -1 as Chilliwack shellacked Kamloops, 6-1. Corey Fienhage was even for the Blazers. After a quiet statisitical night, the pair of Sabres draft picks came together to earn offsetting minors with 2:55 to play. Sundher's Bruins will next face Spokane on Tuesday, while Fienhage and the Blazers will get the Chiefs the following night.
Riley Boychuk finished -1 as Portland fell to Seattle, 4-3 in a shootout. Calvin Pickard was masterful for the Thunderbirds with 44 saves. The Winterhawks will close the weekend with a Sunday evening contest with Lethbridge.
In USHL opening weekend action, Christian Isackson finished -1 with a shot on goal as Sioux Falls was blanked by Sioux City, 5-0. The Stampede will continue their season next Friday at expansion Muskegon, where over 4,000 fans showed up for Saturday's season opener.
Brayden McNabb (+2) returned to the Kootenay lineup Friday with an even-strength assist as the Ice doubled up Spokane, 6-3. The contest, McNabb's first since returning from Sabres training camp, was his 200th career WHL game. In those 200 games, the 6'4, 218-pound rearguard has posted totals of 29-76-105 with 324 PIM. There is no chance he sees a 300th junior game.
Mark Pysyk (+1)notched his second assist in as many games as Edmonton rode a four-goal second period to a 7-3 win over Regina. The 6'1 defender was also whistled for a pair of minor penalties in the victory, including one for checking from behind. Michael St. Croix ('11) scored a goal for the Oil Kings.
In the OHL, Gregg Sutch was even with a fighting major as Mississauga dumped Windsor, 5-1. Sutch, who a few shifts earlier was whistled for a boarding minor, was instigated into a third period fight with 6'3, 216-pound Andrew Clouthier. The Majors held a comfy four-goal lead at the time, and Sutch was taken by surprise by the frustrated aggressor allowing his foe to get the better of him.
The 20-year old Clouthier earned five, two, and a game with a likely suspension coming for instigating in the last five minutes while trailing by three goals or more. Pretty poor effort by a Windsor team that needs Zack Kassian back in a bad way.
A night after a smashing debut in a Niagara sweater, Steven Shipley finished even as the Ice Dogs squandered a two-goal lead in a 4-3 loss to Guelph. Niagara's Ryan Strome ('11) posted his second consecutive multi-point night with a pair of assists. The Ice Dogs will host Brampton on Saturday.
In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc had a quiet night with neither a point or a shot on goal as Rimouski held on to edge Bathurst, 4-3. QMJHL goaltenders should savor the flavor as there aren't going to be many nights where JGL misses the net in that tuned-up Oceanic offense.
Also on Friday, Corey Fienhage was -1 in his Kamloops debut, a 4-2 loss to Everett.
In other news, the Calagary Hitmen have installed fourth-year man Matt MacKenzie as co-captain for the 2010-11 campaign along with 20-year old Tyler Fiddler. MacKenzie, who wore the "C" for one game last season, is considered the vocal leader in the Hitmen dressing room.
Finally, old friend Jordon Southorn has been signed to an ECHL contract with the Trenton Devils. The 6'2 defenseman was selected by the Sabres in the fourth round of the 2008 draft, but became a free agent on June 1st when he was not offered a contract.
