10/15 Recap: Shipley, Gauthier-Leduc keep streaks alive

We'll plow our way through a busy Friday recap as I continue to battle a nasty, nasty cold - my first of the season...

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc posted a pair of power play assists Friday as Rimouski came back to edge Cape Breton, 4-3. Gauthier-Leduc, currently ranked sixth among QMJHL dfensemen with 10 points, will take a six-game point streak into Sunday's meeting with Bathurst.

Cedrick Henley played even with a shot on goal and two hits as Val-d'Or stopped Drummondville, 5-3. Sean Couturier ('11) scored his ninth goal of the year and added two assists for the Voltigeurs. The Foreurs will take on the CHL's #1 ranked team Quebec on Saturday.

In OHL play, Steven Shipley assisted on the game winning goal as Niagara defeated Ottawa, 3-2. With 3:34 to play in regulation, a patient Shipley beamed a pass to a cutting Freddie Hamilton in the slot to extend his point streak to five games and help give the 6-2-1 IceDogs their fourth win in a row. Shipley and the Dogs will look to stay hot when they host Oshawa on Saturday.

Marcus Foligno was -1 as Sudbury lost to Brampton, 5-1. I heard a whisper this week that Foligno may be part of a deal that lands him in Saginaw. John McFarland (FLA), also rumored to be on the outs, did not play for the Wolves.

Gregg Sutch posted a plate of bagels as Mississauga needed overtime to edge Sault Ste. Marie, 4-3. The Majors, currently ranked #2 in the entire CHL, will travel to Sudbury on Saturday.

Riley Boychuk scored his second goal of the year into an empty net as Portland defeated Kamloops, 8-6. Corey Fienhage finished -1 for the Blazers. Ty Rattie ('11) tallied a hat trick to pace the 7-2-0-1 Winterhawks, while Sven Bartschi ('11) continued his freshman tear with a goal and two assists.

Kevin Sundher notched an assist as Chilliwack came up short against Kelowna, 4-3. The point was Sundher's second in as many games after opening the season with zeros in his first four games. The Bruins will host Vancouver on Saturday.

Matt MacKenzie finished +1 as Calgary lost to Everett, 4-2. The Hitmen will keep the bus moving for a Saturday night tilt in Seattle.

Mark Pysyk (-1) posted an assist as Edmonton was throttled by Medicine Hat, 7-1. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson was +1 with five shots on goal as Sioux Falls upended the US NTDP, 5-3. The Stampede will host Chicago on Saturday.

Nick Eno made 27 saves as Bowling Green was blanked by Clarkson, 4-0. After allowing a point shot through his legs and giving up a second goal on a partial breakaway, Eno kept the Falcons in the game by stopping all 10 shots he faced in the second period. Eno may give way to Andrew Hammond when the two clubs drop the puck on Saturday.

Justin Jokinen finished -2 with three shots on goal as Minnesota State lost on the road at Michigan Tech, 5-2. Jokinen continued to make nifty plays with the puck despite the less-than-savory stat line. The Mavs will press for a split when the teams reconvene for Saturday's series closer.

Brad Eidsness was called upon to make just 12 saves as #2 North Dakota defeated Bemidji State, 5-2. It's unclear whether Eidsness, who allowed goals via a 3-1 rush and a partial break, will get the back-to-back nods or if Sioux boss Dave Hakstol will look to get Aaron Dell a second early season start.

Mark Adams was even with three shots on net as Providence lost at #7 Minnesota-Duluth, 5-3. The freshman rearguard was whistled for hooking late in the second period, resulting in a Travis Oleksuk game winning goal via the penalty shot.

Connor Knapp served as backup as #4 Miami doubled up #11 St. Cloud State, 6-3. Knapp will get the start on Saturday.

10/14 Recap: Kass keeps stacking; McNabb earns "C"

Zack Kassian scored two goals and an assist Thursday as Windsor downed Erie, 5-3. Trailing the Otters 2-0, Kassian put the Spits on the board with wraparound backhand goal at 14:04 of the first period. Kassian would later add an assist and an empty-netter to seal the victory, and up his point totals to five goals, nine assists, and 14 points through the first five-game block of the season.

Again, let's all stay level until he puts up similar numbers at the World Juniors. Is his start encouraging? Absolutely. Is he proving to be a better player than he was a year ago? Absolutely. I will never suggest that the early season production is inflated like Dylan Hunter's stat line during his days in London, but Kassian's physical dominance of 17-18-19's has a lot to do with what we're seeing right now. I'm just as pleased that he's staying out of the box. Be excited but within reason, as it's just a positive development in his development...

In WHL news, Brayden McNabb has been named captain of the Kootenay Ice. The 19-year old, playing his fourth season on the Ice blueline, joins current NHLers Mike Comrie, Mike Green, and Jarret Stoll players to wear the "C" for the Kootenay franchise.

10/13 Recap: JGL heating up; Sundher breaks seal

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his third goal of the year Wednesday as Rimouski lost to Halifax, 5-3. Gauthier-Leduc's marker, his third in as many games, came unassisted at 12:58 of the second period to knot the game 2-2. The 18-year old will look to make it four in a row with a goal on Friday when the Nics travel to Cape Breton.

Also from the Q, Cedrick Henley notched his third goal of the season as Val-d'Or was drilled by Shawinigan, 6-2. The 2010 sixth-rounder added a game-high six hits in the losing effort, while Anton Zlobin ('11) scored two goals for the Cataractes. The Foreurs will look to snap a two-game skid Friday in Drummondville.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley chipped in two assists as Niagara earned a 5-4 road win in Belleville. Skating on a loaded line with Sharks prospect Freddie Hamilton (3A) and talented '11 Ryan Strome (hat trick), the 6'3 Shipley now has three goals and two assists over his current four-game point streak. The 5-2-1 IceDogs will next host Friday and Saturday games versus Ottawa and Oshawa.

In the WHL, Kevin Sundher notched his first point of the season with an assist on the overtime winner as Chilliwack defeated Everett, 5-4. Sundher began the OT in the box after being whistled for tripping with just :51 remaining in regulation. Once free, he was able to connect with a trailing Ryan Howse (CAL) to snap a four-game point drought since his return from the Sabres.

Matt MacKenzie skated to a +1 as Calgary dumped Portland, 5-1. Riley Boychuk finished the game -1 with two minor penalties and a fighting major for the Winterhawks. Portland's Sven Bartschi ('11) scored his fifth goal in three games and seventh overall. The 6'5 Boychuk was a physical presence from the get-go, earning roughing and kneeing minors in the game before drilling a pair of Hitmen on one shift that led to his first scrap of the season with 6'0 Kyle Schmidt.




Corey Fienhage was +1 as Kamloops held off Kelowna, 5-4. The Blazers will square off with Boychuk and the Winterhawks on Friday.

Brayden McNabb missed a third game with a sore shoulder as Kootenay was handled by Moose Jaw, 6-3. Morgan Rielly ('12) had a goal and two assists to lead the Warriors.

10/12 Recap: Gauthier-Leduc strikes in loss; McNabb eyes Saturday return

In a quiet Tuesday for Sabres prospects, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored a power play goal as Rimouski lost at Saint John, 5-3. The 18-year old gave the Oceanic a 2-1 lead with five minutes to go in the first period when a teammates' shot ricocheted off the pipe right to his stick for an easy goal. The Sea Dogs would take over from there, capitalizing on a disheveled Rimouski defense for four consecutive goals to get the win. The goal, JGL's second of the season, gives him seven points in eight games.

Out west, Kootenay's Brayden McNabb (shoulder) missed his second straight game as the Ice traveled to Regina. Listed as day-to-day, McNabb is eying a Saturday return on home ice against the Pats. The 6'4 defenseman played in three games prior to the ding, picking up an assist in each.

10/11 Recap: Kassian continues to flex; McNabb day-to-day

Zack Kassian continued his early season tear through the OHL Monday, scoring a goal, three assists, and a clear decision to propel Windsor to a 5-3 win over Sarnia. The four-point night, Kassian's second such output this season, gives him 11 points through four games since returning from Buffalo.

With three helpers in the bag and the Spits ahead 3-1 in the early stages of the second period, Kassian elected to give 6'7 Kyle Flemington a title shot to earn his first fighting major of the season.




After landing some major licks, the 6'3, 226-pounder would complete the Gordie Howe hat trick at 11:26 of the third period when he put a backhander behind Hamburg, NY native John Cullen. Not everything was rosey in the win though, as it was a Kassian turnover in the neutral zone that resulted in the second Sting goal. But hey, his overall game is coming together and mistakes will happen when you're seeing the amount of ice time that the impact forward is reaping thus far.

Also from the OHL, Gregg Sutch recorded an assist as Mississauga (5-1-0-0) needed a shootout to defeat Brampton, 5-4. The Majors' checking forward now has three assists through five games. Barclay Goodrow ('11) had a pair of goals to pace the Battalion.

In the WHL, Kevin Sundher (-3) was again held without a point as Chilliwack stumbled against Prince Albert, 5-2. Through four games, the six-foot center has no points and a cumulative -4 rating for the Bruins (3-3-0-0).

A game removed from a season-high +4, Mark Pysyk finished -4 as Edmonton edged Prince George, 8-7. Travis Ewanyk ('11) recorded a hat trick for the Oil Kings (5-2-0-0).

Corey Fienhage checked-out at -2 as Kamloops lost to Vancouver, 5-4. Colin Smith ('11) scored two goals and an assist for the Blazers (3-4-0-1).

Brayden McNabb sat out Kootenay's 1-0 shootout loss to Swift Current with a sore shoulder. The 6'4 defenseman is listed as day-to-day. The Ice (3-2-0-1) will faceoff with Regina on Tuesday.

Adam named AHL Player of the Week

I've often mentioned Luke Adam going to Portland to gain some 'professional momentum'. Well, there's nothing like being named the AHL Player of the Week in his first week on the job.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Portland Pirates center Luke Adam has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Oct. 10, 2010.

Adam, making his regular-season professional debut, notched four points to pace Portland to a 6-5 win over Manchester on Saturday night. He assisted on two first-period goals to help stake the Pirates to 1-0 and 2-1 leads, and then scored the game-tying and go-ahead goals late in the third period as Portland rallied for the victory. Adam was a plus-2 on the evening and tied a game high with five shots on goal while earning first-star honors.

Visit the the AHL's website for the entire story.

Eidsness' clutch leather

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.

10/9 Recap: Jokinen gets it goin'; CHLers finding grooves

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.

Schutz booted from Pirates ship

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.

Loose ends: When Henley met Gordie

As reported a week ago, Val-d'Or forward Cedrick Henley logged 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.