10/30 Recap: Sundher rising in the west

Kevin Sundher scored a late power play goal and added an assist Saturday as Chilliwack came up short against Medicine Hat, 5-4. The multi-point night, the second in as many nights for the six-footer, ups his season total to eight (3+5) through his first 11 games. Toting three goals in his last four games, Sundher will look to connect on his first three-game point streak of the season Tuesday when the Bruins (8-5-0-0) lace 'em up with Kootenay. Emerson Etem knocked in a hat trick to lead the Tigers.

Riley Boychuk did not factor into the scoring as Portland continued to roll with a 6-1 stomping of Kelowna. Talented 2011's Ty Rattie (2G, 1A) and Sven Bartschi (1G, 1A) paced the Winterhawks attack, while fellow '11 Shane McColgan scored a goal for the Rockets. Portland (12-2-0-1) is off until next Friday when they host Red Deer.

Mark Pysyk was -1 with a roughing minor as Edmonton stumbled against Vancouver, 4-2. The slumping Oil Kings (5-9-01), losers in their last seven tries, will look to right the ship next Friday at Prince George.

Corey Fienhage skated even as Kamloops earned a 3-2 overtime win from Seattle. The Blazers (8-7-0-1) will host Kelowna on Wednesday.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian extended his point streak to five games with an assist as Windsor needed a shootout to edge Niagara, 4-3. During a first period power play, Kassian deflected a point-shot that created a goal off the rebound. IceDog forward Steven Shipley saw his three-game point streak snapped in the loss. Windsor (9-6-0-1) will take a three-game winning streak in a Friday meeting at Guelph, while Niagara (10-4-1-1) will move on to Thursday's matchup with Mississauga.

Gregg Sutch (+1) extended his own point streak to three games with an assist as Mississauga defeated Barrie, 5-2. The win improves the Majors' season mark to 10-2-0-0.

Marcus Foligno saw his six-game point streak come to an end as Sudbury lost to Belleville, 5-1. The lowly Wolves (4-9-1-0) will travel to play Sutch's Majors on Sunday.

In the Q, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished the night -2 as Rimouski suffered their fifth straight loss at the hands of Shawinigan, 5-1. The Oceanic roster is loaded with talent, but they haven't been working hard and thus have become way too soft in their own end. A cumulative -10 throughout the team's slump, JGL continued his improved Friday effort with a team-best four hits in Saturday's loss. Rimouski (9-11-0-0) will look for an elusive victory Sunday when they lock horns with Sean Coutuier ('11) and the Voltigeurs.

In NCAA action, Drew MacKenzie had an assist as Vermont lost in overtime to #7 Maine, 3-2. Midway though the third, MacKenzie fired a shot during a five-on-three that was tipped in by Williamsville, NY native Jack Downing to eventually force the OT.

Connor Knapp made 21 saves as #1 Miami played to a 2-2 tie with Lake Superior. Knapp looked to have his second win of the year in the bag before allowing a goal with seven seconds remaining in regulation. The RedHawks, who earned the extra tiebreaker point in the shootout, will travel to Ferris State on Friday.

Brad Eidsness made 14 saves as #8 North Dakota was shutout by #12 Denver, 3-0. The junior allowed two goals on the evening (the third was an empty netter), one off a tic-tac-toe play in the first period and another on a shorthanded breakaway in the second. The contest was marred a ferocious hit by Sioux forward Brad Malone that rendered the recipient, Pioneer Jesse Martin, unconscious on the ice. The Thrashers prospect came-to after being taken off on a stretcher with his future assessment to be performed by the Pio medical team. North Dakota will likley continue their goalie rotation next weekend at Duluth.

Justin Jokinen did not record a point or a shot on net as Minnesota State skated to a 2-2 tie with #16 Alaska-Fairbanks. The junior forward has now game six games without a point after netting three in the Mavs' first two games of the year. Minnesota State moves on to a set with Nebraska-Omaha next weekend.

Mark Adams finished -1 as Providence defeated Massachusetts, 3-2. The Friars will host Merrimack on Friday.

Nick Eno served as back-up as Bowling Green continued their goalie rotation in a 4-1 loss at Alaska-Fairbanks. The Falcons will continue their CCHA slate next weekend versus Notre Dame.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson recorded two shots on goal as Sioux Falls squeaked past Fargo, 2-1. The Stampede (8-6-2-0) will travel to Lincoln on Friday.

10/29 Recap: Isackson rolls with Herd; Sutch gets first

Christian Isackson scored a goal and two assists Friday as Sioux Falls cruised to a 7-4 win over Lincoln. The nifty USHL rookie also poured a game-high eight shots on goal, one of which was a third period wrister that lit the lamp, to help the Stampede to their fourth straight win. Buffalo native Anthony Day had a goal and an assist for the Herd (5-2), who will square off with Fargo on Saturday.

In the OHL, Gregg Sutch scored his first goal of the season as Mississauga downed Kingston, 5-1. The 6'2 checker converged on the crease and finished off a short pass to end his nine-game drought. Sutch has seven points (1+6) through his first 10 games after totaling just eight in 2009-10 (43 games). The Majors (9-2-0-0) will travel to Barrie on Saturday before playing Sunday afternoon hosts to Sudbury.

Marcus Foligno extended his point streak to six games with an assist on the Wolves lone goal as Sudbury fell to Kitchener, 3-1. The 19-year old was tossed from the game after being whistled for a third period kneeing major and could face disciplinary action from the league as a result. Sudbury takes on Belleville on Saturday. Tobias Rieder ('11) had a goal and an assist for the Rangers.

Zack Kassian tapped in his seventh goal of the year as Windsor defeated Erie, 3-2. Kassian's rebound knock-in midway through the second period tied the game for the Spits before Eric Locke ('12) notched the game-winner to earn Windsor their first road win of the season.

Steven Shipley was credited with pair of assists for the second night in a row as Niagara used a shootout to squeak past Brampton, 5-4. Ryan Strome ('11) had a goal and an assist for the IceDogs.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc posted a -2 as Rimouski continued to falter with a 5-3 loss to Victoriaville. The Oceanic have now lost their last four games, with JGL posting a -8 over the stretch. Rimouski has a lot of talent on its roster, but have yet to put the work in to consistently win games.

Cedrick Henley missed a third straight game as Val-d'Or was clobbered by Saint John, 7-3.

In the WHL, Kevin Sundher collected a goal and an assist as Chilliwack took it to Calgary, 7-2. The multi-point effort was the first of the season for the 6'0 center. Thje Bruins (8-4-0-0) have now won four straight contests. Fellow 2010 third rounder Matt MacKenzie was -1 as the Hitmen suffered their fifth consecutive loss.

Brayden McNabb scored his first goal of the season as Kootenay got past Brandon, 5-4 in a shootout. Trailing 3-0, McNabb, who got off a low, hard slapshot through traffic to get the Ice on the board for the first of four straight goals, now has a point in all five games he's appeared in this season. Kootenay (11-3-0-1) will take a seven-game winning streak into Tuesday's meeting with Chilliwack.

Riley Boychuk potted his third goal of the season as Portland doubled Kelowna, 4-2. The rugged 6'5 forward, who buried a shot from right dot off a cross-ice feed, also added three minors to his bulging penalty minute total. The win improves the Winterhawks to an impressive 11-2-0-0 season mark.

In NCAA play, Nick Eno made 23 saves as Bowling Green lost 4-1 at Alaska-Fairbanks. Eno hung tough with some solid stops, with three of the Nanook tallies coming on the power play.

Justin Jokinen recorded a shot on goal as Minnesota State defeated #16 Alaska, 3-2. For those wishing to get a look at the 2008 fourth rounder, NHL Network will be replaying the game Saturday at 3:00.

Mark Adams finished +1 as Providence played to a 3-3 tie with Massachusetts. The Friars will re-engage with thier Hockey East foe on Saturday evening on home ice.

Connor Knapp took his usual Friday spot on the bench as Cody Reichard backstopped #1 Miami to a 6-2 win over Lake Superior. The 6'5 puckstopper will likely man the crease when the RedHawks look for the sweep on Saturday.

Brad Eidsness was sat in favor of Aaron Dell as #8 North Dakota defeated #12 Denver, 4-3. With the Sioux planning on using a goaltender rotation, expect to see Eidsness get the nod when the teams rematch on Saturday.

10/28 Recap: Kassian finds net as Spits down Soo

Zack Kassian scored his sixth goal of the season Thursday as Windsor doubled up Sault Ste. Marie, 4-2. Kassian also connected for his second fight of the season when he tussled with Soo toughguy Dylan King for the second time in as many seasons after smoking a Greyhound along the boards.





Also from the OHL, Steven Shipley delivered two assists including one on the game-winning goal as Niagara defeated Plymouth, 5-2. Ryan Strome ('11) scored his seventh and eighth goals of season to pace the Dogs.

On Thursday, Brayden McNabb returned after an eight-game absence to notch an assist and a +2 rating as Kootenay shutout Calgary, 3-0. The 6'4 blueliner announced his return by executing a booming open-ice hit in the early goings and he found his game legs. Matt MacKenzie posted a -1 for the Hitmen, who lost their fourth straight.

Kevin Sundher finished -1 as Chilliwack edged Edmonton, 2-1. Mark Pysyk was +1 for the Oil Kings.

Corey Fienhage went -2 with a roughing minor as Kamloops dropped a 6-4 decision to Brandon.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc played even with three hits and a goaltender interference penalty as Rimouski fell to Lewiston, 4-2.

Cedrick Henley missed his secnd straight game with an undisclosed injury as Val-d'Or lost to Saint John, 5-4.

On Tuesday, Marcus Foligno scored his seventh goal of the year as Sudbury lost to Kingston, 6-2.

Charges dropped; Zack back on track

After being sequestered for most of the day in corporate meetings, I returned to my Blackberry to see good news regarding the Sabres future:

Criminal assault charges against Sabres forward prospect Zack Kassian stemming from an off-season bar fight have been formally dropped. Let's turn it over to the Windsor Star for more details:

As part of the deal, Kassian had to perform 25 hours of community service, make a $500 donation to charity and pay for the dental work of the man he punched, said his lawyer, Patrick Ducharme.

Windsor police arrested the Spitfire forward just before 2 a.m. on May 30 at The Beach Sports Bar and Grill on Ouellette Avenue. Kassian, 19, didn’t have to spend any time in jail, being released the same day on a promise to appear in court.

Ducharme said a criminal record would have had “serious” implications on Kassian’s career. He was the Buffalo Sabres’ first-round draft pick and a criminal record would have made it difficult for the LaSalle native to cross the border.

“There’s no question that the Buffalo team wanted him record-free,” said Ducharme, in a telephone interview from an out-of-town trial.

And so it's time to move forward. With 17 points through his first eight games in Windsor, the next steps for the 6'3 bruiser are making Team Canada for the U20s and getting a deal done with the Sabres. The former seems like a lock, while the latter becomes the top priority for an organization looking to achieve that elusive "team toughness".

Kassian and the Spits will be in Erie this Friday for a date with the Otters.

10/24 Recap: McNabb misses seventh straight

Mark Pysyk finished even Sunday as Edmonton lost in a shootout to Kootenay, 4-3. Pysyk, known mostly for steadiness in his own end, continued to see power play time for an Oil Kings unit that connected just once on six chances. On the Ice side of things, captain Brayden McNabb missed a seventh straight game with a shoulder injury. The 6'4 rearguard has been listed as day-to-day since October 9.

In the QMJHL, Jerome-Gauthier-Leduc slumped to a -2 as Rimouski was blanked by Victoriaville, 5-0. The 6'2 defenseman netted a -6 rating and zero points this weekend after getting a goal or an assist in seven games leading into Friday.

10/23 Recap: Foligno remains solid; Sundher finally scores

Marcus Foligno continued his early season roll Saturday, scoring a pair of goals including the game winner as Sudbury defeated Erie, 3-1. The Wolves 'unofficial' captain has three goals and three assists in his last four games, and will look to extend to a five-game streak Tuesday at home against Kingston.

Steven Shipley scored his fifth goal of the season as Niagara lost to Barrie, 5-2. The goal snaps Shipley's five-game drought, while the loss was the Dogs second on a row after seeing their six-game winning streak come to an end on Friday.

Gregg Sutch (+2) notched his sixth assist of the year as Mississauga blanked Plymouth, 5-0. The 6'2 checker has yet to score a goal through his first nine games of the season.

In the WHL, Kevin Sundher finally scored his first goal of the season as Chilliwack dumped Brandon, 6-3. Snakebitten for seven games entering Saturday, the 6'0 center is hoping the goal gives him momentum heading into Wednesday's match-up in Edmonton.

Corey Fienhage finished +1 as Kamloops defeated Calgary, 3-2. Matt MacKenzie was +1 for the Hitmen in the loss.

In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley did not play as Val-d'Or lumped Rouyn-Noranda, 9-4.

In the NCAA, Connor Knapp made 15 saves for his first win of the year as #3 Miami steamrolled Northern Michigan, 9-1. Knapp moves to 1-1-1 with a 2.61 goals against average and .885 save percentage heading into next weekend's set with Lake Superior State.

Justin Jokinen registered three shots on goals as Minnesota State was shut out by Colorado College, 1-0. Jokinen has gone four games without a point after scoring two goals and an assist on opening weekend.

In Hockey East, Mark Adams finished at -1 as Providence hung tough but fell to #8 Boston University, 2-1.

Drew MacKenzie skated -1 with a shot on goal as Vermont played to a 2-2 tie with Merrimack.

Brad Eidsness did not play as #2 (not for long) North Dakota dropped a 4-2 decision to Maine. After three starts, the junior currently is showing career lows in goals against (4.46) and save percentage (.762)

Nick Eno served as backup as Bowling Green earned the weekend sweep with a 4-2 win over Alabama-Huntsville.

In USHL action, Christian Isackson recorded two shots on goal as Sioux Falls took a 2-1 overtime decision over Fargo.

10/22: Eno gets W; Eidsness yanked

Brad Eidsness had a night he'd like to forget Friday, allowing three goals on five shots and getting the hook just 9:37 in as #2 North Dakota was blown-out at #12 Maine, 7-3. It's unclear if the junior, who was beaten by a rebound and a pair of one-timers, will get the nod when the teams play it back on Saturday.

Nick Eno made 19 saves a Bowling Green eeked out a 5-4 overtime win over Alabama-Huntsville. The victory was Eno's first of the season and 18th of his BGSU career. 

Mark Adams finished +1 as Providence was nipped in overtime by Lowell, 5-4. The Friars will move on to face #8 Boston University on Saturday.

Justin Jokinen was even with three shots on goal as Minnesota State edged #19 Colorado College, 5-4. The 6'3 junior drew a penalty when brought down on a 2-1 break, and the Mavs capitalized on the ensuing PP to tie the game 2-2 in the second period.

Connor Knapp looked on as creasemate Cody Reichard stopped 21 shots in #3 Miami's 4-0 shutout of Northern Michigan.

In OHL action, Marcus Foligno scored a power play goal as Sudbury hung on to beat Barrie, 4-3. The marker was Foligno's fourth of the season, and 35th of his OHL career. The Wolves will take a two-game winning streak into Saturday's home battle with Erie.

Zack Kassian (-1) posted an assist as Windsor lost to Guelph, 4-3. Midway through the second period, the 6'3 winger had a pass picked off that allowed Storm forward Peter Holland (ANA) to skate in alone and cash a shorthanded goal.

Gregg Sutch finished -2 as the CHL's #2 ranked Mississauga Majors were defeated by #4 Saginaw, 3-2. The Majors will continue their trek through Michigan on Saturday with a meeting in Plymouth.

Steven Shipley finished -1 as Niagara was defeated by Kitchener, 4-1. The loss ends the IceDogs six-game winning streak. Niagara (8-3-1-0) will look to begin a new streak when they skate into Barrie on Saturday.

In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley scored a power play goal, his fourth of the year, as Val-d'Or doubled Rouyn-Noranda, 4-2. The 6'5 forward rounded out his effort with a game-best five hits.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc posted a -4 as Rimouski was shot down by Drummondville, 5-1. Sean Couturier ('11) had a goal and an assist for the Volts, and still refuses to talk to reporters.

In the WHL, Corey Fienhage was +1 as Kamloops defeated Edmonton, 3-2. Mark Pysyk had an assist for the Oil Kings in the loss. 

Riley Boychuk continued his aggressive tendencies with minors for checking from behind and high-sticking  as Portland defeated Seattle, 2-1.

Brayden McNabb (shoulder) did not dress as Kootenay downed Red Deer, 4-1.

10/21 Recap: Kassian, Foligno assist teams to victory; Six named to Super Series

Zack Kassian posted two assists Thursday as Windsor cruised to a 4-1 win over Belleville. Kassian ranks eighth in the OHL in scoring with 16 points (5+11) through just seven games. The Spits (6-5-0-1) will square off with Guelph on Friday.

Marcus Foligno earned a pair of assists including a set-up of the game winning goal as Sudbury needed overtime to get a 4-3 win over Barrie. The effort ups Foligno's point total to eight in seven games for the Wolves (2-6-0-1), who will engage in a rematch with the Colts on Friday.

Also from the OHL, Steven Shipley picked up a power play assist off a rebound as Niagara stayed hot with a 4-1 win over Guelph. Winners of six in a row, the IceDogs (8-2-0-1) will travel to Kitchener Friday.

In Wednesday action, Corey Fienhage played even with a roughing minor as Kamloops edged Red Deer, 1-0. Fienhage's Blazers will look to make it two wins in a row on Friday versus Edmonton.

In Portland, Riley Boychuk collected 12 PIM including a ten-minute misconduct stemming from a shoving/slashing match with Tyler Maxwell early in the first period as the Winterhawks shut out Everett, 2-0. The 6'5 power forward also was whistled for a goaltender interference penalty in the win.

Matt MacKenzie finished -2 with his first fighting major of the season as Calgary was stomped on by Spokane, 8-1. MacKenzie's bout with Matt Marantz came and went pretty quickly with the Chiefs forward landing the better shots

On Tuesday, MacKenzie again finished -2 as Calgary lost to Tri-City, 3-1.

Also from Tuesday Western League play, Mark Pysyk skated to a -1 as Edmonton was defeated by Kootenay, 4-1. Brayden McNabb (day-to-day) remained out of the lineup with a shoulder injury.

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Six Sabres prospects have been named to their respective league rosters for the upcoming Canada-Russia Super Series that will help each country formulate their selection camps for the 2011 World Junior Championships.

Mark Pysyk (WHL), Matt MacKenzie (WHL), and Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (QMJHL) will skate in both games of their leagues' legs of the series, while 19-year olds Zack Kassian (OHL), Marcus Foligno (OHL), and Brayden McNabb (WHL) will each skate in one game due to rules preventing action in four straight days. Kassian and Foligno will both suit up for Team OHL when the series moves to Sudbury on November 15th.

The Series kicks off November 8th in Saint John, New Brunswick.

10/17 Recap: JGL keeps streak alive; Pysyk exemplifies "C"

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (+2) extended his point streak to seven games Sunday with a pair of assists as Rimouski opened up a can on Bathurst, 8-1. With 12 points through 14 games, the 6’2 righty is currently ranked fourth in scoring among QMJHL defenders.

Elsewhere in the Q, Cedrick Henley snapped a two-game point drought with an assist as Val-d’Or defeated Montreal, 4-2. The budding 6’5 power forward now has three goal and eight points in 11 games with the Foreurs.

Mark Pysyk returned to the Oil Kings lineup after a one-game absence due to ‘bumps and bruises’, earning an even rating and his first major of the season in their 4-0 shutout loss to Swift Current. Pysyk exemplified the captaincy when he took exception to an open-ice hit on a teammate to take on 6’4, 200+ pound Richard Nedomiel (’11) midway through period two.

10/16 Recap: Isackson pots pair as Herd rolls

Christian Isackson scored the first two goals of his USHL career Saturday as Sioux Falls defeated Chicago, 4-1. The six-footer gave the Stampede the only lead they'd need when he hit through a screen at 7:14 of the second period. A little over a minute later, Isackson would strike again from the slot while on the power play to put the Stampede ahead 3-1. Sioux Falls will take a two-game winning streak into next Saturday's meeting at Fargo.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian finished -2 as Windsor was dumped by Plymouth, 4-1. Skating without crafty Alex Khokhlachev ('11), Kassian comes down to earth with zero points for the first time in six games since returning from Buffalo. After serving a two minute minor for drilling Alex Aleardi (did he or did he not leave his feet?), Kassian had a quasi spat with 6'5 Jamie Devane who had earlier made a throat-slash gesture to Kassian while the big Spit was in the penalty box.

Steven Shipley finished -1 as Niagara earned their fifth straight win with a 6-5 decision over Oshawa. Like Kassian, the quiet statistical night ends a five-game point streak for the big Ice Dog forward. Center Ryan Strome ('11), who is slowly becoming a SabresProspects target for the June draft, collected three assists and his first fighting major for the IceDogs.

Gregg Sutch picked up an assist as Mississauga opened up a can on Sudbury, 7-2. Wolves forward Marcus Foligno earned an assist in the losing effort. Sutch has been a key grind element for what has been the tightest Majors unit with Rob Flick and Joe Cramarossa ('11). The Majors are off until Friday when they meet Saginaw, while Foligno and the Pack will engage in a home-and-home with Barrie starting Thirsday.

In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley skated even as Val-d'Or lost a tight one with top-ranked Quebec, 4-3. The Foreurs will take on Montreal on Sunday.

In the WHL, Kevin Sundher earned an assist for the third straight game as Chilliwack doubled-up Vancouver, 6-3. Sundher also earned four penalty minutes on the night, two of which came for roughing in the chippy final minute. The Bruins are now off until Saturday when they host Brandon.

Matt MacKenzie picked up a power play assist as Calgary needed overtime to defeat Seattle, 3-2. The Hitmen will match up with Spokane on Wednesday.

Corey Fienhage finished even as Kamloops was trampled by Prince George, 8-1. The Blazers took a 1-0 lead at 3:10 of the opening period, only to surrender eight straight goals en route to losing. The Blazers will look to get back on track Tuesday versus Edmonton.

Edmonton's Mark Pysyk was held out of the lineup in the Oil Kings' 6-4 loss to Medicine Hat due to "undisclosed bumps and bruises".

Brayden McNabb was expected to return to the Kootenay lineup for their game with Regina, but instead missed a fourth straight with a sore shoulder. The big defender will now look to get back in on Tuesday when they host the Oil Kings.

Connor Knapp made 24 saves as #4 Miami clawed out a 1-1 tie with #10 St. Cloud State. Knapp had a shutout going through fifty-three minutes before poke-checking a centering pass to the stick Jared Festler, who tipped it beneath Knapp to tie it up. The RedHawks kick off the CCHA schedule next weekend when they host Northern Michigan.

Mark Adams went -2 with a shot on goal and a minor penalty as Providence got smoked by Minnesota-Duluth, 7-1. Adams and the Friars, who held a 1-0 lead just :58 in before getting the hammer dropped, will regroup for next weeks' set with Lowell.

Justin Jokinen finished -3 as Minnesota State played to a 5-5 tie with Michigan Tech. Jokinen, a junior, finishes the weekend -5 after a three-point set with St. Lawrence a week ago. The Mavs will face Colorado College next weekend.

Brad Eidsness was given the night off as #2 North Dakota defeated Bemidji State, 5-2. Eidsness and the Sioux will face a tougher test next weekend when they travel to Maine.

Nick Eno watched as Bowling Green earned their first win of the year with a 3-0 shutout at Clarkson. Eno and Andrew Hammond will likely split duties again next weekend when the Falcons host Alabama-Huntsville.