Hard work pays off for Mankato's Jokinen

Check out a nice article on Minnesota State forward Justin Jokinen, who after two seasons of mediocre play and a press box view for the final 11 games last year, is having a much better start for the WCHA's Mavericks.

“I knew what (the MSU coaching staff) wanted from me,” he said. “I knew what I had to do over the summer to get there.”

Whatever he did appears to be working for him.

The junior forward not only has been in the lineup in all 14 games this season, but after his hat trick last Friday at Massachusetts-Lowell, he’s now leading the Mavericks with six goals. Already, Jokinen has hit career highs in goals and points, and he’s doubled his goal total from his first two seasons at MSU.

“He’s really started to find himself as a college hockey player,” Mavericks coach Troy Jutting said. “He’s getting more and more comfortable. ... He’s very strong on his skates, and he’s really starting to demand and command the puck.”

Jokinen, who turned 21 on Nov. 25, came to Minnesota State straight from high school, rather than playing junior hockey for a year or two like several of his teammates did. While that might be one factor in Jokinen’s delayed growth as a player, Jutting said that Jokinen’s offseason commitment has made the biggest difference.

“He definitely had his best summer,” Jutting said. “I think Jocks finally realized the difference between what he thought was hard work and what really was hard work. He’s in better shape, and he’s stronger.”

12/3 Recap: Pysyk pumps home first; Ship rights ship

Destined to go to Team Canada's Selection Camp with a mark in the goal column, Mark Pysyk tallied his first of the year Friday and added three assists as Edmonton doubled Brandon, 8-4. Pysyk, who netted the first four-point night of his junior career, glided into the zone and filled the net with a wrister at 6:47 of the second period to tie the game 4-4 and essentially open the floodgates for the Oil Kings. Edmonton is now unbeaten in their last five.

Elsewhere, Steve Shipley scored a goal and two assists as Niagara lost a 6-5 road game in Sarnia. Shipley, who had gone six games without scoring a goal, will enter Saturday's meeting with Kitchener toting a two-game point streak. Ryan Strome ('11) produced his second consecutive two-goal game for the winners. The evening featured a total of 17 power plays, including a 7:00 advantage for the Dogs in which they could not score.

Gregg Sutch picked up an assist as Mississauga extended their unbeaten streak to 18 games with a 4-1 win over London. Sutch made a nice feed from behind the net to Rob Flick for his 16th point of the year and a 2-0 Majors lead with 1:40 to play in the opening period.

Marcus Foligno earned an assist as Sudbury was outshot 41-15 in a 3-2 loss to Brampton. The Wolves will take Saturday off before hosting Barrie on Sunday.

In the Q, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished the game -2 as Rimouski lost to Chicoutimi, 5-3. Charles Hudon ('12) had three assist for the Sags.

In Western League play, Riley Boychuk (+1) earned an assist as Portland defeated Tri-City, 5-1. Sven Bartschi ('11) added two assists for the Winterhawks.

Matt MacKenzie had a pair of assists as Calgary defeated Vancouver, 4-3.  The multi-point night gives the 6'2 rearguard 13 points (1+12) through 26 games.

Corey Fienhage left the game in the third period with an apparent arm injury as Kamloops fell in overtime to Saskatoon, 4-3. It's unclear if Fienhage will dress Saturday against Calgary, but my guess is that he wakes up sore after the game-ending collision with Darian Dziurzynski.

Kevin Sundher assisted on the game winning goal as Chilliwack carved a 3-2 win over Kelowna. The Bruins trailed 2-0 after two periods before uncorking a three-goal third to snatch the win.

In the NCAA, Nick Eno made 26 saves as Bowling Green skated to a 1-1 tie with Lake Superior. Eno had shut the Lakers down for over 46-minutes before allowing the game-tying goal.

Justin Jokinen skated -1 as Minnesota State defeated rival Minnesota, 3-2. The win came in the Mavericks' first home game since 10/23.

Mark Adams (-2) registered a shot on goal as Providence rallied to a 3-3 tie with Maine. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.

Connor Knapp did not play as #6 Miami surrendered a 5-4 decision to #12 Notre Dame. It was the fourth time in 10 games that the RedHawks had a lead after 40 minutes only to tie or lose, and the fifth time in that span the RedHawks gave up third-period goals that have decided games.

Brad Eidsness served as backup as North Dakota defeated St. Cloud, 3-1. With Aaron Dell (5-1-1, 1.56 GAA, .931 sv%)  needing a rest and the Sabres likely making calls to Grand Forks wondering when Eidsness will next play, perhaps Sioux coach Dave Hakstol gives the junior the start when the teams reconvene on Saturday.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson finished -3 as Sioux Falls edged Omaha, 5-4.

12/2 Recap: Whole lot of helpers going on

Quick mid-week update before tackling the Friday slate...

Steven Shipley (+2) ended a five-game point slumber on Thursday with an assist as Niagara defeated Windsor, 5-3. Zack Kassian (+1) had an assist for the Spitfires to notch his 40th point of the season.

Also from the OHL, Marcus Foligno assisted on the game's first goal just :11 in as Sudbury defeated Barrie, 4-3. 

In Brampton, Gregg Sutch played even as Mississauga held off the Battalion, 3-2. 

On Wednesday, Mark Pysyk (+2) collected two assists as Edmonton lost a 5-4 shootout decision to Prince George. Inspired by his World Junior Selection Camp invite, Pysyk was active throughout including an effective final 1:30 of the OT with the Oil Kings on the penalty kill. The OKs captain now has 10 assists through 22 games.

Brayden McNabb (+3) notched two assists as Kootenay defeated Portland, 5-3.  Riley Boychuk scored his seventh goal of the year with three minutes to play before the Ice capped the win with an empty netter.

Kevn Sundher (-1) posted an assist as Chilliwack was drilled by Saskatoon, 7-3. Josh Nicholls (TOR) had a two goals and an assist to lead the Blades.

Matt MacKenzie (-1) drew the Brett Connolly assignment as Calgary came up short against Prince George, 4-3. The Cougars coughed up a 3-0 lead before seeing Charles Inglis knock in the game-winner midway through the third.

On Tuesday, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc recorded an assist, his 12th of the year, in Rimouski's 3-2 shootout loss to Victoriaville.

Sabres 'Fab Four' makes Canadian Selection Camp roster

Congrats to OHL forwards Zack Kassian (WSR) and Marcus Foligno (SBY), and WHL defensemen Brayden McNabb (KTN) and Mark Pysyk (EDM) for being named to Hockey Canada's U20 Selection Camp roster.

The quartet will leave their teams late next week to skate at Team Canada's Selection Camp being held December 12-15 at the MasterCard Centre in Toronto. The 2011 World Junior Championships will be held in Buffalo beginning December 26.

Please read my post from yesterday detailing why I felt each player was deserving of an invite.

More details to come, but this should be taken as great news to Sabres fans.

11/28 Recap: Kassian cranking as deadline comes creeping

Zack Kassian scored his 12th goal of the year and added three assists Sunday as Windsor smoked Peterborough, 7-2. The Spitfires (15-10-0-1) trailed 2-0 after the first period before exploding for seven unanswered goals including six in the final twenty minutes to cruise to the victory. Alan Quine ('11) scored a goal and Matt Puempel ('11) added a pair of assists for the losing Petes.

Kassian has been on a tear since reports surfaced that Windsor may make him available for trade. With three goals and 10 assists in his last fives games, Kassian now has 39 points through 21 games since being returned from the Sabres. By comparison, the burly forward posted just 12-19-21 in the 38 games he played in last year.

Elsewhere, Marcus Foligno (+1) recorded an assist as Sudbury disposed of London, 4-1. The power forward has slowed a bit, going eight games without a goal after lighting the lamp twelve times in his first 16 games back from Buffalo. The Wolves (8-17-1-0) will travel to Barrie on Thursday for a meeting with the last-place Colts.

Gregg Sutch (+1) did not register a point as Mississauga defeated Owen Sound, 6-3. The physical wing was called for a kneeing penalty in the second period, and because I'm filled with useless prospect information, I can tell you that's the fourth kneeing penalty taken this season by a Sabres draft pick. The Majors (22-2-0-1) will next take on Brampton on Thursday.

Steven Shipley did not factor into the scoring as Niagara defeated Belleville, 4-1. Shipley, who was the IceDogs only minus player in the win, has gone five consecutive games without scoring a point. The 6'3 forward will look for a turnaround Thursday when Niagara (15-7-2-1) takes the 401 into Windsor to face Kassian and the Spits.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (+2) gathered a power play assist as Rimouski shot past Quebec, 5-1. The win ends a two-game skid for the Oceanic (15-15), who will get a day off before hosting Victoriaville on Tuesday.

In the WHL, Riley Boychuk was -1 as Portland lost in the shootout to Medicine Hat, 3-2. The 6'5 wing added an elbowing minor to his portfolio, and continues to lead all Sabres prospects with 55 PIM. The Winterhawks (21-5-0-3) will host Kootenay on Wednesday.

In the lone Sunday college game, Drew MacKenzie finished -3 as Vermont got blown out by #7 Boston College, 6-0. The struggling Catamounts (1-6-4) are off until next Sunday when they travel to UNH.

Sabres Canadian hopefuls wait for phone to ring

Hockey Canada will release their Selection Camp roster for the 2011 World Junior Championships on Monday, and the Sabres look to have some skin in the game when the tournament commences the day after Christmas. Last season, Luke Adam was the only Sabres prospect named to the 36-man camp roster. The Cape Breton scorer went on to make the team as a fourth liner, collecting eight points in Canada's silver medal performance.

The Sabres had four CHLers, a forward and three blueliners, skate in Canada's summer evaluation camp this August in Newfoundland. One of them appears to be a lock to make the club, while a recent high profile injury could create a lower barrier to entry for an experienced defenseman. In addition, there is another forward who should make some noise depending on how Canada wants to construct their entry.

With NHL pre-season experience and a contract already signed, the inclusion of Zack Kassian on the camp roster seems like a done deal. The 6'3 wing has been a lot to handle throughout his OHL career, but he's really taken it up a level this season with increased production (through 20 games Kassian has already equaled his offensive output from all of 2009-10) and better overall discipline. His play was rewarded with an "A" for Team OHL for game #4 of the Canada/Russia Super Series.

A more mature Kassian better understands his value to the team, but it has been a process. Even as recently as this summer, the bullish forward was drawing negative attention from the Team Canada staff after being perhaps a little too nasty during one of the camp scrimmages. Then again, some of that may have been mitigated by Kassian's arrest a couple months before but that's now over and done with.

If Canada is looking to bring some do-it-all beef in their quest to regain gold, it makes perfect sense to bring an edgy forward who'll be looking to mark his territory on HSBC Arena ice before trading the Canadian leaf sweater for a blue and gold one next fall.  It's up to Kassian to arrive in camp ready to earn his spot.

Things are a little different on the blueline, where there aren't any "guarantees" among the Sabres main batch of hopefuls. With names like Erik Gudbranson, Simon Despres, Ryan Ellis, and Jared Cowen looking charged to go, it's easy to see how spots are going to be tough to come by. The landscape may have changed some over the weekend though, as another of those "locks", Brandon Gormley of the Moncton Wildcats, suffered a dislocated kneecap that will likely cause him to miss the tournament.

So is there a Sabres prospect that could skate into the radar?

Kootenay captain Brayden McNabb should be one of the greatest benefactors of Gormley's misfortune. At 6'4, 225-pounds, the Saskatchewan native has the stay-at-home posture, physical edge, and base offensive skills to stabilize the bottom pairs a la Keith Aulie in 2009 (when Aulie was paired with Tyler Myers). He's strong enough to handle the speed and power game of the rival Americans, and in a pinch could contribute on the power play. After taking an eight-game rest due to a shoulder injury, McNabb stepped back in to the Ice lineup with dominant all-around play including a point-per-game offensive pace.

I'd pitch McNabb to Canadian coach Dave Cameron as a player with U18 experience who could be effective with a very simple game. If Canada is looking for a guy who can make good keeps at the blueline and spark his team with a hit, then he'll make it to final cuts. The second-tier competition is sharp with names like Dylan Olsen (Duluth), Calvin De Haan (Oshawa), Tyson Barrie (Kelowna), and Brett Ponich (Portland) just to name a few, so playing turnover free hockey at the Selection Camp will make or break McNabb's chances.

Edmonton Oil Kings captain Mark Pysyk is another summer camp invite that has a legit chance of making the cutdown list. He's definitely a bubble guy at this point, but it's fair to think he'll be one of the expected 13 rearguards called to go state their case.

The 6'1 righty is an effortless skater who stays out of trouble, but there's still room for him to be a more assertive presence. Another season with Edmonton should breed the confidence and conditioning to execute to expectations, and given the year's talented pool of Canadian blueline prospects, I think Pysyk is one year away from making Team Canada.

The key for Pysyk is to stay healthy. The OK's all-situations player, who is logging loads of ice time but has yet to record a goal, is not known for his offensive ability but rather as a safe, high aptitude player. More body work and a more engaging physical style should be the trick to developing a blend that will place him in the thick of Canada's list for 2012.

Rimouski's Jerome Gauthier-Leduc earned a summer camp ticket as well, but really hasn't elevated his game to a level worthy of national team consideration. In short, the 18-year old is a savvy puck mover who needs to show the willingness to pay the price in his own zone on a more regular basis.

In an interview early this season, Gauthier-Leduc remarked how the freewheeling strategy employed in Rimouski was more suitable to his game. However, the entire club has just looked too casual in their own end as if the talented players were waiting for others to do the work. Not helping was an injury that caused him to miss the Canada/Russia Challenge and show what he could do outside of the Nics system. He has that Kris Letang package, but this season he's just not there yet so I don't expect him to get an invite on Monday.

If I had to send a third defenseman to camp, I'd opt for Matt MacKenzie ahead of Gauthier-Leduc. The fourth-year member of the Hitmen has been a steady, two-way presence on the league's worst team, but I'm not sure he has the juice to get a look from Hockey Canada.

If there was one Sabres prospect that stands out as a darkhorse to make the Selection Camp roster though, it would be Sudbury captain Marcus Foligno. Sure, it'd be quite the story book "new beginning" of sorts for he and new pal Kassian to team up in Buffalo, but how far of a longshot is it?

I mean, Clarke MacArthur squeezed his way onto Team Canada as a bottom-line player after not getting a summer invite, so why not a big kid who got an extra look in NHL training camp because he deserved it?

Canada will need an aggressive leadership element that can score ugly goals down low. Here is a guy that can do it. Kyle Clifford is in the NHL, and Brayden Schenn's immediate future with the Kings is a little muddy at the moment (after Oscar Moller was injured a couple seasons back on loan from the NHL, would the Kings want Schenn to play if he's still on their roster?). Maybe Portland's Brad Ross helps satisfy that agitation gap while adding some offensive spice, but Foligno is bigger, stronger, and has out-produced the WHL pest on a much-lesser squad.

Many have knocked Foligno's skating ability, but his legs are stronger and his feet have improved enough to make a difference down the wing. Good routes, good energy, good results. Winning teams need what he brings. If Hockey Canada sees his work ethic valuable, don't be surprised if the Buffalo-born dual citizen gets the well-earned look. I think he's at camp, but we'll see.

Good things happen when you're a Sabres prospect skating in the World Juniors. Upon return to the QMHL last season, Adam went on a scoring tear that almost saw him hit the 50-goal mark in the shortened schedule. Tyler Ennis closed strong after winning gold two years ago, while teammate Myers went back to become the most dominant junior player in all of Canada as the Kelowna Rockets surged to the Memorial Cup final.

11/27 Recap: Knapp shuts door; Foligno cooling?

Connor Knapp made a season-high 26 saves Saturday as #5 Miami avenged their previous night's loss with a 5-1 win over #19 Western Michigan. The Jr. netminder was beaten glove-side from the dot for a short-handed goal at the 9:00 mark of the opening period, then shut the door the rest of the way to elevate his season line to 3-2-3 with a 1.79 GAA and .915 save percentage. Knapp will take a two-game winning streak into next weekend's set with Notre Dame.

In other college action, Justin Jokinen contributed four shots on goal as Minnesota State earned the weekend sweep of Lowell with a 3-2 win. The hot-and-cold junior, who powered the Mavs with a Friday hat trick, has six goals and eight points through 14 season. The club will head home to Mankato next weekend  for the first time since October to host Minnesota.

Mark Adams punched four shots on goal as Providence edged Holy Cross, 2-1. The true freshman and only prospect yet to register a point this season was whistled for his fifth minor penalty of the season in the first period when he was called for boarding.

Brad Eidsness served as backup for the third straight game and sixth of the Sioux's last seven as #9 North Dakota played to a  2-2 tie with #11 Notre Dame. Sophomore Aaron Dell had another strong weekend in the Sioux crease, but there is a chance that Eidsness gets a look when they host unranked St. Cloud on Friday/Saturday.

Nick Eno served in his usual Saturday backup role as Bowling Green dropped a 3-2 decision to Rensselaer. Eno is the likely starter when the Falcons travel to Lake Superior on Friday.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian (-2) was held without a point as Windsor saw their three-game winning streak come to an end with a 5-2 loss to Saginaw. Despite the blanking, the 6'3 right wing remains the leading scorer for the Spits (14-10-0-1) while ranking 12th in the league with 35 points. Josh Shalla, who went undrafted last June after posting a 33-goal season, had four goals to pace the Spirit while Pittsburgh, PA native Vincent Trocheck ('11) collected four assists.

Marcus Foligno failed to hit the scoresheet as Sudbury got pounded by Owen Sound, 6-0. The Wolves (7-17-1-0) were outshot 48-25 in the loss. Going hard to the final horn, the 6'3 captain took a roughing penalty late in the third period to create a 5-3 disadvantage and the Attack's sixth goal. Quiet for the past two weeks, Foligno will carry a seven-game goalless streak into Sunday's match-up with London.

In the WHL, Mark Pysyk (+1) earned an assist as Edmonton handled Calgary, 3-1. Fellow 2011 draftee Matt MacKenzie (-1) picked up a power play assist for the Hitmen, who have now lost three straight. Oil Kings leading scorer Michael St. Croix ('11) tallied his 14th goal of the season unassisted in the opening frame to help the club to their third consecutive win. The WHL game drew 9.760 fans to the Saddledome. In Phoenix, the Yotes/Ducks contest was announced at 12,708...

Brayden McNabb notched an assist as Kootenay clobbered Seattle, 6-2. Despite only playing 16 games this season, the 6'4 Saskatchewan native still ranks 10th among league defenders with 15 assists.

Riley Boychuk picked up an assist as Portland stumbled to their second straight loss, 3-2 to Tri-City in a shootout. The Abbotsford, BC native has six goals and three assists this season while ranking third on the team in PIM with 53.

Corey Fienhage (-2) earned a power play assist as Kamloops was defeated by Prince George, 7-5. The game featured a wild middle period that saw five goals scored in the final seven minutes.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson (-1) recorded a hooking minor as Sioux Falls ended a three-games-in-three-nights run with a 3-2 shootout loss to Tri-City. Isackson, who was stopped in his shootout attempt, ends the weekend with one assist and seven shots on goal and has scored just one point in his last five games.

11/26 Recap: Jokinen first plays trick; Sundher torches 'Hawks

Welcome back.

Justin Jokinen scored his first career hat trick Friday as Minnesota State dumped Lowell, 8-3. Jokinen, who entered the game with three goals in 12 games, broke the seal with two goals in a span of 2:17 in the middle frame before later completing the trick before the period closed to give the Mavericks (3-6-4) a 6-2 lead heading into the final twenty. The junior raises his season goal total to six after posting three in each of his first two seasons in Mankato.

Drew MacKenzie scored his first goal of the season and added an assist as Vermont played to a 2-2 tie with Northeastern. The 6'2 defenseman scored the only goal of the first period when he snuck down for a back-door tip-in after the cycle Catamount forwards wore down the Huskies in their own end. An offensive minded rearguard, MacKenzie didn't score his first goal of last season until late January.

Nick Eno made 19 saves to earn his fourth win of the year as Bowling Green defeated Alabama-Huntsville, 5-1. The win was the 21st of Eno's four-year career and 800th in the history of the BGSU men's hockey program. The 6'3 netminder, who will likely sit take Saturday off when the Falcons play #17 RPI, will carry a 4-4 record and 2.90 GAA into next weekend's match-up with Lake Superior.

Brad Eidsness did not get the start as #9 North Dakota doubled up #11 Notre Dame, 6-3. Eidsness has started just one of the past six Sioux contests. That came last weekend when he was chased after allowing four goals through two periods in a 6-5 loss to UNO. There's no question the junior is mired in the deepest slump of his studded career with a 4.12 GAA and .805 save percentage while deferring to undrafted AJHL product Aaron Dell since Halloween.

Connor Knapp took his usual Friday backup spot as #5 Miami was defeated by #19 Western Michigan, 5-2. The 6'5 junior will step in fresh off last week's 35-save shutout of Bowling Green when the RedHawks look to earn the split on Saturday.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian (+2) scored a pair of second period goals helping Windsor to a 5-2 win over Oshawa. Kassian's markers, scored just 2:26 apart, give the signed prospect a season line of 11-24-35 in just 19 games thus far. Last season, Kassian scored 12-19-31 in 38 regular season games between Peterborough and Windsor. Niklas Jensen, a 6'3 wing eligible in 2011, picked up an assist for the Gens in the loss.

Gregg Sutch scored his fourth goal of the year as the CHL's #1 ranked Mississauga Majors defeated Barrie, 7-4. The goal gives the tough forward 15 points on the year, equal to his previous career best set in 2008-09.

Marcus Foligno assist on the lone Wolves goal as Sudbury came up short against Sault Ste. Marie, 3-1. Foligno nearly tied the game in final minute of play when he clanged a shot the pipe. After 22 games, the 6'3 captain has 12-14-26 to co-lead the Wolves (7-16-1-0) in scoring.

Steven Shipley did not factor as Niagara dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Ottawa. The 6'3 center has gone four consecutive games without a point to keep his season numbers at 7-11-18 through 22 games.

In the WHL, Kevin Sundher had two goals including the game winner and two assists as Chilliwack defeated the CHL's #2 ranked Portland Winterhawks, 7-2. With five goals and five assists in his last five games, Sundher now has 26 points (9+17) in 22 season contests. Riley Boychuk finished -2 for Portland while continuing to stock pile rugged minors with the addition of a high sticking and roughing calls to his season resume. The 6'4 forward leads all Sabres prospects this season with 53 PIM.

Mark Pysyk (+2) hit for two assists as Edmonton downed Vancouver, 6-4. The smooth-skating defender has seven assists on the year but is still looking for his first goal. Last season, Pysyk amassed a line of 7-17-24 in 48 games before suffering a season ending foot injury.

Matt MacKenzie posted two assists as Calgary lost to Red Deer, 4-3. The lowly Hitmen sit with a 6-18-0-1 record after 25 games, worst in the WHL and fourth from the bottom of the entire CHL ahead of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar and the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL and the OHL's Barrie Colts.

Brayden McNabb finished -1 as #9 ranked Kootenay was shut out by Tri-City, 4-0. The 6'4 rearguard has two goals and 14 assists in 15 games this year despite missing eight games with a shoulder injury.

Corey Fienhage skated -1 as Kamloops earned a 4-3 shootout win over Spokane.The Blazers are currently tied with Sundher's Bruins for third place in the B.C. Division with 27 points.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson (-2) did not register a point as Sioux Falls was defeated by Green Bay, 4-3. On Thursday night, Isackson contributed an assist and six shots on goal as the Stampede rolled past Omaha, 3-1. Through 16 games, the budding Gopher commit and USHL rookie has four goals and 13 points for the second place Stampede (10-6).

Also from Thursday, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc rolled zeros as Rimouski was downed by Quebec, 5-2. The Oceanic mustered just 13 shots on goal in the game, with a whopping zero in the third period. Heading into to the game, JGL had one goal and two assists in his three games since returning from a three-game injury absence.

11/15 Recap: Foligno's shootout winner ices OHL win

Sudbury’s Marcus Foligno scored the game-winning shootout goal Monday as Team OHL defeated Russia in Game #4 of the Subway Super Series, 2-1. Like Foligno, Windsor forward Zack Kassian was held without a point in regulation. Unlike Foligno, he missed his shootout attempt prior to the winner being cashed.

Foligno’s deke-to-backhand roofer brought the house down in front of his hometown Sudbury crowd. With the victory, the OHL tied the series 2-2, after Russia swept the first two against the QMJHL.

In the WHL, Riley Boychuk sat out Portland’s 6-3 win over Moose Jaw with the flu.

11/14 Recap: McNabb dominant; Foligno, Kassian to team-up on Russians

Brayden McNabb was a force on Sunday, uncorking three assists and a controlling +5 rating as Kootenay dumped Calgary, 6-2. The 6’4 defenseman now has a goal and 11 assists through eleven WHL contests and looks to be in prime position for an invite to Team Canada’s Selection Camp for the U20 World Juniors. Matt MacKenzie (-3) posted an assist for the Hitmen, who saw their winless skid hit a franchise record twelve games. Entering the game, MacKenzie was one of just two Calgary skaters rated even or better in the +/- column. They are now down to one.

Also from the Dub, Corey Fienhage skated even as Kamloops downed Everett, 3-1. The Blazers will take a two-game winning streak into Friday’s game at Everett.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno continued his strong play of late, garnering two assists in Sudbury’s 5-2 loss at Guelph. Foligno’s helpers escalate his point total to 24 (12+12) through 18 games for the lowly Wolves (5-14-1-0). Last season, the grinding captain totaled 14 goals and 39 points in 67 OHL games.

Foligno and OHL mate Zack Kassian will team-up on Monday for Game #4 of the Canada/Russia Super Series in Sudbury. It is expected that Kassian will be an assistant captain for Team OHL when they take the ice for a 7:00 start.