Foligno nets pair to lead Team Red to Canadian camp victory

Marcus Foligno scored a pair of goals Sunday to lead Team Red to a 4-1 win over Team White at the opening scrimmage of Team Canada's Selection camp for the 2011 World Junior Championship.

Foligno was an absolute stud throughout the contest, working hard with linemates Riley Sheahan (DET) and Curtis Hamilton (EDM) to get the puck deep while using his strength to create offense near the paint. The 6'3 wing scored the game's first goal :42 into the second period when he potted a backhander past Calvin Pickard from the edge of crease, and nearly had another off a tip later in the frame. The potential bottom-liner would again connect when he stole the puck from Erik Gudbranson and iced the game with a breakaway goal in the game's final minute. The physical contest featured a few good licks, one of which was Foligno laying out Casey Cizikas with a booming open-ice hit.

Joining Foligno on Team Red was Buffalo's 2010 first-rounder, Mark Pysyk. The 6'1 right-hander was paired with 2010 Team Canada member Calvin de Haan (NYI), and did not factor into any of the four Red goals.

Sabres prospects Zack Kassian and Brayden McNabb competed for Team White, who outshot Red by a 30-27 margin. Kassian manned the right side of a line centered by Sean Couturier ('11) opposite Michael Bournival (MTL) of the Shawinigan Cataractes, while McNabb was paired with Kassian's Windsor teammate, Ryan Ellis (NSH). McNabb was on the ice for White's only goal scored by Habs prospect Louis Leblanc, but like Kassian, did not register a point in the intrasquad contest.

The two teams will rematch Monday night at 7:00. On Tuesday, a shortended stack will suit up against a team of Canadian university players before the Canadian brass begins their cutdown process.

Sundher, Boychuk producing as quartet departs

Kevin Sundher scored two goals Saturday including one on the penalty kill to lead Chilliwack to a 4-1 win over Medicine Hat. The center now has 11 goals and 33 points through 28 games for the Bruins (15-12-3), including 7+9 in his last ten, and two goals and three assists in three games played this past week.

Riley Boychuk scored his ninth of the year and added an assist as Portland defeated Prince George, 7-4. Boychuk's power play tally tied the game at 2:26 of the third period. Five minutes later he connected Taylor Peters for the game winning goal, allowing him to match Sundher's production with two goals and three assists in the week's three games.

Other than that, it was a pretty mellow Saturday for the Sabres prospects ranks as Zack Kassian, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, and Mark Pysyk sat out their teams games (all wins) to be in Toronto for the Canadian Selection Camp, while inclement weather knocked three others out of action.

Steven Shipley didn't factor into the scoring as Niagara cruised to a 8-3 win over Barrie.

Corey Fienhage was even as Kamloops got clobbered by Spokane, 10-5.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc contributed one shot on goal as Rimouski edged Val-d'Or, 2-1.

Mark Adams was +1 as Providence defeated Quinnipiac, 5-2.

Bowling Green's Nick Eno remained the Saturday night back-up as the Falcons were swept by Ohio State, 4-2.

Brad Eidsness and Justin Jokinen were forced to change their weekend plans as the #5 North Dakota/Minnesota State game was rescheduled to Sunday due to the snowstorm dumping on the upper Midwest.

The same blizzard prevented Christian Isackson and the Sioux Falls Stampede from playing their game with Sioux City.

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In Friday action, Matt MacKenzie scored a goal and two assists, including one to spring the game-winner, as Calgary defeated Regina in overtime, 4-3. MacKenzie forced the OT session when his slapshot rebounded off the end boards and deflected off the goalie into the net for his second goal of the season. The excellent effort earned him the game's #1 star en route to the last place Hitmen winning their eighth game of the year.

Riley Boychuk scored an empty-net goal, his eighth of the year, as Portland defeated Prince George, 8-3. Earlier in the game, the 6'5 scrapper tangled with 6'1, 195-pound Jesse Forsberg. Decision to the bigger guy.



Kevin Sundher notched an assist as Chilliwack skated to a 4-3 win over Lethbridge.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc posted a pair of third period assists to spark Rimouski to 5-4 come-from-behind win over Val-d'Or.

Steven Shipley picked up an assist as Niagara defeated Sudbury, 5-1. Marcus Foligno (-1) failed to register a point in his final game before departing for Toronto.

Brayden McNabb finished -1 as Kootenay lost to Moose Jaw, 6-4.

Corey Fienhage was -1 as Kamloops defeated Swift Current, 3-2.

Nick Eno made 26 saves as Bowling Green lost in overtime to Ohio State, 4-3.

Justin Jokinen (-2) punched two shots on goal as Minnesota State lost to North Dakota, 4-3. Sioux netminder Brad Eidsness served as backup to Aaron Dell for the sixth straight game.

Gregg Sutch was -1 as Mississauga defeated Oshawa, 3-2.

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On Thursday, Zack Kassian fetched two assists as Windsor slid past Sualt Ste. Marie, 4-3. The helpers upped Kassian's line to 15-22-48 through 25 games before leaving for Canadian Selection Camp on Saturday.

Steven Shipley had an assist and was stopped in his shootout attempt as Niagara lost a 2-1 decision to the Majors. Gregg Sutch did not produce any points or PIM in the victory.

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On Wednesday, Brayden McNabb (+2) added two assists to his season heap in helping Kootenay to a 5-0 win over Prince Albert.

Riley Boychuk notched two assits as Portland was throttled by Spokane, 9-2.

Edmonton captain Mark Pysyk and Calgary captain Matt MacKenzie each posted bagels as the Oil Kings defeated the Hitmen, 5-2.

Drew MacKenzie finished -1 with a shot on goal as Vermont was blanked by #1 Yale, 3-0.

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In Tuesday action, Kevin Sundher collected a pair of assists in Chilliwack's 5-4 loss to Swift Current.

Corey Fienhage was -1 as Kamloops lost to Vancouver, 3-0.

Mark Adams recorded his first career point, an assist, as Providence played to a 4-4 tie with Brown. The freshman defenseman was the final Sabres prospect to to get on the stat sheet in 2010-11.

Kassian eyes scoring title

Among the developing stories in all of junior hockey this season is the maturation of Buffalo Sabres 2009 draft pick, Zack Kassian. Some will say transformation, but I disagree. I won't sit here and claim that anyone thought he'd be a 100-point guy before leaving juniors, but the player that he's becoming and the way he's getting his points is what the Sabres envisioned when selecting a kid with 61 points and 13 fighting majors in his draft year.

Jim Parker of the Windsor Star is on the story with some solid analysis:

Kassian the fighter has dropped the gloves just three times this season and has been replaced by Kassian the scorer.

He has points in 21 of 24 games this season.

Eleven of those games have produced multi-point efforts, including five games with four points.

"I think the people who knew me growing up knew I had some skill," said Kassian, a Windsor Minor Hockey Association product.

He's now tied for fourth in league scoring with 46 points in 24 games heading into Thursday's game against the Sault Greyhoiunds at the WFCU Centre (7 p.m., Ca. 11, live blog at windsorstar.com).

And his 31 assists place him third in the league and just three points behind league scoring leader Shane Prince of Ottawa, who has played five more games.

"Zack Kassian is an elite passer," Jones said. "He's not on the radar in the league as far as an elite passer. He's got elite vision and with his strength he's able to protect the puck and keep his head on and swivel.

Kassian is on pace for 81 assists and 121 points, which would better the numbers put up by Taylor Hall last season when he shared the league's scoring title.

The Star article has some good quotes, so be sure to click and read the whole run. The goals Kassian refers to can be seen below.

(tap on the pads to anonymous commenter for clippage)

So....does anyone want to guess who's not going to Portland next year?

Shipley shaping up for IceDogs

Steven Shipley had a nice weekend for the Niagara IceDogs, ending a recent offensive drought with a three-point Friday and a game-winning goal the next night. After arriving in Saint Catharines via pre-season trade with Owen Sound, the 6'2 center-turned-wing has endured some early ups and downs but looks to have his game moving in the right direction.

I've talked about the need for Shipley to compete harder and move his feet, for doing this consistently could see him achieve the 85 point barrier. He's below that projected clip at that moment, but he's surrounded by a talented squad that is likely a year away from being serious contenders for the OHL crown.

The Standard put a little piece together following Shipley's weekend performance and talks about progress being made:

"He's moving his feet a lot more and concentrating on some of things we want him to do, and it's really paying off for him."

One of those things that Williamson and the IceDogs coaching staff wants to see more of is his shot. A natural centre turned winger this season, Shipley is known for his playmaking abilities.

"I moved him from centre to the wing, and Ship likes to make plays," Williamson said. I want him to shoot a lot more. I want him to get the puck to the net and use that shot of his."

Shipley admitted the shift from centre to the wing hasn't been easy.

"I played centre for most of my first two years in the league, so it has been a bit of an adjustment," said Shipley, who now has 23 points in 26 game. "When you've got great linemates like Strome and Freddie, they find you out there.

"I think the biggest thing for me is keeping my feet moving. I'm a bigger guy (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and I can't get caught flat-footed. The Sabres have told that my speed and quickness are the things I have to work on the most as well."

I've seen some uninspired hockey at times this season from the talented forward, but the story is far from written here as he is not up for review until spring 2012. For now though, the only expectation is that we see a sharper Shipley moving forward.

Pysyk claims WHL Player of the Week honors

Edmonton Oil Kings defenseman Mark Pysyk has been named the WHL's Player of the Week. Pysyk racked up six points and a +3 rating over the past week in two Oil Kings victories.

On Wednesday, December 1st, the Oil Kings hosted the Prince Albert Raiders at Rexall Place in Edmonton. Pysyk collected two assists and was named the games 1st Star as the Oil Kings succumb to the Raiders 5-4 in the shoot-out. On Friday, December 3rd, the Brandon Wheat Kings were in Edmonton to face the Oil Kings. Pysyk scored once, added three assists and was named the games 2nd Star as the Oil Kings doubled up the Wheat Kings 8-4.

Pysyk has racked up nine points in his last four games bringing his season point total to 14 (1 goal, 13 assists) in 23 games played. The Edmonton Oil Kings have gone undefeated through regulation in their last five games (4-0-0-1) and currently sit 5th in the WHL Central Division with a 12-14-0-2 record.

Pysyk, an 18 year old from Sherwood Park, AB, is playing his third full season with the Edmonton Oil Kings who made him their first ever selection at the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft taking the rear-guard 3rd overall. The 1st round – 23 overall selection of the Buffalo Sabres in the 2010 NHL Draft recently played for Team WHL at the Subway Super Series, while also being named to Team Canada's World Junior Selection Camp.

12/5 Recap: Foligno forgets funk; Kassian keeps clicking

Marcus Foligno snapped his 10-game goal drought in a big way Sunday afternoon, scoring his second hat trick of the season and adding an assist to lead Sudbury past Barrie, 5-3. Foligno scored one goal each on the power play, at even strength, and while short-handed to tie the Sabres prospects lead with 15 on the season, and propel the Wolves to their 10th win of the 2010-11 campaign. The shortie was his league-leading fourth of the year.

Zack Kassian turned it up in the third period, scoring a goal and an assist in just under three minutes as Windsor came from behind to close out Oshawa, 6-3. With 46 points (15+31), the 6'2, 226-pound Kassian is now tied for fourth overall in OHL scoring. Spencerport, NY native Shane Prince of the Ottawa 67's is the league leader with 49 (15+34).

Since the Monday announcement that four Sabres prospects would be attending Team Canada's Selection Camp, the quartet of Foligno, Kassian, Mark Pysyk, and Brayden McNabb have combined for nine goals, 14 assists, and a cumulative +10 rating in 11 games.

Elsewhere, Gregg Sutch got in his third fight of the season as Mississauga saw their 18-game unbeaten streak end with a 6-5 loss to Guelph. The Majors, who entered the game with a +56 goal differential, suffered just their third regulation loss of the season. Sutch battled Chris Van Laren early in the second after the pair met up for offsetting roughing minors near the end of the first. Here you go, savages. It's been a couple of weeks:



In a Sunday NCAA contest, Drew MacKenzie finished -1 as Vermont lost to #5 New Hampshire, 5-1. The tough start continues for the Catamounts (1-7-4) on Wednesday when they travel to #2 Yale.

12/4 Recap: Kassian re-Petes; McNabb pours pair as WJC camp looms

Zack Kassian continued his tear through the OHL Saturday, scoring two goals and two assists to lead Windsor to a 7-1 win over Peterborough. Kassian, who began last season as the Petes captain, posted his second four-point game in a week against his former club after a one goal, three assist effort in a 7-2 win last Sunday. He now has three goals and six helpers over his current three-game point streak.

In St. Catharines, Steven Shipley roofed the game winning goal as Niagara defeated Kitchener, 3-1. The power play marker, his ninth of the season, was his second goal in as many games and puts the fourth-rounder on a three-game point streak heading into Thursday's tilt with Canada's top junior club, Mississauga

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb doubled his season total with a pair of goals as Kootenay lost in overtime to Medicine Hat, 3-2. The 6'4 defender got the Ice on the board with a power play goal at 17:04 of the second period. Later in the third, McNabb would step out of the box after serving a delay of game penalty and immediately join the rush to bury a rebound with 7:51 left to force the OT. McNabb was mule as the game wore on, as the minor he served seemed as the only break he received in the final twenty minutes of play. The World Junior hopeful has points in three straight.

Kevin Sundher was in an ornery mood, picking up boarding, roughing, and high sticking minors as Chilliwack lost to Vancouver, 2-1. Sundher's quiet night snaps a six-game stretch over which he collected five goals and six assists to vault his way to a tie for #2 overall on the Sabres prospects scoring list with 1.12 points per game.

Riley Boychuk (-2) did not factor into the scoring as Portland was outgunned at Spokane, 4-3. The 6'5 grinder picked up a roughing minor in the loss to raise his prospect leading total to 61 PIM on the year.

Matt MacKenzie finished -3 as lowly Calgary lost to Kamloops in overtime, 3-2. Corey Fienhage (arm) suited up for the Blazers after being knocked him out of Friday night's game, finishing with a steady even rating.

In QMJHL action, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc notched another assist as Rimouski lost to the CHL's third-worst team Baie-Comeau, 3-2. The 6'2 defender has a line of 4-13-17 but has slid to a -10 rating through the first third of the season.

In NCAA play, Connor Knapp made 27 saves as #6 Miami rode an Alden Hirschfeld hat trick to take down #12 Notre Dame, 5-2. The 6'5 netminder, who made eight stops before the game was five minutes old, takes his record to 4-2-3 on the season, and currently leads the Sabres goaltending prospects with a 1.81 GAA and .918 save percentage.

Justin Jokinen contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota State defeated Minnesota, 2-1. The win, backboned by Phil Cook's 49 saves, gives the Mavericks their first ever sweep of the Gophers on home ice.

Nick Eno did not play as Bowling Green played to a 1-1 tie with Lake Superior. The 6'3 senior will take a 4-4-1 record, 2.66 GAA, and .902 save percentage into next weekend's set with Ohio State.

Brad Eidsness again served as backup as North Dakota rolled St. Cloud State, 6-2. Aaron Dell had to make 13 saves in the win, including just one in the third period, to get his sixth conference win of the season and 10th overall. Meanwhile Eidsness, who was an All-WCHA 2nd teamer last season after running up a streak of 38 consecutive starts, has played in just one of the last ten Sioux contests.

Mark Adams was scratched as Providence got shut down by Maine, 5-0. A freshman defenseman, Adams remains the only Sabres prospect yet to record a point this season.

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.