Steven Shipley scored his 10th goal of the year Saturday as Niagara earned a key road win over Owen Sound, 5-2. The game was Shipley's first against his former teammates after a September exchange since him south to St. Catharines. Ryan Strome ('11) scored his 19th of the season for the IceDogs, who will now break until their game against Oshawa on the 29th.
In the WHL, Brayden McNabb extended his point streak to seven games with an assist while earning his second fighting major of the year as Kootenay coughed up a loss to Red Deer, 6-4. The Ice held a 4-1 lead after the opening twenty minutes before allowing the Rebs to shut them out with five unanswered goals the rest of the way. The Kootenay captain was ornery throughout, earning 19 minutes in penalties including five for dropping his gloves with 6'2 Josh Cowen in the second period.
Also from the Dub, Riley Boychuk was -1 with a slashing minor as Portland stumbled against Seattle, 4-2. For the second straight night, the 6'5 forward took a penalty that resulted in a power play goal against.
Mark Pysyk finished +1 as Edmonton was defeated by Saskatoon, 4-2. Brent Benson ('11) had a pair of goals to pace the winning Blades.
Corey Fienhage finished -1 with a roughing minor as Kamloops was upended by Prince George, 3-2.
In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc had an assist in Rimouski's 2-1 overtime win over Baie-Comeau. After scoring 20 goals last season, the 6'2 right-hander has just four through his first 31 games and none in his last eleven.
In the college ranks, Brad Eidsness earned the exhibition nod, making 21 saves in his first start since November 19th as North Dakota defeated the Team USA U18's, 2-1. Eidsness made several key saves as the game wore on, earning the praise of his teammates and coaches in post-game interviews below. Eidsness starts things off for the first 2+ minutes. UND coach Dave Hakstol later speaks.
Drew MacKenzie (injured, day-to-day) did not play as Vermont lost at St. Lawrence, 6-4.
In the USHL, Christian Isackson contributed four shots on goal as Sioux Falls lost in a shootout to Fargo, 4-3. The 6'0 pivot was stopped at the third Herd shooter to end the game.
Gregg Sutch scored his fifth goal of the season Friday as Mississauga clobbered Sudbury, 9-4. Ranked #2 in the most recent CHL rankings, the Majors (27-4-0-1) move on to a Sunday meeting with Kingston. The Wolves were playing without captain Marcus Foligno, who of course will be away for the next three weeks as Team Canada competes for the 2011 World Junior Championship.
Elsewhere in the OHL, Steven Shipley picked up an assist as Niagara destroyed Barrie, 10-0. Shipley, who watched as 13 different teammates collaborated for nine goals before finally checking in with a power play helper at 5:41 of the third period, now has 26 points (9+17) at the 30-game mark.
In the WHL, Brayden McNabb extended his point-streak to six games by picking up an assist as Kootenay shot past Red Deer, 4-1. The steady 6'4 defender has nine points (3+6) over the stretch. The Ice (23-9-1-2) were ranked #8 in this week's CHL rankings.
Kevin Sundher set up the game's only goal on the power play as Chilliwack edged Edmonton, 1-0. Sundher is now ranked 8th in the WHL in PP assists, with 14 of his 24 season helpers coming with the man advantage. Meanwhile, only two of his 11 goals have come in that capacity. Mark Pysyk played even in his return to the Oil Kings lineup after a long week of travel and nervous energy trying to make Canada's U20 squad.
Corey Fienhage posted his sixth point of the season as Kamloops lost to Prince George, 3-2. The 6'4 defenseman has nine points, all assists, in 71 games played over his three seasons since leaving high school. He last scored a goal on April 5, 2008 as a member of the USHL's Indiana Ice.
Matt MacKenzie finished -1 as Calgary was defeated by Kelowna, 5-1. The Hitmen are now off until the 28th when they take on Brandon.
In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished +1 with two shots on goal as Rimouski earned a 3-2 win over lowly Baie-Comeau. The offensive-minded defenseman has gone ten straight games without scoring a goal.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc contributed two shots on goal Thursday as Rimouski defeated Chicoutimi, 3-2. After averaging .676 points-per-game last year in Rouyn-Noranda, the 6'2 defenseman has shown a slight drop-off to .655 this season with the Nics.
In Wednesday action, Riley Boychuk assisted on the game-winning goal as Portland edged Kamloops, 5-4. The power-play apple was Boychuk's 17th point of the season. Corey Fienhage finished -1 for the Blazers.
Kevin Sundher (-1) saw his four-game point streak snapped in Chilliwack's 3-1 loss to Red Deer. The 6'0 center is currently trending for a 79-point finish in 2010-11.
Brayden McNabb posted an assist in his first game back from Selection Camp as Kootenay defeated Calgary, 3-2. Matt MacKenzie (-1) earned his second fighting major of the season in the loss when he took on 6'2 Matt Fraser late in the first period.
On Tuesday, MacKenzie earned an assist as the Hitmen scored three unanswered goals to overcome Chilliwack, 3-2. Kevin Sundher posted an assist for the Bruins in the loss.
Thanks to reader Jason I. for sending this interview clip of Marcus Foligno. He writes:
I was wondering if you had seen an interview with Marcus Foligno that has shown up on the internet. It comes from a show called 10 Minute Major. I guess it airs on the radio in northern Ontario. Anyways, their first guest was Marcus Foligno. They talk about Sabres Camp, becoming a captain, and being coached by his father. They even talked about how the passing of his mother effected his game, and how he has improved his scoring touch. I thought you would enjoy it.
As I stated in my reply, Marcus is a great kid who works his tail off and deserves all the good things that come to him. I'm really looking forward to his first Foligno leap in blue and gold. Enjoy the interview as I did.
Congratulations to Sabres prospects Zack Kassian and Marcus Foligno for being named to Canada’s 2011 National Junior Team. The right wing combo will wear the maple leaf sweater starting December 26 when the World Junior Championship kick-off at HSBC Arena.
Acquired via the 2009 draft, both 6’3 forwards have been carving up the Ontario Hockey League this season. Kassian, who leads the Windsor Spitfires with 15 goals and 48 points, is currently ranked fifth in OHL scoring and is on pace to be the first Sabres prospect to eclipse the 100-point mark since Dylan Hunter did it in 2004-05 and 2005-06 with the London Knights.
Foligno has blossomed this season as captain of the Sudbury Wolves, potting a career-best 15 goals and team-leading 33 points. Inside of that is a league-leading four short-handed marks. He was the star of the camp scrimmages with three goals, an assist, and a collection of solid hits that left a few players sore. Speculation was that Foligno could lend a hand in the dirty areas of the ice, and it seems that the Hockey Canada brass took notice.
At the 2009 draft, then-Sudbury coach (and former Sabres captain) Mike Foligno said that the Sabres drafted the two toughest kids in the “O”. Canada was expected to bring the beef in hopes of reclaiming the gold from the United States, and they got plenty of it with these two Sabres hopefuls.
One of the best parts of the story is that Kassian and Foligno have become good friends since entering the organization together. The comaraderie only gets deeper as the two work together over the next month to achieve what should be their first of many common goals. The new pals join Luke Adam, Tyler Ennis, and Tyler Myers as recent Sabres prospects to skate for the Canadian National Junior Team.
Buffalo’s first pick this past June, Mark Pysyk of the Edmonton Oil Kings, showed off his skating and intelligence in the three selection camp contests but was released from the squad as part of Wednesday’s final cuts. The Oil Kings captain returns to the WHL with a goal, 13 assists, and a +8 rating through 24 games. Fellow Western Leaguer Brayden McNabb of the Kootenay Ice was among Tuesday’s first wave of cuts.
For more on the story, please rewind a bit to read my thoughts before the camp roster was announced. At the time, Foligno was considered a longshot to make the team. My how things change in a few short weeks.
Brayden McNabb was returned to the Kootenay Ice Tuesday morning as Team Canada trimmed their National Team Selection Camp roster by nine players. The 6'4 defenseman, who spent the majority of the action paired with OHLers Ryan Ellis and Ryan Murphy, registered one assist in two intrasquad games. The Ice captain returns to the WHL with four goals, 23 points, and a +14 rating in 21 games this season.
Canada's boasts a strong fleet of defensemen, and their recent emphasis on mobile puck movers could explain why he was sent home while younger, less experienced blueliners like 2010 first-rounder Mark Pysyk remain with the team.
Marcus Foligno, the star of Sunday night's contest, and Zack Kassian remain among the forward hopefuls.
Windsor Spitfires forward Zack Kassian scored an even strength goal Monday as Team White toppled Team Red 7-5 in the final intrasquad scrimmage at Canada's National Junior Selection Camp. The 6'3 Kassian, again skating on a line with Michael Bournival (MTL) and Sean Couturier ('11), finished a play started by Spits teammate Ryan Ellis to tie to game 2-2 at :51 of the second period.
Red's Marcus Foligno posted a primary assist in the first period to give him two goals and an assist in the two camp contests, while 2009 third-rounder Brayden McNabb earned an assist on a first period power play for Team White. McNabb, the 6'4 captain of the WHL's Kootenay Ice, was tabbed for the exhibition shootout at the end of the game but was stopped by Coyotes prodspect Mark Visentin.
Edmonton Oil Kings captain Mark Pysyk skated for Red, earning a hooking minor early in the third period that was killed off.
Selection camp action closes Tuesday when Canada ices a roster against a team comprised of CIS players.
It's going to be difficult keeping Sudbury captain Foligno off the National Junior Team roster. An underdog entering camp, the 6'3 grinder has used his body in all three zones while executing quite well offensively on a line with Riley Sheahan (DET) and Curtis Hamilton (EDM). Canadian coach Dave Cameron called Foligno "the biggest surprise of camp" heading into Monday's game.
Along with Foligno, Kassian has maintained an inside track heading into final cutdown. One of the biggest players in camp, the Spits top point-getter is expected to be a physical scoring line leader when the tournament begins on the 26th. Wearing the maple leaf sweater would complete a nice turnaround for the 2009 first-rounder after failing to receive a selection camp invite a year ago.
The Sabres two camp rearguards, Pysyk and McNabb, remain in a pool of players fighting for what appears to be the #6 and #7 spots behind incumbents Ryan Ellis (NSH), Jared Cowen (OTT), Calvin de Haan (NYI), and first-rounders Erik Gudbranson (FLA) and Dylan Olsen (CHI). I like McNabb's blend of size, experience, and two-way competence as deciding factors if smaller players like Tyson Barrie (COL) and 17-year olds Ryan Murphy and Ryan Murray can't jump up and take a job, but there are no guarantees.
With the slick skating Pysyk looking more like a no-brainer for 2012 consideration when the tourney hits his home turf of Edmonton/Calgary, I'm looking at McNabb versus 6'4 Simon Despres (PIT) for at least one of those bottom spots. Both could be plenty effective in a limited role, and could provide a more physical dimension than Jesse Blacker (TOR), an experienced OHLer who was a +46 two seasons ago as a member of the Memorial Cup winning Spitfires.
Gregg Sutch (+3) posted a pair of assists and a fighting major Sunday as Mississauga defeated Barrie, 6-3. The helpers move Sutch's season line to 4-14-18 +15, which should be considered a solid contribution from a role player on a strong junior club. With just under five minutes to play in the game, the 6'2 forward engaged feisty 5'8 defenseman Norm Ezekiel for his fourth scrap of the year and a new career-high in penalty minutes with 58.
In the WHL, Matt MacKenzie collected a power play assist as Calgary pitched a 2-0 shutout of Red Deer. With a total of 12, MacKenzie is currently tied with fellow 2010 third-rounder Kevin Sundher for 13th overall in the WHL in power play assists. The 6'2 defenseman has gathered two goals and 17 points in 30 games played this season.
Drew MacKenzie finished even with a shot on goal as Vermont earned their second win of the season by taking down #19 Dartmouth, 6-5. Despite the team's struggles, the offensive-minded MacKenzie's .36 p/gp production (14GP 1+4) remains relatively flat after marks of .27 and .39 in his first two collegiate seasons.
In the WCHA, Justin Jokinen recorded two shots on goal as Minnesota State was swept by #5 North Dakota, 4-2. Junior goaltender Brad Eidsness again rode the Sioux bench, and has now started just one of their last twelve games since getting one win in his first four outings. In his first two NCAA seasons, Eidness posted back-to-back 24-win campaigns.
Christian Isackson did not play as Sioux Falls ended a four-game skid with a 4-3 win over Des Moines. Buffalo native Anthony Day had a goal for the Herd.
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.
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.
