Mark Pysyk did not factor into the scoring Friday as Canada closed out the 2012 World Junior pre-competition schedule with a 5-3 loss to Sweden. With a 2-1 mark in the exhibitions, Canada will now retreat and look to fix their team defense in support of a blueline featuring seven tournament rookies (including Pysyk).
After Blues prospect Jaden Schwartz put Canada ahead 1-0 with eight minutes left in the first, Sweden stormed back to get three goals in the final three minutes of the period to take the lead into the intermission.
The Swedes would add another tally at 2:58 of the second before Ottawa prospect Mika Zibanejad capped the scoring in the game's final minute with his second of the night into an empty net.
It's still unclear as to the role Pysyk will play for Team Canada, but his smarts and feet should be an asset when the pucks start flying on the 26th.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Pysyk looking to establish himself on Canadian blue
Mark Pysyk was unable to crack the scoresheet Thursday as Canada continued their World Junior Championship pre-competition schedule with a 7-1 trouncing of Switzerland.
The 6'2 Pysyk, who absorbed an early jolt that nearly sent him into the Swiss bench, missed his check off a rebound on the lone Swiss goal in the first period, and seemed to see his minutes decrease as the game progressed. Granted Canada likely planned to get all seven dressed defenders some action, but many are wondering if the 2010 first-rounder will find himself in a battle for playing time when round robin play begins on the 26th.
Pysyk will look to affirm his top-six stature on Friday when Canada completes their exhibition run versus Sweden.
The 6'2 Pysyk, who absorbed an early jolt that nearly sent him into the Swiss bench, missed his check off a rebound on the lone Swiss goal in the first period, and seemed to see his minutes decrease as the game progressed. Granted Canada likely planned to get all seven dressed defenders some action, but many are wondering if the 2010 first-rounder will find himself in a battle for playing time when round robin play begins on the 26th.
Pysyk will look to affirm his top-six stature on Friday when Canada completes their exhibition run versus Sweden.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Armia finds net as Finns tune up
Joel Armia scored a goal Wednesday as Finland completed their World Junior Championship pre-work with a 3-0 win over Slovakia. The 6'3 wing scored the game's final goal when he accepted a pass from Miikka Salomaki and flipped it over the Slovakina netminder. Finland opens the 2012 World Junior Championship on the 26th versus Canada.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
12/17 Recap: Ship on course heading into break
Steven Shipley scored a goal and an assist Saturday as Niagara downed Sudbury, 3-1. The game's #2 star, Shipley now has goals in four straight games while collecting 11 of his 24 points this season during his current five-game point streak. Niagara is now off until the 28th when they face Owen Sound.
Alex Lepkowski scored his third goal of the year as Barrie lost to Ottawa, 6-4. Gregg Sutch assisted on the Lepkowski tally, his 12th point of the season, to end a four-game point drought. The Colts will battle Peterborough on Sunday before heading home for the Christmas break.
Colin Jacobs scored his second goal of the season as Seattle lost their handle in a 5-3 loss to Tri-City. Jacobs, who now has three points in five games since returning form injury, buried a one-timer to give the T-Birds a 3-0 lead heading into the second intermission. The game would turn from there with the Ams scoring five straight goals in the final twenty minutes to show why they're the CHL's #2 ranked team. Seattle returns from the holiday break for a home-and-home series with Everett starting on the 27th.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished +4 with an an assist as Rimouski edged PEI, 6-5. The mobile righty enters the break with an even 50 points (19+31), good for first among all QMJHL defenders. Rimouski visits Quebec City on the 27th to tangle with the league-leading Remparts.
Kevin Sundher notched an assist to extend his point streak to seven games as Victoria was clipped by Medicine Hat, 4-2. The recently inked center enters the holiday break as the WHL's fifth leading scorer with 55 points (21+34) in 35 games. The Royals will next face Portland on the 28th.
Dan Catenacci saw his five-game point streak come to an end as Owen Sound downed Kitchener, 3-1. The speedy center enters the midway point with 40 points (19+21). Owen Sound will next welcome the IceDogs to town on the 28th.
Justin Jokinen contributed two shots on goal as Minnesota State was defeated by Colorado College, 6-2. The senior has added a spark down the middle despite going seven games without a goal. The Mavs, who have now lost nine straight WCHA contests, will host the U.S. NTDP for an exhibition on the 30th.
Drew MacKenzie drew a power play assist in Vermont's 2-1 loss to St. Lawrence. The two-way senior defenseman has four goals and four assists in 14 games. Vermont will next face the Russian Red Stars in an exhibition on the 27th.
Brad Eidsness stopped all 14 shots he faced as North Dakota earned a 5-1 exhibition win over the Russian Red Stars. The Sioux will return from the Christmas break with a non-conference set against Harvard Dec. 30-31.
Alex Lepkowski scored his third goal of the year as Barrie lost to Ottawa, 6-4. Gregg Sutch assisted on the Lepkowski tally, his 12th point of the season, to end a four-game point drought. The Colts will battle Peterborough on Sunday before heading home for the Christmas break.
Colin Jacobs scored his second goal of the season as Seattle lost their handle in a 5-3 loss to Tri-City. Jacobs, who now has three points in five games since returning form injury, buried a one-timer to give the T-Birds a 3-0 lead heading into the second intermission. The game would turn from there with the Ams scoring five straight goals in the final twenty minutes to show why they're the CHL's #2 ranked team. Seattle returns from the holiday break for a home-and-home series with Everett starting on the 27th.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished +4 with an an assist as Rimouski edged PEI, 6-5. The mobile righty enters the break with an even 50 points (19+31), good for first among all QMJHL defenders. Rimouski visits Quebec City on the 27th to tangle with the league-leading Remparts.
Kevin Sundher notched an assist to extend his point streak to seven games as Victoria was clipped by Medicine Hat, 4-2. The recently inked center enters the holiday break as the WHL's fifth leading scorer with 55 points (21+34) in 35 games. The Royals will next face Portland on the 28th.
Dan Catenacci saw his five-game point streak come to an end as Owen Sound downed Kitchener, 3-1. The speedy center enters the midway point with 40 points (19+21). Owen Sound will next welcome the IceDogs to town on the 28th.
Justin Jokinen contributed two shots on goal as Minnesota State was defeated by Colorado College, 6-2. The senior has added a spark down the middle despite going seven games without a goal. The Mavs, who have now lost nine straight WCHA contests, will host the U.S. NTDP for an exhibition on the 30th.
Drew MacKenzie drew a power play assist in Vermont's 2-1 loss to St. Lawrence. The two-way senior defenseman has four goals and four assists in 14 games. Vermont will next face the Russian Red Stars in an exhibition on the 27th.
Brad Eidsness stopped all 14 shots he faced as North Dakota earned a 5-1 exhibition win over the Russian Red Stars. The Sioux will return from the Christmas break with a non-conference set against Harvard Dec. 30-31.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
12/16 Recap: Leduc leads Nics; streaks extend
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his 19th goal of the year and added an assist Friday as Rimouski rocked Chicoutimi, 6-1. The defender, who earned the game's #2 star in his first game back from Canada's world junior camp, struck with a pair of power play points just 55-seconds apart in the second period. The Nics welcome PEI to town on Saturday.
Dan Catenacci extended his season-high point streak to five games by earning an assist as Owen Sound lost at Sarnia, 5-3. The helper puts Catenacci at the 40-point mark (19+21) through his first 35 games. The Attack hosts Kitchener on Saturday.
In WHL play, Kevin Sundher earned an assist as Victoria was stopped in overtime by Lethbridge, 5-4. With 54 points through 34 games, Sundher remains on pace for a 100-point season. The nifty six-footer will look to make it points in seven straight when the Royals take on visit Medicine Hat on Saturday.
Nathan Lieuwen made 28 saves as Kootenay won in the shootout over Swift Current, 5-4. The slumping netminder gets the win to slightly improve his December numbers to a 3.48 goals against average and .881 save percentage in seven contests. Kootenay will now enter the holiday break with their next game set for Tuesday, December 27th against Lethbridge.
Colin Jacobs finished -2 as Seattle was defeated by a strong Tri-City club, 5-1. Jacobs earned a 10-minute misconduct early as poor discipline dogged the T-Birds. The two clubs will complete the home-and-home in Seattle on Saturday.
Justin Jokinen finished even as Minnesota State lost in overtime to Colorado College, 2-1. The senior looks set for the second half of the season after putting together a nice stretch of games at center leading up to the break. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.
Dan Catenacci extended his season-high point streak to five games by earning an assist as Owen Sound lost at Sarnia, 5-3. The helper puts Catenacci at the 40-point mark (19+21) through his first 35 games. The Attack hosts Kitchener on Saturday.
In WHL play, Kevin Sundher earned an assist as Victoria was stopped in overtime by Lethbridge, 5-4. With 54 points through 34 games, Sundher remains on pace for a 100-point season. The nifty six-footer will look to make it points in seven straight when the Royals take on visit Medicine Hat on Saturday.
Nathan Lieuwen made 28 saves as Kootenay won in the shootout over Swift Current, 5-4. The slumping netminder gets the win to slightly improve his December numbers to a 3.48 goals against average and .881 save percentage in seven contests. Kootenay will now enter the holiday break with their next game set for Tuesday, December 27th against Lethbridge.
Colin Jacobs finished -2 as Seattle was defeated by a strong Tri-City club, 5-1. Jacobs earned a 10-minute misconduct early as poor discipline dogged the T-Birds. The two clubs will complete the home-and-home in Seattle on Saturday.
Justin Jokinen finished even as Minnesota State lost in overtime to Colorado College, 2-1. The senior looks set for the second half of the season after putting together a nice stretch of games at center leading up to the break. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.
Friday, December 16, 2011
12/15 Recap: Ship carries load; Sundher signs
Steven Shipley tied a career high Thursday by collecting four points (1+3) as Niagara smoked Erie, 7-0. The 6'3 center, whose line with Andrew Agozzino and David Pacan combined for 12 points, ties a season best by extending his point streak to four games. Earlier in the day, a tweet was posted that was clearly addressed.
The IceDogs return to action Saturday versus Sudbury.
Elsewhere in the OHL, Dan Catenacci posted a goal, an assist, and a career-best +4 rating as Owen Sound downed Windsor, 6-4. Like Niagara's Shipley, the 5'10 speedster will look to extend his point streak to five games when the Attack travels to Sarnia on Friday.
Alex Lepkowski and Gregg Sutch were unable to get on the scoresheet as Barrie edged Mississauga, 2-1. The Colts will host Ottawa on Saturday.
On Wednesday, Kevin Sundher collected an assist as Victoria was doubled by Edmonton, 6-3. The Surrey native will look to make it points in six straight when the Royals visit Lethbridge on Friday.
***
The Sabres announced Thursday that they have signed Sundher to a three-year entry-level deal. The second of three third-round picks at the 2010 draft (75th overall), Sundher's quick start this season has seen him rise to become the all-time points leader for the WHL's Chilliwack/Victoria franchise.
From the Sabres website:
Lastly, enjoy a quick playlist of Sundher in action this season.
The IceDogs return to action Saturday versus Sudbury.
Elsewhere in the OHL, Dan Catenacci posted a goal, an assist, and a career-best +4 rating as Owen Sound downed Windsor, 6-4. Like Niagara's Shipley, the 5'10 speedster will look to extend his point streak to five games when the Attack travels to Sarnia on Friday.
Alex Lepkowski and Gregg Sutch were unable to get on the scoresheet as Barrie edged Mississauga, 2-1. The Colts will host Ottawa on Saturday.
On Wednesday, Kevin Sundher collected an assist as Victoria was doubled by Edmonton, 6-3. The Surrey native will look to make it points in six straight when the Royals visit Lethbridge on Friday.
***
The Sabres announced Thursday that they have signed Sundher to a three-year entry-level deal. The second of three third-round picks at the 2010 draft (75th overall), Sundher's quick start this season has seen him rise to become the all-time points leader for the WHL's Chilliwack/Victoria franchise.
From the Sabres website:
“Kevin’s a very good skater, whose offensive abilities make him a natural fit for our organization,” Regier said. “With his progression over the last few seasons, his fast start this year is a very positive sign for his development.”Here is Sundher's profile from the Spring 2011 Prospect Rankings:
Sundher (5’11”, 184 lbs., 1/18/92), in his fifth season in the Western Hockey League, is ranked sixth in the league in scoring with 52 points (21+31) in 32 games as a member of the Victoria Royals. In 247 WHL games with Victoria and the Chilliwack Bruins, Sundher has accumulated 229 points (89+140) and 294 penalty minutes.
The native of Surrey, British Columbia has improved his point totals in each of his five WHL seasons, finishing the 2010-11 campaign with career highs in points (76) and assists (52).
10) Kevin Sundher, C, Chilliwack Bruins (WHL), 2010 3rd round (75th overall)
Readers of this site knew who Kevin Sundher was before this season. Listed in the 2010 Draft Preview as my second option for the Sabres at #75, and seeing how my primary option (Minnesota C Max Gardiner) went at pick #74, it's safe to say I was happy when the Sabres landed Sundher with the 75th pick.
A highly touted player coming out of the bantam ranks, the 6'0, 193-pound pivot skated with a target on his back for two seasons for the sub-.500 Bruins, racking up 44 goals and an even 100 points before the Sabres even drafted him. The Surrey, B.C. native continued his trend in 2010-11, overcoming a slow start to finish 3rd in scoring for the Bruins with 24 goals and 52 assists (t15th in WHL).
Sundher really turned it on from late-October through early December, amassing 24 points in a 15-game stretch. In February, he collected points in 11-straight games to tie Kassian and McNabb for the longest streak of the season. With the year's momentum carrying into the postseason (3+4 in 5GP), it's reasonable to suggest that a quick start next season sees the playmaker become the third member of the class of 2010 to earn Team Canada consideration.
Sundher, who will skate for the relocated Victoria franchise in 2011-12, rates well in four key competencies required of a successful NHL forward – strength, smarts, skill, and determination. He is a gifted passer and an above average stickhandler, so now what you need to see is more tenacity. This isn't to say he's "passive", but given the Sabres need for natural centers to develop quickly, playing with more fire in his belly will accelerate his progress as he moves up a level against bigger players of equal talent.
Lastly, enjoy a quick playlist of Sundher in action this season.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Pysyk to play for Canada
Congratulations to Sabres 2010 first-rounder Mark Pysyk for being being chosen to represent Canada at the 2012 World Junior Championship. The 19-year old Edmonton native joins Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Luke Adam, Zack Kassian, and Marcus Foligno as recent Sabres prospects to skate for Canada's National Junior team at the prestigious under-20 event.
Pysyk (6'2, 188 pounds) has served as captain of the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings for the past two years. In 25 games this season, the right-hander has scored two goals and 18 points while gathering 47 penalty minutes and a +6 rating.
Missing the chance to skate in his future home arena as a final cut for the 2011 tourney in Buffalo, the steady leader now gets an opportunity to sport the maple leaf sweater in his hometown, in the very rink he's called home for the past four years - Rexall Place - home of the Oil Kings and NHL's Oilers.
Canada will make their tournament debut the day after Christmas when they take on Team Finland, which will feature Sabres 2011 first round pick Joel Armia as a top-six weapon.
Pysyk (6'2, 188 pounds) has served as captain of the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings for the past two years. In 25 games this season, the right-hander has scored two goals and 18 points while gathering 47 penalty minutes and a +6 rating.
Missing the chance to skate in his future home arena as a final cut for the 2011 tourney in Buffalo, the steady leader now gets an opportunity to sport the maple leaf sweater in his hometown, in the very rink he's called home for the past four years - Rexall Place - home of the Oil Kings and NHL's Oilers.
Canada will make their tournament debut the day after Christmas when they take on Team Finland, which will feature Sabres 2011 first round pick Joel Armia as a top-six weapon.
12/13 Recap: Lieuwen takes loss; Pysyk waits
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 26 shots Tuesday as Kootenay lost to Red Deer, 4-2. It wasn't the sharpest of efforts from Lieuwen, as the big backstop allowed the first Rebels goal from behind the net and the fourth after he misplayed a puck off the endboards. With the win, the Rebels snap a franchise record 13-game losing streak. Kootenay returns to action Friday when they host Swift Current.
Colin Jacobs picked up an empty-net assist as Seattle shut out Vancouver, 3-0. The game was scoreless for over 55-minutes before the T-Birds struck for three goals down the stretch to earn their second win in a row. With the helper, Jacobs now has two points and a shootout winner in three games. Jacobs will look for points in three straight when the Thunderbirds travel to Kennewick on Friday to take on the Americans.
At Team Canada's World Junior Junior Selection Camp, Mark Pysyk recorded two penalty minutes on a pair with London Knights defender Scott Harrington as the U20 hopefuls defeated the CIS All-Stars, 7-4. The CIS squad was comprised of players from the Universities of Calgary and Lethbridge. A final cut for the 2011 squad, Pysyk will now wait as Canada announces their final roster on Wednesday morning.
Colin Jacobs picked up an empty-net assist as Seattle shut out Vancouver, 3-0. The game was scoreless for over 55-minutes before the T-Birds struck for three goals down the stretch to earn their second win in a row. With the helper, Jacobs now has two points and a shootout winner in three games. Jacobs will look for points in three straight when the Thunderbirds travel to Kennewick on Friday to take on the Americans.
At Team Canada's World Junior Junior Selection Camp, Mark Pysyk recorded two penalty minutes on a pair with London Knights defender Scott Harrington as the U20 hopefuls defeated the CIS All-Stars, 7-4. The CIS squad was comprised of players from the Universities of Calgary and Lethbridge. A final cut for the 2011 squad, Pysyk will now wait as Canada announces their final roster on Wednesday morning.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Leduc lopped; Pysyk's prospects improve
Mark Pysyk and Jerome Gauthier-Leduc arrived in Calgary Saturday along with 39 others for the start of Hockey Canada's 2012 World Junior Selection Camp and the final leg in achieving a dream of every kid who ever laces them up in the Great White North.
After two scrimmages and a round of cuts, one Sabres prospect remains.
A favorite to crack Canada's top-six entering camp, Edmonton Oil Kings captain Mark Pysyk has continued his steady play through the Red/White tilts, maintaining good gaps and showing his smarts in all three zones while paired with Joe Morrow (game #1) and Nathan Beaulieu (game #2).
Pysyk generally limits his mistakes, making him the perfect type of rearguard for tournament play, but he did commit a turnover early that resulted in a power play opportunity for Team Red early in Sunday's contest. He did not earn a point in either game, but was on the ice for one goal against (right D #5 below - excuse poor quality).
As a whole it appears that the benching he received last week against Calgary (for play demmed "selfish" by EDM bench boss Derek Laxdal) has paid some dividends. Pysyk's feet and aptitude have stood out as they do on most nights. He simply looks bigger, stronger, and more ready than he was a season ago, likely solidifying his spot on the team as a solid minute-eater.
Unlike Pysyk who has a more complete two-way package, fellow White blueliner Leduc was brought to camp for one reason - offense. Leduc (#3), a mobile righty who leads all Canadian major-junior defensemen with 47 points, used his cannon shot to get an assist on the game winning goal in White's 3-2 opening night win on Sunday.
Leduc would again show his shot in White's 2-0 loss in game #2, firing a hard slapper off the pipe near the end of the game that resulted in him defending a 2x1 going back the other way (taking the pass away, leaving the goalie to take the shooter).
However when the calls were made Tuesday morning as Canada cut their roster down, Leduc was among the first to get sent home.
Given the depth of competition, the move was not surprising. Canada has some well-rounded options who can carry the full-time luggage, and it was going to be a hard sell putting Leduc in the top six.
Scanning the pool of candidates in the weeks leading up to camp, Leduc seemed more like an ideal #7 than a top-six guy; an ace offensive catalyst who can breathe life into a power play but likely not sturdy enough defensively for a leading role. Through two games he did little to separate himself from the pack.
Leduc's offensive package comes with some uneven play in his own zone that can make for some adventurous shifts. He can get in trouble against physical forwards, and can sometimes get ambitious with the puck as evidenced by an egregious turnover in game #2 that resulted in his defensive partner going to the box for tripping.
A season ago, the Sabres had four players at Canada's camp - Zack Kassian, Marcus Foligno, Pysyk, and Brayden McNabb. Kassian and Foligno made the squad while Pysyk made it to final cuts. McNabb was among the first to get the axe, and proceeded to go on a tear with points in seven straight games as Kootenay started its run to the Memorial Cup.
After two scrimmages and a round of cuts, one Sabres prospect remains.
A favorite to crack Canada's top-six entering camp, Edmonton Oil Kings captain Mark Pysyk has continued his steady play through the Red/White tilts, maintaining good gaps and showing his smarts in all three zones while paired with Joe Morrow (game #1) and Nathan Beaulieu (game #2).
Pysyk generally limits his mistakes, making him the perfect type of rearguard for tournament play, but he did commit a turnover early that resulted in a power play opportunity for Team Red early in Sunday's contest. He did not earn a point in either game, but was on the ice for one goal against (right D #5 below - excuse poor quality).
As a whole it appears that the benching he received last week against Calgary (for play demmed "selfish" by EDM bench boss Derek Laxdal) has paid some dividends. Pysyk's feet and aptitude have stood out as they do on most nights. He simply looks bigger, stronger, and more ready than he was a season ago, likely solidifying his spot on the team as a solid minute-eater.
Unlike Pysyk who has a more complete two-way package, fellow White blueliner Leduc was brought to camp for one reason - offense. Leduc (#3), a mobile righty who leads all Canadian major-junior defensemen with 47 points, used his cannon shot to get an assist on the game winning goal in White's 3-2 opening night win on Sunday.
Leduc would again show his shot in White's 2-0 loss in game #2, firing a hard slapper off the pipe near the end of the game that resulted in him defending a 2x1 going back the other way (taking the pass away, leaving the goalie to take the shooter).
However when the calls were made Tuesday morning as Canada cut their roster down, Leduc was among the first to get sent home.
Given the depth of competition, the move was not surprising. Canada has some well-rounded options who can carry the full-time luggage, and it was going to be a hard sell putting Leduc in the top six.
Scanning the pool of candidates in the weeks leading up to camp, Leduc seemed more like an ideal #7 than a top-six guy; an ace offensive catalyst who can breathe life into a power play but likely not sturdy enough defensively for a leading role. Through two games he did little to separate himself from the pack.
Leduc's offensive package comes with some uneven play in his own zone that can make for some adventurous shifts. He can get in trouble against physical forwards, and can sometimes get ambitious with the puck as evidenced by an egregious turnover in game #2 that resulted in his defensive partner going to the box for tripping.
A season ago, the Sabres had four players at Canada's camp - Zack Kassian, Marcus Foligno, Pysyk, and Brayden McNabb. Kassian and Foligno made the squad while Pysyk made it to final cuts. McNabb was among the first to get the axe, and proceeded to go on a tear with points in seven straight games as Kootenay started its run to the Memorial Cup.
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