12/29 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Sunday 12/29
WJC
USA defeated Germany 8-0
Stefan Matteau LW: E, 2 PIM (Roughing), 4 Shots
Steve Santini D: Goal (PP), +1, 2 PIM (Interference), 1 Shot

United States of Hockey

"7. Steven Santini (Grzelcyk, Kerdiles), 10:39 (pp) — On yet another power play, Team USA got experimental. Santini was put used as the net-front forward despite being a defensive defenseman. It paid off. Grzelcyk’s shot went off Santini’s shin pads for a goal.

Steven Santini — Again, Santini has been wow-worthy in his own zone. It’s tougher to gauge on a game like today’s, but he was solid throughout. When he got thrown out on the PP for the first time, probably all season, he got a goal. He’s been really good throughout the tournament, so it was nice to see him get on the score sheet."

KHL
Dinamo Minsk defeated Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod 4-0
Artur Gavrus F: E, 1 Shot, 9:36 TOI
Season: 22 GP 1-2-3, -2, 8 PIM, 3.3 SH%, 1.4 SH/GP, 45.5 FO%, 11:52 TOI/GP

QMJHL
Gatineau lost to Blainville-Boisbriand 6-4
Anthony Brodeur G: 26 Saves on 31 Shots
Season: 16 GP 7-7-0, 3.31 GAA, .873 SV%

OHL
Windsor defeated Saginaw 6-5
Ben Johnson LW: Goal (PP), +1
Season: 30 GP 16-9-25, +10, 10 PIM

Kingston lost to Belleville 9-6
Ryan Kujawinski C: -2
Season: 29 GP 14-11-25, -1, 27 PIM

NCAA
Ohio State defeated Mercyhurst 7-2
Curtis Gedig D: Goal (PP), -1, 3 Shots, 1 Block
Season: 16 GP 1-3-4, +5, 8 PIM, 3.7 SH%, 1.68 SH/GP, 27 Blocks

NCAA Exhibition
Harvard defeated Russian Red Stars 9-3
Alex Kerfoot C: Goal (PP), 3 Assists (2 PP), E, 1 Shot, 7/11 Faceoffs
Season: 10 GP 3-1-4, +5, 2 PIM, 17.6 SH%, 1.7 SH/GP

AHL
Albany lost to Bridgeport 3-2 (SO - 9 rounds). Scoring for the Devils was Sestito (Hrabarenka, Young) and Whitney (PP, Scarlett, Sislo). Wedgewood stopped 32 of 34 shots and 5 of 9 in the shootout. Albany was outshot 35-22 and went 1/5 on the PP and 4/4 on the PK. Whitney was 3rd star. Here is the gamesheet.


Stats:
Scott Wedgewood: 12 GP 6-5-1, 2.93 GAA, .881 SV%
Raman Hrabarenka: 20 GP 3-12-15, +1, 9 PIM, 8.57 SH%, 1.75 SH/GP
Joe Whitney: 31 GP 12-20-32, +3, 18 PIM, 13.95 SH%, 2.77 SH/GP
Reece Scarlett: 29 GP 4-8-12, +12, 16 PIM, 9.75 SH%, 1.41 SH/GP
Mike Sislo: 27 GP 9-11-20, +8, 14 PIM, 15.25 SH%, 2.18 SH/GP

ECHL
Elmira lost to Greenville 6-3
Maxime Clermont: DNP

12/28 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Saturday 12/28
WJC
USA defeated Slovakia 6-3
Stefan Matteau LW: Goal, +1, 2 PIM (Interference), 1 Shot
Steve Santini D: -1, 1 Shot

United States of Hockey

"Steven Santini — Once again, I thought Santini was Team USA’s best defender overall. His skating ability and physical play were out there for all to see in this game again. For a younger guy, he’s very smart and closes gaps so well.

Stefan Matteau — Matteau played physically and his strength on the puck was notable. He did score a goal on a nice finish from the slot."

My random thoughts from the early morning game:
-- Santini with his normal very effective but quiet game, moving the puck well and throwing a hit when the situation presented itself. Also, he wasn't on either of the PK units that got scored on. He did get beat 1 on 1 with 2 minutes left in the game in the corner that led to the 3rd Slovak goal. Other than that he was solid all game long.

-- Matteau with an eventful game, getting involved physically, took an interference penalty that I felt was a weak call as the Slovak player literally skated into Matteau who was spinning around behind the net in the 1st. Took an awkward open ice hit in the 2nd, stayed down for a few seconds but got up to finish his shift with a strong body check. Matteau earned a PP for the US early in the 3rd but had a nearly costly turnover on it that Gillies bailed him out on. Late in the period Matteau ripped a shot top shelf from the slot for the 5th US goal.

QMJHL
Gatineau defeated Blainville-Boisbriand 4-2
Anthony Brodeur G: DNP

OHL
Windsor defeated Saginaw 4-1
Ben Johnson LW: +2, 2 PIM (Slashing)

North Bay lost to Sudbury 4-2
Ben Thomson LW: Assist, E, 2 PIM (Hooking)

WHL
Swift Current defeated Moose Jaw 4-1
Graham Black C: DNP (Sick)

Kelowna defeated Vancouver 4-2
Damon Severson D: Assist (PP), -1
Myles Bell RW: -1

NCAA
Wisconsin defeated Alabama-Huntsville 3-2
Joe Faust D: +1, 3 Shots, 1 Block
Ohio State defeated Mercyhurst 6-3
Curtis Gedig D: E, 1 Shot, 2 Blocks

Michigan Tech lost to Western Michigan 1-0 (OT)
Blake Pietila LW: E, 2 PIM (Holding the Stick), 2 Shots, 5/8 Faceoffs

AHL
Albany defeated Portland 4-1. Scoring for the Devils was Whitney, Helgeson, Sislo, and Pelley (EN). Timmins had 2 assists and Scarlett, K. Zajac, and Pesonen also added an assist each. Kinkaid stopped 38 of 39 shots. The Devils were outshot 39-27 and went 0/8 on the PP and 3/3 on the PK. Kinkaid, Helgeson, and Whitney were the 3 stars. Here is the gamesheet.


Stats:
Keith Kinkaid: 18 GP 13-4-1, 1.92 GAA, .927 SV%, 4 SO - Leads AHL in GAA and SO
Joe Whitney: 30 GP 11-20-31, +4, 18 PIM, 13.09 SH%, 2.8 SH/GP
Scott Timmins: 16 GP 7-11-18, +8, 8 PIM, 19.44 SH%, 2.25 SH/GP
Reece Scarlett: 28 GP 4-7-11, +13, 16 PIM, 9.75 SH%, 1.46 SH/GP
Mike Sislo: 26 GP 9-10-19, +8, 12 PIM, 15.78 SH%, 2.19 SH/GP
Kelly Zajac: 24 GP 2-13-15, +6, 2 PIM, 7.40 SH%, 1.12 SH/GP
Harri Pesonen: 30 GP 5-10-15, +6, 30 PIM, 7.46 SH%, 2.23 SH/GP

ECHL
Elmira lost to Greenville 4-2
Maxime Clermont: DNP

12/27 Prospect and Albany Update

Friday 12/27
KHL
Dinamo Minsk lost to Ak Bars Kazan 2-1
Artur Gavrus C: E, 2 Shots, 0/1 Faceoff, 16:22 TOI

WHL
Swift Current lost to Moose Jaw 3-2 (SO)
Graham Black C: 2 Assists (1 PP), +1* 2nd Star

-- 5 assists in last 2 games.
-- 51 points in 37 games, 50 points in 68 games last year, 50 points in 71 games 2 years ago.

Kelowna defeated Kamloops 7-1 (13th straight win, 22nd of 23)
Damon Severson D: DNP (Rest after trip to Europe)
Myles Bell RW: Goal, +1

-- Bell has scored in 6 straight games. Has 8 goals, 3 assists in those 6 games.

NCAA
Wisconsin defeated Alabama-Huntsville 5-0
Joe Faust D: Assist, +2, 2 PIM (Cross-Checking), 1 Block

-- 8 points in 99 games in his first 3 years, 9 points in 15 games this year.

Michigan Tech tied Michigan State 2-2 (Played outdoors at Comerica Park)
Blake Pietila LW: -1, 2 PIM (Elbowing), 6 Shots, 10/11 Faceoffs

AHL
Albany defeated Adirondack 2-0. Scoring for the Devils was Timmins (Whitney, Hrabarenka) and McKelvie (EN, Sislo). Kinkaid stopped all 19 shots he faced for his league leading 4th shutout and now has a league leading 1.97 GAA. The Devils outshot the Phantoms 33-19 and went 0/7 on the PP and 4/4 on the PK. Kinkaid and Timmins were the top 2 stars. Here is the gamesheet.


Stats:
Keith Kinkaid: 17 GP 12-4-1, 1.97 GAA, .923 SV%, 4 SO - Leads AHL in GAA and SO.
Scott Timmins: 15 GP 7-9-16, +7, 8 PIM, 20.0 SH%, 2.33 SH/GP
Joe Whitney: 29 GP 10-20-30, +3, 16 PIM, 12.65 SH%, 2.72 SH/GP
Raman Hrabarenka: 18 GP 3-11-14, -1, 9 PIM, 8.57 SH%, 1.94 SH/GP
Mike Sislo: 25 GP 8-10-18, +6, 12 PIM, 14.54 SH%, 2.2 SH/GP

12/26 WJC, Albany, and Elmira Update

Thursday 12/26
WJC
USA defeated Czech Republic 5-1
Stefan Matteau LW: +1, 2 PIM (Slashing), 1/1 Faceoff
Steve Santini D: E

LW Matteau skated on a line with Andrew Copp ('13 4/104 WPG) and Hudson Fasching ('13 4/118 LAK) and was on the PP. D Santini was on a pair with Will Butcher ('13 5/123 COL) and played on the PK.

Chris Peters
"USA Standouts from Game 1 for me: Matteau-Copp-Fasching line, Barber, Grzelcyk, Santini, Skjei, Gillies, Eichel, Hinostroza."
"Stefan Matteau named Team USA's player of the game. Interesting choice, but his line with Andrew Copp, Hudson Fasching was fantastic."

Corey Pronman
Re Matteau: "Good speed & power. Didn't create a ton, but was semi-noticeable."
Re Santini: "He was solid. Mobile, physical, made stops, basic with the puck"

United States of Hockey Recap

Stefan Matteau — Matteau played with speed and physicality and was just a handful for the Czechs. He did take one penalty on an ill-advised slash, but mostly he played the way the U.S. needs him to.

Steven Santini — I thought Santini was fantastic throughout the game and made his often quiet defensive play noticeable. He had one iffy shift the whole game, I thought. He was physical, delivering the game’s biggest hit among others, and he showed his good defensive stick and positioning. His skating is an underrated asset of his as he closes in on opposing forwards quickly and finds himself in the right place a lot.

Check out his full post for a ton of game and player notes. I personally was really pleased with Matteau and Santini today. Matteau showed some great vision and was throwing his weight around with a purpose. Santini continued to show that he is as technically sound as they come. 

AHL
Twitter user @joshweissbock has created On/Off Ice Goal For% and Differentials (all situations) for a number of AHL and CHL teams. Here is a link to his look at the Albany Devils. I highly recommend giving him a follow for his work in hockey analytics for minor and junior hockey.

ECHL
Elmira lost to Reading 6-2
Maxime Clermont: 31 Saves on 37 Shots
Season: 12 GP 4-7-1, 3.54 GAA, .889 SV%

12/22 WJC Camp and Albany Update

Sunday 12/22
WJC Exhibition
USA defeated Finland 3-2
Stefan Matteau LW: E, 4 PIM (Tripping, Roughing), 5 Shots
Steve Santini D: E

Observations from the 1st period:
-- LW Stefan Matteau once again skated on a line with Andrew Copp ('13 4/104 WPG) and Hudson Fasching ('13 4/118 LAK). D Santini was on a pair with Will Butcher ('13 5/123 COL) again.

-- Matteau also got PP time with Jack Eichel (2015) and Ryan Hartman ('13 1/30 CHI) up front and Brady Skjei ('12 1/28 NYR) and Jacob Slavin ('12 4/120) at the points.

-- With D Brett Pesce ('13 3/66 CAR) being cut, Santini has officially made the team. The US is now set with their 3 goaltenders and 7 defensemen.

-- With C/RW Henrik Samuelsson ('12 1/27 PHX) cut, the US will need to cut one more forward. They are going to wait as long as possible to do that since forwards Adam Erne ('13 2/33 TBL) and Tyler Motte ('13 4/121) have been out sick. I think Matteau will make the team since he's been consistently used on the 3rd line with the same linemates.

Team Canada Note:
-- Apparently D Matt Dumba may be facing a suspension for a hit earlier today. Canada is already going to be missing D Griffin Reinhart for their first 3 games from a carry over suspension from last year. There appears to be a *small* chance that Damon Severson could be recalled since Sutter would rather not go with 5 D for potentially the first 3 games if Dumba gets suspended.

AHL
Albany lost to Bridgeport 4-3. Scoring for the Devils was Pesonen (Hoeffel), Timmins (SH, McKelvie), and Hoeffel (PP, Whitney, Burlon). Wedgewood stopped 22 of 26 shots. Albany was outshot 26-15 and went 1/6 on the PP and 8/11 on the PK. Here is the gamesheet.

Stats and Streaks:
Scott Wedgewood: 11 GP 6-5-0, 3.05 GAA, .873 SV%
Harri Pesonen: 28 GP 5-9-14, +5, 30 PIM, 8.47 SH%, 2.1 SH/GP
Harri Pesonen: 3 goals, 2 assists in last 3 games.
Scott Timmins: 14 GP 6-9-15, +6, 6 PIM, 18.75 SH%, 2.28 SH/GP
Joe Whitney: 28 GP 10-19-29, +2, 16 PIM, 13.15 SH%, 2.71 SH/GP

12/21 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Saturday 12/21
QMJHL
Gatineau defeated Val-d'Or 4-2
Anthony Brodeur G: DNP
Season: 15 GP 7-6-0, 3.17 GAA, .877 SV%

World Junior Championship Division 1A
Belarus lost to Latvia 4-3
Artur Gavrus C: 2 Goals (1 PP), +1, 4 Shots, 10/20 Faceoffs
Final Tournament Stats: 5 GP 5-6-11, 0 PIM, +6, 29 Shots, 62.5 FO%

-- Gavrus led the WJCD1A Tournament in scoring for the 2nd year in a row. In those 2 years he played a total of 10 games with 10 goals, 11 assists, and +13 rating. He also captained Belarus for both of those years.

-- Besides being the scoring leader, Gavrus finished 2nd in goals (5), t-1st in assists (6), 1st in shots (29), 2nd in +/- (+6), and 4th in FO% (62.5).

AHL
Albany lost to Binghamton 3-2 in OT but kept their 9 game point streak alive. Timmins also returned to the line up for the 1st time in nearly a month and a half. Pesonen scored twice for the Devils with K. Zajac, Timmins, and Hrabarenka picking up the assists. Kinkaid stopped 26 of 29 shots. Here is the gamesheet.

Stats and Streaks:
Keith Kinkaid: 16 GP 11-4-1, 2.09 GAA, .919 SV%, 3 SO
Harri Pesonen: 2 goals, 2 assists in last 2 games.
Raman Hrabarenka: 3 goals, 7 assists in his 8 game scoring streak.

ECHL Saturday
Elmira lost to Cincinnati 5-4 (OT)
Maxime Clermont: DNP
Season: 11 GP 4-6-1, 3.30 GAA, .895 SV%

12/20 Prospect, WJC Camp, and Elmira Update

Friday 12/20
QMJHL
Gatineau lost to Rouyn-Noranda 5-4 (OT)
Anthony Brodeur G: 14 Saves on 15 Shots in 33:36 (Relieved Steeves)
Season: 15 GP 7-6-0, 3.17 GAA, .877 SV%

OHL
Windsor defeated Saginaw 11-6
Ben Johnson LW: 2 Goals, 2 Assists, +4* 2nd Star
Season: 28 GP 15-9-24, +7, 8 PIM

Kingston defeated Ottawa 8-5
Ryan Kujawinski C: Goal (PP), +1, 5 PIM (Fighting)
Season: 28 GP 14-11-25, +1, 27 PIM

-- 2 goals, 3 assists in last 3 games.

WJC Camp Notes:
-- LW Stefan Matteau once again skated on a line with Andrew Copp ('13 4/104 WPG) and Hudson Fasching ('13 4/118 LAK). D Santini was on a pair with Will Butcher ('13 5/123 COL). USA lost an exhibition match to Sweden 4-2. (Source)

-- RD Damon Severson was the last D cut from Team Canada following a 4-2 exhibition win over Finland. He was used as the 7th D and hardly played. The Minnesota Wild allowing RD Matt Dumba to go to the WJC definitely impacted Severson's chances of making the final roster.

ECHL
Elmira lost to Cincinnati 5-0
Maxime Clermont: 26 Saves on 31 Shots
Season: 11 GP 4-6-1, 3.30 GAA, .895 SV%

12/19 Prospect Update

Thursday 12/19
OHL
North Bay defeated Mississauga 3-2 (SO)
Ben Thomson LW: -1, 2 PIM (Hooking)
Season: 23 GP 8-7-15, -3, 55 PIM

Kingston defeated Peterborough 4-1
Ryan Kujawinski C: Goal (PP), 2 Assists, +3
Season: 27 GP 13-11-24, E, 22 PIM

World Junior Championship Division 1A
Belarus defeated Poland 5-1
Artur Gavrus C: Goal, Assist, +2, 3 Shots, 13/16 Faceoffs
Tournament: 4 GP 3-6-9, 0 PIM, +5, 25 Shots, 65.79 FO%

12/18 Prospect, WJC Camp, and Injury Updates

Wednesday 12/18
World Junior Championship Division 1A
Belarus lost to Denmark 5-4
Artur Gavrus C: 2 Assists (Both PP), -2, 7 Shots, 14/24 Faceoffs
Tournament: 3 GP 2-5-7, 0 PIM, +3, 22 Shots, 61.67 FO%

WJC Camp Notes:
-- As expected both Matteau and Santini survived the first cuts for Team USA. There are 3 more cuts left to make, once again 2 forwards and a defenseman. They have 2 exhibition games, 12/20 vs. Sweden and 12/22 vs. Finland.

-- Severson continued to skate on a pair with Josh Morrissey ('13 1/13 WPG) in Canada's practice today.

Injury Update:
-- Blake Coleman tweeted out a picture of his shoulder now with the plate and screws in it. Still no idea how long he will be out.

12/17 Prospect and WJC Camp Update

Tuesday 12/17
WHL
Swift Current defeated Kamloops 6-3
Graham Black C: 3 Assists (2 PP), +1* 2nd Star
Season: 36 GP 17-32-49, +15, 31 PIM

-- 14 assists in last 9 games.

Kelowna defeated Saskatoon 7-1
Myles Bell RW: Goal, Assist (PP), +1, 2 PIM (Holding)
Season: 31 GP 17-15-32, +13, 25 PIM

-- 5 game point streak: 7 goals, 3 assists.

WJC Camp Exhibition
USA defeated Minnesota State 3-2 (OT)
Stefan Matteau LW: Assist (PP), E, 1 Shot, 1 Block
Steve Santini D: Assist, +1, 1 Block

-- Lucia is planning on making 3 cuts, 2 forwards and a defensemen, after this game. He will then have to make 3 more cuts before the tournament starts.

-- Matteau was listed as LW on a line with C Vince Hinostroza ('12 6/169 CHI) and RW Henrik Samuelsson ('12 1/27 PHX).

-- Santini was listed on a pair with D Jaccob Slavin ('12 4/120 CAR).

WJC Camp Notes:
-- Severson was on a pair with D Josh Morrissey ('13 1/13 WPG) at Canada's practice today.

12/16 Prospect and WJC Camp Update

Monday 12/16
World Junior Championship Division 1A
Belarus defeated Austria 4-1
Artur Gavrus C: 2 Assists, +3, 5 Shots, 9/16 Faceoffs
Tournament: 2 GP 2-3-5, 0 PIM, +5, 15 Shots, 63.89 FO%

WJC Camp Notes:
-- USA has 17 forwards in camp and is using 3 lines of 3 and 2 lines of 4 that rotate a player in and out. Matteau is on the 3rd line of 3 which seems like a good sign. He's with Andrew Copp ('13 4/104 WPG) and Hudson Fasching ('13 4/118 LAK). I would love to see those 3 stay together with their size.

-- Looks like USA coach Don Lucia didn't use any set pairs on D for practice.

-- Looks like Severson has been paired with Derrick Pouliot ('12 1/8 PIT) at the Canadian camp. They were a pair in the Super Series recently.

12/15 Prospect and Elmira Update

Sunday 12/15
QMJHL
Gatineau lost to Drummondville 4-0
Anthony Brodeur G: 7 Saves on 7 Shots in 20:00

-- Relieved Steeves after 2 periods.

OHL
Windsor lost to Owen Sound 3-2
Ben Johnson LW: +1

-- Just 6 points in his last 14 games (5 goals, 1 assist).

North Bay lost to Sudbury 1-0 (OT)
Ben Thomson LW: -1, 4 PIM (Tripping, Cross Checking)

Kingston lost to London 6-4
Ryan Kujawinski C: Assist, E, 2 PIM (Roughing)

WHL
Swift Current lost to Calgary 5-2
Graham Black C: -4

-- Snaps 7 game point streak.

Kelowna defeated Prince Albert 5-3
Myles Bell RW: Goal, E

-- 6 goals, 2 assists in last 4 games.

World Junior Championship Division 1A
Belarus defeated Slovenia 7-3
Artur Gavrus C: 2 Goals (1 SH), Assist, +2, 10 Shots, 14/20 Faceoffs

-- Gavrus is the captain for Belarus.

ECHL
Elmira defeated Reading 3-2
Maxime Clermont: 26 Saves on 28 Shots
Season: 10 GP 4-5-1, 3.11 GAA, .901 SV%

-- 3-1 with a 2.01 GAA and .941 SV% since taking over the #1 role due to injury.

12/14 Prospect and Albany Update

Saturday 12/14
OHL
Windsor lost to Barrie 4-3
Ben Johnson LW: Goal (PP), -2

Kingston defeated Sarnia 9-1
Ryan Kujawinski C: DNP (Healthy scratch after penalty in OT cost them the game last night)

WHL
Swift Current lost to Kootenay 3-2 (SO)
Graham Black C: Goal, +1, Stopped in SO* 2nd Star

-- 7 game point streak: 1 goal, 11 assists.

Kelowna defeated Regina 5-4 (OT)
Damon Severson D: DNP (At Canada WJC Camp)
Myles Bell RW: Goal (GWG), Assist (PP), +1

-- 5 goals, 2 assists in last 3 games including back to back GWG's in OT.

NCAA
Wisconsin defeated Colorado College 4-3 (OT)
Joe Faust D: -1, 1 Shot

North Dakota defeated Northern Michigan 3-1
Derek Rodwell RW: Goal (EN), +1, 3 Shots

Michigan Tech tied Bowling Green 4-4
Blake Pietila LW: Goal (PP), -1, 10 PIM (Unsportsmanlike Conduct), 5 Shots, 4/8 Faceoffs

AHL
Albany defeated Hartford 5-2 for their 6th win in a row. Burlon and Demkov led the way with a goal and an assist each, followed by Tedenby, Wohlberg, and Hrabarenka who each added a goal, and Pesonen with 2 assists. Wedgewood stopped 26 of 28 shots. Albany outshot Hartford 32-28 and went 1/8 on the PP and 4/5 on the PK. Pesonen, Burlon, and Wedgewood were the 3 stars. Here is the gamesheet. YouTube highlights.

Random Season Stats:
Scott Wedgewood: 10 GP 6-4-0, 2.94 GAA, .876 SV%
Raman Hrabarenka: 15 GP 3-9-12, -4, 7 PIM, 10.0 SH%, 2.0 SH/GP
Reece Scarlett: 24 GP 4-6-10, +11, 12 PIM, 10.52 SH%, 1.58 SH/GP
Harri Pesonen: 26 GP 2-9-11, +2, 26 PIM, 3.77 SH%, 2.03 SH/GP
Joe Whitney: 26 GP 10-18-28, +5, 12 PIM, 13.33 SH%, 2.88 SH/GP
Mike Sislo: 22 GP 8-9-17, +5, 12 PIM, 16.66 SH%, 2.18 SH/GP
Stefan Matteau: 25 GP 6-7-13, +1, 35 PIM, 15.0 SH%, 1.6 SH/GP
Artem Demkov: 5 GP 3-2-5, +1, 0 PIM, 25.0 SH%, 2.4 SH/GP
Mattias Tedenby: 2 GP 3-1-4, +2, 0 PIM, 60.0 SH%, 2.5 SH/GP

12/13 Prospect and Albany Update

Friday 12/13
QMJHL
Gatineau lost to Quebec 7-3
Anthony Brodeur G: 9 Saves on 14 Shots in 29:56 (Replaced in 2nd down 5-0)

OHL
Kingston lost to Niagara 5-4 (OT)
Ryan Kujawinski C: E, 2 PIM (Interference)

-- Penalty led to GWG for Niagara.

WHL
Kelowna defeated Brandon 6-5 (OT)
Damon Severson D: DNP (At Canada WJC Camp)
Myles Bell RW: 2 Goals, Assist (PP), +1

-- Scored tying goal with 9 seconds left in regulation, scored GWG in OT.
-- 4 goals, 1 assist in last 2 games.

NCAA
Wisconsin defeated Colorado College 4-1
Joe Faust D: E, 2 Blocks

North Dakota defeated Northern Michigan 4-1
Derek Rodwell RW: +1, 1 Shot

Michigan Tech lost to Bowling Green 3-2
Blake Pietila LW: Assist, +1, 3 Shots, 9/18 Faceoffs

AHL
Albany defeated Bridgeport 6-1 for their 5th win in a row. Tedenby led the way with 2 goals and an assist followed by McKelvie with a goal and an assist, and Whitney, Demkov, and Hoeffel each adding a goal. Sislo and Hrabarenka had 2 assists each. Kinkaid stopped 23 of 24 shots. Shots were even at 24 and Albany was 3/6 on the PP and 6/7 on the PK. Tedenby, Kinkaid, and McKelvie were the 3 stars. Here is the gamesheet. Link to YouTube highlights.

Stats and Streaks:
Keith Kinkaid: 15 GP 11-3-1, 2.03 GAA, .921 SV%, 3 SO
Keith Kinkaid Last 4 Starts: 4-0-0, 1.71 GAA, .941 SV%, 1 SO - stopped 112 of 119 shots
Raman Hrabarenka: 2 goals, 7 assists in last 8 games.
Reece Scarlett: 3 goals, 3 assists in last 6 games.
Artem Demkov: 2 goals, 1 assist in 4 career AHL games.
Mike Sislo: 4 goals, 5 assists in last 6 games.
Joe Whitney: 2 goals, 5 assists in last 5 games.

Notes:
Timmins back at practice but timetable to return is still unknown.
Albany signs Demkov to AHL deal.

12/12 Prospect and Elmira Update

Thursday 12/12
OHL
Windsor defeated Peterborough 4-2
Ben Johnson LW: -1
Season: 25 GP 12-7-19, +4, 8 PIM

North Bay defeated Barrie 4-2
Ben Thomson LW: Assist, +1, 7 PIM (Tripping, Fighting)
Season: 21 GP 8-7-15, -1, 49 PIM

WHL
Swift Current lost to Victoria 4-3 (OT)
Graham Black C: Assist, E
Season: 33 GP 16-29-45, +17, 31 PIM

-- 11 assists in last 6 games.

ECHL
Elmira defeated Wheeling 5-2
Maxime Clermont G: 44 Saves on 46 Shots* 1st Star
Season: 9 GP 3-5-1, 3.25 GAA, .898 SV%

12/11 Prospect and Elmira Update

Wednesday 12/11
OHL
North Bay defeated Sault Ste. Marie 4-3
Ben Thomson LW: +1, 2 PIM (Slashing)
Season: 20 GP 8-6-14, -2, 42 PIM

WHL
Kelowna defeated Moose Jaw 6-3
Damon Severson D: Goal, +3
Season: 27 GP 9-19-28, +17, 24 PIM

-- 6 game point streak: 3 goals, 5 assists.

Myles Bell RW: 2 Goals (1 SH), E* 1st Star
Season: 27 GP 12-12-24, +10, 23 PIM

ECHL
Elmira lost to Florida 2-1
Maxime Clermont G: 21 Saves on 23 Shots* 3rd Star
Season: 8 GP 2-5-1, 3.43 GAA, .885 SV%

C Blake Coleman Out Following Surgery

Devils 22 year old prospect, C Blake Coleman of Miami (NCAA) will be out indefinitely following surgery on his shoulder/collarbone area. The 3rd round pick from the 2011 draft was in the midst of a breakout junior season for Miami producing 10 goals and 6 assists in 17 games along with a +8 rating, 39 PIM, 49.38 FO%, and an average of 3.76 shots per game. This season Coleman has had an opportunity to play 2nd line minutes and play on Miami's top PP unit after spending his 1st two NCAA seasons in a bottom 6 role.

Coleman currently ranks 2nd on the team in goals and 3rd in points. He ranks 3rd in the NCHC in goals and tied 5th in points.

Here is an image of his shoulder post-surgery that he tweeted out:

"For those who have asked to see the injury... All fixed up with 10 screws and a plate now though"

12/10 Prospect and Albany Update

Tuesday 12/10
WHL
Swift Current lost to Kelowna 4-2
Graham Black C: Assist, -1
Season: 32 GP 16-28-44, +17, 31 PIM

-- 10 assists in last 5 games.

Damon Severson D: 2 Assists (1 PP), +1
Season: 26 GP 8-19-27, +14, 24 PIM

-- 2 goals, 5 assists in last 5 games.

Myles Bell RW: E
Season: 26 GP 10-12-22, +10, 23 PIM

AHL
Albany defeated Bridgeport 3-0. Scoring for Albany was Scarlett (PP, Demkov, Whitney), Whitney (McPherson, Helgeson), and Hrabarenka (PP, Whitney, Burlon). Kinkaid stopped all 22 shots he faced and was 3rd star. Whitney and Scarlett were the 1st and 2nd stars. Albany outshot Bridgeport 31-22, went 2/6 on the PP, and 3/3 on the PK. Hrabarenka had a game high 5 shots. Here is the gamesheet.

Stats and Streaks:
Keith Kinkaid: 14 GP 10-3-1, 2.11 GAA, .918 SV%, 3 SO
Raman Hrabarenka: 2 goals, 5 assists in last 7 games.
Reece Scarlett: 3 goals, 2 assists in last 5 games.
Joe Whitney: 4 goals, 11 assists in last 13 games.

ECHL Sunday
Elmira defeated Fort Wayne 5-2. Here is the gamesheet. Devils prospect:
Maxime Clermont: 37 Saves on 39 Shots* 2nd Star
Season: 7 GP 2-4-0-1, 3.65 GAA, .881 SV%

12/8 Prospect and Elmira Update

Sunday 12/8
QMJHL
Gatineau lost to Val-d'Or 5-4
Anthony Brodeur G: 4 Saves on 5 Shots in 32:19
Season: 12 GP 7-4-0, 3.02 GAA, .882 SV%

-- Started after Steeves had a late equipment issue, then later relieved Steeves.

OHL
North Bay defeated Mississauga 3-2
Ben Thomson LW: Goal (GWG), Assist (PP), +1* 3rd Star
Season: 19 GP 8-6-14, -3, 40 PIM

-- 5 goals, 3 assists in 7 games with North Bay after 3 goals, 3 assists in 12 games with Kitchener.

Kingston lost to Erie 7-2
Ryan Kujawinski C: E
Season: 24 GP 12-8-20, -3, 18 PIM

ECHL
Elmira defeated Fort Wayne 5-2. Here is the gamesheet. Devils prospect:
Maxime Clermont: 37 Saves on 39 Shots* 2nd Star
Season: 7 GP 2-4-0-1, 3.65 GAA, .881 SV%

12/7 Prospect and Albany Update

Saturday 12/7
OHL
Windsor defeated Kitchener 2-1
Ben Johnson LW: Assist (on GWG), +2

-- 1st assist in 10 games (last was on 10/27 vs Owen Sound).

North Bay defeated Niagara 6-3
Ben Thomson LW: Goal, 2 Assists, +3, 2 PIM (Holding)* 3rd Star

-- 4 goals, 2 assists in 6 games with North Bay after 3 goals, 3 assists in 12 games with Kitchener.

WHL
Kelowna defeated Kootenay 2-1
Damon Severson D: Assist, +1
Myles Bell RW: Goal, Assist, +2* 2nd Star

-- Severson has 2 goals, 3 assists in last 4 games.

NCAA
Wisconsin defeated Penn State 4-3
Joe Faust D: Goal, E, 3 Shots, 4 Blocks

-- 5th career NCAA goal.

North Dakota defeated Western Michigan 3-2
Derek Rodwell RW: E

Miami defeated Denver 4-2
Blake Coleman C: DNP (Upper Body Injury)

Michigan Tech tied Bemidji State 2-2
Blake Pietila LW: E, 2 PIM (Holding the Stick), 6 Shots, 11/14 Faceoffs

-- 7 game scoreless streak.

Boston College defeated New Hampshire 2-1
Steve Santini D: -1

Harvard tied Yale 2-2
Alex Kerfoot C: Goal (PP), +1, 3 Shots, 9/16 Faceoffs

AHL
Albany had a 3-2 shootout win over Binghamton. Scoring for the Devils was Pesonen (PP, K. Zajac, Hrabarenka) and Sislo (PP, K. Zajac, Scarlett). Whitney and Demkov had the 2 shootout goals. Kinkaid stopped 37 of 39 shots and 4 of 5 shooters in the shootout to earn 1st star. Kelly Zajac was 3rd star. Binghamton outshot Albany 39-26, including 14-0 in overtime. Albany went 2/7 on the PP and 4/5 on the PK. Here is the gamesheet. 

Stats and Streaks:
Keith Kinkaid: 13 GP 9-3-2-1, 2.26 GAA, .913 SV%
Harri Pesonen: 2 goals, 3 assists in last 5 games.
Kelly Zajac: 1 goal, 9 assists in last 7 games.
Raman Hrabarenka: 1 goal, 5 assists in last 6 games.
Mike Sislo: 4 goals, 5 assists in last 7 games.

ECHL Friday
Elmira defeated Fort Wayne 4-3 (SO). Here is the gamesheet. Devils prospect:
Maxime Clermont: Stopped 2 of 6 shots in the shootout. Came in after Greenham got hurt after 1st shooter.

12/6 Prospect and Elmira Update

Friday 12/6
QMJHL
Gatineau defeated Blainville-Boisbriand 5-3
Anthony Brodeur G: DNP

OHL
Windsor lost to London 5-4 (OT)
Ben Johnson LW: E

-- Just 3 goals in his past 7 games.

Kingston defeated Barrie 5-2
Ryan Kujawinski C: 2 Goals (1 PP), E, 2 PIM (High Sticking)* 1st Star

WHL
Swift Current defeated Brandon 4-3
Graham Black C: 2 Assists, E, 2 PIM (Tripping)* 3rd Star

-- 9 assists in last 4 games.

Kelowna defeated Everett 3-1
Damon Severson D: Goal (PP), Assist (PP), -1* 1st Star
Myles Bell RW: Assist (PP), -1

NCAA
Wisconsin defeated Penn State 7-1
Joe Faust D: +2

North Dakota defeated Western Michigan 3-2
Derek Rodwell RW: Goal, +1, 3 Shots

-- 2nd goal of year in 6 games, had just 2 in 32 games last year, 1 in 19 games 2 years ago.

Miami lost to Denver 3-1
Blake Coleman C: E, 1 Shot, 3/6 Faceoffs (Left game injured in 2nd)

-- Miami Hockey Blog Twitter "Blake Coleman hasn't returned after getting slammed into the boards in the second period. Shoulder/upper body injury. Not good."
-- Denver D Nolan Zajac: -1, 1 Shot...Season: 15 GP 1-7-8, -1, 10 PIM, 16 Shots

Michigan Tech tied Bemidji State 2-2
Blake Pietila LW: E, 5 Shots, 4/13 Faceoffs

-- 6 game scoreless streak.

Boston College defeated New Hampshire 6-2
Steve Santini D: Goal, Assist, +4, 1 Shot, 2 Blocks* 3rd Star

-- 2nd goal of the year after having none in 98 games (all competitions) last year.

Harvard lost to Brown 2-1
Alex Kerfoot C: E, 1 Shot, 3/13 Faceoffs

ECHL
Elmira defeated Fort Wayne 4-3 (SO). Here is the gamesheet. Devils prospect:
Maxime Clermont: Stopped 2 of 6 shots in the shootout. Came in after Greenham got hurt after 1st shooter.

12/5 Prospect Update

Thursday 12/5
OHL
Windsor defeated Saginaw 5-2
Ben Johnson LW: Goal, E
Season: 22 GP 12-6-18, +3, 8 PIM

North Bay lost to Sarnia 5-3
Ben Thomson LW: Goal (PP), -2
Season: 17 GP 6-3-9, -7, 38 PIM

-- 3 goals in his last 4 games.

12/4 Prospect and Albany Update

Wednesday 12/4
WHL
Swift Current defeated Lethbridge 4-1
Graham Black C: Goal (EN), 2 Assists, +4* 3rd Star
Season: 30 GP 16-25-41, +18, 29 PIM

-- Black has a goal and 7 assists in his past 3 games.

Notes:
-- As expected both Matteau and Santini have been named to the US WJC Preliminary Roster. Also on the roster is Jackson, NJ native and Flyers prospect Anthony Stolarz.

-- The United States of Hockey has a fantastic preview of the forwards and defensemen and goalies that have been invited.

AHL
Albany dressed every single healthy player they had (Timmins, D. Zajac still out) and played with 7 D. They also had to bring up Artem Demkov from Elmira on a PTO just to have a full line up. Demkov was one of the invites to Albany's pre-season camp and has 10 goals, 2 assists, 64 shots, and 16 PIM in 17 games so far this year in the ECHL.

Albany defeated Springfield 6-4. Goal scorers for the Devils were Hrabarenka, Pelley, Matteau, Demkov, McKelvie, and Sislo. McKelvie and Hrabarenka also had an assist each and McKelvie completed a Gordie Howe hat trick while Hrabarenka had a game high 6 shots. They were the 1st and 3rd stars. Whitney and Hoeffel had 2 assists each. Kinkaid stopped 30 of 34 shots. Albany outshot Springfield 37-34, Albany was 1/6 on the PP, and 1/3 on the PK. Here is the gamesheet. YouTube Highlights.

Current Streaks:
Stefan Matteau: 5 goals, 4 assists in last 6 games.
Kelly Zajac: 1 goal, 7 assists in last 6 games.
Mike Sislo: 3 goals, 5 assists in last 6 games.
Joe Whitney: 3 goals, 9 assists in last 11 games.
Harri Pesonen: 1 goal, 3 assists in last 4 games.
Raman Hrabarenka: 1 goal, 4 assists in last 5 games.

12/3 Prospect Update

Tuesday 12/3
WHL
Kelowna defeated Vancouver 4-3 (OT)
Damon Severson D: Goal (GWG), +3, 2 PIM (Interference)
Season: 23 GP 7-15-22, +13, 24 PIM

Myles Bell RW: +1
Season: 23 GP 9-10-19, +9, 23 PIM

-- Bell has just 2 assists in his past 6 games.

United States of Hockey: Projecting Team USA's Preliminary Roster (WJC)

12/2 Prospect and World Junior Championships Update

Monday 12/2
KHL
Dinamo Minsk lost to Sibir Novosibirsk 3-1
Artur Gavrus F: DNP
Season: 20 GP 1-2-3, -2, 8 PIM, 3.7 SH%, 1.4 SH/GP, 45.9 FO%, 11:45 TOI/GP

-- Gavrus is with the Belarus U20 team to prepare for the Divison 1 World Junior Championship. They will compete in Sanok, Poland from December 9-15. The group winner gets promoted for next year's main tournament. Gavrus led the tournament in scoring last year with 5 goals and 5 assists in 5 games.

NCAA
Ohio State lost to Michigan 5-4
Curtis Gedig D: -1, 1 Shot, 1 Block
Season: 14 GP 0-3-3, +6, 8 PIM, 1.6 SH/GP

Notes: 
D Damon Severson has made Canada's World Junior Selection Camp roster. He is one of eight defensemen in camp and one of them will be cut before the tournament.

LW Stefan Matteau is expected to be on the US National Junior Evaluation Camp roster when it's revealed on Wednesday.

12/1 Prospect Update

Sunday 12/1
QMJHL
Gatineau defeated Blainville-Boisbriand 5-4 (SO)
Anthony Brodeur G: 23 Saves on 27 Shots, Saved both shots in SO
Season: 11 GP 7-3-0, 3.09 GAA, .884 SV%

OHL
Windsor defeated Sarnia 3-2 (SO)
Ben Johnson LW: E
Season: 21 GP 11-6-17, +3, 8 PIM

North Bay defeated Kitchener 4-0
Ben Thomson LW: Goal (SH), +2* 3rd Star
Season: 16 GP 5-3-8, -5, 38 PIM

Kingston defeated Oshawa 2-1
Ryan Kujawinski C: E
Season: 22 GP 10-8-18, -3, 16 PIM

11/30 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Saturday 11/30
QMJHL
Gatineau lost to Shawinigan 3-2
Anthony Brodeur G: DNP

OHL
Windsor defeated Sarnia 6-3
Ben Johnson LW: 2 Goals, +2, 2 PIM (Roughing)* 1st Star

-- Had just a goal in his last 6 games.

Kingston defeated Belleville 6-4
Ryan Kujawinski C: Goal (EN), +2

WHL
Swift Current defeated Red Deer 4-3
Graham Black C: 2 Assists (1 PP), +3, 2 PIM (Elbowing)

-- 5 assists in last 2 games.

Kelowna defeated Kamloops 3-2 (SO)
Damon Severson D: Assist, +2, Stopped in SO
Myles Bell RW: Assist, E, Stopped in SO

-- Severson's 4th game in 4 nights.

NCAA
Wisconsin lost to Minnesota 4-3
Joe Faust D: Assist, -2, 1 Shot

North Dakota defeated St. Lawrence 3-2
Derek Rodwell RW: E, 1 Block

Miami defeated Bemidji State 6-3
Blake Coleman C: Goal (PP), Assist, E, 4 PIM (Hooking, Boarding), 4 Shots, 5/11 Faceoffs

-- 16 GP 10-6-16, +8, 39 PIM, 15.9 SH%, 3.9 SH/GP
-- Had 19 points in 40 games last year, 23 points in 39 games two years ago.

Michigan Tech defeated Alaska Fairbanks 2-1
Blake Pietila LW: E, 3/10 Faceoffs, 15 PIM (Boarding, Game Misconduct)

-- Picks up his 2nd game misconduct in his 15th game of the season.
-- Scoreless streak is up to 5 games.

Harvard lost to Dartmouth 2-1
Alex Kerfoot C: E, 2 PIM (Slashing), 2 Shots, 9/14 Faceoffs

AHL
Albany defeated Bridgeport 8-6. Matteau and Sislo had 2 goals and an assist each, Sestito had a goal and 2 assists, Scarlett had a goal and an assist, and Boucher and McKelvie each had a goal. Wedgewood stopped 9 of 15 shots. Albany outshot Bridgeport 32-15, went 3/6 on the PP, and 2/3 on the PK. Matteau and Sislo were the top 2 stars. Here is the gamesheet. YouTube highlights (goals and Hrabarenka shattering the glass!):

ECHL
Elmira defeated Cincinnati 2-1. Here is the gamesheet. Unfortunately, it looks like Maxime Clermont is the back up goaltender right now.